🔞Depictions of sex, violence, and self-harm

This chapter isn't as refined as I'd like, but I had a hard time writing it because I was trying to walk the line of character development that reveals a lot without being tacky or feel like it's being used simply for plot devices/shock value.

**

The room echoed with uproarious laughter.

Noah's face lit up with an exuberant smile, his eyes crinkled into crescents as tears of mirth streamed down his flushed cheeks. His laughter echoed through the room, causing his shoulders to shake with each hearty laugh. Meanwhile, Callum sat on the floor beside Noah, clad in a pair of swears left behind by Riley. A towel draped carelessly over his head, forgotten in his post shower relaxation. His lips pursed, but the tug at the corners betrayed his feigned annoyance as he waited for Noah to catch his breathe.

"Yeah. Yeah," Callum sighed as their eyes met, and Noah broke into another fit of laugher. "I'm glad you find this so funny," he said with a resigned chuckle. He'd just finished telling Noah about the string of bad luck he'd experienced since leaving this room. His boots were abandoned outside the door, covered in mud and freezing water, his jacket wasn't in much better shape with fresh tears and drenched in icy water. His palms had gotten scraped, but in his annoyance, he hadn't even notice until Noah had mentioned it. After Callum finished a warm shower, Noah had demanded he take a seat and let him tend to the scrapes. Callum had initially denied the offer, they would heal on their own soon enough anyways, but when he met the worried expression his warlock wore, he complied. The warmth and care of Noah's small, delicate hands against his own larger and rougher hands had sent warm shivers through Callum. Like feeling the sunshine against your skin after an endless storm.

His resolve in confronting Noah about his conversation with Bellamy had diminished as he'd watched amusement tug at Noah's lips. As the complaints of the jinx continued Noah had burst into guiltless laughter. Callum had heard the songs of sirens and grew up listening to the hymns of Selene, but Noah's laughter was the most hypnotic sound he'd ever been blessed by. As Callum took the time to study his warlock's unrestrained joy, he understood, he would have suffered a lifetime, even two, of bad luck if it meant seeing that single dimpled imprint in Noah's cheek and the glittering joy that illuminated within his eyes.

When Callum had first arrived at Noah's door, he'd been consumed by a tangled mess of emotions, each one vied for dominance within him. The most prominent had been a seething frustration, the kind that simmered just below the surface, ready to erupt at any moment. He had been poised to unleash it all on Noah, to let out his pent-up anger in a torrent of words. But the moment he saw Noah's tear-stained face, a sudden shift occurred within him. The anger dissipated as if it'd never been there, and in its place blossomed a foreign surge of empathy and concern. Without allowing himself to fully process the thought, he'd reached for Noah, pulled him in close and held him in his arms. As he gently stroked Noah's hair, a pang of ache resonated within him, a reminder of a depth of emotions he'd long since forgotten he could feel. The moment had left him stunned yet comforted.

The lines of detachment that Callum had adamantly fought to maintain blurred beyond the gaze of his wolf. He'd mindlessly wiped away the residual tears that carved a path over Noah's cheeks, the flushed warmth tingled against the pads of his callused fingers. He'd watched as Noah nibbled on his bottom lip; his bleary eyes focused on Callum's face as his breaths shuddered. The silence had been palpable, Callum had felt that at any moment his rationality would snap, he would have taken Noah in his arms and shown him just how loved he deserved to be. Except. Callum couldn't even be certain if he'd be capable enough of such a feat.

Noah had been the one to break the silence first. He'd offered Callum a warm shower and a pair of clean clothes, clothes left behind by Riley during one of their movie nights.

"Can you un-do the jinx now? I think I've suffered enough." Callum pleaded as Noah wiped a tear from the corner of his eye and wheezed as his lungs worked in overdrive.

Noah leaned back against the bedframe; a smile wiggled across his lips. "I hate to break it to you, but I didn't actually jinx you." The tone of his voice was all Callum needed to know that, Noah, in fact, did not hate breaking that news to him.

"The hell you didn't!" Callum growled playfully. "How do you explain all the bad luck I've been having? Hmm!"

"Karma," Noah offered with a shrug and a playful grin that threatened to spill over into another burst of laughter.

"I think you just like to see me suffer," Callum accused with a broad smile.

"No. No, I promise my jinx was just a bluff. Jinxes aren't hard to cast but they require more than just wistful words."

Callum crossed his arms over his chest and stuck Noah with a dubious luck. "I might need a second opinion on that. I can't know for sure if you're taking advantage of my magic stupidity."

"Give me a cigarette," Noah held out his hand. A determined look engulfed the laughter. Callum heeded Noah, as far as he could tell Noah wasn't a smoker, but nevertheless, he stood up and walked over to where he'd tossed his pack on the tiny kitchen counter and tossed a cigarette to Noah. Noah shifted onto his knees as Callum sat back down. "Now imagine," he motioned his hand over the length of the cigarette as if he'd been scribbling something. "Names hold immense power. We are given a name when born, the start of our identity, the first star that scatters the path of our destinies. We carry this name with us everywhere we go, we offer it in good faith to others, we respond to it, and carry it into the beyond when we die." Callum nodded as he followed along Noah's thought process. "Bad luck is all about negative energy, harmless misfortunes meant to bathe us in toxins. That's why demons, imps, pixies and other mischievous fae flock towards those with excess bad luck. Cigarettes are toxic," Callum rolled his eyes playfully at the statement, "I'm not here to tell you to stop because it's bad for health, as a civilization we embrace a plethora of things bad for our health. What I'm saying is that cigarettes contain all the necessary ingredients, wrapped up neatly and manufactured in billions, for jinxes. All one would have to do is write the name of their victim on the cigarette. Visualize them as they are, see their name, possess it, then bend it to the will of your intentions. See your will being imposed on the victim. Then," mindlessly, Noah placed the cigarette between his lips and pretended to light the end. The cigarette bobbed between his lips as he continued, "As you inhale, all that power of possessing their name exists within you. When you exhale towards the sky, you imbed your will into their aura. Negative energies will become attracted to the victim." Noah pulled the cigarette from his lips and handed it back to Callum. "Once finished, bury the butt outside, somewhere it won't be touched and so long as its buried misfortune will befall the victim."

"That's..." Callum gawked as he struggled to find the words. "Is it really that easy?"

"Well," Noah pulled his knees to his chest and leaned back against the bedframe, "yes and no. Your will needs to be stronger than your victims, if you have any reservations than the jinx can backlash against the caster. Also, if the victim has already sold their name, then you could run the risk of igniting the wrath of whoever is in possession of their name. Dark witches primarily, will barter for names from people that seek their help."

"Why names though? Why not a soul, or I don't know, a person's voice or something."

"Like I said, names are powerful. Names carve the way of our destiny, if a person sells their name, then they become defenseless against demonic advances, they lose their sense of purpose. Even if they don't realize it. It's a harmless thing to give away, until it's not. People don't want to live without their senses, they want to taste fresh baked bread, see the sunrise and fall, hear pleasant sounds, and feel everything. A name though? It becomes leased, they can carry that name with them the rest of their life, thinking they pulled on over on the witch, but when the reaper comes there is no place in the beyond for them. They don't have an identity; their soul is oblivion itself."

"That's scary," Callum mused as he leaned back beside Noah. "I would've never thought a name could be so important." He thought on Noah's words for a moment longer, maybe he did understand how important a name was. He hid his own identity after all, he knew the weight the name La'Vey carried within fae communities, and he'd chosen to shelter himself from the scrutiny. "Wait!" he exclaimed, Noah jumped at the raised pitch in his voice, "if you were bluffing then how do you explain all my bad luck?"

"I might have been bluffing, but magic does have a psychological aspect to it. You have to be open to suggestion for certain spells to take effect. Even if there is no spell being casted."

"You're saying I subconsciously tricked myself into believing the jinx?" Callum induced, dumbfounded.

Noah tilted his head, that little dimple imprinted in his cheek prominent as his lips curved into a content smile. "If you're asking my opinion, I think there is a part of your subconscious that believed you deserved to be jinxed, so it amplified the negative responses you'd have to minor inconveniences. The worse your mood got; the more negative energy clung to you."

"For how long?"

"It can vary. Now that you're aware of it the effects shouldn't be as potent. But on the other end, if you think about it and find yourself agreeing with your subconscious the effects could worsen."

Callum slumped down; his head cradled on Noah's shoulder. "I have a headache now. You're telling me I could be stuck with bad luck the rest of my life and all you did was suggest I would get bad luck. You're cruel."

"You could work through whatever is making your subconscious guilty," Noah offered. "If not, you could always have a good luck charm made personalized for you."

Callum breathed in the fresh lotus scent as he nuzzled against Noah, to his surprise Noah hadn't pushed him away yet. "Could you make it?"

"Warlocks don't deal in light charms, Callum. If I embed my magic into a charm, it could just make things worse for you."

"Have you ever tried?"

"Callum," Noah sighed dejectedly, "I can't. It could hurt you."

"Awe, are you worried about my well-being?"

Noah chuckled softly, "Don't flatter yourself. I just don't want your carelessness getting me in trouble."

Callum sat up and faced Noah, "I cross my heart," he motioned an x over his heart, "I won't point the finger at you if the charm doesn't work out."

"You have a poor sense of survival for a werewolf."

"Sooo," Callum leaned in, "do we have a deal?" He held up his pinky finger.

"Pinky promises are stronger than any other contract," Those words sprung to the forefront of Noah's mind, words that had long since been forgotten by a face blurred in time. He bit his bottom lip as he tried to force the memory into a clearer view, however, the more he prodded the less he could see. Those words gave him a strange sense of ease, but he had no clue as to why. His heart skipped with glee, whoever had said those words to him had been important. But who? And why couldn't he remember?

Callum looked at Noah expectantly, "Okay." Noah raised his hand and coiled his pinky around Callum's pinky. "But I need time to get it right." Callum smiled broadly and nodded his agreement. Noah dropped his hand and stood up, "I'll need to do some research on making charms," he walked towards the bookshelf, "but to personalize it I'll need a piece of you and an idea of your guilts."

"Sounds invasive," Callum watched as Noah leaned down to thumb through his books. His eyes traced the curve of his back down to his firm, bubble bottom. Noah hummed in response. "What if I don't know?"

Noah thumbed through the books until he found a thin paperback book on charms and protective sigils. "You know... We all know whether we want to admit it or not. Your homework will be to do some shadow work, while I figure out how to make a charm that won't kill you." Noah sat back down beside Callum as he flipped through the pages of the charms book. "If we do this, it needs to be done correctly. If you're not going to be serious about your well-being than I won't help you."

"Hey now," Callum lifted a hand in defeat. "We made a pinky promise. Those are the strongest of any other contract."

Noah stared at Callum, "So, I've heard," he muttered mostly to himself as those words circled in his mind without a face to match. "Uhm, anyways," Noah shook his head, "I'll get you a list of shadow work questions for you to work on while I do my part."

While Noah immersed himself in the pages of the charms book, Callum couldn't tear his eyes away from him. Salty trails still stained Noah's cheeks, and his puffy eyes revealed the depths of his sadness, yet there was a peacefulness about him. His snow-white hair fell messily over his shoulders, elongated, pointed ears peeked through the tangles. His pale features, tinged with both sorrow and joy, exuded a serene beauty. A soft smile traced his full lips and defined cupid's bow, was utterly mesmerizing. Callum reached up and brushed stray strands of hair behind Noah's ear, he noticed the way it twitched and blushed in response. It was something Callum had observed before- Noah's ears betrayed his emotions. They turned red when angry, perked when happy, and drooped slightly when sad. As Callum's fingers traced the point of Noah's ear, the pink hue warmed under his touch. "Ca-Callum," Noah's voice cracked, barely above a whisper. Callum's fingers slid down the length of ear to the lobe, then gently stroked the soft skin behind Noah's ear.

Noah cleared his throat, "Callum..." Callum hadn't realized he'd been leaning in closer until Noah's shoulder bumped against his chest. Callum's gaze fell onto those full heart-shaped lips, they parted just slightly as Noah's breaths quickened. Callum said nothing as his fingers glided along Noah's jawline, his thumb dipped into the spot Noah's dimple formed, if only he would smile. Another finger swept across Noah's bottom lip; the roughness of Callum's callused finger contrasted against Noah's velvety soft lips. Their breaths danced between the closing space; their heartbeats entwined.

Hesitantly Noah placed his hand on top of Callum's, the warmth of Callum's hand brought him back to summer days on the ocean. The radiance of the sun glowing down on him as the spray of the ocean cooled him. He lifted his eyes from Callum's lips to meet his Noah lifted his eyes from the slightly parted pucker of Callum's lips to his hooded gaze. "Callum," Noah spoke in a hushed voice unsure of himself as their noses brushed against together. "We can't do this," even as he spoke, Noah remained still. It was Callum who stopped just before their lips touched and pulled away. Noah swallowed and hugged the book as he stood up. "You should leave. I'll talk to Aylin about the charm."

"Noah," Callum murmured, struggling to find the right words as he rose to his feet.

"You have to go," Noah insisted, his grip on the book tightened, torn between seeking comfort and restraint. "I've already hurt Bellamy enough," his eyes drooped to the floor to avoid Callum's intense golden gaze, which seemed to sear through him like a wildfire during a drought.

The mention of Bellamy's name hit Callum like a bolt of lightning, jolting him out of his dazed state. "Bellamy? That bastard is the one cheating on you!" he blurted out, the molten rage reignited within him. Noah's eyes shot up from the floor, his brows furrowed with a defiant challenge. "I caught him getting his dick sucked by some guy. He doesn't care about you," Callum declared, desperation tinged his voice with a raw edge.

"But you do?" Noah retorted, his eyes flashed with a mix of hurt and anger. "Even if what you're saying is true, I only have myself to blame. I hurt him," Noah admitted bitterly. "Even after he confronted me, I still let you back in...I almost... almost kissed..." Noah shook his head and hardened his gaze. "No. You need to leave."

"Did you even hear me?" Callum stepped towards Noah; his eyes blazed with frustration. "He called you names, jumped down your throat, accused you of cheating on him when he is the one cheating. How are you even blaming yourself right now?"

Tears welled in Noah's eyes as the weight of guilt crashed down on his shoulders. "Because it's my fault! Because I keep disappointing him and making him feel unloved." His voice shook with self-loathing, and Callum felt a pang of helplessness. "Just leave! I don't want to see you again!"

Callum grimaced, "Hate to break it to yah Darlin'," he approached Noah with slow, meaningful strides, his voice soft but firm. "I'm not leaving." Noah pursed his lips as he shot Callum a look of hurt and frustration. He stood directly in front of Noah, forcing the smaller warlock to tilt his head back to maintain his glare. "Go ahead, glare at me all you want. Argue with me all you want." Callum snatched Noah's hand in his own. He lifted their hands between them and coiled his pinky finger around Noah's pinky finger. "I promise you; I'm not going anywhere." As they glared at each other, a strange mix of pride and protectiveness surged through Callum, making it clear that he wasn't going anywhere.

He knew without a doubt...

He was screwed.

From the moment he laid eyes on this warlock, the wolf coiled tightly around his little finger. Now, and much to Callum's dismay, the human side had been coiling just as tightly.

"Get. Out," Noah bit through gritted teeth as he yanked his hand away.

Callum forced a confident grin across his lips, "I'll be seeing you around." He sauntered towards the door; Noah stood still but his eyes followed Callum's lazy departure.

Once alone in his room, Noah's gaze drifted around the space, feeling suddenly and achingly empty. The absence of Callum's annoying, suave, annoying presence left behind a suffocating silene that seemed to weigh heavily on Noah. The lingering sensations of Callum's careless touches exuded a warmth that caused Noah's head to blur and heart to skip. Yet, mixed with that warmth was a deep sense of guilt that churned within him. As he contemplated this guilt, he realized it hadn't been simply because he betrayed Bellamy's waning trust. No, it was because of his own conflicting desires- he wanted Callum's stolen kisses, he'd wished for the rush of feeling Callum's enormous body pressing down on him as his hands carelessly traced every curve of Noah's body.

Noah's throat tightened, feeling constricted by an invisible force as he paced the rapidly shrinking bedroom. Each step echoed against the walls, amplifying the turmoil within him. The feel of Callum's touch on his skin, their heated breaths that had filled the closing space between him, his words that had been more promise than threat. He planned to stay. The air seemed to thicken with each breath Noah took.

As the dying cast dark, menacing shadows that seemed to loom and threaten to consume Noah, the vials of ultra blue liquid on the shelves glowed with an eerie vibrancy. Noah paced the room as he tried to force thoughts about the werewolf from his mind. He couldn't afford to dwell on the meaningless words, nor the alluring glances from that infuriating werewolf. He needed to focus on Bellamy and making things right with him.

He walked over to the dresser, picked up his phone and sent a text.

By the time he got changed out of his sweats his phone buzzed with a response. Noah tapped a few buttons before setting the phone back down then went into the bathroom to finish getting ready. He hadn't bothered to tame his wild hair after his shower, a cowlick stuck up at the top of his head and the layers flipped every which way resting just above his shoulders. Noah decided against spending too much time trying to tame his hair and instead pulled the bulk of it back into a short ponytail, shorter locks framed his face. He applied a dab of Vaseline to his lips and moisturized his skin. He examined himself in the mirror for a minute longer, he'd chosen a simple black button up shirt that he paired with a thick fleece lined jacket and a nice pair of black skinny jeans that hugged in all the right places. His eyes were still puffy, the whites burned red, it'd been obvious he spent a lot of time crying. But otherwise, he decided that he looked nice.

With forced motivation he pulled on a pair of combat boots that gave him an extra inch or two of height, grabbed what he needed and left the claustrophobic comforts of his bedroom. Sunday nights were often quiet in the dormitories, after the football game would finish the rec rooms would be abandoned, save small groups just hanging out. Most would already be in their own rooms, rushing to complete assignments or reveling in the final hours of relaxation before the school week began.

The same could not be said for the campus as Noah stepped out into the brisk autumn night. Groups scurried about, seeking warmth from the cold front as they hopped from restaurants to bars. Eldarion could be considered a sub-city with its sheer size, ever expanding as more and more young fae flock to the school. The residential area was filled with a plethora of small restaurants, cafes, bars, a twenty-four-hour convenience store and a couple smaller shops. Noah shoved his hands into the pockets of his jacket and braced himself as a gust of icy wind slammed against him from the front. He walked ten minutes before he came to a small standalone brick building with a main floor and a refurbished basement, red neon lights flashed the name 'Trainwreck'. The small bar was a favorite of Noah's, the drinks were made to perfection at inexpensive costs, the music didn't blare until his ears bled and it was never overly crowded.

Outside, Bellamy waited for him. The light of his phone illuminated his stunning features, his expression bored as he scrolled through an app Noah couldn't see. Blazing red eyes without a mar of any other color, unlike Noah's, a sign of the purity of his demonic blood. Noah didn't know who his father was, but he knew the demon couldn't have been part of Deimos' inner sanctum. Warlocks born from a high ranked demon had deep crimson irises devoid of humanity. Warlocks born through possession exhibit minimal crimson hues within their natural-colored eyes. All Noah could infer was that he wasn't born through a possessed parent, his father was owned his own flesh, but he hadn't been important enough to be recognized by Deimos.

Lazily Bellamy glanced up from his phone, his disinterested expression never lightened as he took in Noah. Hesitantly Noah approached Bellamy, all the confidence and reassurance he'd tried to muster during the walk vanished. He had become acutely aware of his swollen eyes and frost-bitten nose. He fiddled with the cowlick on the top of his head, trying to pat it down, wishing he had spent more time maintaining the wild locks. "Thank you, for meeting me," Noah smiled timidly.

Bellamy scanned Noah's appearance before feigning a smile, "you look like a mess." Noah tugged on his lip with his teeth. "But" Bellamy wrapped an arm around Noah's waist and pulled him into a hug, "I'm glad you reached out." Their lips met in a chaste kiss. "Let's go inside," Bellamy muttered against Noah's lips, a metallic taste lingered within his breath that misted over Noah's taste buds. Noah's stomach dropped, the lump in his throat expanded. But he nodded and allowed Bellamy to lead the way.

They settled into an intimate two-seater table in a corner on the first floor. "I'll get us some drinks," Bellamy offered as Noah sat down. Noah nodded in response as Bellamy walked away without asking him what he'd want. Noah sat with his thoughts, the first thing he needed to do was apologize for his inconsiderate behavior. He would acknowledge that he'd been wrong to invite Callum back to his room, and that he understood why Bellamy had been upset.

I'm not leaving.

Callum's taunting voice echoed in Noah's head. His tone had been defiant, a way to get under Noah's skin. Callum was nothing more than a stubborn playboy, he'd be bored of Noah soon enough anyways. It had been stupid of him to continue to entertain Callum's words.

"Earth to Noah," Bellamy snapped his fingers in front of Noah's face. Noah blinked back to reality. A group of friends played pool at one of the tables, while the other three remained unused. A couple of professors chatted over drinks at the bar, the music played loud enough that conversations couldn't be overheard without threatening to burst anyone eardrums. "Jeez, Noah. If your plan was to invite me here just to ignore me, I'm just going to go back to my apartment."

"I'm sorry! I didn't mean to ignore you; I was just spacing out."

Bellamy narrowed his eyes, "If you'd rather be with someone else just say it. Stop playing these games with me."

"I'm not! I swear," Noah pleaded.

"You make a lot of promises Noah. But here we are, again, because of your behavior." Bellamy berated Noah. "I don't know why I keep putting myself through this. You clearly don't care about me or else you'd think about how your actions make me feel."

"I'm sorry, I really am. You're right, I wasn't thinking. I shouldn't have brought Callum to my room; I swear nothing happened. We just ate noodles and talked. I truly didn't know him before he helped me in the woods."

"Why were you even in the woods? You should've been by my side at the Grotto." Bellamy sipped his old fashion. "It's embarrassing not only to me but the rest of the Grotto that you won't acknowledge them as your family. Our dark mistress Lilith and the Abyssal Prince Deimos would bless you in divine darkness if only you offered yourself."

Noah sipped on the gin and tonic Bellamy had chosen for him. Before the Belladonna Coven had taken Noah and his mom in, Layla had been adamantly against any affiliations with dark covens or covens in general, for that matter. She'd spoken little about her home with the Blumma Coven and even less about the head matron, her mother. It had also been easier to remain a solitary practitioner, fae affiliated with Deimos and his legions weren't released so easily. Noah planned to turn himself over to the Monks of Amate upon graduation, breaking his current attachments would be difficult enough without the involvement of the dark legions.

"I didn't want to worry you," Noah answered meekly. "I thought I had it under control."

Bellamy released a disheartened sigh "Baby, you know you're far too weak to be performing rituals alone. If you'd only contract yourself to a patron and accept Deimos' will, you wouldn't have to suffer. The Belladonnas just want to see you strive within the darkest embrace. I want you to stop this madness, stop hurting yourself."

"Bell..." Noah stared into his barely touched glass, "I can't. My mom never signed the Codex Gigas, she didn't want that life for me. I'll be more careful, I swear, but I can't go against her wishes for me."

"Her wishes?" Bellamy scoffed all pretenses of worry gone. "She abandoned you! When the missionaries found you two, she had been preparing to kill you. She could never grasp the honor of birthing and raising a creature of pure darkness. She poisoned your mind against the divine darkness. Then she lost herself in her madness. Who was it that cared for you when she couldn't? Who laid beside you every night when your night terrors got bad? Who made sure you didn't fall into the same madness as your heretic mother?" Noah looked at Bellamy in silence. Bellamy grabbed Noah's wrist, his thumb pressed down on scars hidden beneath ink, "Me, Noah. It's me who's always been there for you. I'm the only one in this realm that truly cares for you despite your heretic ways. But it doesn't need to be like that. As I said, the Belladonna's want to cherish you, they only need you to commit yourself to eternal darkness. Why can't you do that, baby? Don't you want an enternity by my side? Imagine the sins we could spread together, we could unravel this world's false senses of morality, liberate them from their confines and recreate this realm in the image our very own dark paradise. Just as Mistress Lilith has always envisioned."

Tears filled Noah's eyes as Bellamy pleaded for reason. In truth, Noah knew it would have been the easiest route. He could abandon his plan of turning himself over to the Monks of Amate, he didn't have to spend the rest of his life within sense deprivation darkness. He could spend it with Bellamy, the only one that would ever love him despite all his faults. Was it truly such a difficult task to devote himself to the divine darkness? If a patron accepted him, then he wouldn't struggle to walk the fine line of balance between too much and too little demonic energy. He could call the Belladonna coven his family, he'd be gifted an immortal life by Deimos' grace, and Bellamy wouldn't have to worry about his well-being anymore. There hadn't seemed to be any downsides, but the fact remained, before madness consumed his mom, she had been adamant about not wanting the path of darkness for him. They moved around whenever the legions loomed over them, they'd practiced in solitude, away from the influences of other fae. Memories of Layla Blumma all blurred within his mind, he could no longer remember her voice nor the scent of her perfume, he could hardly remember the good times they shared together anymore.

"I... I need to think it over."

"You disappoint me," Bellamy admonished as he slid his chair back and stood up. "I'm going to the bathroom." Noah nodded, unable to meet Bellamy's pained look as he walked towards the restrooms.

Noah nursed his gin and tonic, the burn smoothly glided down his throat and warmed him from the inside. He watched as a group jested around at the pool table. Playfully shoving one another with each strike of the ball, gleeful murmurs exchanged without a care in the world. Noah envied such blissful freedoms, he was certain each held their own turmoil that kept them up at night or haunted their days, but despite those inner anxieties, here they were. Laughing and drinking as they feigned competitiveness over a sloppy game of pool. His eyes shifted around the room. It hadn't been any more crowded than it'd been when they'd first arrived but there were several new faces in wake of the ones that had departed.

Noah was jolted from his thoughts by the sound of a clinking glass. His focused pulled back to the table he looked glanced at the beer in front of him before turning his attention to the waitress. Her dazzling smile brightened the dimly lit room, the metallic hues of her makeup shimmered under the low lights. "The handsome man at the bar bought this for you," she said with a hint of excitement.

"For me?" Noah's voice waivered with disbelief. The waitress looked expectantly at the bar, and Noah followed her gaze. His curiosity over the gesture diminished as he spotted Callum leisurely sipping his own beer, engrossed in conversation with the other bartender. "I don't want it," Noah confirmed despite the excitement that filled the waitress.

The waitress guffawed, "You sure?"

"Yeah, bring it back."

The waitress nodded and picked up the full bottle of beer. Noah watched as she made her way back to the bar, her hand slid across Callum's shoulder as she leaned in to whisper something to him. Callum turned his attention to Noah, that damned grin plastered across his face and Noah returned it with a glare. He whispered something in return to the waitress, she nodded and giggled, then placed the beer beside Callum and snuck back behind the bar.

Callum stood, he grabbed his drink and the untouched bottle, then sauntered towards Noah. Noah slid back in his chair and folded his arms over his chest. "Don't you know when to quit?"

"Nope," Callum admitted proudly. He held the bottle of Blue Moon up, "I thought you'd like this kind of beer."

Noah reached for his own cup, "Can't switch to beer after starting with liquor."

"Guess I should've gotten you something harder," Callum slid into the seat beside Noah, "Perhaps a forbidden martini."

"You should go, Bellamy will be back any second."

The casual grin faltered, rage flashed within Callum's eyes, like the warning bolts of an impending electrical storm. "I hope it's a public breakup. Should I ask Marta to lower the music? That way everyone can witness you putting him in his place."

"I'm not breaking up with him," Noah corrected. That prideful smile that caused Noah's heart to stutter vanished completely. The flashes of anger illuminated within the golden eyes staring back at him. "It's none of your business, Callum. I don't know what you expected from me."

"I expect you to know your worth."

"You need to mind your own business. You don't know anything about me or my relationship."

Callum leaned in closer towards Noah, "I know a bad guy when I see one and Bellamy is the fucking worst." Callum sat on the edge of his chair; one leg slid casually between Noah's legs as his hand grazed the top of Noah's hand. "I get it, I'm not your favorite fae in the world. You don't have to believe me but ask him." The hand that rested on top of Noah's hand glided up his arm, if it weren't for the fabric of Noah's shirt, he'd been sure a trail of molten lava would have been carved through him. The warmth of Callum's hand cradled Noah's cheek, his thumb delicately pressed where his dimple hid.

Noah swallowed as his glare faltered. His heart leapt painfully. "I wish, you would've just let me die." Noah spoke in a slow, precise manner. "Then I wouldn't have to suffer the fallout of your mind games." Callum blinked in surprise; his hand fell from Noah's face. "Is this fun for you? Am I that easy of a target? See how much you can screw with the pathetic, weak little impling."

"Noah..."

"No. I don't want to hear any more of your bullshit!" Noah's voice pitched causing several patrons to glance their way. "What do you want from me? How much more until you've had your fill and get bored with me?"

Callum leaned off the edge of his chair as he clasped Noah's hands in his own. But as he examined the anger and hurt that stained Noah's face, he couldn't bring himself to deny his words. He wanted to, he wanted to tell Noah that he'd been wrong, that he hadn't been messing with him for the fun of it. That seeing him smile had been the most beautiful thing he'd ever seen that every full moon for the last four months the wolf instinct would urge him to these woods just to catch a glimpse of Noah. That just the thought of Bellamy breathing the same air as his warlock made his mouth water from blood rage. But he couldn't say any of this. He didn't know how to.

"What's going on here?" Bellamy appeared before them; his lips pursed as he glared at the pair. Noah yanked his hands away from Callum's grip and wiped a stray tear from the corner of his eye. "I thought you wanted to prove that you're worth my effort but the second I turn my back you're flaunting this beast around."

Noah opened his mouth to deny the accusations, but no words came out. His ears drooped and eyes lowered until all he could see was the blurred table. Callum leaned in and pressed his lips against Noah's ear, "You're wrong. This isn't fun." He stood up and turned towards Bellamy with his hands raised in surrender. "Down boy. We were just talking," Callum glanced over his shoulder at Noah, "You still owe me that charm, darlin'."

Noah watched as Callum sauntered away. "You're a real piece of work, Noah. I'm leaving."

"Wait!" Noah's heart pounded in his chest as he shot up from his seat. A tornado of words churned in his mind, in his panic all he could do was blurt out the first coherent to slip through his lips. "Are you cheating on me?" Every nerve in his body screamed for an answer, torn between hoping for reassurance and dreading confirmation. This hadn't been how the evening was meant to go, he had wanted to be the one to reassure Bellamy. Instant regret lanced through Noah as the booze in his stomach soured and bile pooled in the back of his throat.

"Yes," Bellamy answered smoothly. "You can hardly blame me, it's your fault after all." Noah lifted his strained eyes from the table to Bellamy's calm, calculated expression. "You've been treating me so badly since you started hanging out with werewolves. Riley is in your ear, making you think I'm not good enough for you. Now you're flaunting, and lying, about your intimacy with that beast. I'm hurt Noah. You're hurting me. I do everything for you, I suppressed my nature for you. I chose to go against Asmodeus' will and denied myself pleasures, constantly make a fool of myself in front of my grotto, all for you. To make you happy. But you do nothing for me, sometimes it feels like you go out of your way to make me miserable." Bellamy's words wrapped around Noah like a suffocating shroud.

"I never wanted you to feel that way," Noah's voice cracked as he struggled to restrain tears.

"Maybe not, but did you ever even appreciate the sacrifices I make just to keep you happy?"

"I do!" Noah leaned forward; his hand reached for Bellamy. "I appreciate everything you do for me. I'll do better, I'll do whatever you want. Please."

For the first time since they met outside the bar, Bellamy shared a warm smile with Noah. His fangs peeked from behind his lips as he allowed Noah to take his hand. "Tell me you love me."

"I love you, Bellamy," Noah responded on command.

"Good. Now, let's get out of here, baby." Bellamy offered his hand, and when Noah accepted it, he felt a sudden, powerful tug that pulled him flush against Bellamy's chest. Bellamy pressed his lips against Noah's ear, the tips of his fangs scrapped against the soft tissue, his steady breath as cool as the morning dew in spring. A stark contrast to Callum's sultry breaths and the tickle of his facial hair as he had gently brushed his lips over Noah's skin. "Don't make me angry, baby," Bellamy whispered, his voice laced with a dark, seductive threat, "Embarrass me again, and you'll only have yourself to blame when I take matters into my own hands." Noah swallowed a lump that had formed in his throat as he nodded meekly against Bellamy's chest.

Bellamy's hand betrayed an icy chill as they strolled the quiet campus. It wasn't a surprise; Bellamy's hands were always cold, a reminder that he'd been blessed by Lilith's Serpent of Sin at birth. Lilith's serpent flows through the veins of her favored children, a high honor, especially suited for the Prince of the Belladonna's. Those with the serpent were blessed with all of Lilith's grace and malevolence. No doubt that Bellamy carried this dark heritage with pride. Meanwhile, Noah felt fortunate that someone of Bellamy's caliber even acknowledged him, especially as a disgraced impling. He should have counted his blessings. Yet, as he observed their intertwined fingers, he couldn't shake the memory of the warmth that had enveloped him from Callum's touch. Each casual graze from the werewolf had left a lingering trail of heat, igniting a yearning inside of Noah. Thoughts of Callum only intensified the weight of the iron ball festering in the pit of his stomach.

"Baby," Bellamy spoke gently. Noah pulled himself back to the reality before him. Guilt simmered within him. Bellamy wrapped an arm around Noah's waist and pulled him in close, "I want to spend the night with you. We can worry about our problems tomorrow." He leaned down capturing Noah's lips with his own. "I miss the way we were before you came to Eldarion. Remember?" Bellamy purred against Noah's lips. "I'd come home on the weekends to you waiting for me. You were so eager to please me," Bellamy's grip around Noah's waist tightened as he nipped at Noah's lips. "You only saw me. We'd lock ourselves away and worship each other's bodies." Bellamy's tongue slid along the seam of Noah's lips, paying extra attention to the tiny scars left in wake of his fangs. "You'd be so upset when I'd have to come back here." Noah moaned a soft protest as their mouths detached. "Say I can spend the night, baby," Bellamy demanded in a hushed tone.

"You can spend the night," Noah agreed as he raised on his tiptoes to press kisses against Bellamy's grinning mouth.

Excitement and anticipation counteracted the chill of the autumn night. The two stumbled across the campus wrapped in each other's arms, each moment was an enternity filled with tender kisses and wandering touches. Butterflies filled Noah as every step closer to his dormitory promised a shared night with Bellamy. It'd been a long time since they'd spent an entire night together, he'd often fall asleep after their activities and wake up alone in the mornings. They had plenty they needed to figure out together, but Noah counted himself lucky that Bellamy had continued patience with him. Noah would do better. He had to; Bellamy was the most important fae in his life. The thoughts about Callum were nothing more than a result of Callum's flirtatious games and his weakened state from the ritual.

Noah's heart swelled with pride and longing as Bellamy clung to him while they waited for the elevator to let them on. Each moment stretched into an endless enternity as the doors slowly slid open, then ascended the building even slower. When the doors finally opened on Noah's floor, Bellamy seized Noah in his arms and showered him with passionate kisses. Noah wrapped his arms tightly around Bellamy's shoulders as they stumbled down the hall to his door. Bellamy released Noah's lips as he was pressed against his door, his fingers slid into the pocket of Noah's coat to retrieve the key.

The door swung open, then shut with a loud series of slams. "Shh," Noah murmured as Bellamy pressed him against the wall, "we're going to wake up my neighbors."

"A loud door is the least of their worries, baby." One hand raked through the back of Noah's hair, Bellamy's long, slender fingers yanked Noah's head backwards. Noah winced at the sudden pain; heat flashed in Bellamy's eyes as his other hand wrapped around Noah's bruised neck. "Did that beast leave these marks on you?" Bellamy trailed sweet kisses along Noah's jaw.

"It was a misunderstanding," Noah rasped as Bellamy's grip around his neck tightened. "Bell... That hurts," he grunted.

Bellamy released the back of Noah's head, his hand glided down Noah's back until it rested over his peachy bottom. "Just the thought of one of Selene's bitches touching you makes me sick to my stomach. Where else did he touch you?" A finger stroked Noah's crack over the fabric of his jeans, "Here?"

"No, Bellamy. I told you, nothing happened," Noah winced as more pressure was applied to his neck. "I'm telling the truth."

"I was watching you," Bellamy pressed tender kisses against Noah's lips. "In the bar, with that beast. It looked intimate." Noah whimpered as his head drifted and eyelids heavied. "I think," Bellamy pulled Noah's bottom lip between his teeth, the fragile skin sliced under the pressure of Bellamy's fangs, "you need to be reminded who you belong to."

Noah gulped the air as Bellamy released and took a single step backwards. Tears streamed down Noah's cheeks as he coughed and leaned against the wall for support. "Get on your knees," Bellamy demanded as he undid his jeans. Noah staggered, as his brain failed to register Bellamy's words. "Get on your fucking knees!" Bellamy roared as he shoved Noah down by the shoulder. He thrusted his crotch in front of Noah's face, "Show me how much you love me, baby," Bellamy purred, "Show me how badly you want to please me."

With nimble fingers Noah pulled Bellamy's pants just below his butt, the fabric of his boxer briefs stretched as his concealed cock hardened. Noah pressed hot breathed kisses against his shaft through the fabric, both hands rubbed over Bellamy's hips before dipping under the waistband of his boxer briefs. "That's right baby," Bellamy cooed, "I'm going to fuck that pretty mouth of yours." His hand raked through the top of Noah's hair, "then I'll make sure for myself that nobody else has been using that ass."

Noah pulled away just enough to pull down Bellamy's boxers, his unrestrained cock popped out freely. Noah glanced up at Bellamy, who stared back down at him with a lusty hunger. He gripped the base of Bellamy's shaft, it pulsed and bobbed against his palm as he closed his mouth around the tip. "Mmm," Bellamy purred as Noah slickened his erection with his tongue. Noah was slow as he lowered his head down Bellamy's length, taking his time relax his throat, his thumb massaged the large vein in unison. "Fucking swallow me," Bellamy groaned as he thrusted his hips forward. Noah whimpered as Bellamy's cock head pressed the back of his throat, his hand released its grip as he gripped Bellamy's thighs. Bellamy slid deeper down Noah's throat; he moaned as it constricted around him.

Spit dripped freely from Noah's mouth as he relaxed his throat the best he could. He chocked on Bellamy's length as Bellamy held his head in place and moved his hips relentlessly. Noah's nails dug into Bellamy's smooth skin, his chest heaved, and tongue covered his teeth to keep them from scraping the sensitive skin. A tacky salty film coated the back of Noah's throat as precum dripped from Bellamy's tip. Bellamy grunted as he fucked Noah's mouth mercilessly. "That's it," Bellamy growled as his face blazed with desire, "show me what a little slut you are for my cock."

Bellamy edge himself with Noah's mouth until his balls swelled painfully and his cock pulsed. He ripped Noah off his erection, Noah yelped as he fell back on his butt and wiped his mouth with the back of his hand as he caught his breath. "Get naked then get on your stomach on the bed," Bellamy demanded as he pulled his own clothing off.

Noah wobbled as he got to his feet, his head light from lack of oxygen and bleary eyes red from streaming tears. He did as Bellamy told him, slowly he unbuttoned his shirt and let it slide off his body to the floor. Then he undid his jeans and glided them off his slender legs until he stood naked before Bellamy's gaze. Bellamy's eyes surveyed Noah's frame with both scrutiny and desire. "Come here, baby," Bellamy reached out his arms, Noah obliged and stepped into Bellamy's embrace.

Chilled shivers erupted through Noah as Bellamy's fingers explored his body. "You were so beautiful," Bellamy sighed as his fingers traced the fresh scar that started under Noah's armpit and ended over the curve of his hip. "It's a shame to have these curves marred by such ugliness," the hand that lingered on his hip traveled over the bump of Noah's butt. The other hand grabbed Noah's hand and raised his wrist to his lips. Bellamy kissed the tattooed wrist, "these scars were much easier to hide. Gods, you were so ugly, imperfect." A finger dipped between Noah's crack and gently massaged his rim. Noah mewled as he pressed himself into Bellamy, hiding his face in his chest.

Noah's heart stammered, his stomach leapt and fell as if he'd been trapped on an endless rollercoaster. Pain and pleasure rallied within him as Bellamy's gentle hands probed him and his harsh words pierced him. Warlocks were regarded as otherworldly beauties, entrancing, and perfect. Bellamy was gorgeous, he was meticulous with pampering himself and it was only fair that he'd expect Noah to uphold those standards of perfection. Noah tried, but his hair never laid flat, his eyes were a reminder of his impure blood, and the scars that carved his skin were reminders that he'd never achieve the perfection Bellamy wore with such ease.

"It's okay," Bellamy traced the scars with his tongue, "I'll make you perfect again. I'll hire the best glamour witch money can buy; we'll hide these nasty things by any means necessary."

Noah nibbled on the inside of his cheek until blood trickled over the tip of his tongue. He nodded his agreement, a cross between a gasp and a cry escaped his lips as Bellamy inserted his finger inside of Noah's hole without any lube. Instinctively Noah's body clenched at the invasion but that didn't stop Bellamy from forcing his finger deeper inside. "Hmm," Bellamy hummed as he rested his chin on Noah's shoulder and stared down at his firm, round butt. "I don't think one finger is enough to tell if you've been whoring yourself to that beast."

"Bellamy," Noah croaked but any other words that he could have said caught in his throat as Bellamy shoved another finger inside of him.

"I can't wait any longer, baby," Bellamy nuzzled his mouth against Noah's neck, his fangs scrapped the bruised skin.

"Wait!" Noah pulled away from Bellamy's mouth. He met Bellamy's frustrated gaze, "I don't want the venom."

"What brought this on?"

"It makes everything blurry; I feel detached from my body. I want to be here, I want to be present," Noah pleaded.

Bellamy pulled his fingers out of Noah's hole and took a step back. "You know you don't enjoy it without the venom."

"That's not true!" Noah protested. "I can... I don't need it."

"I know your body, baby. And trust me, it needs the venom."

Noah wrapped his arms around his naked body seeking warmth, but it evaded him as icy currents filled his veins. He wanted to object, he didn't want the venom anymore, it made him nauseous and out of control of himself. As if his mind drifted among the stars in space while his body rooted to the Earth. Then there was his magic, without proper control Noah worried he would lose control of the chaotic magic within him. With each day it slipped further and further from his control, and Bellamy's venom only aided in his magic's rebellion.

Bellamy rolled his eyes, "fine. We can try it your way." He strolled over to the bed and sat on the edge. Bellamy patted his lap, his erection at full mast slick with precum and spit, "come here." Noah nodded and stood between Bellamy's legs. "Show me how well that weak, imperfect body of yours can handle it." Noah continued to scrape the inside of his raw cheek as he searched Bellamy's expression for compassion. "Sit on my damn cock, Noah," Bellamy growled in a low, throaty tone. His impatience evident as he gripped Noah's waist and yanked him onto his lap.

Noah's eyes widened, "Lu-lube... We need lube."

"I'm losing my hardon, hurry the fuck up."

Noah nodded and scurried off Bellamy's lap to the nightstand. He grabbed the bottle of lube and quickly made his way back to Bellamy. It'd been a long time since they've had sex without the use of the vampire venom, it made Noah's body more malleable to Bellamy's will, but at the toll of Noah's control. Nerves prickled Noah's skin as he squeezed a generous amount of lube into his hand. First, he gripped Bellamy's cock and coated it with lube, then with the excess he slid his fingers over his hole and the outer rim in hopes it'd make penetration easier.

With a deep breath, Noah straddled Bellamy's lip, his butt raised in the air as he used his hand to position Bellamy's member at his entrance. The heat and desire that had illuminated Bellamy's features just moments ago had shifted into a cold, bored expression as he impatiently waited for Noah to lower himself onto his cock. "You're giving me blue balls here," Bellamy grumbled as Noah lowered his body only for Bellamy's cock to pop out of position. Noah tried again, one hand firm around Bellamy's cock while the other held himself open. Noah cried out as the tip entered him, his body resisted the invasion. To Bellamy's annoyance his throbbing cock popped out again.

"Fuck," he gritted his teeth and shifted their bodies, so Noah laid on his stomach, "Do I have to do all the damn work?" He positioned himself at Noah's resistant entrance, "Clearly I had nothing to worry about, that beast would have already walked out of here laughing at your incompetence." Bellamy thrusted his hips forward, his cock popped through Noah's rim.

Noah cried out, "Wait!"

Bellamy groaned as he continued to push himself inside of Noah. "Fuck you're tight," Bellamy's fingernails dug into Noah's skin, "I'm not even in halfway!"

Noah whimpered into the blanket, one hand reached back and pushed at Bellamy's hips while the other gripped tightly onto the bed. "Slow down, I'm not... I'm not ready." Noah hissed as Bellamy shifted his hips and pulled out until only his tip forced Noah's hole open. He breathed heavily as he tried to force his body to relax. As he exhaled Bellamy seized the opportunity and plunged himself deep inside of Noah, until his balls smacked against Noah's taint. Noah screamed as pain shot through his entire body.

Blood trickled out of his hole as Bellamy pulled back and thrusted himself deep inside. "Fuck baby," he moaned as his lips curved into a broad, toothy smile. "This feels great," he slammed into Noah with little resistance as Noah slumped down onto the mattress. "Your hole swallows me back in every time I pull out," his fingers massaged Noah's hips as he buried himself deep inside of Noah. "So sexy, you were right. Your body is way more responsive without the venom."

Noah winced and panted, his fingers worked against the blanket, crumpling it and releasing it as his pain zapped through him, devoid of pleasure. In that moment he knew he'd been wrong to request they didn't use the venom. Nothing about how Bellamy moved inside of him felt pleasurable, even as Bellamy rubbed against his prostate the pleasure was nothing more than a trinkle against the torrents of pain. Noah lost track of time, it could have been seconds, minutes, or hours but as he felt the warm rush of Bellamy's climax fill his hole, his entire body collapsed. He shivered violently as Bellamy's softening cock fell from his writhing hole.

"Fuck baby," Bellamy knelt above Noah, his body glistened with sweat "that felt amazing." Noah laid on his stomach, his ass throbbed as Bellamy's cum oozed out of him, his own cock shriveled at its own disappointment of not being able to reach climax. Bellamy bent down and kissed Noah's shoulder blade, "I'm going to go shower, clean this mess up."

Noah huddled on the bed; the frigid air that seeped through the old windowpanes chilled the sheen of sweat on his skin. As the silent tears streamed diagonal paths down his cheeks, the sound of the shower spewed in the background. Each breath cut through him; the shooting pains paralyzed him from wrapping himself in the warmth of his blanket. Sweet numbness spread through his body, and as exhaustion overwhelmed him, he began to drift into a fitful slumber.

He hadn't been asleep for more than ten minutes as Bellamy stormed his bedroom. Noah blinked away the drowsiness the best he could as he forced himself to sit up despite the electric protests coursing through his spine. "What's going on?" Noah's voice was hoarse as he rubbed his eyes. He grunted as something hit him in the face and fell to his lap. He stared at the tattered jacket, "What's this?"

"You tell me, Noah. Why the fuck is that werewolf's jacket hanging in your bathroom?"

"He must have left it here" Noah replied sluggishly.

Bellamy laughed bitterly, "I can see that! Why. Is. It. Here?"

"He took a shower," Noah rubbed his eye again, his brain slows to process Bellamy's seething annoyance. "I hung it to dry, he stormed out of here without grabbing it."

Bellamy lunged from where he stood, Noah yelped as he was slammed down on the bed with a hand gripped tightly around his throat. "You were smart enough to not give him your ass, but not smart enough to cover your tracks. You're disgusting!"

"Bellamy," Noah rasped as he clawed at Bellamy's hand.

"You're a shameful little whore! At least I take pride in fulfilling my desires. I don't lie, I don't hide who I am. Unlike you. Deimos and his legions will never accept a pathetic imp like you."

"Stop..." Noah choked.

Bellamy tightened his grip a moment longer before releasing Noah. He pulled away; disgust contorted his handsome face. "You'll never be good enough for me, Noah. You're a humiliation to our kind, I've lowered myself long enough." Noah coughed as he choked on the sudden influx of air filling his lungs. "Don't blame me for what happens to that precious werewolf of yours."

"Bellamy," Noah sobbed, "Why don't you believe me? I didn't fuck Callum! I'm nothing to him... don't hurt him."

"Ha! Trying to protect him now? You should've remembered who you fucking belong to! You're mine, Noah! I will share you, with who and when I feel like it! I take you out and play with you only when I'm in the mood! Your job is to sit here and wait! But you just had to open your legs like the whore of Babylon! The stench of shame surrounds you."

The door slammed shut, glass shattered against the floor from the force. Noah cradled himself, his breaths quick and short as his chest threatened to cave in on itself. He couldn't understand how he only managed to make things worse for everyone around him. He was a plague in the lives of the people he cared about. Bellamy, Riley, Aylin, they would all be better without his treacherous existence. His mother knew this, she'd been burdened by Noah's existence until it drove her completely mad. Only a curse that trapped her mind within the dreamscapes kept her soul from shredding itself into oblivion. It was all Noah's fault, he knew this, but he continued to have the audacity to live.

He was a coward.

**

Earlier that day....

Callum would run out of fingers to count on before tallying up how many times he'd walked away from Noah fuming with confusing emotions. In just a couple of days, it'd become a habit he wasn't sure how to break. His infuriating warlock seemed to know how to press all of Callum's buttons, even the ones he didn't realize he had. Noah ran hot and cold, one moment he'd be smiling, even flirtatious but the next he'd turn stone cold and demand Callum to go away.

He knew well enough that he wasn't a paragon of virtue, hell, Callum hadn't even been living the life of an upstanding werewolf. But he couldn't wrap his mind around Noah so adamantly defending Bellamy. Even if Callum had bruised Noah's pride to take the blame for Bellamy's actions was astonishing. A part of him, namely the wolf within him, wanted to turn back around march into his room and show exactly how a lover should be treated.

But then what? The idea that Noah somehow belonged with him was just as bewildering as it was unwelcomed. He had no rights to Noah's heart, nor did he want any, not truly. This was just a passing fancy, a challenge that caught his interest. The wolf instincts must have some wires crossed to even think for a second, they could claim such an infuriating, bewitching creature.

A feint buzzing pulled Callum from his thoughts. He pulled his phone from his pocket and opened the new message from Thayer. A sly smile accompanied the raise of Callum's brows as he looked at the selfie sent to him. He'd been too preoccupied earlier to have any real interest in Thayer's complaints about finding something to wear to a party he'd be attending, alone. However, it seemed he'd been able to settle on an outfit. Thayer wore a silky blue peasant's top with a deep v that revealed his chiseled chest and peeping nipples that would slip the second he hit the dance floor. Paired with tight black leather pants that gave little room for imagination as the fabric clung around his bulge. Thayer's sleepy, sensual gaze matched the playful taunt of his berry glossed lips, enticing Callum to come and devour him. Callum stared at the photo for a long time as he walked, arousal shielded him against the biting winds. The flow of blood to his groin over just a picture of his sexy, irresistible, fuck buddy had been exactly what he needed to confirm that this crush on Noah was nothing to be worried about.

He clicked Thayer's name; the phone rang twice before Thayer answered on the other end. "Do you like my outfit?" Thayer said in place of a greeting.

"It'd look better on the floor," Callum grinned.

"There's still plenty of time for you to get here," Thayer's smile was evident in his voice, with a hint of hope.

"Not tonight, I've had a long few days."

"You know, I'm a great stress reliever," appealed to Callum's desires. "I'm well worth the drive."

Callum scratched his chin, the offer had its appeal, but as he considered it, he could feel the wolf inside of him threaten to claw its way out. "Next time," Callum finally declared.

"Your loss," Thayer pouted on the other end. Callum chuckled. "How long is the job for? It's not permanent, is it?"

"I don't know, a few months I guess."

"Doesn't sound like the wolf I know, staying in one place indefinitely," Thayer teased, though that same hint of hope dripped off the tip of his tongue.

"Not indefinitely," Callum corrected, though he didn't quite believe it himself. Every time he found himself talking himself into leaving, he found himself back at Noah's side. "Just until I save up enough money to get to Romania."

"Oh," the disappointment evident in Thayer's voice, "I see." Silence fell between them, it was thick and uncomfortable, like a blistering summer day that smothered the air and drenched the skin. Finally, Thayer spoke "I need to finish getting ready. I'll talk to you when I talk to you."

Callum hummed his response as the line disconnected.

"Funny running into you here, bestie," Aylin approached Callum with a friendly smile. Her dark blues swirled with that hypnotic green.

"Is it?" He observed, "I feel like you knew where to find me."

"Well," Aylin strolled leisurely with her hands in her pockets, "I at least waited until your phone call was done."

"How considerate," Callum reasoned. "Why're you looking for me?"

"Can't a girl just want to hang out with her childhood friend? Show him the campus, have a chat?"

"Sure, she could... but I'm not buying that's what you're here for."

Aylin tsked Callum as she fell into step beside him. "Don't be so distrusting. I just... had a feeling... you'd be needing some company. Maybe a place to sleep tonight."

"You'd be right," Callum clicked his tongue, "this time anyways."

"Hmm," Aylin smiled at the quip. "Let's get some dinner and go over the details of your new job."

"You buying?" Callum asked, Aylin nodded in response. "Alright then, bestie, let's go."

The two made their way to a small, yet bustling diner. "This place makes the best Reuban I've ever had. And their sweet potato fries," Aylin made a chef's kiss motion with her hand, "perfection." Callum's stomach grumbled alerting him to the realization that he'd only eaten the noodles Noah made him. He couldn't help but wonder if Noah had eaten anything besides the noodles and one burnt marshmallow. He didn't have high hopes though, Noah was on the petite side already and claimed to not have the best of appetites. Suddenly, Callum wanted to order some food to go and bring it to Noah. "What are you thinking?" Aylin asked as they slid into a booth.

"You tell me," Callum teased.

The diner wasn't at all what Callum had expected, it had a red cross on the sign outside informing patrons that they offered sanguine dishes. That didn't bother Callum any but given what he'd seen of the campus so far, he expected the inside to have a dark atmosphere. Black walls illuminated by the flickering flames, red velvet upholstery and claw foot tables. However, it was what one would expect from a retro styled diner. With black and white checkered floors, white walls decorated almost entirely in images of pin up girls, old hot rods, and famous singers.

Aylin smiled as she glanced over the menu, probably just for show, as she kept her thoughts to herself. "So, why Romania?" she asked without looking up.

"What?"

"Romania. Why do you want to go there?"

Callum leaned back against the bright red vinyl booth, "it's rude to eavesdrop." He picked up the menu and half-heartedly looked it over, "Werewolves have a lot more freedoms, especially werewolves without packs."

"Your trip would be short lived, you know."

"Tell the truth," Callum placed the menu back on the table after only looking at it for two seconds. "You're only pushing me at Noah because you don't like Bellamy."

Aylin shrugged, "I don't like Bellamy. But if it was as simple as trying to get Noah to turn his affections onto someone else, it'd be easier to sway Riley than your stubborn ass."

Callum rolled his eyes and scoffed, "Riley is a sheep."

"Is that a hint of jealousy, I'm hearing?" Aylin teased. She placed the menu down, "Riley already has a piece of Noah's heart. Albeit, in a non-romantic way, but that could be changed."

"Is it a quirk of yours to toy with the lives of other fae?"

Aylin shrugged, "As I've said before, I'm simply here to push fate along."

"Do you need more time?" A waiter came to the table, pen and notepad in hand. "Or do you need more time?"

"I'll have the Reuban with a side of sweet potato fries and a strawberry banana milkshake," Aylin concluded.

The waiter scribbled her order then turned his attention to Callum. "Same..."

"Alright," the waiter took their menus, "that will be out for you shortly."

"So, this job... Does it pay well?" Callum decided to change the topic. His thoughts were already filled with Noah, more than he could handle. He didn't need this woman fueling the wolf within him any further.

Aylin beamed and nodded as she went into the benefits and duties of the job Callum had miraculously stumbled into. Or maybe it had been designed that way.

The job itself was easy enough, he would primary be taking over combat training and conditioning with the werewolf students. He'd only have to teach a couple classes involved in the physical department that were open to all fae students. But even then, he'd only be there as an aid to another teacher. He'd be paid a monthly salary that went beyond what Callum had expected, but his contract stated he'd have to stay with Eldarion until terminated or the end of the school year. That didn't sit well with Callum considering the year had just begun a month prior, it'd be the longest he'd ever spent anywhere since leaving his pack. It also meant he'd run into Noah a lot. Or maybe he wouldn't, Noah didn't strike him as the physically active type, so he doubted he'd be in any of the open classes he'd have to help with. In theory, Callum could avoid Noah the entire year. Not that Noah would even seek him out anyways.

As far as housing went, Callum would be able to move into his all-expenses paid apartment the following day. It was on the outskirts of the residential area, on the first floor of a five-story building that was also closer to the full moon enclosures. That would be the hardest part about this gig, Callum was not only expected to uphold every rule, but he also would be responsible for every werewolf in his group during the full moons. They all needed to be accounted for before turning into a wolf and any stragglers outside the enclosure meant immediate suspension without pay for Callum.

"Easy enough, right," Aylin happily ate her meal as she explained all the finer details to Callum. "You can sleep on my couch tonight. Tomorrow we will go get your keys, I'll introduce you to Miss Lorillis, she will show you the ropes for a couple weeks before her maternity leave starts."

Callum picked at his own feet. His stomach rumbled and begged to devour every bite, but Callum couldn't force himself into much more than nibbles here and there. "I need to get my stuff from my campsite and pick up my truck downtown."

"You'll have time, I'll drive you into town tomorrow morning." Aylin glanced out the large window, "Oh! It's Noah!"

"That's not funny," Callum swirled his fry in a pile of ketchup.

"I'm not trying to be," Aylin rolled her eyes. "Looks like he's getting a drink at the bar over there." Callum looked up at Aylin, she gazed out the window with that secretive smile of hers, he followed her line of sight and spotted Noah.

Fuck, he's handsome. Callum thought to himself as he examined Noah from afar. His messy white hair was tied back into a spiky ponytail, but loose strands framed his face and that adorable cowlick at the top of his head danced in the wind. He wore all black, it suited him, giving his fair features and almost angelic glow. Callum scowled, unaware of the growl that rolled through his throat as he saw Noah come to a stop before Bellamy.

"You know what," Callum stood up. "I could go for a drink. What do yah say?"

Aylin shook her head, "I think I'm all set." She reached out her hand, "give me your phone." Callum obliged; she punched in her phone number. "I live on the top floor of the infirmary; this is the code to get into my apartment. I won't wait up," she winked.

Callum slipped the phone back into his pocket and darted outside. The bar was right across the way from the diner, he couldn't help but wonder if this had been another one of Aylin's manipulations of fate. By the time he made it inside he searched the room for Noah, when he'd spotted the two warlocks seated at a table in a far corner he slipped through the other side of the bar and found a seat.

"Hey, handsome. What can I get you?" A busty waitress with a dazzling smile leaned over the bar.