"I have a fight in Denver this Saturday, wanna come? The team reserved some rooms for the weekend," Riley asked Noah as they distanced themselves from the gym. "We'll leave Friday afternoon and come back Sunday evening."

Noah walked in a daze; his fingers mindlessly pressed against his lips as the memory of Callum's lips against his own imprinted within them. The kiss had been quick, chaste even, he doubted it'd even be rememberable to Callum, but those brief moments played on a loop in Noah's head. He couldn't shake the memory of how Callum's hand carved a path along his back, the flare of desire that sparked within his golden eyes, and the gentleness of his voice with every word he spoke. Callum's actions had been kindling to a desire that stirred withing Noah, a desire that simmered just beneath the surface, waiting for the moment to ignite into a wild, consuming flame.

In a swift, practiced motion, Riley skillfully swung his arm around Noah's shoulders, pulled him in close and smoothly transitioned into a playful headlock. With a mischievous grin, Riley then proceeded to rub his knuckles teasingly over the top of Noah's head, eliciting a yelp and peals of laughter from his friend. "I'm starting to feel neglected here!" he playfully quipped.

"I'm sorry!" Noah wheezed as he squirmed around to free himself. "I'm sorry! What were you saying?"

"That I'm picking you up four pm sharp Friday night and wisping you away for a weekend of beer, blood and sweat in Denver."

"I don't know, Riles," Noah ceased his struggles, his gaze shifted uneasily. Cities made Noah uncomfortable, they were overflowing with an assortment of different humans and fae, each displaying distinct reactions to his demonic nature. Some would worship the ground Noah walked, devoting themselves to him with a strange fervor and proudly declaring their vile deeds in his name. Others would lash out at him, brimming with a hatred that seemed unquenchable, willing to risk their lives to take down a single warlock. The majority, however, remained cautious, sparing daggered glances filled with fear. These were the ones who would cross the street to avoid him and hastily abandon any establishment Noah entered. And then there were the other wolves on the Nightstalker team. None went out of their way to make Noah feel unwelcome, perse, but neither did they make him feel welcomed. Noah felt like a specter among the Nightstalkers. He was a presence that sent a shiver down their spines, but they could brush off the eerie sensations as a mere chill by choosing to ignore the unsettling feeling Noah's presence caused.

Riley's eyes lit up with anticipation, his bottom lip puckered out. "Picture this, Smalls: it's my first big fight of the season, and I can't imagine anyone else standing by my side. Rooting me on, celebrating with me, basking in the limelight. Plus, Coach managed to snag us some rooms in this real ritzy hotel- we're talking marble floors and a breathtaking view. And can you believe it? The bathroom has one of those jacuzzi tubs you've always wanted to try. Oh, let's not forget that that ridiculously spicy curry- the one only dragons should consume- that you love. It's on me. Come on, buddy, it'll be a weekend to remember!"

Noah couldn't help but laugh amusedly at the picture Riley had painted. "I couldn't possibly say no after that," Noah conceded. Riley beamed as Noah spoke. "I'll go on one condition." Riley hummed expectantly. "You have to share a bowl of that dragon curry with me."

"You drive a hard bargain... My stomach and asshole are gonna hate me, but you've got yourself a deal!"

"And..."

"Go on," Riley urged.

Noah smiled nervously, "You have to promise to not be upset if I start feeling uncomfortable when out and about and need to go back to the hotel."

"Noah," Riley stopped and pulled Noah, so they stood face-to-face. "I would never be upset over something like that. If you feel overwhelmed even for a second, I will go back to the hotel with you. Fuck, I'll kick anyone's ass that looks at yah the wrong way. I'll be your personal bodyguard for the weekend, anything you need. You get."

Noah laughed lightheartedly; he had no doubt Riley would drop a fun night out in the city to have a quiet night in with him. Noah would never ask him to do that, but he appreciated Riley's loyalty.

"One more thing," Noah added.

"Anything for you," Riley flashed a charming smile and waggled his brows. It was the sort of smile that could make someone weak in the knees but didn't have the same effect on Noah as Callum's own damned smile had.

"You need to go shower, you reek!"

Riley laughed out as he slapped his hand on Noah's back and yanked him against his chest. "That's the smell of sweet sweet victory!" His other hand wafted through the air, "bask in it. Enjoy it. Love it."

Noah pressed his hands against Riley's firm pecks and leaned backward, "you smell like wet dog mixed with sweaty high school gym." Noah stumbled backwards out of Riley's arm.

"I'm wounded," Riley placed his hands over his heart and pouted, the upward tick of his lips betrayed his amusement.

"How about this," Noah clapped his hands together ready to present his deal, "you can use my shower and that homemade eucalyptus wash you like. While you do that, I'll go get us those burritos."

Riley scratched his chin as if in deep contemplation. His body was worse for wear after the epic showdown with Callum, if Callum hadn't been distracted in the end, Riley would have probably spent the rest of the day in Aylin's care. That thought alone sent a chilled shiver down his spine. Riley had managed to stop the bleeding and cleaned most of the blood off his face, but he was drenched in sweat, with every bone and muscle crying out for respite. As his stomach rumbled in harmony with the ache pulsating through him, he agreed, "Alright, Smalls, it's a deal!"

Noah fished a key from his pocket and handed it to Riley, saying with a smile, "I'm glad we could reach this agreement." Riley took the key and tucked it into the pocket of his sweatpants. "The usual?" Noah inquired, double-checking his pockets for his phone. Aside from the random texts from Riley his phone acted as a glorified wallet- with his bank account, meal card, Student and personal identification, the works.

"You know me so well!" Riley flashed a handsome smile, his dimples deepening. "Are you going to be okay though? Want my jacket?" Noah still only wore a wind breaker and his thermal sweats.

"I'll be okay. I'm tougher than I look." Noah pressed his knuckles against Riley's chest as if to emphasize his strength. The action was followed by a full-body shiver as the icy winds whipped around them, causing Noah's teeth to chatter involuntarily. 

Riley slid off his jacket, his strong arms circled Noah as he wrapped the thick canvas jacket lined in fur around him. "I know," he said with a smirk, "but I don't want you getting sick again." Noah slid his arms through the jacket and zipped the drowning material all the way up, the plush jacket engulfed him in warmth. The thickness of the sleeves made it difficult for Noah to let his arms rest at his sides and the length fell above his knees, almost comically oversized on his slender frame. Riley pulled up the hood, the calico-colored fur flourished with Noah's wild snowy locks and shielded his skin from the bite of the winds. "Nice and toasty," Riley declared with a chuckle, admiring the sight of Noah bundled up like an overstuffed teddy bear. 

"Smelly too," Noah teased as he pushed the oversized hood from his face.

Riley laughed and patted his hands on Noah's shoulders. "That's the scent of 'don't fuck with me'. No one will dare mess with you."

"I wasn't worried," Noah chuckled at Riley's notions. "Now hurry before you disrupt the ecosystem with your stink."

"Okay. Okay. I'm going," Riley started off towards the dormitory, "extra hot sauce!" he shouted after a moment.

"I know!" Noah shouted back.

In Riley's absence, Noah's legs carried him down the familiar path, draped in a shimmering blanket of ice, while his thoughts wandered back to the gym. Particularly to Callum. He couldn't help but wonder if the she-wolf gravitated back towards Callum after his departure. The thought of Callum entertaining her bold advances shot a pang of jealousy through the depths of Noah's chest. Though, he knew he couldn't fault Callum for it; their fleeting moment of tenderness held no claim to exclusivity. As Noah's brows furrowed, his fingers subconsciously traced the ghost of their short-lived kiss upon his lips. Their shared embrace had been as fleeting as a fluttering heartbeat, yet it had ignited a spark within him that danced like fireflies at night. 

"Good morning!" a cheerful woman greeted Noah as the witch bells chimed. His eyes had been blind to the walk, leaving his thoughts disorientated as he wondered how he'd reached the diner with such ease. The twenty-four-hour retro-styled diner was a staple among the residents of Eldarion. Owned by a lovely woodland fae couple, the diner always had a mouth-watering aroma that would greet the quiet street outside whenever the door opened. The food was always made to perfection and the staff always cheerful, even towards the more unsavory diners. "Just you today?" the woman smiled sweetly, a cautious glint in her acorn eyes. Noah's Elven ears twitched as he matched her cautious yet sweet smile, he was considered to be among the unsavory sorts. Riley was the social butterfly of their friendship; his presence had the uncanny ability to lower the discomfort Noah's demonic presence brought.

"Riley had a rough match this morning," Noah offered kindly. "I'm ordering to go, while he relaxes."

The woman beamed at the mention of Riley, "Oh! It's so early! How did he do?"

"He won," Noah's smile waivered as images of the brutal fight replayed across his vision.

"That's wonderful," the woman chirped, "I'll have Richard double up the steak in his burrito."

"He'll love that!" Noah maintained his enthusiastic façade; Riley was a regular and rarely drifted from his favorite meals.

The woman scrawled Riley's order on a recite paper, then paused and looked up at Noah. "Oh," the brightness that illuminated her face dulled just slightly, leaving a mask of hospitality, "What did you want dear?"

"Chicken fajita breakfast burrito with extra peppers and onions, extra hot sauce on the side and two orders of home fries." Noah couldn't bring himself to feel insulted over the fabricated warmth after the excitement of Riley's victory wore off.

"It'll be right out," she ripped the paper from her pad and clipped it to the open window that separated the front counter and the kitchen. She dinged the little bell, "Richard! Riley won a match, give him double portions."

The man named Richard came to the window, "Riley! My boy, who did you..." he stopped and looked at Noah.

"He's getting cleaned up and resting, I'm just picking up breakfast," Noah offered with a smile.

"Ah," Richard nodded, he grabbed the recite paper and went to prepare the to-go meal.

Noah Paid for the meal and sat at the counter to wait. His gaze fixed on the woman as she walked off to chat happily with another group of fae sitting in for breakfast. The air around her seemed to shift, becoming lighter and more inviting in the company of others. Her arms moved with flamboyant animation, punctuating her words as she delved into a story that Noah couldn't hear. A bitter smile traced his lips, it might have a residual effect from Callum's warmth but the chill of her forced hospitality and Richard's cold indifference sent pangs of hurt through him.

The witch bells chimed, "Welcome in!" the woman bellowed from where she stood in front of a table across the diner. "Sit anywhere, I'll be right over Sweetie!"

Noah peered through the cut-out window and observed as Richard effortlessly flipped the sizzling contents of a pan in the air, deftly catching them without a drop wasted. Unaware of Noah's gaze, Richard moved gracefully, multitasking with remarkable ease as he attended to various elements of each dish.

"Morning, Noah," the stool beside him swiveled as the woman slid onto it. Noah turned his attention from Richard onto her, she propped her elbow on the countertop and held her head at an angle as she smiled at him with her perfectly glossed lips. "Fancy running into you here."

"Morning, Vera."

"Bellamy in the bathroom?" she asked as she pinched Riley's jacket with a twisted amusement. "He didn't come home last night. I figured you did what you do best and apologized all night," her brows raised, and lips curved into a snide grin.

Noah shook his head, ignoring the intent of her words. "He left late last night. I haven't seen him, yet."

"Oh!" Vera exclaimed a sham shock. "I wonder what he's been up to then. He certainly didn't spend the night in his bed." Noah smiled awkwardly. "I guess even your talents weren't enough to cover for your mistakes this time." Vera traced her fingers in circles over the countertop, "Maybe I could help you."

"What do you want, Vera," Noah clipped.

Vera beamed with amusement, "don't look so defensive! Like I said, I want to help you. After all, Bell is my best friend and you..." her eyes scanned Noah. "Well, you're quite gifted in using the bewitchments Lilith blessed you with. Considering your sacrilegious tendencies that it." Noah remained silent, thankful the fluffy hood he still wore concealed the irritated twitch of his ears. His eyes stone and lips pressed into a straight line as he waited for Vera to get to the point. "I hear you have made quite an... impression on the new wolf instructor. Callum." Her pink eyes seemed to glow like a predator cornering its prey. "I was thinking since you already have that other unruly werewolf pet, you don't need another. I mean, you don't want to be greedy, right Noah?" Vera chuckled with a poisonous sweetness; she glanced around as if to ensure no one was listening in. "I mean," her voice lowered into a whisper shared only between them, "Bellamy told me all about your indulgent appetites. How you let that mongrel and anybody who asks to use your body, like a modern-day Babylonian whore."

Noah's hand fisted the fabric of his sweatpants as his heart raged like a caged beast. His jaw clenched and twitched at each word that left Vera's lips. "You want Callum," he said simply. Vera brightened as Noah considered his next words. It was no secret that he and Vera never got along, she'd been a malicious fox, determined to devour Noah until he was nothing. Bellamy on the other hand, had nothing but complete adoration for Vera, shortly after befriending each other they became housemates with two other fae. "It's unlike you to request help in love," Noah released the grip on his pants and laced his fingers together on the counter. "I suppose every enchantress spoils eventually, I'm surprised you've already reached your expiration."

Vera's nose twitched as her smile slipped. Anger flashed across her eyes as she clenched her teeth and reaffirmed her sickly-sweet smile. "How could I possibly compete against a child of Lilith? And such an experienced whore. The way I see it," she reasoned, "this is the first time Bellamy has shown outrage towards your little hobby. You give Callum to me; I can help clear up all of Bellamy's troubles with the snap of a finger. Win-win."

Vera was nothing less than an exceptional beauty and an immensely gifted enchantress. Born into the Morning Star Coven of charms and enchantments, her gifts were nurtured since they presented themselves. If it weren't for the fact that she had simply been trying to get under his skin, Noah would be shocked she'd ever turn to him to help attract the attention of a target. He didn't even think she'd have to exert herself to catch Callum's attention, the brazen wolf seemed all too eager to bask in the adoration of admirers. Bitterness flooded Noah. Her every word had been a meticulous attack against him, she'd spun a web of lies that the campus had already deemed as truth.

"If you want Callum, be my guest," Noah conceded. "Just leave me out of it."

"Stay out of my way and I will."

"I'm not in your way," Noah forced his voice to remain indifferent.

"Here's your order," the woman plopped a to-go back in front of Noah. "Richard added some homemade brownies and icecream."

"Thank you," Noah offered a genuine smile, receiving a cautious one in return. He grabbed the bag and slid off the stool, his focus back on Vera, "we're done here."

"What a good master, buying food for your pet. Perhaps your own Master would be more caring if you weren't a bitch in constant heat."

Noah left the diner, his stomach knotted and the taste of bile in his throat. There'd been no doubt in his mind Callum's interest would fade sooner rather than later, but the thought of Vera receiving those gentle touches and heated gazes sent tremors of anger through Noah, followed by aftershocks of embarrassment. An electrical storm brewed just under the surface of Noah's skin. Rumors about Noah being promiscuous were hardly new news, none cared whether it was true or not. Exploration and pride in one's sexuality was hardly a shameful topic to warlocks. Asmodeus, the flower of lust, taught indulgence of desire. In Their teachings these indulgences were only considered sinful when they brought about shame within oneself or are acted upon in non-consensual manners. He'd known of Bellamy's indulgences; he'd even taken part when Bellamy asked him to. Those encounters left Noah empty, shamed even, he had gone as far as to ask Bellamy to be with only him. Bellamy had agreed, begrudgingly, but not long after rumors of Noah's sexual exploits spread like wildfire. Noah was certain Vera had been the source of the rumors, they weren't created to shame Noah but to force a rift between him and Bellamy. Noah turned a blind eye to Bellamy's whims; he'd deluded himself into believing Bellamy would remain faithful to him alone. Callum forced Noah to open his eyes to that truth, but even so all Noah could do was blame himself. Bellamy lived his life shamelessly, Noah pondered if embracing his true desires and shedding the shackles of his own shame might lead to a new understanding of himself. But then, what were his true desires? And what would the consequences be for following them?

A blurred movement caught the corner of Noah's eye, he turned his head to find a little orange and white cat lounging on a bench. The cat's dusk-yellow eyes examined Noah drowsily, as he slowly stood and stretched his long, lanky body. "Oh! Hello kitty," Noah exclaimed but ended in a whisper as to not startle the stray. "It's too cold to be lounging out in the open, where's your home?" he asked softly as he slowly approached the cat. The cat mewed and jumped off the bench, "don't go," Noah pleaded. "Want a little snack?" He gently shook the bag. The little orange cat tilted his head, his whiskers twitched as he sniffed the air. Noah's steps crunched against the pristine snow as he approached the bench, the cat perched like a statue just below. The feline growled as he raised his defenses against the scent of wolf. "Don't be scared." Noah smiled as he crouched down, "I swear Riley is a good wolf. He just smells a bit." He rummaged through the bag for a take-out container with hot savory potatoes. The cat's eyes widened, and he began to purr as Noah used his finger to scoop a small helping onto the ground. "They're the best, Richard puts bits of bacon in them." As the smell of spices mingled with the frosty air the little orange cat lowered his defenses. He sauntered towards Noah and the small pile of potatoes, before eating the cat rubbed his head against Noah's hand and cooed. "Delicious, right."

Noah watched the cat eat for a moment longer before standing up. "Find a warm place to sleep little one," Noah advised before quietly slipping away from the happily feasting feline.

The dormitory bustled with energy by nine in the morning. Drowsy laughter and conversations reverberated through the lobby as fae came and went. Noah hastily tugged on the hood, the calico-fur and dark fabric shrouded his weary features. He darted past a group of fae deep in discussion about an exam in Ancient Fae Literature that would happen that morning. One guy groaned about the unfairness of having an exam first thing Monday morning, another girl simply scolded the guy for not having finished the novel in the first place. Noah set up his schedule to not have Monday classes, instead he would dedicate the free day to his project. Noah reached the elevator; with a sigh of relief, he pressed the button.

"Have you seen the new werewolf instructor yet?" one girl asked giddily, as her and her friend walked up behind Noah. "He's soo dreamy! I want to ask him for his number."

The other hesitated before responding, "be careful. I heard that white-haired warlock has his eyes on him. The one with the highly destructive magic."

"I don't care about that demon reject," the first girl scoffed confidently. "I bet the werewolf instructor has slaughtered plenty of demons. The freak isn't anything to worry about."

"I wouldn't underestimate the warlock. He has ways of ensnaring his victims. Julie told me that the new wolf and Riley had a sparring match this morning, and the warlock rigged it against the new guy. THEN, the little creep showed up and practically threatened Julie if she didn't leave. For all we know he already has his claws in the wolf."

The elevator doors dinged and slid open, Noah cautiously stepped on, pressed the button to his floor then slid into the back corner in hopes of remaining invisible to the two fae girls. They filed in after him, unconcerned by his presence as they immersed themselves in conversation. Noah hadn't been surprised rumors of the morning had already begun to spread, nor was he shocked that the rumors painted him in a bad light.

"Even Deimos rejects the warlock, a wolf like that would never fall for such pathetic bewitchments. The only thing the freak has going for him is a pretty face and loose ass."

"Oh my god!" The more cautious of the two burst out into a fit of laughter. "I can't believe you just said that!"

The first girl simply shrugged; amusement laced across her face. The elevator doors slid open and the two fae girls filed off and vanished as the doors slid closed. Noah leaned against the back wall, eyes bleary with hot tears that refused to be released, he gripped the bag tightly. He couldn't find it within himself to refute what the two had said. It wasn't that Noah had been trying to ensnare Callum, he hadn't put any bewitchments in motion, not including the accidental manifestation of bad luck. He'd felt drawn to Callum, like the ocean did to the moon. The waves constantly swayed and reached for the illuminated pull of the moon, raging high into the sky without prevailing. Noah knew, like the waves of the oceans, he wasn't meant to reach the moon. Perhaps he could lose himself in the fantasy, collect sweet nothings to bring with him to the eternal solitude the Monks of Amate would offer him. But deep down, a nagging doubt crept into his heart, whispering of the consequences of his actions and the potential harm he could cause. The conflicting desires to find solace in a fabricated reality and face the difficult truth tugged at Noah's soul, threatening to tear him apart from within. Static clung to his skin, raising his hair at point.

"Where are my clothes?"

Noah blinked as he stood in his doorway. His feet had moved on their own, his thoughts once again blinded him to his surroundings. "What?"

"My clothes," Riley rummaged through Noah's dresser, "the sweats I left here for our movie nights." Riley was clad in nothing but a pair of electric blue boxers that glowed against his dark bronze skin. Blackening purple bruises dotted the toned muscles of his torso, swelling skewed his typically squared jawline, his upper lip split, and a gritty black and blue bruise masked one of his eyes. A mess of damp chocolate curls were pulled up into a bun on top of his head. "I thought you kept them in here with your pajamas."

"Oh..." Noah closed the door and brought the bag over to the miniscule kitchen area. "I let Callum borrow them..."

"Damn," Riley closed the drawer. A frown curved his mouth as he sensed the darkening air around Noah. "Whose ass do I need to beat?" He strode to Noah's side, his shoulders squared and stature large.

Noah hesitated before a soft smile traced his lips. He couldn't deny the warmth he felt from Riley's friendship. "I'm okay. Really," Noah affirmed. The protectiveness in Riley's eyes only eased into a concerned expression. "Let's eat."

"Is it Callum?" Riley asked bluntly.

"Why would you think that?" Noah asked defensively as he pulled container after container out of the bag. Riley rinsed their mugs from earlier that morning and started to brew two cups of fresh coffee.

"You like him, it's not hard to tell." While the coffee brewed Riley opened one container labeled- steak- and beamed as drool slid from the corner of his mouth, "damn! She's thick!" Noah chuckled at Riley's enthusiasm and watched as he shoved a big bite into his mouth. Riley swallowed and took a gulp of the black steaming coffee, "okay, back on topic. You have it bad for the rogue wolf."

"You should stop calling him that," Noah nibbled at his potatoes, he couldn't help but wonder if the little orange cat found a warm spot to slumber after eating. Riley hummed as if he felt his point had been made before shoving another large bite into his mouth. "I don't know what I'm feeling, it's all very confusing." Riley stayed silent as Noah worked through his thoughts, save for mumbled moans as he devoured his meal. "I love Bellamy, I've never doubted that. But when I'm near Callum it's like... I feel like..." Noah shifted the potatoes around with his fork as he struggled to vocalize his jumbled thoughts.

Riley dipped the burrito into a small container of hot sauce and ripped off another mouthful. The perfectly seared steak mixed with fluffy cheesy eggs and a myriad of spices and onions all melted into every perfect bite that he couldn't even bring himself to be annoyed by the mention of Bellamy. Nor Noah's questionable taste in men. "You like him," Riley confirmed with a mouthful. "You don't think I knew exactly what was going on when Aylin and I walked in? Don't need this sniffer," he poked the tip of his nose, "to know what you two were getting up to."

"It wasn't like that! Nothing happened... well... we kiss. I mean, it was barely a kiss! More like a peck... a very short-lived... Anyways it was nothing." Noah waved his hands defensively. "Really. It was nothing...He's probably already forgotten about it that's how insignificant it was." Noah raked his fingers through his matted hair, itching to get in the shower. "Besides, he's completely infuriating. He has no boundaries-"

"Neither do I and you've never complained," Riley added.

"That's different!"

"Is it? Because I'm standing here practically naked in all my sexy glory, and you haven't so much as blushed. Not even an ear twitch. Kind of hurtful, Smalls."

"What's your point?"

"All Callum does is look at you from across the room and you turn into a little winter rose."

"That's not true!" Noah protested the absurdity.

Riley chuckled, "Come on, Noah. I could practically see the steam coming out of your ears while he chatted with Julie."

"Don't be absurd," Noah huffed. "Like I said Callum is just infuriating. If I looked annoyed it was because of him, not miss perfectly perky throwing herself at him."

"I don't think I've ever seen jealous Noah before."

"I'm not jealous! I can't stand him! We argue every time we're alone together for longer than five minutes." The knots in Noah's stomach traveled upwards, wrapped around his heart and squeezed, then balled in his throat. "Besides, we just met. If anything, it's only skin-deep, he's attractive that's all. I couldn't possibly like someone I don't even know."

"Have I ever told you the story about how my grandparents met?" Riley asked, Noah shook his head. "My grandpa was a rising rookie in fae boxing. He had gone up against some badass fae, like big scary dudes. Ogres, trolls, gorgons..."

"Oh my," Noah couldn't resist the smirk that tugged on his lips.

Riley tossed a potato at him. "Well, he got invited to a match with the top fighter of the Crimson Warrior pack. Now we're talking real blood-thirsty, no rules, no fucking around type of werewolves here. The match was even set to take place on their pack territory, instead of neutral ground. My grandpa figured they wanted to either poach him or kill him, so of course as a prideful wolf he accepted. This fight would be a career changer, it would change the course of his life, and nothing would distract him from his goal," Riley lifted his brows as if to indicate that it was a life changing fight but not for the reasons his grandpa had assumed.  "Well, right before the fight he went outside to get some fresh air and got locked out like a dipshit. Couldn't get in, couldn't find the entrance, minutes are ticking away, he's picturing the crowd laughing and calling him a coward. He's getting real amped up, frustrated as fuck, itching to punch something. So, when he rounds another corner and finds a couple screaming at each other, he thinks 'perfect' someone to hit. Doesn't matter that it's not his fight. He sees a female and a male, screaming, having some sort of lover's quarrel. He grabs the male, doesn't think, doesn't hesitate, just swings. Smashes the guy in the center of his face, breaks his nose, two black eyes, the dude falls" Riley clapped his hands together to produce a booming thud. "That's it. He's out. Looks up, expecting the female to thank him, maybe give him a little smooch for being so valiant. Nah, she's pissed, she was seconds away from hitting the guy herself, yah know? So, she has all this pent-up anger now, her fist balled up, this random wolf is smiling proudly at her. Punches him square in the face. And it's a damn good punch, gives him a black eye, makes him stagger. He's holding his eye confused as fuck, like why did this female that was in trouble just hit him? He opens his mouth ready to ask what the fuck just happened. She bursts out laughing, says she hasn't felt so good in her entire life, offers to buy him a beer. The match ended as a forfeit because he never showed up, because she not only bought him one beer, but they spent the whole night drinking. My grandpa said he knew my grandma was his fate the second he woke up with a raging hangover and she was in the kitchen singing 'here comes the sun' by The Beatles with her hair in a ratty bun on the top of her head, a cigarette hung from her lips and cooking the best damn eggs he'd ever had in his life."

Riley ate another mouthful of his burrito and gulped down his cooling coffee. "Now my grandma. She'll tell you; she spent the night drinking with this pour bastard that couldn't figure out how to open a door and then had to share her eggs after he spent the night drooling all over her couch. He hung around, long after his welcome ended with declarations that he would win her heart. Says she couldn't stand him; he was annoying as the buzz of a fly in her ear. But, one day, after two months of him pestering her. He left. No explanation. No goodbye. Just left. So, my grandma did the only thing she could think to do. She showed up unannounced at the boarders of the Silvertail Pack, declaring that she was going to kick his ass. After she threw one hell of a fit, they let her in and told her exactly where to find grandpa. She found him and beat his ass. Told him that if he ever just up and leaves without telling her where he was going, she'd hunt him down and kick his ass again." Riley laughed to himself.

"Old man said, 'Then yah better mate with me so you'll always know where to find me.' The rest is history. She defected from her pack and joined his, they mated and had my uncle shortly after. Built a boxing gym from the ground up, had my mom and their youngest brother. Now they're old, wrinkly, and she can still kick his ass when he acts out."

Noah couldn't help but feel a sense of awe at the story of Riley's grandparents, but underneath that was an emptiness. "It must be nice to be a werewolf, you never question when you've found your soul mate."

"Grandma's not a werewolf," Riley corrected as he finished off his burrito and started on the large helping of home fries. "She's a manbo, a voodoo priestess. She was rescued by the Crimson Warriors when humans burned down her village and slaughtered any fae they could get their hands on. She watched her entire family be slaughtered in the name of a God that deemed them evil. They weren't evil, they were healers. Like you Noah, you aren't evil, you're a healer. But your ties to darkness, like theirs, provokes fear."

"That's terrible..." Noah's heart sank.

"I know. You don't need to say anything. She still honors them and her heritage, she's even passed down her knowledge, even though we can't tap into the magic ourselves. But my point is that finding a mate comes with a lot of complicated feelings. Some know instantly. My grandpa knew he'd never felt so connected to his heart his entire life until he met her. My grandma, however, needed time, her love developed with his presence and then flourished in his absence. Werewolves are just more vocal when we find our mate."

"Warlocks don't believe in fated pairs," Noah pushed away his burrito suddenly losing his appetite. "And I get the sense that neither does Callum. I don't know what you thought your grandparents' story would accomplish but that's not the case here. Callum's interest is temporary, it'll fade, and I'll be no different afterwards." Noah stood up, abandoning his food as he gathered a pair of clean clothes, "besides, I thought you hated him."

"I think he's an arrogant fuckboy," Riley asserted. "But... that fight spoke volumes. Not just about him, but..." Noah turned to face Riley with a scowl that threatened consequences if he continued. "Noah, I just don't want to see you hurt. That's all."

Noah snorted and walked towards the bathroom, "like you said, he's a fuckboy." Noah winced at the harshness of his own tone. Sadness washed over him, "I'm nothing more than a shiny new thing... he'll realize just how lackluster I am and move on. Nothing to be hurt over." Noah stepped into the bathroom and closed the door.

Riley scrubbed his hand down his face and stared at the door. He hadn't expected Noah to openly admit he'd felt something towards Callum. Truthfully, he was confident that Callum didn't deserve Noah's affections in the first place. Nevertheless, Riley could see the sparks between them as clear as fireworks in the dead of night. Riley finished his meal before cleaning up the mess. He wrapped up Noah's barely touched meal and placed it in the fridge. It hadn't been lost on Riley that Noah's appetite had been deteriorating within the last few weeks.

Warm water cascaded down Noah's weary body, the suds of body wash cleansed and rejuvenated him. Noah knew he shouldn't have blown up at Riley, he hadn't done anything wrong. Riley was a protective wolf, he'd witnessed the harshness Bellamy could inflict, and had been vocal about his disdain. He'd even made clear that he didn't trust Callum. He'd seen right through Noah and instead of making Noah feel guilty for his inappropriate feelings he'd been understanding and only asked for caution. However, there was no need for such caution. Callum's indulgence would fade just as Bellamy's wrath would distinguish, all either of them needed was to get it out of their system. Then Noah would slip into the darkest corners of their minds and return to the quiet life he'd planned for himself before vanishing into the confines of Amate.

Since moving in with the Belladonnas, Noah's every thought and action had been entwined with Bellamy's desires. He tended to Bellamy's every whim, no matter how uncomfortable it made him and had only begun to ask anything in return within the last year. He'd suffered Bellamy's lust, wrath, greed, and envy without an ounce of malice within his heart. The warmth Callum exuded filled Noah with a desire he'd never known could exist. A warmth that made the cold that never used to bother him unbearable. Asmodeus preached shameless desires. Perhaps Noah's true desire was to shed the shame he wore, to demand without fear what he needed to feel happy and indulge in the temporary warmth directed at him.

For the first time, with ease, Noah allowed his thoughts to focus fully on Callum. Any objectifications he had vanished along with the guilt he bore for Bellamy's sake. Left behind were the ghost sensations of Callum's callused hands on his body. The way the rough skin would tenderly trace the curves and grip Noah's body. The feel of Callum's split lips pressed against his own, his tongue tracing the scars left by Bellamy. That low, smokey voice, whispering sweet nothings as his massive body presses down on Noah. Dominating Noah yet showering him in care.

Heat surged through Noah as his member throbbed. His head tilted back; the warm spray of the water mimicked the sensation of heated kisses against his body. His hand slid down his torso, it hesitated on his abdomen as thoughts of Callum urged him to cave into pleasure.

"Hey," Riley popped his head through the shower curtain. "I have class in an hour, so I gotta get going." Both of Noah's hands covered his crotch; embarrassment reddened every inch of his ivory complexion. Noah nodded; his purple-red eyes wide as he pulled his bottom lip between his lips. "Shit," Riley exclaimed, "did I interrupt something?"

"Get out!" Noah turned his back towards Riley.

Riley grinned and clicked his tongue, "you dirty dog," he chirped. "Alright, I'll leave yah to it." He slipped his head out of the shower. "I put your breakfast away, make sure you eat it. I'm sure you'll have a hearty appetite by the time you get out."

"Riley!" Noah grabbed a mostly empty bottle of shampoo and whipped it out of the shower.

It bounced off Riley's chest, he laughed as he picked it up and placed it on the sink counter. "No shame! We all get the urge."

"Get out!"

"Okay. Okay," Riley's voice rose as he got closer to the door. "I'll leave yah to yourself."

When the door opened and shut, Noah leaned against the shower wall and sighed. He raked one hand through his hair, while the other dropped to his side. The panic of nearly being caught in the act by Riley pounded against his ribcage. His cock went limp as the fantasy of Callum slipped back into the crevices of his mind. He slumped down the wall and sat in a shallow puddle of water, "I'm an idiot." He huddled into himself as he returned to his better senses.

**

"You're grinning a whole lot for a guy with two fractured ribs," Aylin mused as pressed down on Callum's bruised and broken ribcage.

The pain wasn't near enough to wipe the smile from Callum's face. Surprisingly Riley was one hell of a resilient fighter. Wither every hit Callum landed Riley stabilized himself and continued with fierce determination. That was a quality Callum respected, and with some training Riley had potential to be a champion both inside and outside the ring. However, it was Callum who let his focus be pulled from the fight at hand and his body suffered for it. The bruises blossoming on his skin would only be temporary blemishes and his ribs would heal in a matter of days. Though Riley emerged victorious, Callum harbored no bitterness. In his view, he had come out as the true winner. Not only had he savored the brief glimpse of jealousy in Noah's eyes, but he had also glimpsed a softer, more compassionate side of his warlock.

"It was a fluke," Callum insisted. "Pup needs to watch that ego of his though, the fall from the top hurts a lot more than he thinks."

"Speaking from experience?" Aylin wrapped a bandage around Callum's torso to aid in keeping his ribs set. She clipped it tight then moved onto a nasty gash at the corner of his eye. "Lucky his punch was off, could've damaged your vision."

"I am," Callum confirmed, he felt Aylin already knew much more than she would ever let on. He trusted her though, perhaps it was because he sensed a kindred spirit within her. "I used to think I was untouchable-"

"Use to?" Aylin quirked an eye.

"I am now," Callum corrected. "I wasn't always though, and I lost someone important to me." Aylin hummed as she finished cleaning and bandaging his open wounds. "I know Riley's type. He'll go to hell and back for those he gives his loyalty to. But he's never experienced the brutality of the world. He doesn't know how unforgiving this world is. He doesn't realize that Hell already exists in this plane."

Aylin packed up her medical bag and brushed a loose strand of strawberry blonde hair behind her ear. "He doesn't. Not yet," she admitted as her ocean blue eyes swirled a poisonous hue.

"I hate it when you do that," Callum shuddered.

"Keep an eye on his back. Riley is a dummy; his mind is very easily tricked." Her lips curved into a smile born between chaos and delight. "But he's good to Noah, it would be a shame to lose him."

Callum groaned as he laid back against the couch. He didn't necessarily hate Riley, nor did he feel threatened by him. However, the wolf stirred within him unable to shake the sense that another wolf was encroaching his territory.

"You're worrying about the wrong fae, Hun," Aylin interjected Callum's unspoken thoughts. "I sense wickedness in the air." Aylin inhaled deeply, "laced with a delectably vile nature."

"Care to share the specifics?" Callum grumbled, within these few excruciatingly long days Callum had grown accustomed to Aylin's particular flavor of weirdness. However, that didn't stop his stomach from tightening at her vague words.

Aylin chuckled and shook her head, "I'm not clairvoyant. I see and tell as much as my Mistress allows. I am a mere echo of her presence."

"Well, if your Mistress is ever in a sharing mood. I'm all ears."

"Get some rest." Aylin waved as she closed the door behind her.

Callum lay in silence, shadows peeked through the closed blinds into the still darkness. The couch creaked as Callum rustled about, leaning on his back with his arm propped between the armrest and his head as he gazed up at the ceiling. The muffled sounds of workout equipment in use, sparring matches, and Lorillis's shouting filtered through the walls. Gradually, exhaustion washed over Callum, his eyelids heavied, and sore body numbed as he drifted into sleep.

**

The warmth of the fading summer sun splashed across Callum's face, enticing him to fall deeper into his slumber. The golden rays danced playfully, casting a kaleidoscope of light onto his eyelids, creating a tapestry of warmth and comfort. Nimble fingers, delicate as a whisper, combed through his tousled auburn hair with the tenderness of a soothing lullaby. The scent of lotus blooms enveloped him, their ethereal fragrance mingled with the faint echo of distant laughter. "The feels good," Callum purred, a content smile played at the corners of his lips as he shifted, nestling his face into the gentle curve of the other's stomach. "Let's stay like this. Just a little longer."

"Do you believe in fate?"

Callum laughed light heartedly, "Aylin has been planting some wild ideas in your mind." Noah let out a soft sigh, his fingers twirled through Callum's hair. Silence fell between them, against the protest of his sleepy body Callum slowly opened his eyes. Above him, Noah gazed up at the sky, a subtle smile played on his lips. "Is something troubling you?" Callum inquired gently.

Noah's voice held a tinge of melancholy as he murmured, "I often find myself pondering when our dreams intertwine with fate and when our nightmares materialize into harsh reality."

With a fluid grace, Callum sat up and enveloped Noah in a comforting embrace, his touch reassuring. As their bodies eased back against the plush green ground, Callum loomed over Noah, their eyes locked in a bittersweet connection.

Callum's eyes leisurely traced over the Noah his subconscious conjured up; he cradled Noah's cheek in his palm. This Noah bore striking resemblance to the one in the waking world, with his untamed snowy locks, and his peachy heart-shaped lips standing out enticingly against his creamy skin. Callum's hand, possessively gripped Noah's slender waist, gradually trailed down to the curve of his hip. "Why do you keep appearing in my dreams?" Noah's slender fingers ventured beneath Callum's shirt, sending a rush of warmth through him. Despite being an adept lucid dreamer, Callum found himself losing grip on the boundary between reality and fantasy when he dreamt of Noah. Noah's fingers elegantly roamed upwards, threading through the forest of Callum's chest hair. "If only Noah knew, he'd probably curse me for real."

The dream Noah giggled; his lips parted invitingly as he stared up into Callum's eyes. "He doesn't need to know. You can do to me," Noah's leg bent upwards, his pressed against Callum's crotch, "what he won't let you in the waking world."

A low, throaty growl rolled through Callum as he dipped down and traced Noah's jaw with kisses. "You just won't give me a moment of peace. Awake or asleep, it doesn't matter. You haunt me." Callum trailed kisses down the collum of Noah's neck, breathing in the fresh floral scent that emitted from his warlock. Noah's breaths shallowed as his fingers tangled in Callum's chest hair tightened. "You've ruined my peaceful life and have put me and my wolf at odds." Callum growled into the crevice between Noah's shoulder and neck.

"Then obliterate me," Noah rasped as Callum's hand slid up his shirt and teasingly played with his nipple. His leg pressed harder against Callum's erection, his hand dropped out of Callum's shirt and hooked around his neck. "Erase me from existence. Make a mess of me," Noah whispered tauntingly into Callum's ear before tracing his tongue over the earlobe.

Callum's grip on Noah's hip tightened, the fingers of his other hand shared in the fun of toying with Noah's perked nipple. He couldn't help but wonder how sensitive the waking world Noah's body would be, how willing he'd be to be dominated by Callum, and how dirty his mouth would get before being rendered to tears out of pure bliss. Callum's cock compressed painfully under his jeans, this was a dream, he could do whatever he wanted, and this version of Noah was hot with lust. The fog that draped Callum's mind began to lift as his hand slipped from Noah's chest. "What do you mean? Obliterate?"

Noah's devilish smile reached his blood-stained purple eyes. Their bodies moved instinctively together as Noah sat up and pushed Callum back onto the ground. Noah straddled Callum's lap; his hips rutted forward against Callum's crotch three times before he finally spoke. "Destroy me," Noah pressed down on Callum, his lips hovered over his ear. "Destroy me like you did your mother. Make the memory of me so painful that you have no choice but to burry me under the mountains of depravity." Noah pressed a kiss against Callum's cheek, "smother any love the wolf has for me until neither of you can ever feel an ounce of love again." A malicious aura shrouded Noah as he straightened his back and gazed down at Callum's fear-stricken expression.

"How... How do you know... how do you know what happened to my mom?"

"I'm a figment of your subconscious, I've seen memories lost even to you. Noah leaned down once again and brushed his lips against Callum's, "give into your human side, Callum." Their mouths smashed together, teeth clanked, tongues roamed. Heat bubbled within Callum as he gripped both sides of Noah's hips and thrusted his own hips upwards to grind their crotches together. The visual similarities between the dream Noah and waking Noah ended there, traces of the meek, mouthy, and warmth of the waking Noah melted away. This Noah, the dream Noah, was voracious, unabashed by his allure, and ready to devour or be devoured.

Muffled moans laced the space between them. Their hips rutted against each other, until Callum felt he could burst with desire. They kissed until the air in their lungs drained dangerously low, forcing them to break apart. They panted frantically as they gulped down air, Noah's chest heaved but his complexion remained even, his eyes dreary with lust yet void of the confused adoration the waking Noah held in his soft glances. 

Callum rolled Noah onto the ground and positioned himself between Noah's legs. A mischievous smile stitched Noah's kiss swollen lips, his legs spread, and knees turned out. Noah's hand grazed down his own chest, his fingers hooked the edge of his shirt and slowly he lifted it to reveal his flat, tight stomach. "This is what you want," he rasped. The shirt pulled higher, revealing his pale pink nipples. "Don't be fooled into thinking this is anything more than lust. The wolf distracts you with falsehoods, he wants to be the dominate one. Why else pick a creature incapable of love? I'm a toy to distract you." Noah held his arms upwards towards Callum, beckoning him to crumble into him. "Destroy me, go on. Show the wolf which side is the true alpha."

Every word from Noah's lips felt like gospel. Callum found his own will numb, distant, and unimportant. All that mattered was this warlock sprawled beneath him. Fantasy and reality mattered little, whether this was real life or a dream, Callum couldn't distinguish any more. The echoes of the wolf subsided, leaving only Noah's entrancing gaze. The threads that wove together lust and love frayed. Callum pressed down on Noah; his mouth circled the curve of Noah's neck. Callum bit down, his tongue traced the pulsing veins as he left behind his mark. Noah gasped, his hand on the back of Callum's head as his back arched. Callum left a trail of markings as he moved down Noah's body. Every soft cry and tremble of Noah's body fueled Callum's need to devour him. To possess him.

To cherish him.

Callum stopped as his lips grazed the dip of Noah's hip. "This is wrong..." he muttered.

"This is the nature of the heartless," Noah chided. "Your nature."

"No," Callum sat up right and raked his hand through his hair. "I don't want this. Not with you."

Noah sat up; his brows furrowed in annoyance. "You're letting the wolf confuse you. Take what you want," Noah leaned forward and grabbed the collar of Callum's shirt. "Take me. Use me. Use me like all the others and leave me broken when you've had enough. That's what you want." Noah pressed a kiss against the side of Callum's sealed mouth. "You don't want to care. You lost the ability to love years ago."

Callum sat paralyzed, unable to move away from this version of Noah, and unable to embrace him. A torturous wave of guilt engulfed him, plunging into his stomach with the weight of a thousand leaden anchors. His heart felt as if it were being torn apart, each beat echoed with a deep ache that reverberated through his entire being. He wanted the waking Noah, the real Noah. The Noah that calmed the torrential rains within him. The Noah that scolded him unafraid of putting him in his place but in the next minute would turn beat red and shy away.

"It's okay, my love," Noah hushed with sweet desperation. "You can shred me into nothing. I'm a demon after all." Callum pulled away but was captured by this nightmarish Noah,

A glimmer of light as he followed the chain downwards, where a moonstone materialized, nestled against Noah's chest. The gemstone emitted an ethereal glow, casting a mesmerizing array of colors that seemed to dance in the air. Swirls of black mist threatened to consume the vibrant hues. The screaming in Callum's mind seemed to ease as he reached for the stone.

"You don't want this," the demonic aura around nightmare Noah lightened ever so slightly.

As Callum's fingers closed around the smooth surface, sparks of energy sizzled and crackled, sending jolts up his arm. Gritting his teeth, Callum tightened his grip, blind determination to protect this stone from the encroaching darkness drove him.

A suffocating wind circled them. Noah's eyes widened with fear, "You don't know what you're doing. You don't remember but I know! I know what happened to your mother, the truth. Not the lies fed to you."

Struggling to control the powerful currents of energy, Callum pulled Noah in closer, his heart heavy with a sense of protectiveness towards the other man. He pressed a loving kiss against Noah's forehead, "Like you said, you are a figment of my mind. Everything you know, is locked in my head. But you..." Callum's grip on the moonstone tightened, "You aren't my Noah." Callum yanked the chain from the nightmare's neck. Energy burst between them, sending Callum flying backwards.

The illusion of Noah distorted. His flesh peeled away as the black mist devoured the nightmare's essence. Underneath the mask revealed beaming crimson flesh, at first Callum thought it was Noah's muscle but then the creature transformed. Gone was Noah's image, in place was a tall red creature with hoofs instead of feet, horns of the ram jutted from his skull, and exposed in full nudity. His muscles rippled and veins bulged as his screeches of agony echoed through the dreamscape.

"What the fuck are you?" Callum asked, his voice barely over a whisper.

The creature's elongated mouth dropped, unhinged as rows of razor-sharp teeth exposed themselves. Callum stomach lurched as he leaned over and heaved, the moonstone radiated in his palm, tethering him to a sense of home he hadn't felt in ages.

"She will come for you," the creature spoke in an eerily enchanting voice un-fitting of his grotesque appearance.

Callum went to speak but before he could get even a sound out the creature roared in agony as flames erupted all around him. The blaze devoured the dreamscape and forced Callum awake.