Zarek's POV

I woke up at one in the morning, the dim red glow of the clock on Kaidon’s nightstand catching my eye. But the time barely registered. Pain coursed through my body, raw and relentless, like fire blazing under my skin. I clutched the blankets beneath me, my breathing uneven, every inhale a struggle.

“Aegis,” I whimpered weakly, reaching for my wolf.

“I’m here,” Aegis replied, his voice a soothing balm against the storm raging inside me. “Let me take over. I can handle this.”

I hesitated. I’d always forced myself to endure these heats alone, my pride refusing to let me lean on anyone. The pain was familiar—a cruel reminder of all the times I’d been ignored or dismissed—but this time, it was worse. Sharper. Like my body was punishing me for resisting the bond I didn’t ask for.

I couldn’t do it anymore. With a shaky breath, I let go, retreating into the recesses of my mind as Aegis took control.

The pain dulled slightly, though it was still there, lingering just beneath the surface. I could feel Aegis stretching, testing the limits of our body, his presence stronger than usual.

“Don’t do anything stupid,” I warned, my voice faint in our shared mind.

But Aegis didn’t listen. He tipped his head back and let out a low, guttural howl. “Alpha Kaidon!” he called, desperation lacing his voice.

“Stop it!” I snapped, trying to wrestle control back. “We don’t need him!”

“You don’t need him,” Aegis shot back, his voice firm. “But *I* do. He’s our mate, and I won’t let you keep us apart.”

Before I could fight him, the door creaked open. Kaidon’s scent hit me like a tidal wave, rich and intoxicating, making my head spin. Aegis stilled, a low purr rumbling in our chest as Kaidon stepped into the room.

The sight of him—tall, broad, and so damn calm—sent a shiver down my spine. I wanted to hide, to shield myself from the vulnerability Aegis had exposed, but my wolf wouldn’t let me.

“What’s wrong, pup?” Kaidon’s voice was soft, steady, and it only made my chest tighten further.

Aegis shifted in the nest, rolling onto his back and baring our stomach in a gesture that made me cringe internally. “Come lay with me,” he murmured, his voice low and pleading.

I tried to pull him back, but Aegis ignored me, his focus solely on Kaidon.

Kaidon hesitated, his jaw tightening as he took in the sight of us. For a moment, I thought he might leave, but then he stepped closer, his movements careful and deliberate.

“I don’t think that’s a good idea,” he said, though his voice wavered.

“Please,” Aegis whispered, the desperation in his tone making me want to scream.

Kaidon sighed and sat on the edge of the bed, close enough that his scent surrounded us completely. Aegis melted into it, his eyes fluttering shut as he basked in the Alpha’s presence.

“What’s your name?” Kaidon asked, his voice gentle.

“Aegis,” my wolf replied, his lilac eyes meeting Kaidon’s. “Zarek doesn’t want me here, but I couldn’t stay away.”

Kaidon nodded, his gaze softening. “Let him come back.”

Aegis shook his head. “He’ll lock me away if I do. Please, just let me stay.”

Kaidon’s hand brushed against our cheek, and I felt Aegis lean into the touch. “I promise you,” Kaidon said, his voice firm yet kind, “when the next full moon comes, I’ll let Corban out. You and he can run together. But right now, Zarek needs to be in control.”

For a moment, Aegis hesitated, his longing for Kaidon radiating through every part of me.

“Corban… he already loves me,” Aegis murmured.

“I think I do, too,” Kaidon replied, his lips curving into a faint smile.

That was enough to make Aegis relent. He pulled back, and with a blink, I was back in control, staring up at Kaidon with wide, startled eyes.

Immediately, I scrambled away, pulling the blankets around me like a shield. “What the hell are you doing here?” I snapped, my voice sharp despite the lingering pain.

Kaidon stayed where he was, calm and composed. “You called for me.”

“That wasn’t me,” I muttered, avoiding his gaze.

Another wave of heat hit, and I bit down on my lip to keep from crying out. My body trembled, and I could feel Kaidon’s gaze on me, his concern almost tangible.

“You’re in pain,” he said softly, his tone infuriatingly gentle.

“I’m fine,” I lied, though my voice cracked. “I’m used to it.”

His jaw tightened, and for a moment, I thought he might argue. But instead, he reached out, his hand brushing through my hair.

I froze, my instincts screaming at me to pull away, but the touch was so gentle, so unlike anything I’d ever experienced, that I couldn’t move.

“No one will hurt you here,” Kaidon said, his voice steady.

Something inside me broke. I leaned into his hand, a soft whimper escaping before I could stop it.

Kaidon shifted closer, his arms wrapping around me carefully. I stiffened at first, but his warmth, his scent, his steady heartbeat—it all soothed the chaos inside me.

“I’ll protect you,” he murmured, his lips brushing against my temple. “I’ll undo all the pain they caused. I swear.”

I wanted to argue, to tell him I didn’t need his promises or his protection. But I was too tired, too overwhelmed. So instead, I buried my face in his chest, letting his scent lull me into a restless sleep.