10 years ago, Lune Cramoisie, Lousianna
Heat scorched Noah's cheeks as sweat dripped from his furrowed brow. Each ragged breath felt like fire in his lungs as his short legs propelled him across the sunbaked gravel ground. The weight of his stolen cache pulled at his sweat-slicked palms. He weaved through the throng of dazed tourists, immersed in the vibrant chaos of magic and perusing handcrafted goods. The clink of spare coins harmonized with a lively trumpeter; his crisp white shirt soaked with sweat as he swayed along with the upbeat jazz melody. The air was thick with the scent of Cajun spices, fried dough, and simmering meats, accompanied by the hum of excited chatter. Noah gasped for air as he halted to a stop, the late afternoon sun glared down casting deep shadows between the tightly packed buildings.
"That way!" a disgruntled voice shouted from the crowd. "Get the little shit!"
Without a second to spare, Noah gathered himself, the relentless pursuit of the angry shop owner outweighed the agony of his parched throat and frantic lungs. The muscles in his calves seared as he pushed forward through the flowing crowd. The shouts of the angry shop owner and his companion reverberated through the mass, startled by the commotion, eyes began to fall on Noah as he dipped and swiveled through the congestion. His heart raced, his thoughts swirled into a blur as he searched for a back alley or lowered fire escape to use. Instead, in his desperation he dipped under the guard rail of a pub favored by locals.
"Hey kid," a man with a gruff voice and a scar etched from his temple down the side of his face stopped him, "where are your parents?" The man searched behind the child waiting for someone to claim him, but no one came forward. "You're too young to be in here," he declared with a new sense of urgency, "are you lost?"
Noah clutched the two-stack of books tighter to his chest, a small black pouch dangled from his wrist. His heart raced as he nervously nibbled the inside of his lip, stealing glances over his shoulder to make sure the shop owner hadn't found him yet. He knew that if he didn't get out of that doorway soon, he would be caught. And being caught wasn't an option, no matter the cost.
"He's with me," another voice interjected. Both the man with the scar and Noah looked towards the young teen werewolf that sauntered towards them. His hands casually tucked inside the pockets of a jacket that it was far too hot to be wearing, his faded grey jeans torn and frayed, and a moonstone dangled from a leather thread around his neck landed just over his heart, catching the light with a pale blue aura.
The man with the scar crossed his massive, tattooed arms over his broad chest and arched an unconvinced eyebrow at the teen. "You trying to get me in trouble?"
The teen werewolf raised his hands defensively. "Don't give me that look, we aren't staying." The wolf swung a casual arm around Noah's frail shoulders, "I told Sunshine to meet me here, yah know how the old man gets when warlocks enter pack territory." He pinched the tip of Noah's ear as if to drive home a point, a mischievous glint in his Midas touched eyes.
The man with the scar scrutinized the two unlikely friends. Noah was a lanky kid, barely ten and under average in height. Not to mention he was a warlock, while parts of Lousianna were favorable towards warlocks, this wasn't the case in wolf territory. Especially when said warlock was also a fleeing thief. The teen wolf on the other hand, looked like he could be the jock that bullied the puny nerd. Perfectly bronzed complexion, athletic build, nearly as tall as the man with the scar.
"Fine," the man with the scar concurred, "just get out of here."
The wolf saluted with his free hand. "Yes sir!"
"Where did that little shit go?" the disgruntled shop owner shouted from the street. Noah cowered as he scooted closer into the shelter the wolf provided.
"Let's go, Sunshine," the wolf pulled Noah further inside, away from the doorway. "We'll slip out the back," he whispered to Noah. Few locals bothered to spare a glance at the duo as they made their way across the small pub to a narrow hallway at the far back corner.
At the end of the hallway was an exit that led out into a back alley. "Why are you helping me?" Noah finally asked as he peeked out into the alley, to his immediate right was a brick wall with moss growing out of the crevices. In the opposite direction was an opening that led to a quieter part of the city. He clutched his books, if this were a trap, he couldn't figure out the gain. This wolf wouldn't get any use out of books of the damned, it wouldn't make sense for him to have even expected Noah to run into that pub. Unless it wasn't about the books, Noah glared towards the wolf, perhaps the wolf simply saved him just so he could have the honor of beating up the puny warlock kid. Noah took a step back, only to have cornered himself.
The wolf shrugged, "I was bored."
"Bored," Noah echoed in disbelief.
The wolf looked Noah up and down, he could have guessed the wild ideas that ran rampant through the warlock's mind. He stepped out into the alley to provide a comfortable distance between them. "Yeah, my dad sends me here when he doesn't want me around. Staff won't serve me booze and my uncle keeps a short leash on me," the wolf smirked at his own joke, "a warlock thief stumbles in like a little ray of sunshine, it'd be dumb not to seize the opportunity."
"I'm not a thief," Noah protested as he took a cautious step into the alley. The door shut behind them.
The wolf paused; his eyes shifted down to the books Noah held like his life depended on them. He pointed an accusing finger, "so... you just forgot to pay then? Well, shit," he grabbed Noah's arm and pulled him towards the opening, "Let's go back to the shop and pay. I'm sure the shop owner will be relieved to know it was all just a misunderstanding."
Noah dragged his heels against the ground. "No!" he pulled himself out of the wolf's grip. "Just beat me up! I don't have any money, but you can take my shoes! Please just don't turn me in."
The wolf looked down at Noah's feet. Noah wore a pair of worn sneakers, the dark grey material stained from suffering the seasons, and the start of a hole formed at the edge of the laces of one shoe. The wolf tapped his combat boot clad foot against the side of Noah's foot, "I don't think your shoes would fit."
"You know what I mean!" Noah shouted.
The wolf chuckled, "I think you're trying to imply that I'm some sort of bully. That hurts my feelings, Sunshine."
"Stop calling me that!"
"Hey," the wolf stepped in closer towards Noah. Noah bit his lip and squeezed his eyes shut as he braced himself for a direct hit. "You shouldn't shout, that guy could still be around." Noah opened his eyes and looked up at the wolf. "Now, if you're done hurting my feelings. Let's go."
"Go where?"
The wolf flashed a sharp toothed smile, "I'm in this now." He ran his fingers over the books, "helping out a warlock seems like a lot more fun than sitting around here."
Noah shook his head, "it's a secret."
"I won't tell anyone."
"I don't know you; I can't trust you. And... besides..." Noah looked down the space between them. "I'm a warlock, you can't trust me."
Noah flinched as the wolf raised his arm, "I pinky promise."
"What?" Noah looked at the wolf's hand, he balled his fist, leaving only his pinky proudly raised in the air.
"Pinky promises can't be broken. You have my word as a wolf of Selene. I'll keep your secrets, Sunshine."
**
Present
A thick layer of sweat dripped down Noah's skin, a reminder of the humid Lousianna summer that seemed a world away from the frigid morning winds that angrily whipped around him from every direction. The first hints of color began to paint the horizon as the sun sluggishly roused from its slumber. Noah maintained a steady breath as he jogged along the icy path, his thoughts drifted back to the fleeting hours of sleep he'd managed to get after Bellamy left in a storm of anger. In the haze of his slumber, he dreamt of fragmented memories of the summer he'd spent in Lousianna. It was the summer before they went to live with the Belladonna's, before he'd met Bellamy.
His mom had brought them there in search of a way to control the growing chaotic energies that whirled within him. She had been semi-successful when she'd met with a werewolf shaman and bartered for an enchanted moonstone. The very moonstone that swung freely from Noah's neck. The enchantment helped to ease the tension of chaotic magic that threatened to shred Noah apart from the inside, imbuing him with a sense of calm and control. In his dream, the wolf boy he had met that summer wore the very same pendant, dreams couldn't be held as an accurate though. Despite this, his subconscious had deftly integrated the two important events of that transformative summer, binding them together like threads in a rich tapestry of memories.
As the days blurred into one another, and the years came and went, the details of that fateful summer slipped away from Noah like grains of sand through his fingers. Despite his efforts, the werewolf's features were hazy in his mind, but the memory of his laughter still lingered in his ears. The desperation and determination that had driven him to steal those books remained vivid in his nerves, yet the underlying motive had become an enigmatic puzzle. A bittersweet smile tugged at the corners of Noah's mouth as he struggled to recall the brief but profound significance that the wolf boy had held in his life.
If it weren't for Callum's careless declarations on the importance of pinky promises, Noah wouldn't have given that summer a second thought. Most of his memories before Bellamy and the Belladonna's were blurred by time. As Noah jogged, careful to avoid patches of black ice, he found himself wondering what happened to that wolf boy.
Noah winced as a sharp pain shot through him, a painful reminder of Bellamy's unyielding fervor. He slowed his pace and rubbed the small of his back with both hands. The night's events chased away the dwindling memories of the past. How could he face Bellamy, let alone make amends for his folly? Noah had tested Bellamy's patience time and time again, always relying on his forgiveness. But this time was different, the rift seemed irreparable. It all started out as a misunderstanding, something Noah believed he would have been able to resolve. All he had to do was set clear boundaries with Callum. It would have been a simple task, even simpler if the wolf had decided to leave. Yet, Callum's magnetic presence had clouded Noah's judgment, leading him astray.
A piercing whistle punctuated by a holler, "Damn! Lookin' good!" Riley exclaimed without restraint. Noah snapped out of his reverie and sprinted towards Riley with renewed energy.
"Riley, it's six-thirty in the morning," Noah chided his boisterous friend. "Fae are still asleep; you can't be shouting like that." As Noah wiped beads of sweat from his forehead, he struggled to catch his breath after that final sprint.
Riley playfully fanned himself, "I can't help it. Seeing you all flushed from your morning run."
Noah rolled his eyes at Riley's antics as they made their way into the building. The lobby was still desolate at this early hour. "What are you doing here?"
"Hoping to catch a glimpse of my sweet Noah all flushed and disheveled," Riley teased.
"Get out," Noah playfully shoved Riley's shoulder.
Riley laughed as he pressed the elevator button. "Nah, I wanted to check in on you before my training session. I came by last night, but you weren't in."
"Ah," Noah stepped onto the elevator first, "I was out with Bellamy, we got back late." Riley frowned; the earlier lightness vanished. "Don't be like that."
"I didn't say anything," Riley defended.
"You wear your thoughts on your face."
They got off the elevator on Noah's floor and walked down the hall together. "He's not still in your room, right?" Noah shook his head. Riley nodded his relief; he didn't have any interest in seeing Bellamy's face this early in the morning. "When's your first class?"
"I don't have classes on Mondays. I work in the lab tonight."
"How is vamp boy?" Riley asked as they entered Noah's bedroom. The second the door opened Riley's senses kicked into overdrive. Werewolves already have an excellent scent of smell, but Riley's was among the best of the three packs that participated in Eldarion's pack program. With his sense of smell alone he could detect the faintest changes in a person's pheromones, whether they were lying, scared, or excited. He could nearly recreate a scene in his mind just from the lingering scents. And the myriad of scents that lingered within Noah's bedroom had his fingernails imprinting tiny crescents into his palms.
"Corbin," Noah corrected, "hasn't shown any progress. He's been patient with my research though." Noah walked across the bedroom and cracked open the window. A rush of cold air rallied against the warmth of the room. Noah walked over to the tiny kitchen space and started to brew them some coffee.
Riley grimaced as he scanned the bedroom, fresh air splashed across the lingering aromas. Everything seemed to be in order, Noah was nothing if not a neat freak. However, Riley noted Callum's jacket clumped on Noah's bed. "It's not like he gets nothing out of this exchange. If you're successful, he has more to gain than just a grade."
"It's not just about the grade," Noah stirred in a splash of the hazelnut creamer that Riley liked then turned around to hand it to him. "My research could change the way of life for vampire kind."
"You don't think that's dangerous?" Riley took the mug and took a long gulp. His eyes continued to dart around the room. The laundry basket with crumpled up clothes saturated in the scent of heartache. A lone lighter on the dresser accompanied by the scent of roasted marshmallows and guilty pleasures.
Noah busied himself by brewing his own cup. "I don't think so, this strain of vampirism is a demonic curse not a natural occurrence. The medicine I am trying to make would help ease the transition for baby bats, curve the bloodlust and ease their heightened emotions. Hopefully save both the victims and vampires." Noah stirred in his creamer and took a sip; the first sip of freshly brewed coffee was as close to Heaven as Noah would ever get.
"I admire your ambition," Riley sipped on his coffee and closed the window. Noah nibbled the inside of his lip, if he had known Riley would have been waiting for him after his run, he would have opened the window before leaving. "Just be careful. I know you're capable, but bloodlust is no joke."
"Awe, you worried about me?" Noah teased.
Riley turned towards Noah; his eyes lingered on the jacket on the bed then on the bruises around Noah's neck. Dark shadows loomed under his doe eyes, the whites blood shot. "Yeah..." Riley finally admitted, "you give me a lot of reasons to worry."
"I'm okay, Riles..." Noah smiled weakly.
"One more time and I might believe you," Riley half-heartedly chuckled. Noah said nothing, but the smile reached his eyes this time. "Alright, we should get going."
"What? Where?"
"You're my gym partner today," Riley waggled his brows.
"No."
Riley pouted, "Why not?"
"What am I supposed to do?" Noah waved his arms in front of himself, "there's no way I would be able to spot the amount of weight you lift. You'd knock me out if I tried to spar with you. Even holding the dummy in place would be a risk."
Riley laughed as Noah continued to check off reasons as to why he couldn't be Riley's gym partner. "You missed one." Noah hummed in response as he waited for Riley to enlighten him. "You never said that you don't want to. Sooo," he placed the cup on the counter and grabbed Noah's hand, "I'll take it as a hesitant yes." Riley pulled him towards the door.
"Wait, no... I really can't..." Noah protested.
"Don't worry so much. I'll go easy on you and there will be other wolves there too."
"That's worse! I'm going to be a laughingstock!"
"You're already warmed up from your run. That adrenaline is pumping, you'll be fine." Reluctantly Noah walked down the hall hand in hand with Riley. There was no way this was a good idea, in fact, it was a stupid one. Noah had no business even looking at a gym, let alone a pack gym, Riley was a serious athlete. Noah only ran as an outlet. He had endurance and breath control, but he didn't have the strength to do anything else. Nor did he have the desire to build strength.
The pack gym had undergone a complete renovation less than two years ago, resulting in a stunning open-concept brick building that exuded modernity and functionality. Upon entering, there was a little rest nook with cozy seating and a water station to fill a personal bottle and a vending machine to purchase bottled water, energy drinks, and Gatorade. Separated by a wall no higher than the waist with a little swinging door was the primary fitness room. Equipped with an array of workout equipment, one wall was one big mirror with a row of benches and weights lined neatly in front. Vanity lights etched the wall and ceiling above the mirror wall. At the heart of the fitness space stood a grand boxing ring, a rectangular light fixture haloed above illuminating the stage where sweat and blood mixed. Along another windowless brick wall were punching bags and dummies, ready for conditioning and technique practicing. A stack of mats was neatly placed in a far corner ready for floor exercise, there were a handful of treadmills and various other machines that Noah had no interest in further inspecting.
As Noah glanced around, he noted the determined figures of about a dozen werewolves engaged in vigorous workouts, their presence filled the space with an energized determination. Noah respected it but he couldn't help but feel out of place.
"You're late, Torres," Lorillis emerged from an office space with window walls.
Riley shot her a daring grin and pulled Noah against his side, "I was out for a run with this one."
Lorillis looked at Noah, who was dressed in a pair of baggy dark grey joggers and a thermal long-sleeved shirt underneath his windbreaker and slush-soaked sneakers. Then she scrutinized Riley, who was adorned in a thick winter coat, sweatpants and snow boots. It was clear she didn't buy his excuse, but she didn't call him out on it either. "Get dressed and in the ring. You'll be sparring with the new guy today."
"New guy?" Riley questioned as he glanced around. He recognized everyone around and couldn't see anyone else in the office.
"He'll be acting coach while I'm on maternity leave," she offered as the only piece of clarification.
While Riley still wore a confused expression on his face, Noah understood immediately who the new guy was. Confirming his theory, Noah glanced towards the back door in time to see Callum saunter in. He knew that door led to the outdoor track, Noah liked that track best but often avoided it to not get in the wolf students' way. Callum's forehead glistened with sweat, his tank top damp, emphasizing the sculpted contours of his torso. Beads of water dribbled down his chin as he lifted a bottle to his lips, his adam's apple bobbed as he quenched his thirst.
"Oh, hell no," Riley groused. "That rogue is your sub?" Riley pointed towards Callum, "What are his qualifications?"
Lorillis rubbed her round belly as the pup kicked around, another hand rested on her lower back. "We'll find out if you get your ass in the ring."
"Fuck... I'll be right back." Riley stomped off towards the locker rooms.
"What do you think?" Lorillis asked Noah. Noah slowly pulled his gaze away from Callum and back to Lorillis, his thoughts scattered and eyes dazed. "Aylin said he's the one that found you in the woods."
"Oh..." Noah swayed slightly on his feet, "yeah... he did." Though his words were casual, his attention drifted back towards Callum. The man stood next to the boxing ring, engaged in animated conversation with a female wolf who was dressed in a tight sports bra and leggings that accentuated every perfect curve. Noah's chest tightened at the sight. "I don't really know him though."
"Aylin trusts him," Lorillis added, her tone indicating a touch of skepticism. "Girl is lying through her teeth about being childhood friends. But I trust her judgment. I think he will be good for these punks, light a fire under their asses to have some competition."
The female wolf beamed as she giggled, her soft laughter echoed in the room, as she traced her delicate fingers over Callum's muscular arm. Noah's heart sank as he felt a sour taste form in the back of his throat. He nodded a half-hearted response to Lorillis, but her words hardly reached him as he watched Callum flash that damned charming smile and flirt with the female like she was the only one in the room.
A loud clap startled Noah, he turned his head to find Riley standing beside him and Lorillis making her way towards the ring. "Alright," Riley rubbed his hands together, "I've been itching to kick this guy's ass." Noah smiled encouragingly.
Lorillis interrupted the oh so important conversation Callum had been having with the overly touchy and perky female wolf. Noah couldn't hear what they talked about, but Callum's gaze lifted and fixed on Noah. Noah hardened his face into a scowl, "sure, now he notices me," Noah thought to himself. His ears twitched at his own internal embarrassment, eliciting a lopsided grin from Callum, who then excused himself and swaggered towards them. Watching Callum approach, Noah wondered if he was more bleary-eyed than he thought. When Riley reached for his hand and intertwined their fingers, Noah thought he detected a flash of jealousy. It was hard to be sure but the confident grin Callum wore wavered slightly, and his eyes briefly flicked down to their conjoined hands before returning to their faces.
"If you're done dragging ass, let's get in the ring," Callum taunted, not bothering to mask the arrogance in his voice.
Riley glowered as he replied defiantly, "Impatient to be knocked down a peg? I've been itching for a chance to hit you."
"Ha!" Callum's steely gaze and haughty smirk only fueled Riley's annoyance. "You wish. Don't let a few medals go to your head, pup." Callum's lips popped as he emphasized the pet-name. "You still have a long way to go."
Noah looked between the two, tension surged between them as the prospect of being able to beat on each other fueled their spirits. Riley got into boxing when he was young and got sent to live with his grandparents. They ran their own all fae-inclusive boxing gym, he'd worked hard to prove to his grandfather that he could be disciplined enough to learn how to fight in the ring. Since then, he's won nearly every fight he'd been in and became the trophy wolf of Eldarion's Night Stalkers. However, Noah didn't think that Riley would have been able to withstand the desolation of chaotic magic the way Callum had.
"Go ahead, underestimate me. I'm not going down without a fight," Riley retorted, determination flashed in his eyes.
Callum's grin broadened, "then you better go warm up, you're looking sluggish."
Riley smiled and pressed his cheek against the top of Noah's head, "get comfy, Noah. Enjoy watching me kick this guy's ass." Riley released Noah's hand and bumped Callum's shoulder as he pushed past him to go do a quick warm up.
Alone, Noah shifted awkwardly. "There's a couch in the office," Callum's previously snide tone softened. Noah looked up at him incredulously.
"Okay?" Noah said with a tight tone.
Callum raised his hands in surrender, "I'm not picking a fight. You look like you're about to keel over."
"You don't need to worry about me," Noah retorted.
"When's the last time you got a decent night sleep?"
"Don't you have a fight to focus on?" Callum smiled empathetically as he reached for stray strands of hair that fell over Noah's eyes. Noah stepped backwards, "don't," he raked his fingers through his hair, pushing the disheveled strands out of his face.
Callum's hand dropped to his side. "I left my jacket in your room."
"Yeah," Noah dropped his eyes to their feet. "I'll go grab it."
"You don't need to do that," Callum's hand twitched as he resisted the urge to reach for Noah's hand. It had been so easy for Riley, Noah hadn't flinched or shown any disdain towards the casual touch. "I can wait to grab it when I get that charm from yah."
Noah looked back up at Callum, "I guess it's mine now." Noah had meant it to imply that he didn't plan on making Callum that charm but as Callum flashed him that damned grin that made his heart stutter the tips of his Elven ears twitched sheepishly.
"I look forward to seeing you in it," Callum couldn't help the surge of pride and possessiveness from the wolf instinct at the thought of Noah in his jacket. He longed for this warlock to be shrouded in his scent, clad in his clothes, he wanted to broadcast exactly who this male belonged with. The voice of the wolf echoed in his head as his hand reached for Noah's. Mine. He's mine. Belongs with me. Noah flinched as his hand became enveloped in Callum's, "In fact," Callum stepped in closer until their chests nearly touched. Noah stood, stunned, his eyes on their hands as warmth filled him. Callum snatched his chin with his other hand and lifted Noah's head until their eyes locked. "I don't ever want it back."
"Hey!" Riley shouted from inside the ring, "We doing this, or are you wussing out?" He taunted.
Callum kept his attention on Noah, a sly smirk played at the corners of his lips, as he shouted back. "Impatient to get your ass beat." He lowered his voice, as his fingers glided up to cup Noah's cheek. "Want me to go easy on him? Wouldn't want you mad at me for beating your friend too bad."
For a split-second the warmth of Callum's hand could have been enough to lull Noah to sleep. Noah slid his hand over Callum's, "I'd be more upset if either of you held back." He calmly pulled the hand from his cheek, feeling the cool air tickle at the absence of heat. "I'm rooting for Riley," he declared as he dropped Callum's hand like a dead weight and brushed past him.
Noah feigned confidence as he strode towards the ring. A crowd already formed in anticipation of the fight between the new mysterious wolf and the golden wolf of the Night Stalker team. The perky female wolf that had been flirting with Callum stood with another female happily chattering as her eyes drifted dreamily towards Callum. Noah rolled his eyes. Riley bent down and rested his arms on the rope as Noah found himself at the ring side. "You alright?" he asked with concern, Noah smiled meekly and nodded. "Let's get breakfast burritos after this," Riley let his concerned expression slip into a cocky one, "to celebrate."
"You mean, sulk," Callum corrected as he rolled into the ring. Riley gnashed his teeth, anger flashed across his dark honey swirled eyes as he stood to face Callum. "Let's get this over with, I have better things to do," he snarled, tension crackled like electricity between them.
"You mean flirt with everything that has a heartbeat?" Riley nodded towards the female wolf that Callum had chatted with earlier, his voice dripped with contempt.
Callum scoffed and rolled his shoulders, the muscles bunched and stretched as he pulled his arms across his chest one after another. "Jealousy doesn't look good on you." His voice hinted amusement, but his eyes were as hard as flint.
"Jealous? Hardly," Riley laughed bitterly. The two stood nose-to-nose, Riley's voice lowered so his words remained between them. "I'm sure you trick a lot of fae with your shit, but Noah won't be one of them."
"You're pretty concerned with Noah's business," Callum maintained a calm composure, but a summering anger lurked beneath the surface. "Worried I'ma snatch him from yah?"
"Trying to spare him the heartache of falling for a fuckboy," Riley corrected with a sneer. Callum's jaw twitched as irritation flooded through him.
"Alright," Lorillis interjected loudly as she stood outside the ring, "I want a clean fight. No time limit, first to tap out or can't continue loses."
"Don't worry this will be quick," Riley mused as he pulled his shirt off and tossed it out of the ring, revealing a sculpted chest of muscles from years of conditioning. He wore bright red tape around his fists and a pair of loose-fitted black gym shorts. "Does a rogue like you even know how to fight fair?"
Callum rolled his eyes as he solidified his stance, his feet rooted against the floor as he became an unmovable mountain. His fists raised in a defensive manner, "just shut up and throw a punch."
"Gladly," Riley positioned himself.
The bell rang.
The two male wolves circled each other, eyes deadlocked as they taunted one another, the weight of their rivalry palpable. Callum was a patient wolf, his movements calculated and precise as he expertly agitated his opponent without exerting his own energy. Riley, on the other hand, was a hot-headed rookie that had a lucky streak. Fueled by his pride as a title holder and weighed down by his arrogance that he couldn't possibly be beaten. His movements were sloppy, easily readable and the rising frustration reddened his face.
The exchange of blows unfolded with a fluidity that could be lost in the blink of the eye. Swing. Dodge. Jab. Lunge. Counter.
As Riley lunged forward, the air around them seemed to whoosh with the force of his swing. Callum curved his body with a fraction of a second to spare, he ducked down. His own arm cut upward through the sweat-soaked air. His fist contacted Riley's jaw; his teeth crushed together as a red welt formed. Blood splattered as Riley spit and staggered backwards; his bravado momentarily shattered.
Light on his feet, Callum advanced with the finesse of a seasoned predator, his fists jabbed out in twos. Riley attempted to block the relentless assault, but Callum continued to press forward with unwavering determination. One, two. One, two. In quick, seamless motions, he edged Riley into a corner, effectively trapping him like a mere mouse.
Noah watched with wide eyes as the two wolves remained locked in their brutal endeavor. The sound of impact echoed through the gym as Riley acted on instinct, he dropped down against his assailant. His fist was like lightning as he mimicked Callum's earlier move, the trajectory pierced through Callum's ribcage. Empathetic pain surged through Noah as he instinctively held his own ribcage. Gasps of awe and disgust filled the crowd. Callum staggered; Riley freed himself. They took turns executing swift motions of flying fists, expertly dodging, and counteracting each other's every move.
Bile rose in Noah's throat as his eyes dried from being unable to look away. With each strike neither showed any signs of falling nor quitting. They beat on each other with all the resentment of years-worth of animosities. Animosities that only could have occurred within the last three days.
The crowd grew as more werewolves entered the gym with the expectation of an everyday workout. Cheers and hollers bounced off the brick walls with no particular winner in mind, just the simple joy of viewing an exciting match. Who would hail victorious, the golden wolf or the mysterious wolf? All wanted to know but none wanted this fight to end.
None, except for Noah. As the minutes drew on, Lorillis remained stoic as she gauged the efforts of her temporary replacement and top champion. She'd said the match would end when the first fell, and she'd meant it. Blood and sweat thickened the air. Noah found himself holding his breath every time a new crack or pop broke through the roar of the crowd. Riley's bronzed skin dotted with darkening bruises; Noah knew that Callum's would be no different underneath his clothing.
Heat smothered Noah's skin, seeping deep into his bones as his head spun. Normally, Noah reveled in the thrill of watching Riley's matches. He enjoyed the raw energy that sparked between opponents and the exhilaration that lit up Riley's eyes with each exchange of blows. But this match was different, devoid of excitement and instead a brutal display of dominance. They swung to hurt, their growls murmurs in the excitement of the hollering crowd. Noah's lashes veiled his vision as black specks began to dance across the scene before him. His legs went leaden, and his head throbbed unbearably. Each savage attack reverberated through his ears and plunged into the pit of his stomach. Unable to bear it any longer and fearing that his chaotic magic would spiral out of control, he turned away from the ring, his hand pressed against his head as he staggered away from the crowd.
The crowd roared. The air whistled and bones shattered. A loud thud followed by the bell marking the end of a vicious battle.
Noah stood still. Unable to carry himself forward nor turn to face the victor and loser.
"Riley wins!" Lorillis bellowed.
An atomic bomb dropped into the depth of Noah's throat, sending a searing wave of heat through his entire body. His heart pounded against his ribs as the shockwaves travelled back up his throat, leaving a taste of bile in his mouth. He gasped for air and stumbled across the gym to the locker room. The metallic tang of panic filled his mouth. Barely finding himself in a stall, Noah heaved and gagged, the acrid stench filled the small space as he collapsed back against the cold wall and trembled with the aftershocks of his ordeal.
"Noah!" Riley ran into the bathroom only moments later, "are you okay?" He pushed on each stall door as he searched for Noah. Quickly Noah flushed the evidence of his nausea, stood and walked out of the stall. Riley grabbed his shoulders, "are you sick? Should we go see Aylin?"
Noah couldn't help but huff out a laugh at the ridiculousness that was Riley. Riley stared down at him with such concern despite the sting of his own split lips. The blistering bruises that covered his torso, arms, and jaw. Sweat matted down his curly hair, blood freely poured from his nose and dripped from his chin. "Riley," Noah gently placed his hands on either side of Riley's ribcage, "you need to see Aylin."
Riley guffawed, "Nah. This ain't shit." He beamed with pride. "I just need a hot bath and a long nap. But what happened back there? Did your magic burst? Are you sure you're not getting sick again? Was it the fight? You've watched me fight before."
"That was...brutal."
Riley wiped the blood under his nose with the back of his hand, "actually, I think it was exactly what I needed. I hate to admit it, but Callum is the best fighter I've ever gone up against." Noah sighed and went to the sink to wet a paper towel to help clean some of the blood from Riley's face. "Seriously. I wouldn't have won if he hadn't let his guard down."
"He let his guard down?" Noah asked as he gently dabbed the blood smeared across Riley's face.
"Yeah, don't know what happened. But at the end there he looked a thousand miles away and didn't block my attack." Riley laughed, "damn, I can't wait to fight him again."
"You're wild," Noah mused as his own thoughts carried him a thousand miles away. Callum had been the epitome of focused that entire fight. He blocked and punched with meditated precision, his movements were light and fluid but still rooted as if he would never fall. He'd taken every punch with all the grace of a ballerina knowing the show must go on. It made no sense that he'd allowed himself to lose focus even for a second. "I... Where is Callum now?"
Riley shrugged, "licking his wounds somewhere."
Noah threw the paper towel away, "I'm going to go check on him."
"Sure," Riley's enthusiasm dwindled. Noah froze and looked back at Riley. "Don't worry about me, like I said. Hot bath and a long nap."
With that, Noah rushed out of the locker room. The hysteria of the gym had calmed, some werewolves had already left while others started their own workouts. Noah glanced around, Lorillis was still at the ring, couching two rookie fighters through their own lackluster match. Callum surely wouldn't have already left, not in the condition he'd been in. They would have had Aylin come down here personally to check on his injuries.
"He's in the office," Lorillis answered Noah's unspoken question. Noah nodded his thanks and forced himself to keep a brisk stride rather than run to Callum's side. He couldn't give the arrogant wolf the satisfaction of thinking he'd desperately wanted to see him. He was just concerned; it was normal to be concerned after a fight like that.
But as Noah reached the office his heart hammered, and his palms were tacky with sweat. The blinds had been closed, it wasn't until Noah reached the opened door that he saw Callum lounged on the couch with the perky and annoyingly beautiful female wolf tending to him. She used a dampened washcloth to wipe the blood from his face and slathered ointment on every cut, her fingers moved with delicate precision. The entire time a sickly-sweet smile traced her lips as she gazed at Callum with lusty adoration, making Noah feel like an unwelcome intruder. A surge of embarrassment flushed through him, and the sour taste from before filled the back of his throat as he quietly turned away.
"Darlin," Noah's heart squeezed tightly at the rasp of Callum's voice. How dare he call that female darlin, Noah turned around, red flared across his cheeks, to the tips of his ears as he urged himself to just walk away. He'd snapped his mouth shut unsure of what would have even come out as he was met with Callum's undivided attention. "You came to check on me," Callum smiled, the split in his bottom lip stretched and bled but the smile never faltered. The female shot Noah a disdainful look as if to warn him to back off.
Noah crossed his arms over his chest defiantly, "Don't get the wrong idea. I was just making sure I didn't have to spend my day helping my friend hide a body."
Callum laughed, "takes more than a few good punches to keep me down. I'm feeling lightheaded though. Maybe you should sit with me and make sure I don't slip into a coma."
Noah glanced towards the pouting female wolf. "Three is a crowd..." he hadn't meant for his tone to come off as bitter as it had, he hadn't even noticed until Callum's lips stretched even wider.
"We're all set," the female sniped. "I'll take care of him."
"I'm a medical student," Noah quipped, "he'd be better in my care."
The female laughed haughtily, "what would you know about tending to a werewolf's injuries?"
Noah stepped forward, filled with renewed confidence. "I know that ointment is about as useful as drinking hot coffee too cool down. Have you checked his ribs for any breaks? Do you know the warning signs of a concussion? Or did you think a sponge bath would suffice?" By the time Noah had finished his string of questions he found himself at Callum's side. "You can go."
"Callum," the female pouted as she pressed herself against his arm, "you want me to stay. Right?"
"Nah," Callum answered simply. "Noah can take it from here."
The female huffed out her annoyance and shot up to her feet. "Fine! Your loss." She marched towards the door, "picking a freak over me. You'll regret it when he's slicing out your organs to offer to his master."
"Close the door," Callum called out.
"Screw you!" The door slammed shut.
"I think she's mad," Callum pondered unable to wipe the smile from his lips.
Noah sighed and sat down beside Callum, "you have that effect."
"Are you really a med student?"
Noah sat on the couch; his fingers deftly pulled off Callum's sweat-soaked shirt. As he faced Callum, one leg propped underneath him, he spoke. "My focus is occult medicine. The ultraviolet potion you saw in my room is an experiment I've been working on." He observed the darkening welts on Callum's body, reminiscent of Riley's. "I'm trying to create a medicine for vampire health. Humans weren't created to withstand the hunger, senses and emotional aspects of being fae. Most can barely withstand the transition into becoming full-fledged vampires, leading to sever emotional turmoil, bloodlust and a high mortality rate." As Noah gingerly traced his fingers over Callum's ribcage, his eyes couldn't help but be drawn to the patch of dark auburn hair that covered his chest, trailing down to his tight, defined abs where a perfectly sharp v shape dipped below the waistband of his sweats. "My hope... my theory," Noah corrected as his eyes wandered lower, "is with proper medicine the heightening of senses and emotions during transition will be eased which would make managing the bloodlust easier. It would also give vampires some resistance to the sun, so they wouldn't be forced into complete darkness." Noah frowned as he felt breaks in Callum's ribs, his eyes snapped back into focus.
"So, like a vampire antidepressant?"
"I know it sounds silly..." Noah's hand lingered over the break as he contemplated using the same spell, he'd used the other night to relieve Callum of his wounds. Wounds that Noah had caused in the first place.
"Not at all," Callum pressed his hand over Noah's, "I'm impressed. I've never been determined to do anything, least of try to make a change."
"It's nothing special," Noah clarified. In truth, while he wanted to help as many afflicted by demonic curses as possible, he couldn't deny that it was his way of easing his own guilt. "I haven't been able to make much progress." Noah's hand drifted up Callum's chest, his fingers brushed through the bushel of hair, the languid pace enthralled Callum as he focused on Noah's bashful tinted face. Finally, Noah's eyes reached Callum's, realization flashed within Noah as he pulled away. "Uhm.. you're... you're..." he scratched his brow, "you're nose is crooked..." he cleared his throat of the forming lump, "I'll need to straight it."
"Do what yah gotta do."
Noah pulled his bottom lip between his teeth as he settled his hands on either side of Callum's nose. He flinched as Callum's callused finger tugged at his lip, releasing it from his teeth. "Are these scars from biting your lip all the time?" Callum asked as he traced the faint scars etched into Noah's lip. Noah shook his head. "That boyfriend of yours..."
"He's a blood mage. He consumes blood similar to vampires." Callum remained silent as the weight of Noah's words rang in his ears. "This will hurt," Noah's voice reached just above a whisper.
"I'm already hurtin', darlin'." In a swift, clean motion Noah snapped Callum's nose back into position. Noah turned away from Callum and cleared his throat. "What about you?"
"What do you mean?"
"Are you hurtin'?"
The question felt both innocent and intimate. Noah fidgeted as he reached for the damp washcloth, "what am I supposed to say?" Callum grunted as he forced himself to lean forward, Noah snapped back into focus, "don't move too much." He gently pushed Callum back against the couch and hovered above him for a moment, "I... I'm sorry. This is my fault."
"How so?" Callum arched an eyebrow.
"It's my fault you're in this state. I put the idea of the jinx in your head, and it caused you to lose the fight."
"Is that what you think happened?"
"Of course," Noah nodded determined in his conclusion.
Callum grinned and slid his arm around Noah's waist, "then I guess you'd better hurry and make me that good luck charm before I end up dead."
Noah flattened his hand on the arm rest to prop himself up as the weight of Callum's arm anchored him down. Their faces close enough that he could feel Callum's warm breath against his face. "I can't. Bellamy is already angry..."
"Why did you come in here then?" Callum asked as his fingers traced the curve of Noah's spine.
Noah hesitated at the question, in the moment his concern for Callum and the guilt that he'd manifested a jinx of bad luck had driven Noah to seek out Callum. He'd abandoned Riley, knowing his friend had been beaten just as viciously, despite his victory. "I had to make sure you were alright," Noah murmured, his voice barely above a whisper. He couldn't deny the warmth and comfort he found in Callum's presence, despite the danger it posed to both of them.
Callum's fingers continued to trace the contours of Noah's spine, "thought yah didn't want to see me again?" The hush of Callum's voice enticed Noah to lean in closer as his eyes flicked from Callum's eyes to his lips, then back up. "You're a confusing fae, darlin'." Callum's fingers traced up the nape of Noah's neck, leaving a trail of heat as they raked through the tangles of his snowy hair. "What do you want?"
"Want?" Noah pondered with confusion, as if he'd never been asked such a question before in his life. What did he want? Bellamy has been part of his life for ten years; he's been his best friend and first love. Bellamy was there for him when his mom went away, he used to hold him every night and shower him in affection. Noah couldn't tell when their relationship had shifted but he'd been certain it was his own fault. Noah knew he was selfish, he wanted Bellamy all to himself but couldn't give up his own friendships in return. He wanted a family but couldn't bring himself to dedicate his soul to the Belladonnas nor a patron demon. He wanted warmth, the type of warmth that only Callum seemed to emit. "I don't know..." Noah admitted unable to unscramble his thoughts.
"I don't either," Callum confessed. "Not anymore," he added.
Their lips hovered over each other. Every warm breath sent shivers through Noah as Callum gingerly massaged the back of his scalp, his touch electric against Noah's skin. Noah's heart sputtered with a mix of fear and desire as he waited for Callum to make the next move. Callum's grip was feather-light, and while Noah knew he could easily pull away, he found himself drawn closer, unable to resist the magnetic pull of Callum's presence.
Noah's eyes flicked from Callum's eyes to his lips, which seemed to beckon him closer. The seconds ticked but Callum made no further advances. Silence befell them. Noah lifted his hand from where it anchored him on the arm rest, hesitantly his fingers found themselves caressing Callum's cheek, feeling the warmth of his skin. Noah leaned in; the scent of dew-damp pine trees lingered in his sinuses as their lips brushed together in a fleeting moment of tenderness. Noah held his eyes closed, savoring the sensation as he reluctantly pulled away, a rush of conflicting emotions filled him. The soothing motions of the fingers on the back of his head flattened, leaving his head cradled in Callum's palm, a quiet reassurance quieted the lashings of guilt within Noah. Noah couldn't bring himself to open his eyes, nor move, wanting to prolong this fragile moment where all his desires and fears intertwined.
"I knew you didn't hate me," Callum spoke in a low, velvety voice, that sent sparks of electricity through Noah's entire being. Noah's eyes slowly opened, his heart raced as he met Callum's intense golden gaze, his own filled with longing. It took all the restraint of Callum's strained sense of rationality to not ravish Noah's heart-shaped lips until every fiber of his being was imprinted with Callum. Until every past crush, kiss, and relationship was lost to the overwhelming wave of passion. "I'm going to kiss you again," Callum whispered.
Noah stared into Callum's eyes, lost in the moment and bewildered by how they'd arrived at this juncture. This way of breaking all boundaries was a counter to Bellamy's distrust, ensuring that forgiveness was now a distant notion. Yet, the way Callum held Noah brought forth a warmth that had been absent for far too long. "I, uhm..." Noah hesitated as he weighed his sensibilities against the hammering of his heart. He hadn't acted this impulsively since he was younger, since that summer in Lousianna. The haze of the details about that summer left a cryptic warning within him that urged him to tiptoe over eggshells with his every action.
Callum simply smiled, his expression soft and understanding. "Another time," he said quietly. Noah searched Callum's eyes for any anger or frustration but found neither.
"I'll make the charm for you," Noah nervously gnawed on his lip, but Callum gently stopped him. "We have to be careful though," he paused, memories of Bellamy's threats swirled in his mind. "I don't want you to get hurt."
"I'm not scared," Callum asserted. Noah managed a half-hearted smile in response, his worry for Callum's safety gnawed at him.
The doorknob rattled for a split-second, alerting the two to an incomer. Noah pulled away from Callum and settled beside him, his heart unable to calm itself. "What are you doing? Just open the damn door," Riley nagged from the other side of the door, impatience evident in his voice.
"It got jammed," Aylin declared loudly as the door cracked open.
Riley pushed past her and shoved the door all the way open, "jammed my ass." His eyes fell immediately on Noah, his annoyance softened as he concluded that Noah wasn't in any danger. Callum's jaw twitched, his teeth ground against each other as he watched Riley's own soft expression shift from Noah and sour upon looking at Callum. "Why was the door closed?"
"I have a migraine," Callum retorted with a frown. "It was going away."
Aylin was all smiles as she walked towards the couch, "looks like Noah took good care of you while I examined this knucklehead."
"The best," Callum flashed a valiant grin that dared Riley to throw in his two cents.
Riley did not disappoint, "he always takes good care of me after a fight."
"Ah, you get thrashed a lot then," Callum said, concealing a wince as Aylin pressed on his broken and bruised ribcage. "Must have hurt when he chose to come take care of me."
"Nah, you clearly needed it more after the beating I dealt you." Riley turned his attention to Noah, who sat silently with his hands in his lap and eyes on the floor. "Coach excused me for the rest of morning training. You ready for that breakfast burrito."
Noah nodded and stood up; he hesitated before looking back towards Callum. "I'll see you tomorrow."
"Looking forward to it, darlin'."