NOAH
Nikolai stared down at his sleeping mate, Alexei, nestled safely in his arms. A warm rush filled his heart. His dad often said that his mom was everything to him, and for the first time, Nikolai understood. Sure, his parents loved him and his siblings, but this connection he felt to Alexei was different. He would do anything to keep her happy and safe. He would walk through fire if it meant protecting her.
“Thank you,” Lucian, Nikolai’s wolf, whispered in his mind. Nikolai didn’t need more. He instinctively understood the gratitude.
He sensed the bond between Lucian and Lily forming, strong and vivid, just like the one blooming between himself and Alexei. No words needed to be spoken; it was enough to simply feel it.
A mark had appeared on Alexei's neck, depicting their
