Caspian's POV
Morning arrived with a golden glow spilling through the windows. I turned from my place on the chair, my body slightly stiff from sleeping there all night. My gaze landed on Nikolas, still curled up on the bed, his breathing slow and even.
His lips were slightly parted, his chest rising and falling in a steady rhythm. His face, usually hardened with fear or defiance, was peaceful now. Vulnerable.
I moved closer without thinking. He looked so cute like this. I had to fight the urge to touch his cheek, to trace the delicate lines of his face. Instead, I sighed and ran a hand through my hair, reminding myself that he would probably panic the moment he woke up.
I pulled away before temptation could win.
I had more pressing matters to handle today.
After freshening up, I left Nikolas sleeping and made my way to the meeting hall. The moment I stepped in, voices filled the space my people, my warriors, my allies, all waiting.
Ronan, my Beta, approached with a knowing smirk. "Caspian."
I gave him a nod, and soon, the meeting began. The lightheartedness faded as I recounted everything I had seen.
"The hunters are moving in larger numbers," I stated, my tone grim. "They aren't just targeting rogues anymore. They're organized, strategic, and they're not working alone."
Murmurs spread across the room, concern lacing every face.
"They had traps set up advanced ones. Silver-lined nets, weapons designed specifically for Lycans. This isn't a random attack; they're planning something bigger."
I let my gaze sweep across the gathered Alphas and warriors. "We need to be ready."
I could feel the shift in the room the tension tightening like a coiled spring. They all knew what I meant. War was coming.
And in the midst of it all, my mate my fragile, terrified mate was still trying to run from me.
I exhaled slowly.
One battle at a time.
I was still processing the gravity of the situation—the looming threat from the hunters, the battle ahead—when the shouting broke through the air. It was loud, frantic, and filled with panic.
"Let me go!" The voice was unmistakable, high-pitched and strained. It didn't take me long to recognize who it was.
Nikolas.
I froze for a moment, my heart pounding. Shit. How had he managed to get out of the room? I couldn't leave him alone for a second without something going wrong.
I stood up abruptly, knocking my chair back as I moved quickly toward the source of the commotion. The voices grew louder as I neared the passageway, and then I saw them—a warrior from my pack, holding Nikolas firmly by the arms, dragging him through the hallway.
"Alpha, I caught him running through the halls," the warrior explained, his voice steady, but the tension in his posture said it all. "I saw you bring him in last night, so I thought I should bring him to you."
Nikolas struggled, his face flushed with both frustration and fear. His eyes met mine, wide with panic. I could feel the desperation radiating off him, and I cursed under my breath.
I didn't wait for the warrior to finish his sentence. I moved forward, my pace quick and commanding, closing the distance between us. My heart pounded in my chest, but it wasn't just from the fear of what was happening. It was because of Nikolas—because of the deep connection I felt to him that was becoming more and more undeniable.
Nikolas held my gaze, his chest rising and falling in frustration. I could see the battle raging in his mind whether to fight or flee again. But he knew as well as I did that running wouldn't get him far.
He yanked his arm away from the warrior's grasp and took a defiant step forward. "You think you can just keep me here?" he spat. "Like some prisoner?"
I sighed, tilting my head. "I know I can keep you here."
His fists clenched. "You arrogant—"
Ronan let out a low chuckle from behind me. "You really know how to pick them, Caspian," he murmured, clearly entertained.
I ignored him, keeping my focus on Nikolas. "You're not a prisoner," I said evenly. "But you are staying here, whether you like it or not."
Nikolas scoffed, shaking his head in disbelief. "Why? What do you even want from me?"
I exhaled. "I already told you I won't hurt you.
His lips curled in irritation. "You keep saying that, but you still haven't answered my question. Why am I here?"
I took a step closer, watching the way he stiffened, his body tensing in anticipation. "Because you belong here."
He let out a sharp laugh. "That's the worst excuse I've ever heard."
I smirked. "And yet, it's the truth."
His eyes burned with frustration, but beneath it, I saw something else uncertainty. He was scared, even if he didn't want to admit it.
Ronan clapped his hands together. "Alright, alright. As much as I love watching this little back-and-forth, I think our guest needs some food. You know, before he collapses from sheer rage."
Nikolas turned his glare to Ronan, who only grinned wider.
"I'm not hungry," Nikolas muttered.
I arched a brow. "That's not up for debate."
He groaned, dragging a hand down his face. "Of course it isn't."
Ronan stepped forward, draping an arm lazily over my shoulder. "Come on, Niki can I call you Niki?—if you're gonna be stuck here, you might as well eat."
Nikolas shot him a glare. "No, you can't call me that."
Ronan smirked. "Noted." He turned to me. "So, what's next, oh mighty Alpha? Are we chaining him to a chair or letting him enjoy a meal like a civilized person?"
Nikolas bristled at the mention of chains, and I shot Ronan a warning look.
"He's not a prisoner," I repeated, then met Nikolas's gaze. "You're free to walk around the estate, but if you try running again, I will find you."
Nikolas scoffed. "Yeah? And what will you do then?"
I took another step closer, lowering my voice. "I don't know, Nikolas. Why don't you try and find out?"
He swallowed hard but held my gaze. Stubborn.
Ronan let out a whistle. "Damn, the tension in here is thick." He clapped his hands. "Alright! Enough with the glaring contest. Let's eat before someone actually gets murdered."
Nikolas huffed, crossing his arms, but for once, he didn't argue.
Progress.
I smirked, stepping aside to let him walk ahead. "After you."
He hesitated before reluctantly making his way toward the door.
Ronan shot me an amused look before following, and I shook my head, suppressing a smile.
This was going to be fun.
The dining hall buzzed with the soft murmurs of conversation as we entered. The long table was already filled with my pack members and their mates. Some sat side by side, their bodies pressed close in casual intimacy, while others had their pets humans, turned wolves, or rare finds seated on their laps, being hand-fed with such care it would almost seem tender if not for the underlying claim of dominance.
Nikolas stiffened beside me. I could feel the tension rolling off him as his sharp eyes darted around the room, taking in the sight before him. His jaw clenched when he saw a particularly affectionate couple a tall, muscled warrior feeding his mate small bites of fruit, the smaller man blushing under his gaze.
I knew what he was thinking before he even said a word.
Ronan, always the instigator, leaned closer and smirked. "That'll be you and Caspian soon," he teased.
Nikolas's head snapped toward him so fast I thought he might get whiplash. "What?"
"Ronan, enough," I snapped, my voice sharp.
Ronan merely chuckled, raising his hands in mock surrender. "Alright, alright, I'll behave. For now."
Nikolas turned to me, eyes burning with suspicion. "What does he mean?"
I met his gaze, expression unreadable. "Never mind him," I muttered. "Just sit down and eat."
For a moment, I thought he might push for answers, but with an irritated sigh, he dropped into the nearest chair. I took my seat across from him, and almost instantly, the servants began setting down plates of food. Steaming roasted meat, fresh bread, and bowls of ripe fruit filled the table, the scent rich and mouthwatering.
Nikolas hesitated, eyeing the meal warily, as if expecting it to be poisoned.
I leaned back in my chair. "Eat, Nikolas. No one is trying to kill you."
He shot me a glare but eventually picked up a piece of bread, tearing off a chunk and shoving it into his mouth. His posture remained stiff, but at least he was eating.
Ronan, never one to let things be, smirked at me over the rim of his goblet. "He's already learning to listen. That's a good start, Caspian."
Nikolas coughed on his food, eyes blazing with fury. "I am not listening to him!"
I sighed, rubbing my temple as Ronan laughed. This was going to be a long meal.
Nikolas glared at Ronan, his fingers tightening around the goblet in front of him. His irritation was practically radiating off him, but Ronan only found amusement in it, grinning as he took another sip of his drink.
"Don't choke on your food, little one," Ronan teased. "We wouldn't want Caspian worrying about you."
Nikolas slammed his goblet down. "I am not little! And he wouldn't worry because I don't matter to him!"
I remained silent, watching him carefully. His defiance was admirable, but it was also exhausting. He had no idea what he meant to me yet, and I wasn't going to explain it over breakfast in front of my warriors.
"Keep telling yourself that," Ronan mused, reaching for a piece of fruit. "I give it a week before you're sitting on his lap, letting him feed you like the others."
Nikolas looked like he was about to launch himself across the table at Ronan. His face was flushed, whether from anger or embarrassment, I wasn't sure. Before he could say anything else, I spoke.
"Ronan, enough." My voice was firm, leaving no room for argument.
Ronan chuckled but leaned back in his chair, finally letting it go.
Nikolas, still fuming, stabbed at his food, refusing to look at me. I sighed internally. He wasn't ready to accept what was between us, not yet. But he would.
One way or another, he would.