Alex's p.o.v
She has no idea what she expected last night but it wasn't this. She thought less of her fated mate, she honestly expected Noah to be disgusted. To stand up, shake his head, and leave without a word. She thought he'd take her story as a warning, a push a signal to run while he still could. What she didn't expect was the silence. And then his arms. Strong and grounding, they wrapped around her without hesitation. He brushed her braids back with careful fingers, holding her close, soothing her with those deep, steady rumbles of comfort.
That story wasn't just a confession. It was a test. A way to push him away, to see if he'd flinch. But Noah said nothing. Maybe that meant he had no reason to stay. Maybe he didn't know what to say. Or maybe… maybe he was still deciding. She stayed still, curled in his warmth, afraid to breathe too hard. Because deep down, she knew that was only the tip of the iceberg. And Noah? He should run. Run before his wolf imprinted. Run before he caught feelings like a virus. Run before he became trapped in this mess. Because she needed him to run. But instead, she waited. For his heartbeat to change. For his voice. For anything.
.
Alex woke up still comfortable still in Noah's arms. She did not dare move in fact his breathing style told her; that his awake. Dammit. Dammit. Dammit. Panic overrode her peace of mind after sleep. She to get up as quiet and slowly as possible, she must look terrible. An arm pulled her down and her puffy eyes met his and for a moment they stared at each other intently.
"Morning."
"Sorry about last night, you can leave now. I will be fine."
She ducked her head and did her best not to move from his embrace, she also kept her eyes averted. It was easier is way, to not watch him walk out of her life.
"Alex you are mine. Do not ask me to let you go because I can't. You have awoken my need to protect, provide and care for you. I do not know how nor do I care about the explanation. I only want you. I want you to know that you do not have to be strong anymore, I will shoulder your burdens with you. From this day, you will lean on me and allow me to share in your problems."
Shit. That was enough to let her walls crumble. Tears slipped free silent, but heavy with everything he felt for her. Usually during her episodes, she feels like her entire body is being ripped apart, not yesterday. She finished trauma dumping numb as if he indeed literally shouldered her burden. She's tired. Tired of running. Tired of fighting. Tired of hurting and hating. Tired of being scared all the damn time. She wants him, wants to lean on him, to let someone else carry the weight for once. But how can she? She's been alone for so long, wrapped in her own survival, that even the idea of letting someone in feels terrifying and exhausting. Still… Noah. Noah's attention hasn't been demanding. It hasn't pushed. It's just been there steadfast, magnetic, comforting in a way that both intrigues and unsettles her. And for the first time in a long while… she's not just afraid of being hurt. She's afraid of hope.
"There is a reason I haven't dated anyone since-"
"I don't just want you because of that, I mean I do… I would definitely be lying if I said otherwise but there is more to you. More that brings me a great deal of happiness. I am giving you a choice and I will respect whatever decision you make."
"Let me make breakfast. How does muffins sound?"
She got up and ran to the bathroom to wash her face and brush her teeth. Damn, she looks exhausted, and her eyes look like she suffered an allergic reaction. Noah did not say anything, he smiled and ate. After breakfast, Noah left for the gym, and all she could do was replay the first night they spent together.
Even out in public, her thoughts kept drifting back to her fated mate. He came back two hours later to drive her to school. He took her things to the car while she used makeup to cover the bags under her eyes. Every time she tried to convince herself that being with him was a bad idea, memories of his arms around her steady, warm, safe flooded in, softening every doubt and giving her one more reason to hold on.
Noah didn't question her compulsive habits, he just let her be. He never pushed or asked her to be anything more than what she was ready for. Like yesterday when she had fallen too deep into the shadows of her past, drifting away without realising it. He noticed before she did and quietly guided her out of the kitchen, grounding her before the memories consumed her completely. Like some kind of Prince Charming.
"Lex. Lex. Alex! Where are you?" Lucas waved a hand in front of her face.
"Huh?" she blinked, snapping out of her thoughts.
"I bet it has to do with a certain someone..." Leo smirked knowingly.
"No," Alex said a little too quickly.
"Usually when you're lost in thought, you don't have a smile on your face," Leo added, raising a brow.
"Did Noah finally ask you out?" Lucas asked, leaning in.
"Yes and no," Alex admitted quietly. "Technically no but yes."
"And?" Leo pressed.
"Nothing. I don't know what to do." She looked down, fiddling with the seam of her sleeve.
"You're considering it," Lucas said, his voice softer now.
"No. Maybe."
Leo chuckled. "Funny. When I had feelings for you, you never once considered being with me like that. I say... go for it. Give your feelings a chance to breathe."
He said 'had' which suggests that he moved on. Good, Leo deserves to be happy and with someone who can love him like he deserves. Besides, being with Noah wasn't the hard part.Letting him go when the time came was.
"Toby and Jayden have vouched for Noah." Noah is a great guy but, "stop overthinking it and live for a moment."
"Easy for you to say."
"It is, Toby told me he hasnt been with anyone ever since the camp."
Seriously they have bed talks about her life and her business? Toby does know a lot about Noah, so his word has to count for something right?
"Seriously? That's almost a year."
Leo chimes in and they make her decision to take things slow sound like a major problem. Emotionally she's open minded but physically she's struggling, what if Parker ruined her for life.
"Shut up Leo. Alex I'm sure he will wait until you ready."
"I promised to be his plus one, I will see how things go then."
.
.
.
Noah's p.o.v
"So, what happened yesterday between you and Alex?"
"Toby. I have to get to class," he quickens his pace.
"It is still early, and your class starts at half past nine."
"If that is the case, let us go to the faculty of medicine. They going to ask for donations to support their class research, but I think Alex will be selling something."
"Since when do you care?"
"Since I set my eyes on my Axx. Common. Hurry."
"Okay fine. Let me go, I can walk on my own. Does that mean... What extent are your feelings?"
"We are going to med faculty unprovoked, just to make sure she's okay. Take a wild guess Toby."
"No need to be snippy, we are here. I will go give Lucas my water bottle it is very hot, and I do not want him to get sun stroke."
Indeed, Alex had already sold out two buckets and was now left with one bucket. He is proud to report she had less content inside, that's how good his fated mate is at baking. His fated handed him a lunchbox with the assortment of delicious goods he enjoyed this morning. He made his way to take out his wallet, but Alex stopped him, her face trying to hide the shyness overriding the cuteness of her cheeks.
"No don't. I wanted to do something to show my appreciation for last night- this is the only thing I can think off right now. I saved this one for you, I hope you like chocolate chip. If not, you can just take-"
This time Noah stopped his little mate's rambling by taking a bite of the delectable gift.
"This muffin is delicious, thank you. I will come over later to take you out for lunch."
It was not so a command but something he would do. He dropped money into the donation box, bringing his face so close to her. To the one looking in it probably looks like something more than the reality.
"This is for the donation; I came all this way to support you and your class"
He gently brushed the stray hair from her face back. He was amazed to see a small group of groupies squealing, taking pictures of the two. Alex took his hand dropping it from where it rested and he laughed because now it looks like she held his hand. Good these groupies sure made it easier for him to lay his claim in the Campus, as large as it was. Soon if it was to be fates the whole world will know that Alex is his.