Alpha Nox - Forever His

The cold autumn breeze brushed against Nox’s skin as he watched his husband laughing and dancing with his best friend in the middle of the crowd. “He’s going to melt at this point.” Nox turned to his side and found his Beta, Croxx, offering him a can of beer. With a small smirk, Nox took it and leaned casually against the outdoor bar counter as he cracked it open. “Good thing I didn't declined and came to Nathaniel and Divina’s wedding. I wanted to see him laugh and enjoy himself like this,” Nox said, smiling when their eyes met across the crowd. “Is he still having those dreams?” Croxx asked. Nox nodded, his expression softening. It had been three years since they got married, but every now and then, he’d still wake in the middle of the night to the sound of Noah’s scream. Nox knew those dreams all too well. They were from the time Noah was kidnapped and tortured—and it pained him to see Noah like that, broken and trembling. All he could do was hold him in his arms until the tears stopped. “I wish I could take everything—every pain he’s ever felt. All of it,” Nox said, tightening his grip on the can. Croxx glanced at his wife dancing with Noah. Who would’ve thought the mighty Nox had gone this soft on one person? “Down bad, man,” Croxx muttered with a smirk. “Yeah. No shame in that,” Nox replied. “He made me feel things... and he completes me,” he added. “Felt that too, man,” Croxx said quietly, eyes following Amber as she laughed beside Noah. A year after their son was born, Croxx proposed to Amber, and they got married three months later. Nox’s eyes narrowed when he saw a man approach his husband—Noah was clearly uncomfortable. Croxx was about to step in, but Nox beat him to it, his long strides cutting through the space between them. He reached Noah’s side in seconds, sliding an arm around his waist as his gaze locked onto the stranger. “Is there a problem here?” Nox asked, voice calm but laced with warning. The man took one look at him—at the sharpness in his tone, the protectiveness in his stance—and wisely took a step back. He instantly knew who was standing in front of him, and he didn’t want to end up on his bad side. “There's no problem, please excuse me,” he muttered before turning away. Noah let out a breath he hadn’t realized he was holding, leaning slightly into Nox. “Thanks,” he whispered. Nox didn’t respond right away. He just pulled him closer and murmured. “No one touches what’s mine.” Noah blushes and hit his arm lightly. “What’s his deal, anyway?” Nox asked, watching as the man started chatting up the woman next to them. “He asked for my name,” Noah said, lifting his hand to show the gold ring—their ring, the symbol of their union. “I showed him the ring and even pointed to my mark, but he wouldn’t back off,” he added. “I know that man,” Divina said as she approached, Nathaniel right beside her. “And I’m sorry, Noah,” she added apologetically. “He’s Hector—a famous playboy and a total prick of an Alpha,” Nathaniel said loud enough for Hector to hear. But Hector just continued his business, not minding what Nathaniel would say. “Nathan,” Divina warned, giving him a look before turning to Nox. “I’m sorry. He's not from here so he doesn't know Noah is your mate,” she added. “It’s fine. I don't want to ruin your wedding because of it,” Nox replied, his voice low and controlled. “But if he touches what’s mine again, he won’t live to see another day.” He snarled, the sound deep and unmistakable. The warning was clear—and every unmated Alpha in the vicinity instinctively stepped back. “Crazy,” Noah said, shaking his head. “To you, baby,” Nox replied, his tension melting away the moment he looked at him. “Okay, now that the nuisance is gone—let’s go dance again!” Amber chimed in, already reaching for her best friend's hand. “Babe, that’s enough,” Croxx said, gently taking the glass from her hand. “We still have to pick up Jaxson from your parents’ place,” he added, noticing that Amber was already tipsy. Amber pouted, but she knew he was right. Their three-year-old son, Jaxson, was currently staying with her parents for the night. “Fine, fine,” Amber said, swaying a little. “Boo, we’re heading out first, okay? I’ll see you tomorrow.” She leaned in and kissed Noah’s cheek. “And Div, Nat—thank you for inviting us,” she added with a warm smile. “You’re welcome, Amber,” Divina replied, returning the smile. “Take care, Bear,” Noah said with a soft grin, watching as Amber and Croxx made their way out of the venue, leaving just the four of them behind. “It’s a beautiful wedding, Div,” Noah said sincerely. “I’m really happy for you. You finally found the love of your life.” He smiled and gently held Divina’s hands, the gesture making the bride’s eyes well up with tears. “Oh, Noah,” Divina said, her voice soft. “You’re still as sweet as ever. Thank you so much for coming. And for the gifts,” she added. “Thank you, Noah. And you too, Nox,” Nathaniel added sincerely. “We’ll head out too, Div,” Nox said. “Alright. Thanks again for coming,” she replied with a smile. “And don’t forget our meeting,” she added. Nox gave a small nod and tapped Nathaniel’s shoulder in parting. Then he gently took Noah’s hand and led him out of the mansion and into the quiet of the parking lot. “I missed you,” Nox murmured, pulling Noah close and burying his face in his nape and breathed, inhaling his soothing scent. Noah shivered as Nox’s lips brushed over his mark, sending a wave of warmth down his spine. “Nox,” Noah said softly. “Not here,” he added. They were still outside the mansion, and he didn’t want people to get the wrong idea. Nox sighed but pressed a gentle kiss to the mark he’d made. “I love you,” he whispered into Noah’s ear. “And I love you more,” Noah replied, cupping his face with both hands. “Did you get jealous?” he asked, a teasing smile tugging at his lips. “I did,” Nox admitted without hesitation. “How dare he look at you like you were his prey?” His voice held a quiet growl of possessiveness, making Noah chuckle. “He’s not the one I want, though,” Noah said, gently caressing Nox’s cheek with his thumb. “You’re the only one I want,” he added. Noah hadn’t always been this bold—but Nox brought it out of him. Only Nox. His fated mate. His husband. “Then shall we head home, my lovely husband?” Nox asked with a wide grin. Noah smiled and gave a small nod. A few hours later, they arrived at the Shadow Wolves Pack. Like a pair of starved wolves finally alone, they devoured each other. Nox grabbed Noah by the waist and lifted him with ease, Noah instinctively wrapping his legs around him. Nox carried him to their room, kicked the door shut, and gently laid him on the bed. He paused, just for a moment, his gaze locked on Noah’s face. Even after all this time, he still couldn’t believe how lucky he was. “I love you, baby,” Nox whispered tenderly. “I love you too, Nox,” Noah breathed, his voice soft and full of warmth. Nox leaned down and kissed him—slowly, deeply—relishing the familiar pull between them. It had been years, yet the butterflies and sparks never faded. And as they moved together, wrapped in each other’s warmth, the moon shone brightly outside, giving them blessing quietly.