A scream.
Nox jolted awake, heart racing, and immediately turned to his side. Seeing Noah trembling beside him, he pulled him into a protective embrace without hesitation.
“It’s alright, baby. I’ve got you,” Nox whispered, his voice soft but steady. “I’m here. No one’s going to hurt you again.”
Noah whimpered, clinging tightly to him, his body shaking.
“N-Nox…”
“Denver’s gone, baby,” Nox said firmly, running a hand down Noah’s back to soothe him. “He can’t hurt you anymore. I promise—I’ll protect you. Always,” he added.
After an hour of gently comforting his husband, Nox carefully laid Noah back down on the bed and let out a quiet sigh. He glanced at the clock. It was already four in the morning and he decided a run would shake the feeling inside of him seeing his husband in that state.
He leaned down and pressed a soft kiss to Noah’s forehead before silently leaving the packhouse.
Outside, he was surprised to see Cindy approaching with a basket in her arms.
“Good morning, Alpha,” she greeted cheerfully.
“You’re up early. Noah will wake up around seven,” he said, offering her a nod.
“Yes, Alpha. I just wanted to drop off these fruits we harvested yesterday. I remembered the Luna wanted some of it,” she replied with a bright smile.
Nox returned the smile. He was genuinely grateful for the way the pack had embraced Noah with kindness, respect, and open hearts. And really, who wouldn’t love his mate? He's one lucky b@stard.
"Thank you, Cindy. I left the front door open," he said and continue to jog after seeing Cindy nod her head.
Nox stopped in the plaza and breathed. He then transformed into his wolf and headed straight toward the border. When he arrived at the outpost, the stationed warriors immediately stood at attention.
“Good morning, Alpha,” a young wolf greeted.
“Good morning, Theo,” Nox replied, shifting back into his human form. He ran a hand through his hair. “Where’s Alex? He’s supposed to be in charge of patrols this week,” he added.
“He went to check on the warriors stationed at the east side border, Alpha. There was a report earlier that they spotted multiple rogues,” Theo said, his voice steady but cautious.
“Rogues?” Nox repeated, his tone darkening. “How dare they trespass on my land?” he added.
His eyes began to shift—those normally calm eyes now pitch black with rising fury.
“He’s still there, right?” Nox asked sharply as he clenched his hand into a fist. Theo swallowed hard and nodded, sensing the anger behind the Alpha’s gaze.
“Y-Yes, Alpha. He hasn’t returned yet,” he replied.
Without another word, Nox shifted back into his massive midnight-black wolf and bolted into the woods.
The cold breeze brushed against his fur as he ran, but he didn’t slow down. Trees blurred past him, paws pounding against the earth. His senses were on high alert until he arrived in the outpost.
“Lex,” Nox called as he shifted back into human form. “What’s going on here?” he added.
Alex turned around, shoving the bloodied rogue he’d just beaten to the ground before bowing his head in respect.
“Rogues, Alpha,” he said. “They were trying to sneak something across the border, but I caught their scent while on patrol.” His expression darkened.
“I discovered children,” he slowly said. Nox’s brow furrowed deeply.
“Children?” he asked, disbelief and concern mixing in his voice.
“Yes, Alpha. Three of them. Two were already dead when I found them. The third one was in shock, but alive,” he replied. Alex clenched his fists and kicked the rogue beside him who in return, winced in pain.
“We took down the rest of the rogues, all except this one. I kept him alive for questioning,” he said.
“Where’s the kid now?” Nox asked quickly and looked around.
“I sent him to the hospital, Alpha,” Alex answered.
Nox gave a small nod, jaw tightening. Without another word, he stepped forward and grabbed the rogue by the throat, lifting him with terrifying ease. The rogue clawed at his wrist, struggling in vain, which only fueled Nox’s rage.
“What were you planning to do with the children?” Nox asked, his voice low and cold.
He released his grip, letting the rogue drop to the ground with a thud. The man coughed violently, gasping for air—but even then, he managed to glare up at the Alpha.
“You’ll get no answer from me,” the rogue spat. His eyes were filled with hatred, unyielding even in the face of death and in front of one of the strongest Alpha.
“Stubbornness will get you killed, rogue,” he said.
“You will kill me anyway,” the rogue responded.
“Lock him up and make him talk. I want every bit of information,” Nox ordered, his voice firm.
“I understand, Alpha,” Alex replied. He turned to the others. “Take him to the prison, boys,” he added.
The warriors immediately moved, dragging the rogue away, his defiance fading with every step.
“Lex, I’ll head to the hospital first. I want to check on the child,” Nox said.
Alex nodded and handed Nox a spare pair of sweatpants from the outpost. Nox put them on and started his walk back to town. Twenty minutes later, he arrived, greeted by a few pack members along the way.
“Where’s the child that was brought in?” he asked a nurse at the entrance.
“He’s in Dr. Dianne’s office, Alpha,” she replied.
Nox nodded and made his way down the hallway. He knocked on the office door and gently pushed it open.
“Good morning, Dianne,” he greeted.
“Good morning, Alpha,” she said, rising from her chair. “Are you here to see the boy?” she added. Nox gave a quiet nod, his eyes scanning the room.
“He’s here,” Dianne said, opening the adjoining door to a small treatment room. “I gave him food and medicine. Thankfully, he doesn’t seem to have any major injuries just some cuts and bruises I’ve already treated. He’s malnourished but stable,” she added.
In the corner of the room, the small boy huddled against the wall.
“Hi,” Dianne said and smiled to start the conversation, but the child only glanced at her briefly before shrinking further into the corner. Dianne sighed and turned to Nox.
“I’ve been trying to talk to him, but he hasn’t said a word. Won’t respond at all. He’s in shock, Alpha,” she said. Nox’s gaze softened as he watched the child. He looks pitiful.
“May I?” he asked quietly. Dianne nodded. Nox gulped and walked towards the kid. He squatted down and smiled.
"Hey, kid," he said. "You were so brave back there. Was it scary?" he added. The kid looked at him, tears streaming down his little eyes.
"Hey, it's alright," Nox said, and the kid immediately ran into his arms, making them fall to the floor. Nox embraced the kid and shushed him softly.
"They're gone. They won't touch you again," he promised while tapping the kid's back. Nox clenched his hand into a fist. The rogue would surely pay for his crimes.