Seth's POV
I still couldn't believe it — I actually climbed into Kyle's bed last night and fell asleep wrapped in his arms. Even though I was still in my wolf form, my heart felt like it was about to burst from how sweet everything was.
He was still sound asleep now, his soft breaths brushing over my furry head, his hand resting gently on me. I couldn't help but snuggle closer into his embrace.
I'm just a harmless long-haired wolf, really — only trying to keep him warm by being so close. That's okay, right?
All night long, I was wrapped in Kyle's sweet honey scent, feeling like I might melt away. My Alpha looked just as spellbound by my scent — sprawled out there with his tongue hanging out like a silly puppy, totally melting my heart.
At first, it was his scent that drew me in. But as time passed, I realized I was completely captivated by this gentle, kind Omega.
When I found out the truth about why he fled the city, guilt washed over me. All I wanted was to care for him with everything I had, to make up for my initial coldness. I wasn't sure if he'd stay after he healed, but knowing his situation, I truly hoped he would stay with the pack. Whether it's the forest or the city, it's too dangerous for him either way.
Thankfully, Kyle was recovering well. He even seemed eager to repay us for our care — helping around the pack, fitting in bit by bit.
His cooking surprised me; his baked sweets were absolutely delicious. Seeing him interact with the pups warmed my heart, especially when he cradled little Lucas in his arms.
Lucas was the only pup in our pack with half-human blood. His mother Annie wasn't around, and the other pups were too young to shift into human form. Though Lucas played with them, I knew he sometimes felt lonely and sad.
He didn't really bond with the other wolves in the pack and had a dislike for that guy Chris. But every time I saw Lucas hanging around Kyle, I felt a strange mixture of surprise and relief.
That day, I watched from afar as Kyle talked to Lucas, suddenly pulling him close into a hug — then another pup snuggled in too. I couldn't hear their words, but the tender scene overflowed with warmth in my chest.
This was the dream I'd always longed for — a gentle, kind Omega holding his little ones, sitting on the village grass, with the breeze carrying a faint sweet fragrance.
Snapping back to reality, I realized the thought was mine alone.
As pack leader, handsome and strong, I had countless Betas and Omegas throwing themselves at me. I'd had a few brief romances, but they all ended. They said my duty to the pack came before any love for them.
Honestly, it wasn't that I didn't want to love — I just never found that feeling of "home" with anyone.
But now, for the first time, I felt that warmth of home coming from this human Omega I once nearly saw as an enemy.
I thought it was just the scene of Kyle holding the pups that got to me — that I was imagining things.
Until I got injured and was taken to Fiona's cabin, and I saw the worry in Kyle's blue eyes as he carefully tended my wounds.
That's when I knew — this wasn't an illusion.
His scent, his appearance, his gentle nature, the way he cared for the pack despite our differences, and his gratitude all stirred a feeling I couldn't suppress.
That day, I almost foolishly grabbed his wrist and blurted out, "Will you stay and be my mate?"
But at the last moment, reason pulled me back. After all, he was human. Even if he wanted to stay in the pack, it didn't mean he'd agree to be bound to a werewolf mate.
But how would I know unless I tried?
So I would never give up easily.
First, I had to make sure he stayed. For his safety alone, I had to convince him.
Lost in my thoughts, Kyle suddenly hummed and rolled onto his back. Maybe the sun was rising, because he loosened his hold on me, feeling warm.
I stood up and stretched, looking down at Kyle lying in bed.
His eyes were closed, the morning sunlight filtering through the window casting soft shadows from his long lashes. Compared to us wolves, his skin was paler, but the sunlight made his complexion glow warm and tender.
He wore the robe Samantha had given him — slim and delicate, almost like the Omega women here. Many clothes fit him surprisingly well.
Thinking about Samantha's gifts, I felt a pang of regret — I hadn't seen him bare-chested like other wolf men yet.
But that robe clung to his curves, the faint outline making it hard to look away.
I stared at him foolishly, almost forgetting my mission.
I quietly jumped down, shifting back to human form and pulling on my fur coat.
Before leaving the cabin, I lingered at Kyle's bedside, gazing down at his peaceful face.
Hesitating a moment, I gently pressed a feather-light kiss to his forehead.
Kyle slept deeply, undisturbed.
I tiptoed out, closing the door softly behind me.
Just a few steps away, I nearly jumped out of my skin when Duncan suddenly appeared.
Reflexively, I dodged sideways, clutching my chest. "Duncan! Can you stop sneaking up on me like that?"
She circled me with a sly, excited smile. "I saw everything! You came out of Kyle's room! You guys... you stayed the night, right?"
Before she finished, she cupped her face and squealed, "Wow, you're quick! Our leader's finally getting a mate? When's the ceremony? How many pups are coming? Can I…"
"Duncan!" I lowered my voice, pulling her aside since Kyle was still asleep.
"We didn't do anything. I just... he felt cold last night, so I stayed to keep him warm."
Seeing Duncan's knowing look, I froze, realizing how strange that sounded. I hurried to clarify, "He can't shift like us wolves to cuddle for warmth. There was no blanket and no time to go into town, so... I turned into wolf form and kept him warm."
"'Kept him warm,' huh?" Duncan mocked my tone, wiggling her eyebrows. "So you were just cuddling for warmth? Nothing else?"
"So you really—"
"Of course." I crossed my arms, trying to look convincing.
"Hmm..." Duncan tapped her chin thoughtfully. "Honestly, I don't quite believe you. But you do make sense."
After a moment, she snapped her fingers. "Alright, I'll trust you this once. But you have to answer me one question."
"What question?"
She leaned in, lowering her voice. "Seth, do you like him or not?"
A few weeks ago, I would have denied it outright. But now, avoiding her gaze, I mumbled, "I... don't know."
"You 'don't know'? Then I'll say it for you — you like him. He cooks well, takes care of people, gets along with the pups; he's gentle and kind, and those blue eyes."
Duncan counted on her fingers, then patted my shoulder. "From what I know about you, those are exactly your type. Stop denying it."
"I..." I glanced at her and whispered, "When have I ever denied it?"
"Ha! Great!" She laughed. "I think he likes you too."
"Really?" I looked up, surprised.
"You dummy, haven't you noticed?" Duncan rolled her eyes. "Every time he looks at you, it's like you're his god. When you're around, his gaze follows you like a sunflower chasing the sun."
"I... I never realized." I scratched my head, face heating up. I only knew that whenever Kyle caught my gaze, he usually looked away shyly, sometimes offering a bashful smile. I thought he was subconsciously avoiding me...
Duncan sighed dramatically. "Ah, love-struck idiots like you are hopeless. I'm worried sick."
Before I could reply, I spotted Burton and Samantha waving at me from afar. Like a lifeline, I hurried over, escaping Duncan's "interrogation."