Eli couldn't sleep. The air felt different tonight--warm and heavy with something unnamed. Maybe it was the way Caleb's presence lingered, even after he'd left. Maybe it was the quiet burn he'd stared to feal not in his skin, but deeper, in his bones.
The knock on the door came soft, barely there.
Eli opened it without thinking. Caleb stood there, in his human form, damp from the rain, shirt clinging to his chest, hair paused back. His golden eyes were soft, but there was something simmering just breath.
''I couldn't stay away,'' Caleb said, voice husky, barely above a whisper.
Eli stepped aside. He didn't need to say anything. The space between them said it all. The door clicked shut behind them, and suddenly, the silence wasn't quiet anymore. It was full of breath, heartbeat, and the magnetic pull that had lived between them since that first night.
Caleb took a slow step forward, eyes searching Eli's. ''Tell me to stop,'' he murmured, voice like velvet, ''and I will.''
But Eli didn't. He closed the space, fingers reaching out to touch Caleb's jaw ---and that was all it took.
Their mouths met in a kiss that felt like it had waited centuries. Gentle at first, exploratory ... then deeper hungrier. Caleb's arm wrapped around Eli's waist, pulling him close like he was something scared. Eli's hands tangled in his shirt, holding on like he never wanted to let go.
Clothes came off slowly, not rushed ---each piece a quiet confession. Fingers memorize skin. Mouths grazing over collarbones, shoulders, hips. When Caleb laid Eli down on the bed, it wasn't hurried. It was reverent. Like worship. His hands moved over Eli's body as if mapping constellations, rediscovering a sky he'd forgotten but always loved.
Their bodies moved in rhythm, slow and aching, like the night was endless. Moans shared between kisses. Fingers clutching. Breath's stuttering. Caleb was gentle but firm---not taking, but giving, claiming with devotion instead of dominance.
Eli felt it everywhere --- the heat, the softness, the wildness just beneath Caleb's surface. But most off all, he felt safe, held, and wanted in a way that wasn't just physical. It was spiritual.
And when it ended, when their bodies stilled and hearts settled, Caleb wrapped his arms him and whispered,
''I've waited lifetimes for you.'' my mate.
Eli, resting against his chest, whispered back, ''Then don't let me go. Not in this one.''
Caleb kissed his forehead, eyes heavy with emotion. ''Never''
''Their first morning together came wrapped in silence and warmth. Eli and Caleb lay side by side, already awake, the memories of the night still lingering between them.''
After a few hour's----------------------------------
The scent of warm cinnamon buns and rising dough filled the air---but Elu wasn't alone behind the counter anymore. Caleb stood beside him, tall and awkward, staring at a try of half-shaped cookies like they might bite him.
''You're telling me these... blobs....are supposed to be wolves?'' Eli grinned. ''Not wolves. Bears. Which is honestly worse.'' Caleb frowned. ''They look like sad potatoes.''
Eli burst out laughing, shaking his head. ''Go stir the batter before I fire you.''
''But happiness is never meant to last. The moment a customers stepped into the bakery, the air shifted-------something was wrong. And then they saw him. It was Riven.'' Hii...Mr. bakery boy still so innocent. smell something delicious.
Caleb jaw clench but Eli holds Caleb arm. So lovey dubby Riven said, I need black coffee and something sweet..
Eli prepares black tea but Riven eyes just focused Eli. Caleb notice but if Caleb angry something worse situation. ''I'll serve Riven,'' Caleb said through clenched teeth. ''Just...stay at the counter Eli.''
''With a smirk, Riven whispered something to Caleb--quiet enough that no one else could catch it, but sharp enough to make Caleb's jaw tighten.''
Riven moved toward the door, the soft chime above the bakery ringing faintly as he reached for the handle. But instead of leaving, he paused ---his head tilted just slightly, a cold smirk tugging at the corner of his lips. His gaze found Eli, lingering on him a moment too long, sharp and unreadable.
''Take care of Eli, Caleb...and of yourself,'' he said, voice low, smooth, almost too casual. Only Caleb could hear the edge behind the words--the threat wrapped in velvet.
Riven stepped outside, but before the door shut behind, he added, without turning back, ''I'll be back. And who know... maybe next time, one of you won't be lucky.''
The door clicked shut. silence filled the space---but it wasn't peaceful. It was the kind that made the hairs on the back of Caleb's neck stand.