Chapter 7

7

C av wasn't sure the hour when he carefully slipped from the bed to relieve himself. Gray light hinted at the edge of the blinds. He feared opening them to peek and see they were near arriving, though it didn't really matter. He wasn't planning on allowing Wynter to leave him, no matter what his omega said.

They belonged together. Period.

Cav would fight for them, regardless of Wynter's fears and doubts. There had to be a way. Had to. Once he'd finished and washed his hands, he returned to Wynter and slid back around his omega's sweet body.

Asleep, Wynter curled into his warmth and snuggled close. Cav watched him sleep, his face soft and almost angelic in slumber. He was a stunningly beautiful man—and Cav couldn't stop staring. He traced the man's lips and cheek, the tips of his fingers as gentle as a feather. Smiling, he gasped at a sudden sensation of completion he felt within.

Wynter was his other half. A piece of his very soul.

The train lumbered, jerking, before it slowed to a stop.

No. Cavanaugh wouldn't back down, but he wasn't ready for the fight to come. Not yet. He couldn't force his omega to come with him, no matter how tempting the idea sounded. The train shuffled again… and again… as if rocked side to side. Cavanaugh frowned, sliding from the bed and peeking past the shade.

He saw nothing ahead—no station, no engineers—so he turned to look behind.

There, he saw the nearest security tower up in flames. The fencing was torn down, and a gang of alpha Wildlings were rocking a car a few down from them as the train continued to slow.

Fuck… the omega car!

Cav grabbed his pants and shoved one leg through. "Wynter! Wynter, wake up!" As soon as he yanked his pants to his waist, he shook Wynter. "Get up! We need to go!"

Wynter languidly stretched, growling. "I told you I can't," he muttered sleepily.

"Wildlings are attacking the train!" Cavanaugh roared, shaking Wynter again.

One eye peeked open. "What?"

"Wildings. They're attacking the omega car!" Cavanaugh sorted the abandoned pieces of clothing and tossed Wynter's his way. "Get dressed! Fast! We need to go!"

Wynter remained still, eyes and mouth wide as he came fully awake.

"Do you want to be abducted by Wildlings?!" Cavanaugh asked.

Wynter gasped and jumped into action. He yanked on his pants and shoes before reaching for his luggage.

"There's not time!" Cavanaugh whispered hotly. "Leave the luggage."

"My things," Wynter snapped.

"Can be replaced," Cavanaugh barked, grabbing his satchel and Wynter's tote. He handed the latter to his omega. "I'll peek out into the corridor. Stay back until I tell you to move."

Fear shone in Wynter's eyes. His chin trembled.

Cavanaugh leaned in close, gathering Wynter's chin between thumb and forefinger. He lifted his omega's gaze to his own. " You are mine. I'll protect you with my very life. Do you hear me?"

The words felt insane coming from his lips. The instinct… he'd been born to protect his omega—just as he'd always been told. The lie he'd claimed it to be continued to prove true.

Wynter nodded, his jaw tightening.

"We're going to make it out of here. Together." He pressed a quick kiss to Wynter's lips. "Just listen to me. Okay?"

Wynter nodded but said nothing, the first signs of shock appearing.

Cav gave him one last look before cracking the door slowly and peeking into the corridor. There were other alphas peeping out of their doors, a few others in the corridor, looking outside the wall of windows to see what was going on. Cav turned to Wynter and held out his palm. "Wait here a second."

"Cavanaugh," Wynter whispered, hand tightening on his arm.

"I just need to look at the other side of the train," Cavanaugh whispered. "And if we have a clear path to get into the woods."

Wynter frowned, near tears. "Okay."

Cav closed the door and moved to the window, near another alpha. "What's going on?"

"Wildling attack," the alpha said.

"Is anyone going to protect the omegas?"

The alpha shrugged. "I'm not putting my life in danger against those wild men. My omega is safe at home, just as these others should be."

Alphahole. Cav turned to eye the dozen or so alphas just standing around, watching the chaos outside. Part of him felt the need to race out and help but his gaze went to his cabin door and the man he knew was behind it.

Breaking glass sounded. Cav whipped open the door of their cabin just as Wynter began to scream. He charged forward, punching the alpha attempting to drag his omega through the window. The Wildling wouldn't let go, no matter how many times Cav punched him from his higher vantage point. He paused a couple of seconds, eyeing the cabin.

Shattered glass.

He grabbed a large piece before plunging it into the Wildling's arm.

The Wildling roared with pain, releasing Wynter.

"Come on!"

Cav dragged Wynter out into the corridor behind him. They exited the car, the crunch of freshly fallen snow under their feet as they raced toward the fence on the mountain side of the tracks—which was half bent over from the force of the Wildings shoving their way across it en masse. Wynter stumbled behind him, falling to the icy ground. He spun, noting a lone Wildling had seen Wynter and began to approach. Without another thought, he tossed Wynter over one shoulder and jumped on top of the bent, hanging fence before leaping onto the ground on the other side.

Fifty feet stood between them and the forest. Inside there, they could hide—though Wynter's heat would make that harder. He raced as fast as he could force his legs to move. Unwilling to look over his shoulder to waste a single second, he pushed with every ounce of strength.

"Go! Go! He's chasing us!" Wynter bellowed.

Cav pushed harder, clearing the edge of the forest and slipping amongst the trees. He moved another thirty feet inside and stopped behind a thick, towering oak. He lowered Wynter to the ground. He pressed his finger over his own lips, a soundless entreaty to remain silent. Urging Wynter to lie on the ground, he snagged some fallen pine branches and placed them over his mate, hoping the pine aroma might throw the Wildling's heat-scenting ability off.

As soon as Wynter was nearly covered in branches, he peeked around the edge of the tree. The other alpha was close, almost catching him before he whipped himself back. Searching the ground, he noticed a thick oak branch. Hefting it in one hand, he prepared to protect his mate.

Peeking around the edge again, he didn't see the alpha. He searched around them but found nothing. No way had the Wildling given up. When he slumped back toward Wynter, he saw his omega in the arms of the other alpha. One big, dirty hand covered his omega's mouth.

Wynter's eyes were huge, tears shining in them. Cav inched forward, the branch clutched in his grasp.

"He's mine now," the Wildling muttered, grinning wickedly.

"Never," Cavanaugh sneered, baring his teeth. His mind spun, remembering the things he'd learned in his years with the Wildlings.

Show no fear. Don't do the expected. Fight like a wild beast.

The alpha bared his, as well, hissing. He released his hold, only to grab Wynter by the throat. "Back away—or we both lose."

Ice pulsed through Cav's veins. He knew it was a bluff. A Wildling would fight to the death for an omega, especially one like Wynter.

Only the Wildling likely didn't realize he'd do the same.

He lowered the branch slowly…

All while reaching into his back pocket with his other hand and hoping his pocketknife hadn't fallen out in his race to bed Wynter. When his fingertips hit metal, he could've sighed with relief.

"Are you a part of Wyndemere's tribe?" Cavanaugh asked, moving fractionally closer and attempting to distract the alpha.

"What do you know of Wyndemere?"

"I lived with his tribe for many cycles," Cavanaugh said. "He allowed me to stay with him in his hudda."

The alpha roared with laughter. "Only proves you weak. No warlord would allow strength in his hudda."

Cav inched forward, smiling. "He offered one of his omegas to me. A gift for one night."

"Lies," the alpha said. "We don't share our omegas." He tugged Wynter back against him. "This is a fine omega. He needs a strong alpha—like me." With his free hand, the Wildling squeezed Wynter's stomach. Wynter winced, and it brought a lump to Cav's throat. "He's swollen with his need. His womb is begging me to fill it already."

Cav took another half step closer, quietly opening the knife with one hand behind him—which wasn't easy. The tip of his fingernail ripped as he used it to force the blade out, his hand slippery with blood. "I've already filled it. You don't want a pregnant omega, do you?"

"A bastard for the fields," the alpha muttered. "Then I can put another on him. And another." He chuckled, licking the side of Wynter's face. "And another."

Cav met Wynter's gaze, watching a single, silent tear run down his face. His omega had already been forced once. Never again. Not if he could help it. While the alpha eyed Wynter, he took a larger step forward.

"Move again," the alpha warned, turning to eye him. "And I'll sink that blade that's behind your back into your gut and make you watch me breed your omega as you lay dying." He smiled. "Your omega… who's now my omega."

Wynter shuddered. "Don't, Cavanaugh. I won't let him hurt you. Just…" He closed his eyes, two more tears sliding down his cheeks. "Just leave. Save yourself."

Cav shook his head. "I won't leave here without you."

"Listen to my omega," the Wildling said, chuckling. "He knows you are no match for me."

"Shut up!" Wynter snapped at the Wildling.

The alpha roared in Wynter's ear—and Cav took advantage, closing in two more steps.

"Please," Wynter murmured. "I can't watch you die. I'm not worth it."

"You're worth everything," Cav replied. Since the alpha knew of his knife, there was no point hiding it any longer. He brandished it, gripping it in one hand. "I won't make this easy for you," he warned the Wildling.

The alpha laughed loudly again.

In a flash, Wynter's hand moved, and the alpha roared in pain. Wynter flung himself to the ground—and Cav leapt into action. He charged forward, aiming for the alpha's head with the tip of his blade. The alpha caught him and flipped him overhead. Cav landed on his back, the air knocked from his lungs. He scrambled to his feet, watching as the alpha lifted a hand to his gut where blood dripped liberally.

"You fucking cockwhore!" the alpha roared at Wynter and stormed closer.

Cav knew it was his only shot. He hurtled himself at the Wildling, arm raised. He hit the man, and they rolled to the ground, struggling for supremacy. The alpha's grip was strong on Cav's wrist, deflecting his blade. They writhed in the snowy dirt, battling. Murderous contempt shone in the Wildling's eyes, and Cav knew that one of them would die.

He only prayed it wasn't him—not before he could get Wynter to safety.

"He. Is. Mine!" Cav roared, putting all of his weight behind the blade once he'd managed to force his way above the alpha.

The blade sank into soft tissue, the alpha screaming in pain. Cav yanked the knife out and plunged it into the wildling's neck, severing the artery. Blood sprayed, covering Cav in its warm, stickiness. He stumbled back from it, watching as the alpha struggled to rise and failed. Falling back onto the ground, he bled out before them, a scarlet pool spreading out under his body.

When it was obvious he was dying, Wynter sped into his arms. His omega shook viciously as he held tight, thanking the universe they were both still alive. His heart thundered in his chest, the thought of losing Wynter terrifying.

One day and his fated mate was already more valuable than life itself.

"Come on. There could be more of them coming," Cav panted, turning to walk deeper into the woods. In the distance, he could hear screams and the sounds of more explosions. Hopefully the rest of the Wildlings were too preoccupied with the train to care about them. He knew he should likely go help the others, but there was only one omega he had the strength to protect.

"Where are we going?" Wynter asked.

"Away from whatever is going on back there," Cav muttered, scanning the trees for more dangers.

They walked for the gods knew how long. At some point, the sun rose and flooded them with warmth—only to have another snow begin to fall a couple of hours later, darkening the sky. Wynter shook beside him, the cold biting. His omega stopped.

"We have to keep moving," Cav said, exhaustion setting in and his adrenaline finally having calmed after the fight. It hadn't calmed completely, though. They were still in danger. Hopefully his internal navigation was steering them right.

Wynter pulled the bag from his shoulder that he'd miraculously held on to through all the madness. "I might have some things in here." He dug to the bottom and pulled out a soft wrap, tossing it over his shoulders. "It's not a lot, but better than nothing," he muttered as he continued to dig. Then he pulled a pouch out. He handed it to Cav. "A rain poncho. It's not very warm, but it might help stop the wind, at least."

Cav took it, unfolding it from its pouch. He shook it out before slipping it over Wynter's head.

"I gave that to you," Wynter argued. "I took the wrap."

Cav shook his head. "It'll protect you. I'm okay." He wasn't okay, but if they kept moving, he'd make do. He reached for Wynter's hand. "Keep moving. You'll stay warmer."

Wynter clutched his ice-cold hand into Cav's, and they continued to trudge through the snow. Another half hour or so later, they broke through the tree line, and he sighed with relief. They'd been close to Blacksburg when the train had been attacked. He could see his mountain in the distance. "Come on. We're close."

"Close to what?" Wynter asked.

"Home."

"I don't see Blacksburg's walls," Wynter said.

Cavanaugh smiled. "I live in the mountains just outside the walls, in the protected zone." And it was a good thing. He had none of his IDs on him. While Wynter had held on to his bag, Cavanaugh's satchel was long gone. Where, he had no idea. There's no way he'd have gotten past the wall, covered in blood, anyway—not without a Guard's inquest. That might land Wynter back where he didn't belong. Wynter was beyond Alexandria's walls and that was half the battle. They needed a safe space to regroup before they made their escape. "Another hour and we should be home."

Wynter was sure his feet were going to freeze before they made it to Cavanaugh's cabin, but when he saw a series of smoke trails, he assumed they were from fireplaces on the mountain—especially since that was the direction they traveled. The incline continued to rise, making it harder to move, but they were so close. He pushed with everything he had, though there wasn't much left. "Are you sure the protected zone will be safe against the Wildlings? They might track us. You killed one of theirs."

"I live too close to the wall," Cavanaugh said. "They won't follow us there." He grinned. "Plus, one of my neighbors is ex-Guard—and he's a bit of a survivalist. He lives near the base and protects the only path and road up. No one's getting past him."

Wynter hoped Cavanaugh was right.

Not long after, they approached a small farm of sorts. A huge beta stepped out, a rifle trained on them. He was so big, Wynter assumed him an alpha for a moment, but then he recalled the man was ex-Guard. Only betas were hired by the Guard. "Turn round before I fill you both with buckshot."

"It's me, Trout," Cavanaugh said. "We were attacked on the train."

"Cav?"

"Yeah," Cavanaugh said, wiping a bit more blood from his face.

The beta lowered his weapon. "I heard over the scanner that Wildlings took down the train. I've been sitting on my porch, making sure none of those bastards headed this way." He turned to eye Wynter. "Who's this?"

"My omega," Cavanaugh said, the pride in his voice unmistakable. "Wynter, meet Trout."

Trout grinned. "Nice to meet you, Wynter." He focused on Cavanaugh. "Looks like you were in one hell of a fight. Please tell me the other guy looks worse?"

Cavanaugh agreed. "Definitely worse."

"And dead," Wynter added.

Cavanaugh eyed Wynter before looking to Trout. "He's in shock. Hyperthermic. I need to get up to the cabin and warm him up."

"Or you could go inside and warm up here," Trout said.

"I appreciate the hospitality, but I need to get my omega home."

Wynter frowned, unsure what Cavanaugh implied.

Trout drew the rifle over his back. "Jump in the back of the pickup. I'll get you up there faster." He grinned. "The omega can ride with me inside. No offense, I ain't cleaning blood out of my cab. Again."

Wynter eyed Cav, concerned. When he nodded the okay, Wynter relented and followed Trout. The second he slid inside the cab, it was a bit warmer than outside.

Trout started the engine, and cold blew from the vents before the man shut off the air. "You'll be inside his cabin before the engine warms up enough." He turned toward Cavanaugh out back. "Ready?"

Cavanaugh gave a thumbs up.

Up they raced, wobbling over bumps in the mountain's gravel road. Within a few minutes, they pulled in front of a quaint cabin not far from the first farmstead. They all jumped out and rushed inside.

"You go get that blood washed off you," Trout said. "I'll start you a fire and get this place warmed up."

Wynter stiffened at the thought of Cavanaugh leaving him for a single second. He had a death grip on his alpha's hand.

"It's okay," Cavanaugh whispered. "I'll go as fast as I can. You're safe with Trout. I trust him with my life."

Wynter wasn't sure he'd ever feel safe with another man who wasn't Cavanaugh again. "Hurry."

Cavanaugh kissed him before exiting the room. Wynter turned to watch as Trout expertly started a fire. As soon as the first flames erupted, he moved closer, longing for the warmth. Within minutes, the fire was roaring, warming Wynter's fingers and toes.

"I'll go make you something warm to drink. It'll help," Trout murmured.

"Thank you," Wynter said, crowding closer to the fire.

"You should probably get out of those wet things," Trout said from the kitchen.

Wynter ignored the suggestion. He wasn't taking anything off until Cavanaugh reappeared. He stared at the flames, the events of the last few hours finally settling in. His body trembled, hands shaking as he reached toward the warmth. Trout appeared at his side, a steaming mug in his hands. He took one look at Wynter's shaking and knelt.

Wynter scurried back a pace.

"I'm not going to hurt you. No way you can hold this mug with all that shaking," Trout murmured.

Wynter told himself to calm down, but he shook even more.

Trout eyed him. "You're safe. Nothing's going to get you here."

Wynter held his gaze, not sure he fully believed the man.

"You're safe," Trout replied. "Say it with me."

"I'm… safe," Wynter whispered.

"Again," Trout prodded.

"I'm safe," he said, with a tiny bit more conviction, but not much more. "I'm safe. My alpha protected me. We're safe."

His shaking lessened.

"Keep telling yourself that until the shaking stops, okay?" Trout lifted the mug. "And I'll help you hold this while you take a sip until you can do it on your own."

Wynter placed his hands on Trout's and drew the mug closer. It was almost too hot, but the warmth felt too delicious not to drink it in. He didn't think he'd ever tasted a better cup of cider in his life. It warmed his belly while the fire warmed his outsides.

A few minutes after the most violent of the trembling was over, Cavanaugh reappeared, showered and in clean sweats. Wynter searched his alpha's face, seeking a sign that everything was going to be okay. When he didn't see it, he looked back to the flames, fearful that what he'd felt hadn't been real. His chest ached, and he knew he still wanted Cavanaugh close. Needed the alpha there, at his side.

Cavanaugh knelt at his side and drew Wynter closer. Wynter sighed, eyes screwed tight, the threat of tears still close.

"We're okay, baby. I got you. No one's hurting you while I'm around."

Wynter snuggled his face into the crook of Cavanaugh's neck. He smelled fresh—and likely ten times better than Wynter did. "Can I shower? I'm sure I'm a mess."

Cavanaugh pulled back and caressed the side of Wynter's face, reverence returned to his gaze. "How about a hot bath?"

"Yes, please," Wynter nearly sobbed at the thought of soaking his aching body. Between the night they'd shared on the train and the chaos that followed, he needed it.

Cavanaugh chuckled. He turned to Trout. "I appreciate your help, man. I need to get Wynter comfortable after what we just went through."

"Understood," Trout murmured. "As soon as you two get settled, come by and catch me up on what the fuck happened out there."

"Will do," Cavanaugh said. "Though it might be a few days."

"It don't take that long to warm u—" Trout paused a moment, eyes widening. "The full moon. Gotcha. That's why you were in a hurry to get up here and away from me."

"I meant no offense," Cavanaugh murmured.

"None taken," Trout replied.

Wynter's face warmed at Trout's uncomfortable expression and quick movement toward the door.

The older man smiled, his hand on the knob. "Nice meeting you, Wynter." He lifted his gaze to Cavanaugh. "I'm headed back down. No worries, I'll be watching out for anyone who might've tailed you."

"Appreciated," Cavanaugh said. "I'll yell as soon as I can. Promise."

"Sure thing. Have fun you two," Trout said before tossing up two fingers and opening the front door, a gale of wind and snow whipping inside.

Cavanaugh moved to the window nearest the door and peeked outside. "It's turning into a bigger storm." He faced Wynter. "That's good for us. It'll make it harder for the Wildlings to track us back here, if they bother. We'll be safer for it."

Wynter nodded, warmed, yet numb.

Cavanaugh returned to his side, sitting on the floor. "Are you okay?" He lifted a hand to brush back some of Wynter's matted hair.

It was then that Wynter saw the bandage on Cavanaugh's palm. There was a large circle of blood in the center. "What's that?"

"Nothing," Cavanaugh replied. "Let's get you cleaned up."

"That's not nothing," Wynter said.

"The shattered glass I used to get that alpha off you. It sliced me up pretty good, but it's fine. I cleaned it and it's covered."

Wynter reached for the bandage.

"Let's get you cleaned up and checked over before we worry about me, okay?"

"You're bleeding," Wynter cried.

"I put some liquid bandage on it. I'll check it again once you're in the tub."

Wynter finally looked down at himself and cringed. He was filthy. Between the blood, dirt, leaves, and mud, he was a sight. He lifted his long hair and found twigs, leaves, and mud caked in it. "No way am I sitting in a tub full of this mess. A shower will do just fine."

"We'll get you taken care of," Cavanaugh said. He grinned, his straight, white teeth glinting in the firelight. "I've got a shower in the mudroom out back. We can give you a hosing off before you get in the tub."

Wynter would've normally griped to be ‘hosed off' but as gross as he was, he wasn't complaining.

Cavanaugh rose and offered his unwounded hand.

Wynter took it, gladly. His alpha led him to the back of the cabin—which was little more than a chill four-season room lined with glass windows with screens behind them. The cement floor around the shower drain was damp. Cavanaugh had clearly used the mudroom for his own shower.

Before he did anything else, Cavanaugh started it again. His alpha spun and began peeling off Wynter's layers, tossing them into a pile near a washing machine. The whole time, Cavanaugh watched him closely, treating him with devotion and care, checking over every scratch or scrape. When the temperature was right, his alpha took off the last bits and urged him under the warm spray. Then, he peeled off his own clothes and joined in.

Wynter moaned at the feel of the water sluicing over his sore muscles and bruises he sensed he'd soon have. His alpha gently pulled the mess from his hair before rinsing more off his body. When the surface dirt was gone, Cavanaugh used a bar of soap and a washcloth to wipe his body, bit by bit, clearing off any mud and muck.

Each swipe of the cloth over his body heated him from within. Cavanaugh's big, firm hand underneath was warmer than the water, nearly scalding his flesh. His alpha's gaze lifted to his, time and again, the lingering hunger erupting into flames.

Wynter felt the coiling of need in his belly, slick spreading between his cheeks. Cavanaugh's nostrils widened, and Wynter was sure his alpha scented him—yet continued to gently wash every inch without succumbing. How he could show such control when all Wynter wanted to do was drop to his knees and offer his body as a vessel for his alpha, he didn't know.

"You look clean to me," Cavanaugh murmured as he rose to his full height and towered over Wynter.

Wynter lifted his gaze, eyeing the man through the curl of his lashes, eager to see where the night took them. The contact heat had appeared over, yet there was something still simmering within. His actual heat was slated to begin the next day, yet the need grew.

Cavanaugh smiled, the sight of it sending Wynter into more of a tailspin. His alpha undid one of the two small braids at Wynter's temples. "We should wash this here. It'll probably be easier than the tub."

Wynter had never had an alpha wash his hair before. Something about that seemed almost too intimate an act. Cavanaugh held his gaze as he freed the braid, only breaking it to tackle the other. Wynter leaned into Cavanaugh's strength, his knees growing weak with anticipation. Once the braids were loose, his alpha pushed the strands behind him, allowing it to trail down past his ass.

"It's like silver," Cavanaugh whispered. "Spun silver." He grinned, reaching for a bottle of shampoo.

Cavanaugh loaded some into his palm before lifting one hand to Wynter's head and massaging it in. It was then that Wynter recalled Cavanaugh's wounded hand. He reached up, pushing his alpha's hand away gently.

"I appreciate the care, but you're injured. I can do this."

Cavanaugh allowed a slick tuft of tresses to slide over his fingers. "Feels as silky as it looks."

Wynter smiled inwardly, scrubbing the past two days from his hair. Once rinsed, he felt like a real person again, and sighed.

Cavanaugh turned off the water. "Let's get you into the tub for that soak."

"Wait," Wynter said, grasping Cavanaugh's wrist. "I want to look at this."

"I'll take care of it once you're relaxing."

"I won't be able to relax until I know you're okay."

Cavanaugh held his gaze a moment before he seemed to relent and sighed. "Fine." He walked toward the door into the main house.

"Where are you going?" Wynter asked, shivering.

Cavanaugh pulled a thick, cotton robe from the back of the door and returned with it. He draped it over Wynter's shoulders. Wynter slid his arms into the holes as his alpha tied it tightly at the waist. He lifted his gaze, seeing the need sparking in Cavanaugh's gaze. It likely matched his own, but he had something to attend to before they did anything else.

"Do you have a first aid kit?"

A smile played over Cavanaugh's lips. "What do you know about first aid? Didn't you have servants to do that?"

Wynter swatted playfully at Cavanaugh's bicep. "I had four alpha brothers growing up—and an omega one, too. They were constantly getting banged up, and my papa made me help bandage their wounds." He lifted a brow. "I might not know all the tricks, but enough that I can hopefully get you tended to."

"Take care of me, baby," Cavanaugh whispered.

Wynter fought a smile, biting his lower lip. "Lead the way and I'll do the best I can."

Soon after Cavanaugh redressed, they sat at the small kitchen table. Wynter peeled off the bandage and hissed when he saw the hellacious cut there. "Cav!"

"What?"

"This needs medical attention."

"It's not that bad."

"It is!" Wynter argued.

"It's not like I can go to the hospital in this storm." When Cavanaugh seemed to sense Wynter's worry, he shrugged. "I heal quickly. Patch me up and I'll be fine. I promise."

Wynter wasn't so sure, but as Cav had said, it wasn't as if they could venture out in the storm. He searched what appeared to be a decent first aid kit where he found a small bottle of medical-grade distilled water within. After grabbing a kitchen towel to lay under Cavanaugh's hand, he rinsed the blood away and got a better look. Fortunately, it didn't look quite as bad after that. The wound was smaller than he'd first assumed, but still serious. He used a tiny flashlight he'd snatched in the mudroom, inspecting the cut. "No wonder it's still bleeding." He sought a set of tweezers in the kit. "There's still some glass fragments in there."

"That's why it's still hurting so bad, I guess."

Wynter scoffed before handing the flashlight to his alpha. "Hold this. I've got surgery to perform."

"You know, I had four alpha brothers, myself," Cav said as Wynter went to work.

"Oh?" Wynter asked, carefully sliding the first sliver out.

Cav hissed as the glass was removed, but otherwise remained steady. "Yeah. Younger or older?"

"Younger. I'm the eldest," Wynter murmured, focusing on the cut, which was a good thing. It didn't allow him to once again mourn the loss of his siblings. He'd not seen any of his brothers since being sent to live with Warden. He'd not seen his parents, either, but after they'd forced him to mate an alpha who wasn't his, he hadn't cared to see them again anytime too soon. Years had passed, and he was still angry.

They'd never bothered to check on him, either—even after the birth of their first grandchild.

"I'm the baby," Cavanaugh said, luckily stopping Wynter's inner downward spiral.

"Why am I not surprised?" Wynter asked, lifting a brow and smiling at Cavanaugh before refocusing on the job at hand.

"What's that supposed to mean?" Cavanaugh asked with a smug grin.

"You were a pain in the ass when we first met," Wynter murmured, tugging out another sliver. "Just like a baby brother would be."

Cavanaugh didn't even flinch with the removal. He seemed captured in Wynter's gaze. "Me? When you were acting like a precious little prince? I'd have assumed you were the youngest in your family considering that temper tantrum you had when you boarded."

Wynter scoffed. "Hardly."

"Umm-hmmm," Cavanaugh purred, leaning a bit closer.

"I'd argued with my mate recently. I didn't want to be on the train. Finding you in what I assumed was my cabin only added more fuel to my fire." Wynter lifted his gaze and was captured in his alpha's heated gaze. "I took out my frustration on you. I'm sorry."

"I was just messing with you. You have nothing to apologize for," Cav whispered. "I rather liked your fire, just so you know. It got me pretty hot under the collar."

Wynter fought a smile and went back to work on his alpha's hand. "Can you stop distracting me? I need to get this wound cleaned out."

"Distracting you? I'm just having a chat," Cavanaugh murmured, his deep voice running over Wynter like heated silk. "Getting to know my omega."

My omega. Wynter loved the sound of that falling from Cavanaugh's lips. "You know exactly what you're doing. I can tell by that satisfied smile on your lips."

"You're not even looking at me. How do you know how satisfied my smile might be."

"I can feel it." Wynter lifted his gaze and was rewarded with the exact grin he'd suspected had been there all along. "Just as I can feel your eyes on me."

"How can you expect me not to look at the most gorgeous man I've ever seen?"

Wynter fought another smile, his stare back on Cavanaugh's hand as he bit his lower lip.

"Oh, do I detect a little blush? You've surely had many a man call you gorgeous over the years. I doubt I'm the first."

Wynter stilled his hands and looked at Cavanaugh. "In all honesty, you're the first."

Cavanaugh frowned. "There's no way."

"If they have, they've never said it to my face," Wynter replied.

Cavanaugh searched his face, clearly not believing him. He gasped. "No one?"

Wynter shook his head, drying strands of his damp hair shaking along the sides of his face.

Cavanaugh lifted his good hand and tucked some of those strands behind Wynter's ear. "Then allow me to rectify that situation. You are the most stunning man I've ever laid eyes on. You're the most stunning man anyone has likely laid eyes on."

"Thank you," Wynter whispered, biting his lower lip. "You're not so bad to look at yourself." Wynter's gaze dropped. "Now, let me finish what I started here."

"Yessir," Cavanaugh murmured. "Then we can finish that other thing we started."

"Stop," Wynter whispered. He struggled to keep on task, especially as his body grew warmer under his alpha's stare. It took nearly an hour before he was positive he'd found all the shards. After disinfecting the wound, he covered it with butterfly bandages, pulling the skin together to heal. He added a protective layer of gauze and tape, and then a hand wrap, before calling it complete. At least, as complete as could be. When he lifted his gaze to Cavanaugh, he found his alpha watching him closely, wearing a soft smile.

"What?"

Cavanaugh grinned wider. "My sweet little nurse."

Wynter smiled up at Cavanaugh.

A soft gasp came from his alpha.

"What's wrong?" Wynter asked, panic hitting. "Is your hand hurting? Did I miss some glass?"

Cavanaugh shook his head. "No… my hand feels fine."

"That didn't sound like nothing," Wynter said, his brow furrowing.

Cavanaugh reached out with his good hand. He brushed the back of it against Wynter's cheek, his gaze arresting. Wynter was lost to it, the emotions simmering within the depths taking his breath away.

"What's wrong?" Wynter asked, his voice a breathy whisper.

"You just smiled at me."

"I've smiled plenty," Wynter replied.

"No. You haven't. You boarded the train, and you were haughty. You forced a smile when you knew you had no other choice than to be stuck with me. Then we bickered. You won a battle and offered me an arrogant smile. Then you told me your story, and the smiles were laced with pain. When things turned lusty, we were too busy kissing to smile. Immediately after that, you were terrified. We ran for our lives, and there was no space for smiles." He trailed his thumb over Wynter's lower lip. "Now, I finally get to see one. A real one. Filled with what looks like happiness."

"It is happiness." Tears burned the backs of Wynter's eyes for some reason. A wave of emotion swamped him, leaving him untethered. He gripped Cavanaugh's forearm to prevent being swept away by it.

"A real smile." He traced Wynter's lower lip again. "I knew you were beautiful from the first moment I laid eyes on you." He smiled softly. "Now I know… you're utterly magnificent."

Wynter blinked back tears. "Stop. You're going to make me cry."

"Me telling you that you're magnificent has you ready to cry? You'd better get used to it."

Kind words weren't a part of Wynter's life. Never had been. Cavanaugh's kindness almost hurt by comparison.

"I never want to make you cry," Cavanaugh whispered. "I'll spend the rest of my days trying to earn more of those soft, sweet smiles, though."

Wynter's chest tightened, the love he felt for his alpha swelling to fill every space within. How he could feel such emotion for a man he'd only just met, he didn't know, but the one thing he did—he could never walk away and remain sane without Cavanaugh in his life. "I knew…" He cleared his throat, emotion threatening to push him to more tears. "I'd always heard that meeting your fated mate was magical. That I'd feel a strong bond for that man almost immediately, as if I'd found another part of my soul. I always assumed that was an exaggeration."

"I assumed it an outright lie," Cavanaugh replied. "I assumed it was some collective brainwashing the elders were manipulating us with."

"I don't think I've thought about it that hard." Wynter shook his head. "But yeah, I wasn't sure I believed. Especially growing up and not seeing that connection between my parents." He narrowed his eyes and searched his alpha's face. "Yet, I feel it now. I feel the attraction and it's as if I've always known you. How can that be?"

"It's ridiculous that I should feel what I do for you. I've fought against it my whole life—yet here I am, buying in, lock, stock, and barrel. I can't explain it—other than another chemical reaction, perhaps? My brain's feeding me the happy juice right now and I'm going to soon be addicted, if I'm not already."

"I'm sure the shock of what we just went through heightened all that, too," Wynter murmured. "Adding in even more chemicals. Adrenalin. Whatever else kicks in when you're fleeing for your life."

"Quite possibly." Cavanaugh slid his fingers through Wynter's hair. "All I know is—I can't stop touching you." He pegged Wynter with a glance. "The thought of losing you makes me stop breathing. I'm addicted to you."

Addicted to you.

That's exactly how it felt. One taste and Wynter was a goner. He stared down at the wound on Cavanaugh's palm, attempting to still the mad beating of his heart. "I'm sorry you were injured saving me."

"I'm not."

Wynter lifted his gaze.

"You're mine. My duty is to protect you. Forever."

Wynter cupped Cavanaugh's cheek. His alpha turned and pressed a gentle kiss to his palm. He leaned in closer, longing to touch more of Cavanaugh's body. To be bound together and made one soul again.

"As long as I know you're safe, that's all I need in this world."

Wynter rose and slid onto his alpha's lap, unable to hold back another second. "I sense I'll forever be safe in your arms."

Cavanaugh wrapped him in a warm, tight embrace he never wanted to leave. When their lips met again, it was bliss. The kisses turned hungry, the height of their terror needing to be shaken by the height of their need.

A celebration that they'd survived and were still together.

When they pulled their lips apart to breathe, Wynter's slick coated his hole. A fresh wave of need slammed into him. He dug his fingers into Cavanaugh's sweatshirt, moaning. "Fuck…" He shook his head. "I should have one more day."

"A lingering of your contact heat?" Cavanaugh asked before nibbling along his neck.

"I haven't felt anything all day."

"Panic," Cavanaugh whispered, laying more kisses. "The shock to your system. Perhaps that paused it all?"

"Maybe," Wynter murmured, a shiver of need racing through his body. He didn't really care why… he simply wanted Cavanaugh to take that need away by any means possible.

"Whatever it is, I won't look a gift horse in the mouth," Cavanaugh said. He rose, lifting Wynter into his arms in one swift movement.

"Cav!" Wynter chuckled, shocked at the ease of being lifted. "Be careful with your hand."

"I'm being careful," Cavanaugh replied, striding through the house while holding Wynter's gaze. "I'm taking you to my bed… where I'm going to ease you through this heat."

"I need my tote," Wynter said, glancing around the living room as they passed through. "Hopefully my Heat Repress pills are still in there."

Cavanaugh paused. "Do we really need them?"

"A full heat… is a bit intense," Wynter said. "The medicine only takes the edge off some, but anything's better than nothing."

Cavanaugh changed course and snagged Wynter's tote before returning to his original path. He deposited both Wynter and the bag at the end of the bed—which was protected under a dust cover.

"We should change the sheets," Cavanaugh said.

"Were they clean when you put them on?" Wynter asked as he peeled back the dust cover.

"Yeah."

"It's good enough," Wynter said.

"Rich boy's going to rough it, hmm? Or is it because you don't know how to make a bed?"

Wynter lifted his gaze and an eyebrow.

Cavanaugh chuckled. "Gods, I love seeing you heated. It's such a fucking turn-on."

"Keep pushing your luck, buddy."

Cavanaugh stole a kiss. "I plan to."

Wynter tossed the cover into the corner and slid onto the surface, the bedding cool to the touch. He shivered, never fully being warm yet.

"Another fire, coming right up," Cavanaugh said before he built a second in a smaller fireplace in the bedroom.

Wynter found his bottle of Heat Repress in the mess of his tote, thankfully. While he'd love to one day share a full heat with Cavanaugh, he wanted some control. Only his first heat had been without the medication, and the memory of that experience was one of terror. He knew Cavanaugh would be kinder to him, given their time on the train, but he wasn't in the right headspace to attempt it.

As soon as the flames rose, Cavanaugh disappeared again. He reemerged with a case of water, a large bag of trail mix, and another of protein bars to keep them fed for the days to come. His alpha deposited those at the foot of the bed before kicking off his sweatpants and dragging the sweatshirt over his head.

He stood at the end of the bed, his hard, muscled body gloriously nude, body swathed in the dancing firelight. It painted dark shadows on the dips between muscles, making him appear almost godlike. The rounded brawn shone in the light, as did the thick erection angling toward him.

"You're striking," Wynter whispered.

And all mine.

His fingertips ached to touch what was his. Rising to his knees, the robe slid off his shoulders and pooled around his elbows. Cavanaugh closed the gap between them and dragged it off, tossing it from the bed and leaving Wynter as completely naked as he.

A tiny draft washed over his skin, causing a chill, but Wynter wasn't sure it was from the cold—or the wanton need traveling in his veins.

Cavanaugh climbed into the bed, the mattress dipping under his weight. "I need to keep my omega warm. Whatever might I use?"

Wynter sighed as his alpha dragged him close and claimed his mouth… in preparation for the claiming of his body to come.