(Warning! There is very explicit sexual content in the first part of this chapter. I hope you saved room for breakfast.)

-

Soon it was morning. Lance tightened his hold on Cyrus and burrowed his face into the nape of his neck. Cyrus was pulled out of his thoughts when a sleepy voice filled his ears, "You're still here..."

Lance's sleepy voice sends shivers down his spine. It was deep and croaky. It was... very alluring. Cyrus added this to the list of things about Lance that made him weak.

"Yeah, why wouldn't I be?" Cyrus whispers in response.

"I had a bad dream..." he pauses to yawn tiredly, "About you."

"What happened?"

"I don't remember."

Cyrus is silent, slightly concerned. He dreamt about me, but it was a bad dream? That isn't very reassuring.

"We should get up," Cyrus suggests, trying to squirm out of Lance's grasp.

Lance mumbled, "Don't wanna."

Cyrus was reminded of a stubborn child who didn't want to get out of bed to go to school. Cyrus sighed, "We can't stay in bed all day."

"Why not?" Lance pouted.

"I have to train, remember?"

"So? You can train here, with me."

Cyrus was oblivious, "How?"

Lance smirked, slipping his hands into Cyrus's shirt. He whispered into his mate's ear, "I think you know how."

Cyrus flushed. Lance was very forward. It wasn't surprising because he was his mate, it was only natural. But Cyrus - no, Ethan wasn't used to this at all. He didn't know how to react. He got all flustered every time a situation like this came up, and forgot how to function like a human being. With Lance's body so close, and his unintentionally seductive sleepy voice whispering sweet nothings into his ear, Cyrus found it very hard to resist. His body began to betray him when Lance's hand slid further and further down. Cyrus frantically searched for an excuse, ready to speak it - but all that came out was a moan when a pair of lips suckled his neck.

Lance froze, and Cyrus clamped a hand over his mouth. Did I just-

"Did you just...?"

"No!" Cyrus denied fervently, "No I definitely did not."

A smile tugged at Lance's lips, "Do it again."

"What?" Cyrus breathed, his face red hot.

Lance's lips found themselves against Cyrus's dark skin once more. Cyrus could feel a certain hardness against his back, and his eyes began to widen. Lance suckled Cyrus's neck, his hands inching closer towards Cyrus's hard member. Cyrus trembled, biting down hard in an effort to resist the onslaught of ecstacy that traveled through him. Lance's teeth began to nibble at his skin, leaving bite marks and hickeys all over his neck and shoulder. One of Lance's hands began to play with Cyrus's nipple, the other found itself slipping inside Cyrus's underwear. A moan slipped out of Cyrus's mouth - he couldn't help it. The pleasure he experienced was too great, and his wolf urged him to let this continue.

Lance soon stopped, and the pair breathed heavily, almost in sync. Cyrus's breath caught in his throat when a pair of hands pulled down his underwear. If a blanket wasn't covering him, his member would easily be exposed. Lance's hand hovered over his member, heat radiating off of it. He bit down on his lip, waiting for Lance to continue. Craving what will happen next. His wolf was running rampant. His mind was turned into a foggy landscape where he couldn't think straight.

"Ethan?" Lance breathed, "Can I... touch you?"

Touch me? Cyrus's heart quickened. He wondered why Lance even bothered to ask. From that day at the pond where he held hands with Lance, to the day after they spent the night in that cave sleeping side by side. His warm hands set his skin on fire. Cyrus craved that warmth, and he wanted that hand to be the only one to ever touch him.

Cyrus's lips part, "Touch me."

Lance happily obeyed, his hot fingers sliding up the length of Cyrus's member before gripping it softly. Cyrus's eyes rolled back into his head when Lance began to stroke him. His other hand slithered up his chest, pulling him closer to his own naked body. Cyrus could feel Lance's hard member against his lower back. Lance's hand pumped him faster and Cyrus fell back into Lance's body, moaning excessively. Not a moment later, Cyrus came into Lance's open hand, shuddering from the intense raw pleasure.

Suddenly, Lance tore the blanket off of the two of them, exposing Cyrus. Cyrus panicked as Lance flipped him onto his back and crawled on top of him, sitting on his legs, cradling him. Cyrus looks up to find Lance a hot bothered mess. His hair was messy and tangled, and his face was as flushed as Cyrus's was. His hard, overwhelmingly large member brushed his own, and Cyrus bit his lip to restrain from moaning once more. Lance tore off his shirt, throwing it across the room. Lance held a seductive gaze with Cyrus as he lifted his hand, which was still covered in Cyrus's release, and began to slowly massage it down into his defined abs. Cyrus watched with a heated gaze as Lance gripped his own member with the same dirty hand and began to rub whatever was left onto it. Cyrus swallowed the hard lump in his throat, not being able to tear his eyes away.

"Ethan?" Lance breathed, taking his own hands and crossing them behind his back, leaving himself vulnerable.

"Yes?" Cyrus squeaked.

Lance smiled, running a tongue across his front row of teeth, "I'm all yours."

All... mine? The words echoed in his mind. It was true he wanted to touch Lance, very very much. So Cyrus didn't hesitate to raise a hand and trace the set of defined muscles sitting on top of him. He felt a rush of adrenaline course through him when Lance's eyes rolled back into his head in response to his touch. His wolf began to growl, craving more. Craving to devour this man. Cyrus didn't even notice his wolf taking control when he leaned forward and harshly gripped Lance's member. When Lance took a sharp gasp of air Cyrus caught hold of his lips; devouring them. Lance moaned into his mouth as they began a fierce battle for dominance with their tongues. Cyrus held onto his own member as well with the same hand, and began to stroke the two together. Lance pulled away, nothing but a thin line of spit shared between them as he looked down at Cyrus's stroking hand with torment.

"Ethan..." he moaned, leaning his head against Cyrus's shoulder, helpless as Cyrus continued to pump the both of them faster and faster, "Fuck!"

Cyrus, consumed by his wolf's desire to hear his mate in pleasure, continued. A knock on the door was heard, and Lance raised his head, panicked. Cyrus pushed him down onto the bed and pounced on top of them, continuing to stroke him with one hand - while his other clamped down onto his mouth to surpress his pained moans.

Another knock sounded, it was Rudy, "Hey, guys. After breakfast we're gonna play some football. Did you wanna join us?"

Cyrus locked eyes with the helpess Lance as he responded, "We'll be down in a minute!"

"Alright. Take your time!"

With Rudy's departing footsteps Cyrus replaced the hand clamped over Lance's mouth with his pair of lips. Lance moaned in his mouth as he finally released, all over Cyrus's stomach and his own. Cyrus pulled away, finally letting go of his mate's now limp member. Satisfied, his wolf finally backs down, going back to rest in one of the corners of Cyrus's mind.

Cyrus blinks. That was... new. He watched the scene unfold, but he had absolutely no control over his body. His body moved on its own. His wolf... took control. That was a good thing, right? But now that the confidence his wolf brought was gone... all that was left was the embarrassed and ashamed Cyrus to deal with the consequences.

He rose from the bed, quickly putting back on his underwear, "I-I'm sorry, I don't know what got into me."

Lance covers his face with his hands, blushing fiercely. He seemed just as embarrassed as Cyrus was. Cyrus swallowed the lump in his throat, nervously looking over to his mate. He avoided making eye contact with his exposed member, "Lance? Are you alright?"

Lance quickly sat up, avoiding Cyrus's sheepish gaze. He cleared his throat, rubbing his neck. And then he laughed nervously, "I-I'm fine. I just wasn't expecting... that."

"Yeah, me neither."

"Don't get me wrong!" Lance quickly rushed out of the bed and approached the flustered Cyrus, "I kind of liked it. Being... you know..."

Cyrus blinked, "Being what?"

"Are you really going to make me say it?" Lance sighed, looking down at the floor, "You know... being the bottom..."

Cyrus coughed. Oh. That's what he meant. He... likes being dominated? That's what being a bottom means, right? God, I have no idea about this kind of stuff. But it was my wolf who took control in the first place! He was the one doing all of that stuff to Lance... not me. But... I kind of liked it.

"But, next time," Lance approaches, cupping Cyrus's face with his hands. He smiles, "I'm going to fight you for it, got it? You just caught me off guard this time." He places a gentle kiss on Cyrus's lips, leaving Cyrus momentarily stunned. He couldn't help but return the smile when Lance pulled away, "I'm going to take a shower, do you want to join me?"

"Shower?" Cyrus repeated. He didn't think he could mentally handle anything more... heated, "No, you go ahead. I'll meet you downstairs."

"Alright. Oh, and... good morning." He winks.

Cyrus cleared his throat, "Good morning."

Lance turned and headed towards the bathroom, with Cyrus intently watching his naked behind. Yes... it's a very good morning. He coughs, averting his gaze. Once Lance enters the bathroom, Cyrus becomes consumed by his thoughts. Did that really just happen? That's not how I imagined this morning was going to play out. Not that I'm really complaining... that felt really good. I didn't expect it to feel that good.

Cyrus shook his head, deciding to get dressed. He changed his shirt and underwear... both of which were stained. He searched the drawers and only found Lance's clothes. Where were all of his clothes? Oh, whatever, Cyrus thought, putting on one of Lance's sweaters. It was a size too big, but comfortable none the less. Not to mention... it smelled like Lance. A lot. Cyrus took hold of the sweater and brought it to his nose, inhaling deeply. He smiled giddily. Yes, he had no problem wearing this.

He continued getting dressed and then walked up to the window. He peeked out of the curtain, meeting his reflection. He smoothed down his hair, where a few curls poked out. His cheeks were still naturally flushed, and it seemed his lips were naturally curved into a smile. He looked happy. And for some strange reason, there were no signs that he ever had a cold. Had he healed already? He didn't expect to heal so quickly. Maybe it had something to do with his powerful wolf. If normal wolves only took a few days to heal from this, did it only take a day for Cyrus? Thay would make sense.

He looks past his reflection to the camp. Outside, most of the pack members were tossing around a football, tackling each other to the ground. That actually looks like fun.

With that thought, Cyrus turned and headed downstairs.

-

"Good morning!" Cyrus greeted both Rudy and Carolyn in the kitchen.

Rudy turned to smile, "Morning, Cy. You seem to be in a good mood; you and Lanny make up?"

Cyrus took a seat at the table, "You could say that..."

Cyrus looked up to catch Carolyn staring him down. She seemed to particularly notice the sweater he was wearing, and Lance's scent that seemed to radiate off of Cyrus. Her nose scrunched up with disgust. When she met Cyrus's gaze, she glared, before turning to leave the room in a hurry.

Cyrus frowned, she seems to dislike me even more today. Does she know I did... that with Lance?

"Ah, sorry about her," Rudy notices, "She's not usually like this, I swear."

"I know, I don't think she likes me very much." Cyrus picks up an apple and takes a big bite.

Rudy sighs, leaning forward, "I'm only going to tell you this because Lanny probably won't - but Car, she used to have a crush on him. Like, a huge crush. She might've even been in love with him."

Cyrus begins to chew slowly as he absorbs the new information. In love with him? His jaw clenches.

He continues to listen, "They've known each other since they were kids. They were pretty close. A couple years before you came, Car told Lanny she was in love with him. Of course, he rejected her, because she wasn't his mate. It broke her heart, but she's still stayed here, loyal, all this time. I was sure she was over it until you came. I know it probably seems like she has it out for you, but she's just looking out for Lanny, you know? I'm sure in a couple weeks she'll get over it, and the two of you will be the best of friends."

Cyrus swallows the food in his mouth. I knew it. That explains a lot. Of course she hates me. I'm the mate of the man she was in love with. The reason he rejected her. Cyrus shakes his head, confused, "Wait, wolves can still fall in love without being mates?"

"Yeah, it can happen sometimes. It usually never works out, though. Still... doesn't hurt as much as being rejected by your mate!" He laughs, but it seems oddly forced. He stares off into the distance as his smile slowly dissappears. Cyrus frowns, concerned.

"What are you two talking about?" Lance appears from behind, taking the seat beside Cyrus. He casually slings an arm around Cyrus, smiling at the sight of Cyrus's blush.

"You." Rudy shrugs.

Lance frowns, "What about me?"

"Just about how much you cried when Cyrus ran off."

Lance froze, his face heating up with embarrassment. Cyrus curiously peeked a look at his mate. Was he that upset about me leaving? Maybe I shouldn't of...

"I didn't cry! Not that much..." he huffs, clenching his fists.

"Oh, Cy, I'm afraid our Alpha's gone soft cause' of you."

"Right, I'm your Alpha. Where has all the respect gone?" Lance glares, a pinkish tint still on his cheeks.

"Alright, alright... I apologize Alpha, sir," he bows his head and Lance rolls his eyes, "I'll be outside. You two can join us if you want."

He leaves, leaving the mated pair to sit in awkward silence. Cyrus contemplates bringing up how upset Lance was about him leaving, maybe even tease him about it; but decides to leave it be. He wanted to leave it in the past as much as Lance probably did.

"You smell like me." Lance speaks up, leaning over to sniff Cyrus.

"Well, yeah. I'm wearing your sweater."

"I know. It looks better on you." Lance smiles. He then takes his finger and pulls down the collar of Cyrus's stolen sweater.

Cyrus furrows his brows, "What are you doing?"

"Nothing. Just admiring."

"Admiring what?"

Lance smiles knowingly, and fixes Cyrus's collar. He wets his lips, "The marks I left on you."

Heat rises to Cyrus's cheeks as he remembers this morning, how Lance had bit his neck and shoulder. How he had probably left hickeys. I hope they aren't showing...

"Are you embarrassed, Ethan?" Lance pulls his chair closer, whispering in Cyrus's ear, "After what you did to me?"

"Shh!" Cyrus raises a finger up to Lance's lips, shushing him. Lance blinks innocently as Cyrus scolds him, "Don't say my name so carelessly."

Of course, that was only one of the reasons Cyrus had stopped him. He didn't want him to continue on about this morning, Cyrus would surely die of embarrassment. And he didn't want Lance to notice that.

Lance smiles apologetically, "Ah, right. It's a secret, isn't it? I'm sorry, babe."

Cyrus cringes, "Babe?"

"What? You don't like it? I need something to call you other than your name. I heard that's a popular nickname for human partners when they're in a relationship..." Lance takes Cyrus's hand and interlocks their fingers as his brows knit together, thinking hard, "Then... I guess I'll stick with cutie."

"Cutie?" Cyrus pouts, "I'm not cute." Lance laughs as if he had just heard the funniest joke. Cyrus glares, "You're the cute one!"

Lance blinks, "Huh? Me? I am?" Lance begins to blush at the sudden compliment, not knowing how to react. Cyrus is silent as he watches his mate shyly smile. He didn't mean for him to get so flustered, but now that he was like this... Cyrus couldn't help but think he really was cute.

"Yeah, really cute."

"You think so?" Lance glances up at Cyrus with a pair of sparkling brown eyes. An invisble arrow shoots at Cyrus's heart.

What the hell?! Cyrus grabs Lance's face and squeezes it with his hands, furrowing his brows. Lance is silent as Cyrus studies him. Maybe if he looks ugly I can resist... Cyrus continues to play with his cheeks, pulling them up and down. He then uses one of his finger to push up on his nose, and the other to pull down on the skin underneath his eye. This isn't working... he's good looking no matter what.

Cyrus takes his hands back, and Lance rubs his cheeks painfully, "What was that?"

This is dangerous... just looking at him makes my heart do summersaults. Everything he does, and says, I can't handle it! He's so cute... but at the same time hot. How is that possible? Is he bipolar? Cyrus's thoughts slowly become negative as he starts to think about his future here, with Lance. Ugh, this isn't fair. Why would the System reincarnate me into this body, make me Lance's mate, only to make me leave him in the end? It's not fair. I don't want to lose him. I don't want to let him go. I know I should just enjoy our moments together now, but thinking about never seeing him again... it hurts.

Lance places a hand on Cyrus's cheek, expressing worry. Cyrus feings a smile, "I love you, too. I forgot to say it yesterday."

Lance smiles warmly, then tilts his head, "Then, why are you crying?"

Cyrus only now notices the trail of tears streaming down his cheeks. Lance wipes them away with his thumbs, hoping to wipe away his worries, too.

"They're happy tears." Cyrus lies through his teeth.

How long did he have left? It's almost been a month since he was reincarnated into this world. That meant he only had a month left with Lance. Every moment was precious. Every second... every second he had left in this world he wanted to spend with Lance. He didn't want to waste any of it worrying about what would happen. Yes, that's right. It was better if he kept Lance oblivious to this truth - Lance deserved this happiness as well. If Lance believed the two of them would live the rest of their days here, the Cyrus would let him believe that. So, stop crying already, he scolds himself, please.

"Let's play some football!" Cyrus beams, standing out of his chair and out of Lance's grasp. He exits through the door before Lance can question him any further with his penetrating gaze.

Lance stares at the empty seat in front of him with a frown. The absence of warmth in his hands, without Cyrus, scared him more than it usually did. He was reminded of the dream he couldn't seem to remember, and it filled him with a sense of dread. He shakes his head and chases after his mate, even more eager to have him by his side.