(Slightly sexual part)

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The sun awoke him, prying open his eyelids. He blinked slowly, allowing himself to register his surroundings. The campfire had died out, reduced to nothing but a pile of chared sticks and twigs. Outside, dawn crept through the trees, birds sang, and an early morning dew blanketed the lush grass.

Cyrus found his head lying on something hard... yet warm. He shifted in place, blinking upwards. Through his tired gaze he found Lance, sleeping soundly. Cyrus's head was resting on his thigh, whereas Lance has positioned himself against the side of the cave, sitting. Cyrus raised his hand to find Lance's still holding his own. Cyrus positioned it on his chest carefully, as to not wake him. He watched Lance through his lashes, his lips parting in quiet astonishment. His breaths were slow and steady, and his heart beat matched the rhythm. The sun glistened against his honey skin, his hair revealing tones of autumn. Cyrus resisted the urge to raise his hand and caress his cheekbones, following his natural contour. From his face down to his chest... he could be mistaken for a piece of art.

Not once during the night did Cyrus have a nightmare. He slept soundly, warm. Now, he awoke feeling rested and peaceful. Part of him expected yesterday to he a dream... then again, all of this felt like a dream. Perhaps one day he would wake as Ethan Kline, back to a much more realistic reality. Whether or not all of this should be considered a dream or a nightmare... he was indecisive.

Cyrus carefully moves Lance's hand, sitting upright. He rubs at his eyes, reaching for his now dry flannel and pulling it over his head. He wandered out of the cave, reluctantly leaving Lance behind. He soon came across the lake, taking a seat on the grassy shore. He then looked out over the waters, bringing his knees to his chest; contemplating. There was a lot to think about, a lot to fear. But... the gentle breeze wafting from the lake soothed his worries, and he decided not to think very much. He didn't know when he would come across such a peaceful moment again. A moment for himself to simply... breathe.

When he inhaled deeply through his nose, his wolf stirred as a certain scent devoured him. His ears perked up at the sound of approaching footsteps. He exhaled quickly, holding his breath when a pair of arms slithered around him from behind. Lance rested his head on Cyrus's shoulders, sighing heavily, "It's cold..."

Cyrus watched Lance and himself from the lake's reflection. Lance leaned heavily on Cyrus's form, his eyes closed as he rested comfortably. In Lance's eyes, he and Cyrus were already as close as an old married couple. Yesterday must of been quite an advancement for their relationship. After all, he and Cyrus had bonded yesterday, hadn't they? Laughing and playing around with each other, even sleeping with each other! Of course, hugging was simply one of the benefits that came out of this relationship level up. Neither felt uncomfortable holding each other in each other's arms. Their wolves craved the touch, as did each other. In Lance's eyes, he had finally garnered his mate's acceptance, and that made him unbelievably happy.

Of course, in Cyrus's eyes, he only saw what the lake's reflection showed him. He only saw Lance's arms around Cyrus. He only saw Lance's love for Cyrus.

Lance wasn't acting, he truly did care for Cyrus. Even though Cyrus - or shall we say Ethan - was rather good at pretending, that didn't mean he liked to. But there was nothing he could do about it. It wasn't like he could simply tell Lance his true identity. It wasn't like Lance could ever fall in love, or be 'mates,' with Ethan. That's why, a big part of him would be pretending throughout all of this. He thought that wasn't fair to Lance... but as long as Lance was happy, being completely and utterly infatuated with this face and this body, Ethan supposed he would be able to continue to live like this. It's not like this relationship between him and the Alpha didn't benefit him in the end. He needed Lance as an ally, and what better ally than a lover?

He raised a hand to caress the arm that held him with a sickly sweet smile... not noticing the slow beating heart inside his chest slowly, but surely, breaking.

"We should get back to camp," Cyrus suggests, looking away from the solemn reflection.

"Yes... we should..." Lance mumbles, tightening his hold on Cyrus and snuggling deeper into the nape of his neck. Lance still hadn't completely woken up yet, still slightly buzzed from the high sleep injected him with.

Goosebumps littered Cyrus's skin when Lance began to slide his hand underneath the collar of his shirt, rubbing his chest with his calloused hands. Cyrus gasped when his fingers brushed his nipple, heat shooting down his body like lightning. He blushed fiercely as that hand began to caress his chest... and particularly around his more sensitive area.

"L-Lance?" He breathed, squeezing his legs together.

"Hmm?" A soft rumble was felt against his skin.

"Your... hand!" He squeaked, trying desperately to control the heat that swarmed his body, and the wolf that was growing more and more restless. He could feel himself reaching his limits.

Lance blinked, opening his eyes. He noticed the redness on the back of Cyrus's ears, and the position of his hand. He gently slid his arms back, "Ah, sorry. I let my wolf slip for a second there." He pulled away, yawning tiredly, "We should get back soon. At least then we'll make it for lunch. I'm starving."

Cyrus continues to cradle himself, his heart beating erratically. Calm down! Just calm down already! Lance's touch was never something he would get used to, considering his wolf craved it - desperately. Touching him in his more sensitive areas certainly didn't help in the slightest. He felt exactly how his wolf felt. Excited. Down there... excited. His wolf had begun to twist his thoughts, turn him into a horny bastard. His wolf wanted him to get on all fours and... beg. These dirty fantasies only began to expand, becoming vulgar and raw.

"Mhm..." Cyrus bit back a moan, his toes curling in pain. His wolf began to whine when he didn't immediately receive what he desired. Shut up! You picked a terrible time for this!

"Cyrus?" Lance called, worried.

"Why did you..." Cyrus shifted his legs, "...have to touch me there?"

Lance blinked, and that's when his wolf finally picked up on his mate's obvious signs of heat. He stared intensely at Cyrus's trembling frame, part of himself growing excited. But, now was not the time for that. He expressed concern, "Is this your first time?"

"First time?"

"First time in heat?"

In heat? Like a dog in heat? He would laugh, if not given his current situation. Cyrus opens his mouth to respond, only to moan feverishly when his pulsing member catches a brush of his own foot. He bites down on his shirt, tears stinging his eyes from shame.

"Cyrus, it's not going to go away unless you..." Lance trails off, "Well, you know."

"Just... go away, please. I'm fine."

"But-"

"Go! Please." Cyrus urges.

Lance hesitated. He knew how much it hurt, and part of him was hurt because his mate rejected his help. But, it was ultimately Cyrus's decision. Lance wasn't going to force himself on his mate, that was out of the question. He walked away, leaving Cyrus to deal with this on his own.

Cyrus felt some of the... swelling... go down after Lance left. His presence didn't help at all. But, his wolf was still going bat shit crazy. It craved relief. It begged for relief. It was in as much pain as Cyrus was. Okay... okay... he took a deep breath. I know what you want me to do, calm down. I'll... he hesitated, spreading his legs to reveal his bulge covered by the thin fabric of his boxers. He swallows the lump in his throat, I'll do it.

He checked over his shoulders, ensuring he was truly alone. Doing this with someone watching, it would be beyond embarrassing. Cyrus leaned forward, hoping to cover the obscene scene with his hunch as he slid his hot member out of his boxers. He flinched at the coolness of his hand. He bit down on his lip to refrain from moaning as he gripped his member and began to stroke. He could feel hot tears run down his cheeks as the pain continued to intensify. He stroked faster, and faster, eager for relief. Cyrus came in a moments time, shuddering from intense pleasure. His eyes rolled back into his head as he relished in that moment of anticipated relief. He breathed heavily, looking down at his trembling hand.

His wolf finally seemed content, and so did Cyrus. He sighed, tucking his member back into his boxers. He then reached forward to wash his hands off in the lake, scrubbing intensely. He caught his reflection again. His cheeks were still flushed. He really did just do that... didn't he? When was the last time he did that? His heart was calm and his mind steady. Maybe... he should do that more often. Still, he couldn't believe for a split second he imagined his own hand to be Lance's. Perhaps that's why he came so quickly. With Lance's scent and touch lingering, it was easy to imagine him still behind him, easy to imagine that hand as his own. If he offered to help... Cyrus would find it very hard to refuse.

"Ugh..." Cyrus splashes the water, distorting his reflection. Are you happy now? He asked his wolf. His wolf didn't openly argue or openly agree. Cyrus knew the exact reason for that. His wolf wanted Lance's hand, too.

He got up after a couple minutes, regaining his composure so he could face Lance again. Back at the cave Lance was already waiting, already shifted into his wolf form. His ears perked up as he sensed Cyrus approach. He picked up the folded pair of jeans from the ground with his teeth and walked over to his mate. Cyrus hesitantly took them, mumbling a thanks. He slid them back on, zippering them all the way up. The wolf bent down, and Cyrus hesitated again. The wolf noticed this, whimpering. Cyrus sighed. What was he so worried about? He would rather not walk the rest of the way.

He hopped onto the wolf's back, and they began to run through the woods again. Cyrus relished in the cool wind once more. He liked when the cool wind brushed past his cheeks. It reminded him of rolling down the window in a car and sticking his head out, as he used to do as a child. The nostalgia calmed him and his thoughts, and so he didn't think twice to hold on tighter to Lance as they began to incline.

Lance began to slow down, stopping. Cyrus noticed how Lance looked fiercely into the trees, perfectly still. Then, he bared his teeth, beginning to growl. Cyrus became alert as he looked in the same direction, finding two or three wolves emerging from the trees. They surrounded Lance, circling him. Lance continued to growl. What the hell? Cyrus thought as he watched the wolves, what do they want? Are they going to attack us? Attack Lance? Cyrus began to subconsciously glare at the wolves, his own wolf becoming rather protective of his mate. The wolves, after an intense minute or two, strode back into the trees.

Cyrus sighed, "What was that about? Were those Bloodmoons?"

Lance straightened, continuing to stare in the direction of trees the wolves disappeared behind. He huffed, picking up his pace again towards the camp. Cyrus held on, frowning, and occasionally checking over his shoudler. Didn't Lance have the whole territory checked? How exactly do they keep slipping through unnoticed? Should I be concerned about this?

They made it back to the camp in about twenty minutes. Once they passed the threshold of trees, Lance slowed, bending down so Cyrus could get off. He then shifted back, picking up the clothes left by a trees and changing into them. He inhaled deeply, a glare settling onto his face as he focused on the camp and began to stride towards it. Cyrus lingered behind him. Why does Lance suddenly look so angry?

As they continued their approach, Rudy opened the door, relief washing over his features as he spotted Lance and Cyrus. He raced down the stairs hoping to greet them, but Lance brushed past him, entering the house. Rudy sighed heavily before racing after him. Cyrus picked up his pace and entered the house after them. His nose immediately caught the distinct smell of blood. He became uneasy as he approached the living room where everyone gathered, spotting where the source of blood was coming from. Carolyn was sitting on sitting on the couch, a pack member tending to a grisly bite wound on her forearm. Lance was bent down in front of her, holding her sweat covered face with his hand. Worry was prominent all over his face. Cyrus's lip twitched, but he continued to stand there and watch.

He continued to study Lance as he spoke, "What happened?"

"Ambush," Rudy says, "They got her this morning."

Lance began to glare, "How did this happen?"

"I-I don't know. Car was on watch with a group, they must of singled her out and waited until she was alone." Rudy bit his nail, worried as he watched Carolyn's pained expression.

Lance seemed dissatisfied with this information, grunting in frustration. He turned to the girl tending to Carolyn, "How is she?"

The girl flinched as Lance's glare was suddenly turned to her, "I-I've tended to her wound. She'll be alright with a week's rest."

Lance seemed satisfied with this. He turned his attention back to Carolyn. He held her face in his hands, "Car?"

Her brows furrowed as she struggled to open her eyes. She looked up to meet Lance, smiling faintly, "I'm fine." She coughed, "Just a scratch."

"Get her up to her room," Lance ordered, "And keep an eye on her."

"Yes, Alpha." The girl agreed, stumbling to her feet and carefully picking up Carolyn. She helped her up the stairs, and Lance stood to his feet, rubbing at his jaw.

"This is bullshit!" Rudy exasperates, "First they breach our terrority and then attack one of our own. They've gone too fucking far, boss. We have to do something."

Lance stands there, deep in contemplation. "No," he shakes his head, "No more going into the woods, everyone is to stay here, on camp grounds. If they want a fight, then they'll come to us. And we'll be ready."

"But-"

"That's an order. You hear me?"

Rudy bites his lip, nodding in confirmation. Lance nods, satisfied. He waves everyone away, and they return to their tasks. Rudy heads upstairs, keen to stay by Carolyn's side. Cyrus idoly stands in the corner of the room, watching helplessly as Lance falls down on the couch, sighing deeply.

"Are you alright?" Cyrus asks.

Lance raises his head, as if he had forgotten Cyrus was even there. His gaze softens, "Cyrus... come here."

Cyrus obliges, walking towards Lance. He stands above him, and Lance gathers his hand, placing it on his head. He leaves it there, and Cyrus awkwardly begins to pet his hair, marveling at how soft it is. Lance leans into the touch, mumbling, "He's just trying to scare us, don't worry. I won't let anything happen to you."

Cyrus wasn't concerned about himself, "What about Carolyn?" A twitch of pain crosses Lance's expression, and Cyrus continues, beginning to pull away his hand, "Maybe we shouldn't of-"

Lance catches Cyrus's wrist, shaking his head frantically. His voice trembled with a tad of desperation, "No, don't say that."

Cyrus bites his lip, resting his hand on Lance's head again. Slowly, Lance releases the hold on his wrist. A frown etches itself deeply onto Lance's face, "Something like this was bound to happen. But, for them to target Carolyn... perhaps I should do something, bites can be fatal... but that would leave the camp vulnerable..." he seemed to become lost in his thoughts.

"You and Carolyn..." Cyrus started, playing with Lance's hair, "You seem close."

Lance sighed, before shining a reassuring smile Cyrus's way, "We were. It's a long story. I'll tell you later, okay?"

Cyrus tries to return the smile, "Okay."

Lance grabs Cyrus's hand, sitting up, and clutching it. He gazes up at Cyrus longingly, "Cyrus, even if my life was on the line, I wouldn't give up yesterday for anything. That cave... well, it's our cave now. Our special cave." He smiles warmly, placing a kiss on the back of Cyrus's hand, "And when all of this is over, how about we visit that cave again? Just the two of us. How does that sound?"

When this is over? When this is over, Ethan will have to leave this world behind, have to leave Lance behind. When this was over, it really was over for Ethan. But... seeing the smile on Lance's face, seeing how happy he was, Ethan simply couldn't help but tell a little white lie.

"Yeah... that sounds perfect."

Lance smiled even wider at Cyrus's agreement. He then released Cyrus's hand and decided to wrap his arms around Cyrus's standing body, pulling him close so he was standing in between his open legs. Lance played with his hands, "This morning... are you feeling better?"

Cyrus flushes at the memory of this morning, "I..." he trails off.

"You...?" Lance answers, looking up at him with a pair of sly brown eyes.

Cyrus turns his head, avoiding his gaze, "I took care of it."

"You took care of it?" Lance laughs, amused, "You make it sound like it's a one time thing."

Cyrus blushes, embarrassed. Lance laughs again. He pulls Cyrus closer, his hands resting on the back of his thighs. Cyrus panics, thinking he is going to fall, so he places his hands on Lance's shoulders. Lance rests his chin on Cyrus's abdomen as he looks up at him, smirking, "You're cute when you blush."

Cyrus's eyes widen, and he begins to blush even harder, if possible. Cute? The last I want to be is cute! But, his heart still beat a million times a minute at Lance's unexpected compliment. Lance chuckles at Cyrus's flustered silence. He then rests his cheek on Cyrus, cradling him. He closes his eyes, craving this moment of peace that only existed with Cyrus's presence.

Cyrus let his hands settle on Lance's head and back, allowing this serene hug. He thought back to earlier when Lance said he wouldn't let anything happen to him. Cyrus hoped, that with this simple hug, he would be able to return the favor and protect Lance, too. Even if just from the simple things, like his thoughts and his worries. He deserved this silent moment of peace, because if Ethan had learned anything from his past world, he knew things were only going to get a lot worse. And only Ethan could protect him from whatever this world threw at them.