As they stepped out of the forest and back onto the academy grounds, the world seemed to shift ever so slightly. The air was lighter, the stars above twinkled brighter, and for a fleeting moment, everything felt... perfect.
That is, until Theron noticed something.
"Kael," he began, his tone laced with exasperation as he quickened his pace. "Why are you following me? Your room is in the opposite direction. And—might I remind you—you're naked. You should be sneaking around, not strutting across campus like you're starring in some supernatural Victoria's Secret runway show."
Kael, utterly unbothered, leaned casually against a nearby tree, gesturing to his bare, sculpted body with the kind of dramatic flair only he could pull off. "Theron, I'm a wolf. This"—he swept his hand down as if presenting a masterpiece—"is completely natural for us. And," he added, his grin turning devilishly smug, "this body? It's a privilege most would pay to admire."
Theron pinched the bridge of his nose, muttering something about Kael's unmatched talent for being insufferable. "You're ridiculous," he groaned, spinning on his heel and quickening his pace, determined to put distance between himself and the walking ego trip.
Kael's laughter followed him, rich and unrepentant. "Don't be shy, Theron! You're adorable when you're pretending not to look."
Theron threw a glare over his shoulder but refused to dignify the comment with a response. Instead, he stomped off toward his dorm, leaving Kael standing there, basking in his own audacity.
"Aww, don't run away!" Kael called after him, his tone mockingly sweet. "You're even cuter when you're mad!"
Theron's ears burned, and he muttered under his breath, "nonsense"
Once inside, he slammed the door shut and leaned against it, breathing heavily. A grin spread across his now red face as he thought about the events of the night, and before he could stop himself, he let out a soft, giddy laugh.
Standing in the dimly lit room, Theron clutched his sides as he giggled uncontrollably. The sound was uncharacteristically light, almost childlike, as if the weight of the world had been lifted from his shoulders. He felt like a fool, smiling and laughing like some cartoon minion hopped up on caffeine, but he couldn't bring himself to care.
A soft mechanical whir interrupted his moment of joy.
"Theron," came the familiar, monotone voice of Rex, his AI companion. The watch-like device which Theron had abandoned on the table, the small holographic figure of a robot projecting into the room. "You appear to be experiencing an abnormal level of dopamine-induced euphoria. May I inquire as to the cause?"
Theron blinked, his cheeks flushing as he realized he'd been caught. "Uh, nothing. Just… had a good night, that's all."
Rex tilted its tiny head, the robotic equivalent of a skeptical glance. "Your heart rate and facial expressions suggest otherwise. Did something… significant occur during your recent encounter with Prince Kael?"
Theron froze, his eyes widening. "What? No! I mean… maybe. It's not what you think!"
The little robot emitted a series of beeps, as if processing his response. "Analyzing: Your tone indicates deflection. Cross-referencing known data. Hypothesis: Prince Kael's words have positively impacted your emotional state."
Theron groaned, covering his face with his hands. "Rex, drop it."
"Observation: Your giggling is unprecedented. Secondary hypothesis: The interaction with Prince Kael has exceeded your expectations, leading to enhanced emotional satisfaction."
Theron sighed, slumping onto his bed. "Fine, yes, okay? It was… nice. Happy now?"
Rex's tiny holographic form buzzed with what could only be described as robotic enthusiasm. "Statement: I am programmed to be pleased when my Master is pleased. Therefore, I am… happy for you."
Theron chuckled, shaking his head at the absurdity of it all. "You're impossible, you know that?"
"Correction: I am highly functional, Master. And it is my function to ensure your happiness and well-being."
Theron smiled, a warmth spreading through his chest. "Thanks, Rex."
The little robot nodded. "You are welcome. Query: Shall I prepare an emotional support protocol for future encounters with Prince Kael?"
Theron groaned again, flopping back onto his bed with a laugh. "Go to sleep, Rex."
"As you wish," Rex replied, the hologram winking out.
Theron lay there in the quiet of his room, his mismatched eyes staring at the ceiling as a contented smile lingered on his lips. For the first time in a long while, everything felt right.
Theron lay in bed, staring up at the ceiling. The faint glow of moonlight streaming through the curtains cast soft patterns on the walls, but no matter how much he willed himself to relax, sleep wouldn't come.
Theron's mind was a whirlwind, a chaotic storm of thoughts he couldn't suppress. Kael. That infuriating, arrogant wolf with his smug grin and maddening confidence. His voice, his laugh, the way he moved with effortless ease, as if the world itself danced to his tune—it was all so… Kael.
Theron groaned, yanking the blanket over his head as if it could shield him from his own racing thoughts. It didn't.
The memory of Kael's ridiculous swagger replayed in his mind like a broken record. "This body? It's a privilege most people would pay to admire." The words echoed, and Theron's lips twitched despite himself. It wasn't just the words—it was the way Kael had said them, dripping with playful arrogance, that damnable glint in his eyes daring anyone to disagree.
And then there was the body itself.
Theron froze, his cheeks heating up like a furnace. He flipped onto his side, burying his face into his pillow in a desperate attempt to smother the growing embarrassment. Why am I thinking about him like this? he demanded silently, his heart thundering in his chest.
Kael had always been ridiculous. This wasn't new. But tonight felt… different.
The word echoed in his mind. Mate.
Everything had shifted. Kael wasn't just his best friend anymore—he was his mate. The thought sent a thrill of both panic and longing through him. He couldn't stop himself from seeing Kael differently now, couldn't ignore the way his mind kept drifting to him. The way he wanted to be closer. The way his chest ached at the thought of Kael being anything less than happy.
Theron shot upright, running a hand through his hair in frustration. "Get a grip," he muttered under his breath, his voice low and strained.
But his body betrayed him. His heart raced, his cheeks burned, and no matter how hard he tried, his thoughts kept returning to him. Kael, his best friend. His mate.
His heart betrayed him, thumping faster at the mere thought of Kael's easygoing grin. He flopped back onto the bed, staring at the ceiling once more.
"Theron," Rex's voice broke the silence, soft yet clear, startling him. The AI's holographic form flickered to life on the nightstand, its glowing eyes fixed on him. "You are still awake. Do you require assistance in achieving sleep?"
Theron sighed, dragging a hand down his face. "No, Rex. I'm fine. Just… can't turn my brain off tonight."
Rex tilted its head, the faint hum of its processors filling the quiet room. "Would you like to articulate the source of your mental activity? Studies suggest verbalizing internal concerns can promote emotional clarity."
Theron hesitated, biting his lip. "It's nothing, really. Just… Kael."
Rex emitted a soft whir, as if processing the statement. "Observation: Your neural activity spikes significantly when discussing Prince Kael. Correlation suggests he is a primary source of your current restlessness. Recommendation: Address this directly with him at your earliest convenience."
Theron let out a dry laugh, throwing himself back against the pillow. "Yeah, sure. I'll just walk up to him tomorrow and say, 'Hey, Kael, I couldn't sleep because I kept thinking you. That'll go over great."
Rex paused, its eyes glowing faintly. "Alternative phrasing may be advisable. Additionally, it is worth noting that your tone suggests more than irritation—perhaps an underlying positive emotional attachment."
Theron groaned, yanking the blanket over his head. "I am not having this conversation with you tonight Rex."
Rex, undeterred, continued with a faint hint of robotic amusement in its voice. "Acknowledged. However, if this behavior persists, I will initiate a wellness protocol to address your ongoing sleep deprivation."
Theron peeked out from under the blanket, glaring at the glowing hologram. "You wouldn't dare."
"I would," Rex replied calmly. "Your well-being is my primary directive. Please consider resolving your thoughts regarding Prince Kael promptly to ensure optimal mental health."
Theron groaned louder this time, burying his face in his pillow. "Why did I program you to be so nosy?"
Rex's eyes blinked once. "Because, as you often state, I am your 'greatest creation.'"
Theron muttered into his pillow, too flustered to respond, while Rex hummed quietly, seemingly satisfied with its role in the conversation.
Left alone in the quiet again, Theron sighed, his thoughts inevitably drifting back to Kael. No matter how much he tried to push them away, they kept creeping back, leaving him smiling softly into the dark.
It was going to be a long night.
~~~