Chapter seven:New Territory

The morning after Alex’s heat broke was quiet, and not in the usual tense, avoidant way. It was warm. Soft. Honest.

Brian woke first, tangled in Alex’s sheets with one arm around his waist. The omega still slept soundly, hair messy, lips parted, a faint mark visible on his neck—Brian’s mark. That single bite had shifted everything. He could feel Alex now, deep in his chest. Like a compass always pointing home.

Brian leaned in, kissing Alex’s shoulder gently before pulling away to clean up and let him rest.

Downstairs, the silence shattered.

“You smell like mating,” Kyla said the moment he stepped into the kitchen.

Brian nearly dropped the coffee mug he was holding. “Subtle, Kyla.”

She smirked. “I’m a beta, not blind. You bonded him, didn’t you?”

Brian didn’t answer immediately. He poured his coffee, leaning against the counter, eyes distant.

“Yeah,” he finally said. “I did.”

Kyla blinked, her teasing smile fading into something more serious. “So it’s official.”

Brian nodded.

She crossed her arms. “You know what that means, right? This isn’t just about you two anymore. Once people find out—especially the elders—it’s going to cause a storm.”

“I know,” Brian muttered. “But I don’t care.”

Later that day, Alex came downstairs looking more refreshed. He wore a loose hoodie and pajama pants, his mark still red and tender. Liam and Tessa had come over after hearing about the heat.

Tessa pulled Alex into a hug. “You did it,” she whispered. “You’re okay?”

Alex nodded, cheeks pink. “Yeah. I’m okay. I’m more than okay.”

Liam smiled, but his eyes were sharp. “The mark’s strong. You two didn’t just fool around—you completed it.”

Alex felt Brian’s gaze across the room, protective and unreadable.

“We did,” Alex confirmed softly.

Liam exchanged a look with Tessa. “Then you both need to prepare. The pack doesn’t take lightly to sudden bonds, especially between step-family. Someone’s going to challenge it.”

Brian stepped in. “Let them try.”

“Brian—” Alex started, but Brian cut him off gently.

“No one is taking you away from me. I won’t let them.”

Alex felt the weight of that promise. Heavy, intense, but comforting.

The next few days were filled with small changes.

Brian started bringing Alex lunch at school. They sat closer in the cafeteria. And while they didn’t openly advertise their relationship, they didn’t hide it either. Brian didn’t flinch when he touched Alex. Alex didn’t avoid his eyes anymore.

Some students whispered. A few betas stared. One alpha scoffed loudly in the hallway and muttered “freaks” under his breath.

Brian nearly lunged, but Alex stopped him with a hand on his arm and a quiet, “He’s not worth it.”

The truth was, this was new territory—not just for them, but for everyone around them.

But they weren’t afraid.

They had each other.

And no matter what came next, that was enough.