Liam paced back and forth in his room, staring down at his clenched fists as he put one foot in front of the other, his wolf restless in a way unfamiliar to him. His temperature was rising, and his heart was racing, his every sense hyper alert. He had already discarded his shirt, the roughness of the material against his skin suddenly unbearable.
The moon was rising, he could feel it boiling in his blood. It had been a long time since a full moon had affected him this much.
He felt caged, and with a growl of annoyance he opened his window and slipped out into the night.
The act of running helped slightly but something itched in his fingers, tingling, a need that he had no name for.
He reached the preserve and meandered, following an instinct, knowing that whatever he found at his destination would make it better.
His skin was hot, too tight over muscles that ached. He felt sick, weak and shivery.
A growl of frustration left his lips, but he kept walking. Nearly there, his wolf seemed to say, leading him to a clearing.
It was ringed by trees, with a carpet of soft grass in the middle. Moonlight filtered through the canopy of the trees, dappling the ground. It was silent, sacred in a way that made the hair on Liam's arms stand on end.
Liam peeled off his pants and underwear and hung them over the nearest branch. Stepping into the clearing, he felt endless years settle on his shoulders, and he buckled under the weight, falling to his knees in the centre.
Heat suffused his body as invisible hands held him in place, gripping his shoulder, unmovable as stone.
Are you worthy? An ancient voice asked, a breeze on the wind that pierced his heart. It whipped through his hair, brushed his lips, swirled around his body, inspecting him.
I try to be, he whispered back.
It seemed satisfied with that answer, the hands releasing him. Colds lips pressed above his heart, leaving a silvery mark behind that glowed with the light of the moon.
A gift, it said. The weight lifted, the presence gone, and Liam took a gasping breath, rubbing his chest. It didn't hurt as such, but it ached and throbbed in time with his heartbeat.
His wolf rumbled in his chest, restless again. It had what it wanted, and now it was ready to move on.
Liam pulled his clothes back on and moved in a new direction. This time there was a scent that guided him, called to him.
He could hear the crackle of fire and the low rumble of a radio long before he entered another clearing. The two might as well have been night and day. A beat-up foldable chair and table sat in front of a fire. There was a string between two nearby trees, clothes pinned to them, wavering slightly in the breeze. The soft strains of music came from a very familiar truck.
He frowned, his eyes searching for the other boy. What was Theo doing out here? Why had his wolf brought him here?
"Puppy, what are you doing here?" Theo drawled as he walked into the clearing, arms piled up with wood. He dropped it onto the ground near the fire.
"I don't know," Liam said. He stared at Theo, confused by the spike of heat that shifted through him at the sight of the other boy. It burned hotter and hotter, making sweat bead on his skin.
Theo studied him in turn, head tilted to the side. The breeze changed, taking his scent to Theo who inhaled deeply. He went tense, eyes blowing wide with shock.
Liam shifted uncomfortably as Theo stared at him.
"Why?" Theo asked eventually, his voice hoarse with emotion.
"What?" Liam asked.
"Why would you choose me?" Theo asked. He looked frightened.
"Choose you for what?" Liam frowned. He rubbed again at the mark over his heart, which was prickling and tingling. It was cold to the touch, palpable next to the heat that poured from his body in waves.
"Your heat," Theo said.
"I have no idea what you're talking about," Liam said, frustrated. He was so hot, why was he so hot?
"Did Scott never warn you?" Theo asked, looking unsure.
"Obviously not," Liam muttered. He dropped his hand and Theo's eyes were drawn to the mark. He inhaled sharply.
"No," he croaked, stepping back.
Liam's wolf growled, and he stumbled forward a few steps as it tried to force him closer to Theo.
"What the fuck is going on?" Liam snarled. Why was his wolf so close to the surface? So hard to control?
"You have a soul mark," Theo whispered.
Liam threw himself forwards and grabbed Theo by his shirt, pulling him close, his eyes burning yellow and his lips snarling. Theo held up his hands in surrender. Theo's pupils were dilated, and he panted, and Liam stilled as he caught his scent.
It was an overwhelming cocktail and Liam leaned closer, scenting Theo's neck as he chased each individual emotion, identifying and categorising them; lust, hope, fear, confusion, awe. Theo was still as he explored, his harsh breaths tickling Liam's hair.
"Explain," Liam begged, desperate for an answer to the question echoing through his body.
"You're in heat," Theo said, meeting Liam's gaze reluctantly. "Your wolf seeks out a mate, someone they feel connected to, someone it wants."
"It wanted you," Liam nodded. Normally, he would be more concerned with this attraction to another boy, and Theo no less, but tonight it didn't seem important. He trusted his wolf's instincts, trusted that it had brought him here for a reason. "And the other thing?"
"The soul mark," Theo whispered. "I've only ever heard it mentioned once. It's ancient lore. The night wolf gifts it to those who he deems worthy."
"What's it for?" Liam pressed.
"It leads to your soulmate, and grants power to the union," Theo explained. He was pale and shaky. Liam studied him, biting his lip. Theo's eyes drifted down to watch, and Liam released it and smiled.
The itchy, restless feeling in his body made sense now. He had been seeking his mate, his soulmate, and his wolf had lead him here.
"Ok," Liam said.
"What?" Theo said, his mouth gaping open.
"You're my soulmate," Liam said.
"Just like that," Theo said, shaking his head, his mood changing suddenly as his scent swirled with amusement.
"Who am I to argue with an ancient badass wolf god?" Liam shrugged nonchalantly.
"It would be pretty arrogant," Theo nodded, a smirk dancing at the corner of his lips.
"Nothing for it," Liam agreed, as he stepped in closer to Theo, sliding his hands up his chest to cup his cheek. He was merciless as he pressed his lips against Theo's, his mouth warm and pliant.
Theo returned his kiss instantly, a low groan rumbling through his chest. His hands wrapped around Liam's waist, pulling him closer. Liam sighed into the kiss and Theo slipped his tongue into his mouth, taking over. Liam burned hotter than ever at the languid way Theo's tongue massaged his own.
He moaned Theo's name as his cock twitched in his pants, growing full and heavy, arousal rushing through him, almost blinding him with its intensity.
"It's ok, puppy," Theo said tenderly, "I've got you."
Stepping back, he began leading Liam towards his truck. Liam chased his lips, pressing chaste kisses against Theo's mouth, until Theo's back was pressed against it and he had nowhere left to run.
Liam put a hand on either side of Theo, grabbing the side of the tray as he closed Theo in.
"Are you sure this is what you want?" Liam asked. His control was slipping, he had to know before he could give in entirely.
"Are you?" Theo returned, a vulnerable look in his eyes.
"This is where I'm supposed to be," Liam nodded, knowing in his heart that he was speaking the truth.
"Then yes, I'm sure," Theo said firmly.
Liam kissed the smile from his lips until it turned into liquid heat, a mess of moans and fangs and tongues as they tried to get as close as they possibly could, sharing every breath and sigh, heart's beating in tandem.
"Bed, now," Theo commanded as he pulled back, his head turned away. Liam leaned into Theo's neck, fangs lightly brushing the skin there. Theo shivered. "Liam," he whispered.
"Bed," Liam agreed eventually.
He grabbed Theo by his shirt and pulled him around to the back of the truck. They jumped up on top of it and Liam glanced around quickly to see a thin bedroll with Theo's pillow and blanket lying to one side. Theo unrolled it while Liam stood watching him. When Theo was done he sat down, leaning back on his hands, as Liam's eyes traced up his body slowly, taking it all in.
"Come here," Theo said impatiently. Liam smiled and joined him quickly, kneeling between Theo's legs.
Liam pulled him close for a kiss, and they smiled into each other's mouths. Theo leaned in close and slid his hands into Liam's hair, biting down on his bottom lip. Liam groaned.
"Can I touch you?" Liam whispered desperately, his fingers twitching in the fabric of Theo's shirt.
"Of course," Theo said. Liam didn't need to be told twice. He grabbed the bottom of Theo's shirt and pulled it over his head, discarding it to the side. Theo leaned back, eyes dark with lust, as Liam trailed his fingers across the muscles of his chest, exploring. He gasped when Liam's hands grazed over his stomach, shivering. Liam smiled and did it again, enjoying the way the muscles tensed under his fingers. His heart was racing, but so was Theo's, and somehow that made the nervousness in his stomach settle slightly.
He leaned forwards, pressing a kiss to Theo's skin. It was soft and warm to the touch, and he kissed his way down his chest slowly, lips dragging, pausing at the spots that made Theo squirm. He glanced up at Theo as his lips ghosted over his stomach. His eyes were wide, mouth gaping open slightly, his chest heaving with every breath, his hands clenched. Liam smiled at him, a wicked smirk, as he dragged one hand slowly up and down Theo's leg, rising higher each time.
"Liam," Theo growled.
The growl went straight to his groin, making him throb and ache. Liam bit down gently above Theo's hip bone, eyes blazing as he continued to stare into Theo's hazel eyes.
Theo whined, a shudder going through his body.
Liam kissed his way back up Theo's chest, tasting and biting, teeth grazing over sensitised skin. Theo grew frustrated and grabbed him by his hair, forcing him up the rest of the way.
"Stop teasing," he growled against Liam's mouth. Liam licked at his mouth in response. Theo opened for him, and Liam's tongue swept in, tangling with Theo's. As he kissed him he reached down and brushed a hand over the front of Theo's pants, sliding up and down his erection.
Theo groaned, and Liam gently pushed him back until he was lying down against the bed roll. He submitted, and Liam's mouth went to his throat as he continued to caress Theo through his pants. Theo pulled his hair, rolling his hips up into Liam's touch.
"Tell me what you need," Liam whispered into Theo's ear, biting down on the ear lobe.
"Touch me," he begged, turning to kiss Liam with a desperation borne from need.
Liam returned the kiss before pulling away. He sat up and began to slowly tug Theo's pants off. Theo lifted his hips, allowing Liam to take them off. They were thrown aside with Theo's shirt. He was wearing nothing else underneath, and Liam stared at Theo's erection with fascination. It was long and thick, leaking a thin trail of come from the tip. Liam glided a finger along it, gathering a drop and placing it in his mouth.
"Christ," Theo whimpered as Liam sucked on his finger. It was salty but not as unpleasant as Liam had thought it would be.
"Can I?" He asked, staring at Theo through his eyelashes, licking his lips. He didn't want to do anything that Theo wasn't comfortable with, but he was desperate to taste him, to push him to his limits and make him scream.
"Fuck yes," Theo answered, biting his lip. His hands returned to Liam's hair as he leaned down and caressed his cock, wrapping one hand around it and gently kissing the tip. Theo's hands tightened, tugging at the strands, as he swiped his tongue around the head and sucking lightly.
"Liam," he groaned, a long drawn out plea for more.
Emboldened by this reaction, Liam moved his head down, taking more of Theo's cock into his mouth. It was so hot, hard and yet soft, and the noises that Theo made as he bobbed up and down were filthy. Liam's cock ached, pressing against his pants and Liam tried to ignore his desperate need for friction as Theo began to thrust into his mouth, keening.
Liam breathed through his nose as he focussed on licking and sucking every inch of Theo's cock. Theo's hands in his hair guided him onto his cock as he thrust forwards and suddenly he was fucking his mouth, moaning with wild abandon. His eyes flashed yellow as Theo's cock hit the back of his throat. He struggled for control, nails digging into Theo's hips. It was the hottest thing that he had ever experienced.
Theo's head was thrown back, eyes clenched shut, his mouth wide open as he moaned and begged.
"Oh god, yes, Liam, oh god your mouth is so fucking perfect," he whined. "Please, please."
Liam's jaw ached but the powerful feeling of making Theo lose control was exhilarating. His thrusts were becoming erratic, his words almost unintelligible as he babbled Liam's name like a prayer.
He shoved Theo's hips down, holding him in place, as he took Theo as deep as he could, swallowing, his cheeks hollow. Theo buckled in his grasp, keening, as his orgasm was pulled from him with violent force. His come coated the back of Liam's throat, bitter and salty.
Liam licked his cock one last time and sat back, rubbing himself through his pants as he watched Theo go pliant, his hands falling to his sides as he gasped for breath. He was flushed and sweaty, his hair clinging to his face with damp curls. He swallowed, his throat and jaw aching slightly, though not as much as his cock was. He bit his lip.
"Fuck," Theo said with a smirk, looking up at Liam through lidded eyes. "That mouth should be illegal."
"What can I say?" He shrugged. A cocky grin tugged at Liam's lips, his eyes dancing with delight.
Theo sat up and Liam met him halfway, kissing him insistently. The other boy returned his kisses eagerly, nipping at his lip and tongue.
"You're wearing too many clothes," Theo growled into Liam's mouth. Without disconnecting from Theo's lips, Liam shoved his pants and underwear down, kicking them off. Their kisses became more urgent, need fluttering in Liam's stomach, pulsating through his body.
They fell backwards, Liam pressing Theo into the bed, cock hard and heavy where it pressed against Theo's stomach.
"I don't know what to do," Liam whispered, pulling back slightly. Theo licked his lips, his eyes bright with lust and need.
"There's lube in that bag," Theo said, gesturing just to the left of Liam. "You have to prepare me."
Liam nodded, and sat up to rummage through the bag. He found it easily and returned to Theo, popping the lid and smearing some lube onto his fingers.
He sat down, legs crossed, and pulled Theo closer, one leg on each side of Liam. He glanced up at Theo, who looked nervous.
"Tell me if I do something wrong," Liam said. Theo pushed himself up onto his elbows and Liam met him for a soft, reassuring kiss.
"I will," Theo said.
Liam turned his attention back to Theo's entrance. He circled it with one lubricated finger. Theo hissed, hips jerking involuntarily, cock twitching.
"Good?" Liam asked, eyes slowly tracking up Theo's submissive form until he met his gaze.
Theo nodded enthusiastically, and Liam smiled. Keeping Theo's gaze, he sunk a finger inside. Theo bit his lip, a keen slipping from his mouth.
Liam took this as encouragement and began thrusting the finger slowly. After a minute he added a second finger and began scissoring them slightly. Theo threw a hand over his eyes, moaning Liam's name.
He wanted him desperately, wanted to feel what it was like to be joined with Theo, to fill him so completely that all he could see, hear, feel was the other boy. He wanted to claim him so that Theo could never leave him. He wanted to love him.
The third finger made Theo thrust in time with his fingers, fucking himself on them.
"Harder," Theo begged. Liam complied, watching with rapt attention as his fingers sunk into Theo's body. Theo's cock hardened instantly when he struck a soft fleshy mass with all three fingers.
"Fuck," Theo yelled, eyes wide as he scrambled for something to hang onto, clutching the bed roll on either side of his head. He kissed Theo's thigh, revelling in the effect he was having on the other boy.
Liam pressed into again and again, then shoved his fingers in as far as they would go, rubbing and massaging over Theo's prostate. Theo bucked, straining, trying to escape from the intensity. Liam held him down with a predatory grin, circling it with his fingers.
He kept his fingers there as he sat up, using his free hand to slide up and down his throbbing cock. Come was leaking from the red, angry tip of his erection and he smeared it over his cock.
"Theo," Liam said, leaning over the other boy. Theo's eyes blinked open and drifted shut again, too heavy to remain open, too lost in the pleasure. "Look at me," Liam growled, as he slid his fingers out.
Theo's eyes fluttered open, whisky warm, pupils dilated, fuzzy with lust. Liam waited until they focussed on him. "Come for me," he commanded. His mouth crashed down on Theo's as he lined himself up and thrust inside of him. The head of his cock struck Theo's prostate dead centre, and Theo wailed into Liam's mouth, come splattering both of their stomachs.
Liam grit his teeth as he held on, Theo's body undulating with pleasure as he writhed beneath him. Being inside Theo was indescribable, the warmth of him pulsating around Liam's cock almost unbearable. He wanted to move so badly he ached, but he waited for Theo to recover. He pressed his face against Theo's neck, nuzzling it, scenting Theo, smelling the sweat and lust on his skin.
After a few minutes, Theo's hands slid up Liam's arms and into his hair. Liam pulled back and allowed Theo to drag him down for a kiss. It was soft, making Liam's heart flutter. His soul mark, which he had forgotten until that moment, began to glow.
They looked into each other's eyes, faces lit by the silvery glow of the mark. Liam felt the heavy presence from earlier that night watching him once again, waiting.
"Do you accept me?" Liam asked, vulnerability shining in his shimmering blue eyes. Theo cupped his face in his hand and smiled.
"I accept you as my mate," Theo replied softly. His hand slid down to where Liam's heart was shining through. "I am yours, as you are mine." Theo shifted down and pressed his mouth against the soul mark, kissing it tenderly.
Liam blinked back tears, deeply moved. "I am yours, as you are mine," he whispered. The howl of a wolf could be heard in the distance, and then the presence vanished as if it had never been there.
They kissed, needy and wanton, mouths opens, tongues stroking. Liam began to move, his cock slowly gliding in and out of Theo's heat, the muscles of Theo's ass gripping him, massaging him.
"More," Theo whispered.
Liam bit Theo's lip, dragging it through his teeth as he began to move a little faster, a little harder. Theo moaned, and Liam grabbed his hands, pulling them over his head, weaving their fingers together. He rocked into Theo, who wrapped his legs around him.
"Feels so good," Liam moaned. His hair was damp with sweat, his body shaking with need. He was surrounded by Theo's scent, by Theo's warmth, absolutely intoxicated with every filthy sound Theo made when he thrust inside him.
"Liam," Theo whined. Liam hushed him, kissing him messily, panting into Theo's mouth.
He could feel his cock swelling impossibly big, and Theo's hips rose as Liam strained, teeth clenched. He tried to still the urge to thrust into Theo erratically, biting on his tongue as he fought for control. He stopped moving, gasping for breath, but chasing it was impossible as Theo thrust up, impaling himself again and again.
"Theo," he growled, warning in his tone.
"So big," Theo moaned wantonly, his mouth open in a grimace of pleasure. "Give it to me, baby, give me your knot."
"I don't," Liam bit out through clenched teeth, "I don't know how."
"Let go," Theo said, pleaded, desperate. "Just let go."
With a roar, Liam did as instructed, letting go of the feeling building in his cock, eyes glowing intensely, seeing red as he pounded inside of Theo. The base of his cock filled, swelling until he could no longer move out of Theo's body. He began grinding into Theo, massaging his prostate with his cock.
"Oh fuck," Theo groaned. "Yes, yes, oh fuck, Liam, fuck." His pretty mouth poured out obscenities, prayers, pleas as Liam rutted against him, his teeth bared in a snarl.
Liam moaned Theo's name, releasing one of his hands to reach down and take Theo's cock in his hand. Theo was almost crying as he slid his hand up and down his cock. Liquid coated Liam's fingers, weeping constantly from Theo's cock.
"Please," Theo whimpered. "I can't bear it, Liam, baby please."
"What do you need?" Liam asked, rasping against Theo's throat.
"Claim me," Theo begged, baring his neck. Liam didn't even think as he bared his teeth and bit down into the place where Theo's neck and shoulder met, drawing blood. He pulsated around Liam's length as he came with a scream, clamping down his muscles on Liam's cock. Liam growled his pleasure as Theo's tight ass milked him, drawing out his own orgasm. The taste of blood filled his mouth, rich and dark.
"Mine," he snarled.
"Yours, baby all yours," Theo cried, wrapping his arms around him.
Liam quaked as his balls emptied, his cock twitching and pulsing with each streak of come.
He collapsed on top of Theo, arms shaking, his head pressed against Theo's heaving chest. Theo held him close, running his hands through Liam's damp hair.
"Fuck," Liam whispered after he had finally managed to catch his breath. Theo chuckled, his breath ruffling Liam's hair.
"That sums it up," he agreed.
Liam pushed himself up as he slowly slid from Theo's body. He felt exhilarated, strong. He looked down at Theo, eyes flashing as he took in how thoroughly debauched the other boy looked, mouth red and bruised, blood on his neck, hair in complete disarray.
"Liam," Theo said, eyes wide.
"What?" He asked. Theo lifted a hand and grabbed his face, sitting up.
"Your eyes," Theo said, sounding awed.
"What?" Liam demanded again.
"They're red," Theo whispered.
Liam's head whipped up, examining his reflection in the window of Theo's truck. Sure enough, his eyes were glowing red.
"You're an alpha," Theo exclaimed.
"What the fuck," Liam said, mouth gaping open.
"The look on your face, puppy," Theo sniggered.
"You can't call me puppy anymore," Liam growled, looking back down at him with a mischievous grin.
"Oh?" Theo said, quirking an eyebrow.
"It's alpha Liam now," he smirked.
"Yes sir," Theo winked. They laughed, and Liam leaned down and kissed him, fondness settling in his chest.
"You know what this means, don't you?" Liam said after a few minutes of lazy kissing.
"What?" Theo asked, pushing his hair away from his face, a tender smile on his face.
"You have a pack now," Liam said quietly. Theo stilled, his heart skipping a beat.
"I guess I do," he said, wonder on his face. Liam could feel the connection between them, feel the hope and joy that flooded through Theo at this revelation.
Liam buried his face in Theo's neck, kissing the mark on his shoulder. Their hearts beat in tandem as they held each other close, sharing the tender moment.
"Come stay at my place," Liam whispered. "Please."
"Ok," Theo agreed after a moment.
They got up slowly, cleaning themselves as best they could with a towel before dressing. Theo passed him one of his shirts, which he took with a grateful smile. Liam helped Theo pack up his belongings and kicked dirt onto the coals still burning in the fire.
They didn't talk as Theo drove, though Liam slipped his hand into Theo's. They smiled at each other, happiness pouring from them, making the air thick with sunshine and warmth.
When they arrived at Liam's place, it was to find Scott sitting at the front of the porch. Theo looked at Liam, who shrugged.
They got out of the car and advanced towards the other alpha, Liam placing himself just slightly in front of Theo.
"You're alright," Scott said as he stood, eyes dark as they flitted between the two boys. Anxiety swirled around Scott's body. Liam titled his head, realising that Scott must have felt their bond shatter when he became an alpha.
"I'm fine," he reassured Scott.
"What happened?" Scott asked, staring at him.
"It's a long story," Liam said, shifting slightly. He didn't elaborate, and Scott's scent became tinged with frustration.
"I'm not going anywhere until you explain how and why you're not my beta anymore, and exactly why Theo is with you," Scott growled. He took a step forward and Liam snarled, placing himself between his former alpha and his mate.
"Don't touch him," he spat, eyes flashing red.
"What the fuck?" Scott whispered. "That's not possible."
"Liam," Theo whispered, placing a hand in the centre of Liam's back. "Calm down." Liam took a deep breath as Theo rubbed his back in soothing circles.
"Scott," Theo said, as Liam continued to try and calm himself down. "Liam was gifted a soul mark."
"What's that?" Scott asked, frowning.
"I'm not surprised you haven't heard of it," Theo said, sounding smug.
Scott's eyes gleamed with anger, as he bristled. Liam bared his teeth, his control slipping once more. Theo moved closer, wrapping his arms around Liam's chest. His heartbeat was steady against Liam's back, helping to keep him centred.
"It's ancient lore," Theo said after a moment, once he was sure that Liam wouldn't attack the other alpha. "A gift from the gods, to help someone the night wolf deems worthy to find their soulmate. If they find them and claim them, then their union is blessed with power."
"You tricked Liam into claiming you? So, you can wait until his guard is down and you can steal his power?" Scott yelled, bristling with anger.
Theo had to struggle to hold onto Liam now.
"It's not like that," he said through clenched teeth. "Liam calm down!"
"He's threatening you," Liam snarled, red eyes glowering at Scott, fangs bared.
"He doesn't understand," Theo said, placing one of his hands against Liam's heart. Liam stilled, pressing his hands against Theo's.
"I won't let anyone hurt you," Liam growled.
"I know, baby," Theo whispered, kissing the side of Liam's head. "I know, but you need to calm down."
"I can't," he whined.
"Remember your mantra," Theo said, lips still pressed into Liam's hair. "What three things cannot long be hidden?"
"The sun, the moon, the truth," Liam said, falling back against Theo's chest, shoulders slumping.
"Again," Theo commanded. He watched Scott with wary eyes as Liam repeated his mantra, until he was whispering it under his breath. Scott looked stunned, like he couldn't believe his own eyes.
"You're his anchor," Scott said quietly.
"He's my soulmate," Liam corrected, pulling up his shirt, showing the soul mark to Scott. He was calm now, blue eyes blazing with intensity. "Leave," he instructed.
Scott swallowed, eyes on Liam's chest. "Ok," he said quietly. "I'll come by tomorrow, is that alright?"
Liam nodded. He dropped his shirt as Scott brushed past them, getting onto his bike and leaving without another word.
"You ok?" Theo asked as Liam turned, hands soothing over Liam's back.
"Yeah," Liam said, kissing him lightly. "Let's go to bed."
"A real bed," Theo sighed happily, a dreamy look on his face. Liam smiled and lead him into the house, hand clutching onto Theo's tightly.
They entered Liam's room and got ready for bed, sharing a shower and touching reverently as they cleaned the sweat from their skin. Their kisses were soft, tender, soothing rather than passionate. Drying off, they fell into Liam's bed and cuddled close.
"I'm glad it was you," Liam sighed as Theo pressed a kiss to his neck.
"Me too," Theo said softly, inhaling Liam's scent.
Their bodies were tangled, hearts beating in tandem as they drifted off to sleep.
Just as he was on the brink of sleep, Liam felt a wet snout brush through his hair.
He is a worthy choice, the presence sighed.
Mine, he agreed, nuzzling into Theo's hair. He felt a huff of laughter and then it was gone.
Exhaustion overtook him and he slipped into darkness, a smile on his lips, content with the knowledge that Theo would still be there when he woke.