Cass’s POV

Poppy walks in, but Colt is already standing straight, arms crossed, looking the picture of a stoic guard. He moves with such fluid grace that even I’m surprised. Poppy glances at him, then her eyes flicker to me—disheveled, sprawled across the sofa.

I quickly sit up. "I... I came to bring you this," I stammer, though she’s the one holding the tray of food.

"I thought... father said I wasn't allowed to have any," I say, my voice trailing off.

"I know," she whispers, "but he doesn't need to know. It’s not much." She looks at Colt. "Why are you in here?"

"She was asking for food," he replies calmly.

I nod quickly. "And he told me I couldn't have any. He’s so mean."

Poppy smiles and hands me the tray. "Oh, honey, he’s not mean. He’s just doing his job. Alexis here is one of the good ones." She heads for the door, then pauses to whisper, "Be careful, you two."

Once she leaves, the silence in the room feels heavy. Colt and I lock eyes, the weight of our recklessness setting in.

"I... I don't want to get you killed," I panic. "Maybe we should stop."

"And how would we do that, Cass?" he asks, stepping closer. "Can we? Because I have no will left in me to stop wanting you."

"But Garret knows. Warrick knows already."

"I lied before to keep you from worrying," Colt admits. "Warrick knows. He’s just waiting to use it as leverage."

"Then we can’t," I whisper, my heart sinking. "We have to..."

He gives me a tender, sad smile. "Angel, there’s no going back now. We might as well enjoy the time we have."

"How are you so calm?"

He shrugs. "Because if anyone is going to be punished for this, it isn't going to be you."

I narrow my eyes. "Are you telling me to shut up?"

"I would never."

"Yeah? You slapped me earlier, and you said you’d never do that."

He gasps, horrified. "That was your command, not my choice. I would never put my hands on you like that."

I laugh, finding his genuine distress amusing. He smiles, pulling me onto his lap, his head nuzzling my shoulder. This feeling—being wanted, being seen—is intoxicating.

"I wasn't expecting you to come into my life when you did," he murmurs.

I trace the lines of his face, the scars that tell a story of a man who used to be fueled only by rage. "You’ve changed, Colt."

"I was so angry," he confesses. "I thought if I ever stood before Warrick again, I’d kill him or die trying. I wanted revenge. But now? All I think about is you. If enduring that man keeps you safe, I’ll play the part."

"That’s not fair to you. You deserve to be happy."

"I am happy when I am with you. I am at peace." He traces a hand over the scars on my shoulder. "Two scarred Alphas, learning how to love."

"Is that what this is?" I whisper. "Love?"

He looks directly into my soul. "You can deny it, but this is love." Suddenly, his eyes cloud with fear. "I don't deserve you, Cass. There are... secrets."

"Tell me when you're ready," I say, pulling him closer.

The tension in the room shifts, turning from somber to electric. My body burns for him, and I can see the same hunger mirrored in his eyes. I reach for his shirt, but he pulls away, glancing at his watch.

"Serge will be here any minute. We can't."

"Can't we go for a run?"

He smiles, his face lighting up with genuine affection. "Unfortunately, Angel, you’re grounded. If we’re spotted outside, there will be hell to pay."

He kisses me one last time and leaves to wait for Serge. I lie back on the sofa, heart racing.

Love.

I’ve never felt this before. It’s terrifying, but for the first time, I don’t want to run away.

The next morning, I’m training with Victor, my mind drifting toward lunch—the only time Colt relieves Serge.

"You’re winded after three punches," Victor huffs. "We’re incorporating running into your training."

I groan, but I don't argue. I need to be stronger.

At lunch, when Colt finally walks in to take his post behind me, I feel like I can finally breathe.

"About time," I mutter.

"Missed me, huh?" he whispers.

"Yep. Big time."

"Alexis!"

Julia’s voice cuts through the air like glass. She slides into a seat near us, her eyes fixed on him. "Where have you been? I missed you!"

"I am working, Julia," Colt says, his voice flat.

I feel a surge of possessiveness so sharp it surprises me. I turn, staring daggers at her. "He’s busy, Julia. He’s all mine right now."

The silence that follows is deafening. Colt clears his throat, but I don’t care.

"I’m sure he’ll get a break from you eventually," Julia sneers. "I’ll be there when he does."

I want to claw her eyes out, but Colt places a firm, grounding hand on my shoulder. "Your brother is waiting for you, Cass. We need to go."

I stomp out, fuming. Once we’re in the hallway, I spin around and point a finger at his chest. "You are

mine

."

He looks shocked, then a slow, wicked smirk spreads across his face. "I am all yours."

"Don't laugh! It won't be funny when I break her face."

He chuckles, reaching out to caress my cheek. "You have nothing to worry about. You are all I want."

"You better stick to that," I warn, though my heart is already melting.

"Always," he promises.

We head to the war room, the atmosphere tense. I’ve pushed my luck enough for one day; I don't want to give Garret any more reasons to be angry. It’s time to focus on the battle ahead.