Chapter 20: Beautiful
Holding Noelle in my arms, I feel a sense of peace that I've never known before. The slender weight of his body against mine is more than just comfort—it's my entire world, my reason for existence wrapped up in this one person. I can't see his face from this angle, but the way the tips of his ears turn that delightful shade of pink is enough to make my heart swell.
I've never cared much about my looks. Even when omegas used to throw themselves at me, I remained indifferent. But seeing how Noelle reacts to me? It makes me glad I inherited whatever good genes my mother gave me, because I certainly didn't get my appearance from the other half of my bloodline. The thought of him darkens my mood for a moment, but I shove it aside, locking it away with everything else that belongs to the Crimson General. Right now, I'm just Thorne—an alpha husband, nothing more, nothing less.
The thought brings an unexpected smile to my lips. Me, of all people, getting giddy over something as simple as that? It's almost laughable. But here I am, holding the man who's changed everything for me, and I can't imagine feeling any other way.
I nuzzle against Noelle's neck, just because I can. He tries to squirm away, and I almost laugh at the adorable way he reacts. An omega's neck is a sensitive, vulnerable spot, and he really shouldn't be so exposed like this—but then again, he's with me. He knows he's safe with me.
Jealousy flickers through my thoughts, absurd as it is. Noelle rarely leaves our home, and when he does, he's always so careful, covering his face and wearing those heavy collars that hide his scent. Whoever instilled that sense of caution in him, I'm grateful. It keeps him safe.
I bury my face in his neck again, inhaling his scent deeply, letting it fill me. I must be addicted to him; there's no other explanation for how much I crave this, how much I need him close to me.
"Thorne..." Noelle's voice is soft, almost hesitant, and it's enough to make me pause. With a sigh, I loosen my hold, letting him slip off my lap. He jumps up quickly, putting a little distance between us, and I can't help but feel a pang of regret.
I've got a long way to go. But that's okay. We have all the time in the world, and I'm not going anywhere.
As I lean down to pick up the abandoned watering can, I decide to finish where Noelle left off. The familiar sounds of Mona's bleating and the grunts of Ben indicate that he's back. I continue watering the plants, the task grounding me in its simplicity. As I move from one plant to the next, I can't help but steal a fruit or two, savoring their sweetness as I work