Noah had never experienced love. Despite being a pureblood omega and already 21 years old, he had never felt that intense and warm connection so many described. Until Theo appeared. That alpha with deep eyes and elegant bearing was the first to approach him without making him feel vulnerable… only safe.
From the moment Theo rescued him from the forest, Noah felt deeply connected to him. His omega instinct recognized him, accepted him, and so did his heart. That's why it wasn't hard to accept his unexpected marriage proposal. There was something about Theo that made him impossible to refuse.
—Noah —a deep voice said suddenly, interrupting the atmosphere in the room. It was Black Everhart, Noah's father, whose imposing presence made both young men release their hands immediately.
—Dad… Theo's already awake —Noah said, standing up with a slight smile.
—What a relief —the older alpha replied, letting out a held breath as he dragged a chair over to sit in front of them. He observed Theo seriously, but respect shone in his eyes.
—Theo, thank you for saving my son —he finally said. He had been holding back those words since he found out the young man had woken up.
—There's no need to thank me, sir —Theo replied humbly, his eyes fixed on Black—. Anyone who had found Noah in that state would have done the same.
—No. Not just anyone fights a wild beast and survives just to protect an omega. In the midst of the desperation of losing my son, I made a promise in the Lunar Forest: the one who brought Noah back would be integrated into our family, elevated in rank and honors. He would carry the Everhart name.
—I don't wish for that, sir.
Black looked at him, confused.
—Then… what is it you wish for?
—I wish to marry Noah —Theo said bluntly. His words filled the room with a tension that could be cut with a knife—. We spent a week together trying to get out of the forest. We shared cold, hunger, fear… but also trust. And since then, I've wanted to protect him.
There was a long silence. Black lowered his gaze, reflecting. He didn't know exactly what the two had experienced among the silent trees of the Lunar Forest, but he did know that no one would survive that place without creating a deep bond. He looked at his son… and Noah returned a timid gaze, followed by a slight nod.
That gesture was enough.
The news was like a bomb. Total surprise! Everyone who knew Noah was shocked. Caleb and Michael, his closest friends, couldn't believe it. They showed up at the Everhart mansion, wanting to see him to confirm everything, but Black stopped them.
Noah could only be seen on the wedding day.
—How is it possible that Noah is suddenly getting married?! And to Theo!? Who the hell is that guy?! —Caleb grumbled, frustrated, as he squeezed a shiny invitation in his hands. On it, the names Noah Everhart and Theo were engraved in golden letters.
Both friends were inside the car, parked in front of the mansion. They had to leave without getting any answers. To make things worse, it was still semester break, so they wouldn't see him at the university either.
Michael said nothing. He was at the wheel, but he didn't really seem present. His eyes were fixed on the road, while his mind wandered far away, trapped in thoughts impossible to ignore.
And then the big day arrived.
A week after Noah's surprising acceptance, the wedding was held with all the luxury that a union of the Everhart family deserved. Exotic flowers, live music, and hundreds of guests filled the enormous hall decorated with crystals and white and gold details.
Noah, dressed in an elegant white modern-cut suit that accentuated his slender figure, looked at himself in the mirror. His hair was perfectly combed back, revealing his delicate features. He looked incredible. He felt nervous, but also strangely calm.
Then Theo entered, walking confidently toward him, in a dark suit that contrasted with his fair skin and burning gaze. He took his hand gently.
—You look beautiful, Noah.
—Thank you, Theo. You also look… —he paused briefly— very good.
—Really?
—Hmm… —he nodded shyly, unable to hold back a small smile.
—Throughout the entire ceremony… don't let go of my hand, alright? —Theo asked, intertwining his fingers with his.
Noah looked at him for a few seconds, then nodded.
Theo leaned in and kissed the omega's forehead tenderly. In that soft and warm contact, Noah felt a strange but comforting peace. As if he truly was doing the right thing.
And so, the awaited moment arrived. The hall doors opened and Theo and Noah entered hand in hand. The murmurs began immediately. Not only because of Noah's stunning beauty, but also because of how handsome Theo was. Tall, with a firm posture and a dominant aura he couldn't hide… he looked like a fallen angel from the heavens.
—My God, he's so handsome… —several omegas whispered, unable to help themselves.
Finally, the ceremony began.
Just as the vows were about to be exchanged, Michael stood up from his seat and left the hall. He couldn't take it.
And while promises were being made, Theo leaned toward Noah and brushed his lips in a brief but deep kiss. Noah, unable to hold back, smiled sweetly.
...