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

*

The soft glow of the lamp bathes the room in a warm light. I sit on the edge of the bed, indulging in what has become my favorite part of the day. Every night after his bath, Noelle sits at the table, absentmindedly oiling and brushing his hair. It's a simple, almost ritualistic act, but it's mesmerizing. His hair is so shiny and long, and I'm certain this is why. 

This is the only time of day when I can watch him without him noticing, without him growing self-conscious. He's lost in his own thoughts, and I can admire him openly. 

I think back to my so-called "friend" in the army, who had a preference for beta males. Back then, I didn't care much about such things. I only spent nights with them to avoid unnecessary complications. But now, as I watch Noelle, I realize just how blind I was. I see beauty now in a way I never did before, and Noelle is the most beautiful of them all.

He's stunning—breathtaking, even. I might be biased, but to me, he is everything. I drink in the sight of him, his delicate features, the way his lips purse in thought, the softness of his eyes. This is what they must mean by a "kingdom-toppling beauty." Honestly, for Noelle, I might just topple a few kingdoms myself.

As he finishes his nightly routine, he stands, and my gaze follows the way his oversized cotton shirt—one that might have been mine—rides up his thighs, revealing those long, pale legs. 

I didn't know I could be like this—so consumed, so captivated. Noelle has unlocked parts of me I never knew existed.

He notices me watching him. "Thorne? You're awake," he says, a touch of surprise in his voice.

"Yeah," I admit, my tone softening. "I can't sleep without you now. Don't blame me, you spoiled me, my star." 

Noelle rolls his eyes, but there's a small smile tugging at his lips. That little smile fills me with a warmth I never thought possible. My heart swells, and I realize that this—this quiet moment in the lamplight—is the kind of happiness I never thought I'd have.