Chapter Twenty one.

His lips rip away from mine, the sudden loss of contact leaving me breathless. Theo pulls back abruptly, his breath ragged, his gaze filled with something wild and untamed. He stands up and walks over to the trees, his back to me as he works to compose himself.

I remain where I am, lying there, my heart pounding against my ribs, the warmth of his touch still lingering on my skin. I stare up at the stars, the sky vast and endless above us, as if trying to ground myself in the stillness of the night.

I sit up slowly, my gaze drifting to where Theo stands, his broad shoulders tense, his hands clenched at his sides. I can feel the weight of his struggle, his attempt to hold back something he's barely in control of. My heart swells with warmth for him, for how much he cares-how deeply he feels everything.

After a long moment, Theo walks back toward me. I start to move, to stand, but he holds up a hand, his voice soft but firm.

"Stay there, please," he almost begs, his voice thick with emotion.

I freeze, looking up at him, and my heart tightens. There's a vulnerability in his tone, in the way his eyes meet mine, that makes me feel like I'm seeing him in a way I never have before-raw and real.

He walks closer, his movements slower now, and when he reaches me, he pauses. Then, without another word, he suddenly throws a small red velvet box across the rug toward me. It lands softly in front of me, the contrast of the rich fabric against the pale rug stark.

"I got this for you," he says, his voice rough, trying to sound composed but failing to mask the emotion behind it.

I stare at the box for a moment, unsure of what to do. But the warmth in his eyes, the intensity of his presence, tells me that this is important. I pick up the box, my hands trembling slightly, and slowly open it. Inside, nestled against the velvet lining, is a delicate silver necklace with a small charm-a crescent moon.

"I thought... it would remind you of me," Theo murmurs, his gaze not leaving mine. "And... of us. Of everything we're becoming. I don't want you to ever forget that."

My heart swells, a lump forming in my throat as I hold the necklace in my hands. The charm is simple yet so meaningful. The crescent moon, a symbol of cycles and change, of growth and connection, feels like the perfect reflection of everything between us. The bond that's forming. The unspoken promises. The future that we're building together.

I look up at him, my voice a soft whisper. "Theo... I don't know what to say."

He steps closer, kneeling in front of me. His hand reaches out, brushing a strand of hair from my face. "You don't have to say anything, Ivy. I just... needed you to have it. To know that you're mine, always."

I swallow the knot in my throat, the emotion in his words too much to contain. Before I can respond, he leans in, brushing his lips lightly against mine, soft and slow, as if savouring the moment.

"I'm here," he murmurs against my lips. "And I'm not going anywhere."

I nod, the words caught in my chest, but the meaning clear. I close my eyes, leaning into him, letting him hold me in the stillness of the night.

~~~

The car ride back to my apartment feels too short, as though the night was too good to end. Theo drives in silence, the soft hum of the engine and the occasional rustle of his movements in the seat beside me the only sounds. I keep sneaking glances at him, his jaw clenched, brow furrowed as if he's trying to gather himself after everything that happened tonight.

When we pull up to the apartment complex, the early light of dawn is just beginning to seep into the sky, casting a soft glow over everything. I feel a sense of reluctance creep in, not wanting to leave the warmth of his presence just yet.

"I'll walk you to the door," Theo says, his voice softer than before, and I nod, grateful for the comfort of his company.

We step out of the car, the cool air brushing against my skin as I make my way toward the entrance. Theo falls in step beside me, his stride purposeful, but there's an unmistakable tenderness in the way he looks at me, like he's afraid I might slip through his fingers.

At the door, he stops and turns to face me. For a moment, neither of us speaks, the weight of the night hanging in the air between us. His eyes meet mine, and I know-he's not just saying goodbye. There's something unspoken here, something deeper, and I can feel it in the way his gaze lingers on me.

"You're safe now," he says, his voice low, with an edge of something possessive that makes my heart flutter in unexpected ways. "But don't forget, Ivy-this doesn't end here."

I swallow hard, my throat suddenly dry. I want to say something, to assure him that I'm not going anywhere, but the words don't come. Instead, I simply nod, my chest tight.

"I won't forget," I say softly, my voice barely above a whisper.

Theo steps closer then, his hand brushing mine before cupping my cheek, his thumb stroking over the skin there. His touch is so gentle, almost reverent, and I feel a shiver run down my spine. "You're mine, Ivy. Don't ever doubt that."

I open my mouth to say something-anything-but he cuts me off by leaning in, his lips pressing gently against my forehead. The simple gesture, full of tenderness and care, makes my heart ache.

"Goodnight," he murmurs, his voice rough but sincere.

"Goodnight," I echo, my voice thick with emotion. I watch as he turns and walks back to his car, the feeling of his words lingering in the space between us, like a promise I can't yet fully grasp.

Once I get to my apartment I step inside, closing the door behind me with a soft click, and lean against it for a moment, my heart still racing. The apartment is quiet, and I'm reminded that even though everything around me is still, the whirlwind of emotions inside me is anything but.

Morgan is already awake, of course. She always seems to be, even when I've barely had a chance to collect myself. She stands in the doorway to the living room, her eyes squinting against the early light filtering through the blinds.

"Well, well," she says, her voice thick with sleep but still sharp enough to make me grin. "Looks like someone had a good night."

I roll my eyes, but there's no hiding the smile tugging at my lips. "It was... a lot."

Morgan steps forward, her gaze flicking to the necklace still resting against my skin. "I'm guessing that's from Theo?"

"Yeah," I reply, fingers brushing the pendant as I glance down at it. "He gave it to me."

Morgan raises an eyebrow, the playful glint in her eyes never wavering. "Did you two-?"

I shake my head quickly, my cheeks flushing. "No! It was just... kissing. And talking. A lot of talking."

She hums, clearly not buying it, but she lets it go. "You look happy, though. That's all that matters."

I let out a slow breath, moving to sit on the couch. "I am. But I'm also scared, Morgan. I don't know what's going to happen, but it feels like it's all happening so fast."

Morgan takes a seat next to me, her expression softening. "You'll figure it out. Just make sure you don't lose yourself in it, okay? You're still Ivy, and you deserve to be treated like you're more than just someone's Omega."

I nod, my throat tight as I try to swallow the lump that's forming. "I promise. I won't let that happen."

We sit in comfortable silence for a moment, but then Morgan's voice cuts through the quiet, gentle but firm. "I know things are changing, but promise me you won't sit on the back burner, Ivy. You're not just a part of his world-you have your own life, your own dreams. Don't let anyone-any of them-make you feel like you don't matter."

Her words hit me hard, and for the first time tonight, I realize how much I've been holding onto. There's so much I want, but I also want to make sure I don't lose myself along the way.

"I won't forget who I am," I say, my voice steady despite the emotions swirling in me. "And I won't forget you. No matter what happens with Theo... or the pack... I'll always be me. And I'll always make time for us."

Morgan smiles, her eyes softening as she squeezes my hand. "Good. Because I'm not going anywhere, Ivy. You and me, always."

We both head to our rooms not long after, the quiet of the apartment settling in around us. I lay in bed, the necklace warm against my skin, and think about everything that's happened. I don't know what the future holds, but for the first time, I feel like I'm starting to understand how to balance it all.