He's Gone.

He's Gone.
Naeris's POV

“No.” My head shook before I could stop myself, my hands holding his tightly. “Please don't go.”

“But I have to. It's already been decided,” he replied calmly and I saw the patience in his eyes.

“No!” I snapped and his brows lifted in surprise. I didn't know what was coming over me. “I don't want you to leave. I'll be all alone… and unprotected. Bad things always happen when you're not around. Aeron… please.”

“Naeris.” His hands suddenly let go of mine and cupped my cheeks. He pulled me closer until I was looking up at him, his face hovering just an inch away from mine. “I will make sure nothing happens to you. I promise you. I will never put you in danger like last time.”

“You don't understand, Aeron. Just listen to me. I already have a bad feeling about this. My instincts are never wrong when they sense danger.” I grabbed his shirt tightly. If this were the only way to make him stay, I would do it until my fingers broke.

“Can't your brothers go instead? Verek is very good at fighting and Nyxion is good at negotiation. They can find a solution to this instead.” My lips trembled violently as words spilled out of my mouth without me realizing it.

Aeron's eyes softened and he said, “I am an Alpha, Naeris. It is my duty to protect my people, and you are my person.” His fingers caressed my cheek as he continued. “I will never forgive myself if I make the same mistake twice and put you in danger again. His men must never cross into this place. By the time they do, I might not be able to protect you.”

“Aeron.” Tears blurred my vision and my lips trembled violently.

He leaned down, closing the distance between us, and pressed his lips against mine. Then he moved again and captured my lips once more.

His palm pressed my face closer to his as I closed my eyes and kissed him back. I didn't know how long it lasted, but suddenly Aeron pulled away.

“You won't be alone.” His warm breath fanned over my face. "I entrusted you to someone I trust, someone who would protect you just as much as I would."

How could he go so far as to do this?

What if he doesn't come back?

I know how ruthless Talon is.

“And if you miss me,” he smiled, wiping the tear from my cheek, “you can go to the sea where we made the most memories together. I'm sorry we didn't spend much time together.”

“Stop saying you're sorry.” I gritted my teeth. “You did nothing wrong. All I want is for you to come back. And if you don't, I will never forgive you.”

A chuckle left his lips and he leaned down, pressing a gentle kiss on my forehead. “I wouldn't want to face your wrath. I promise to come back safely to you.”

I sniffed softly and pushed him away from me. He stumbled back slightly, surprise in his eyes.

Without thinking, I moved forward, grabbed his shirt, and pulled him down for a kiss.

“Mmm.” His groan vibrated through me as I deepened the kiss. My arms let go of his shirt and wrapped around his neck, pulling him down to my level.

Aeron's hands gently pressed around my waist before he pulled me tightly against him. He gently bit my lip and I gasped. Using that opportunity, he slid his tongue inside and pressed me closer to him.

“Hmmm.” My soft moans filled my ears as I melted quickly in his embrace.

Many thoughts ran through my head, but I pushed them away before they could reach me.

It's just us now. I will think about my worries later.

A soft smooch sounded in my ears and a cool sensation pressed against my lips. My eyes slowly opened to see him staring down at me.

“Mark me.” The words came out firmly.

Aeron's eyes searched mine as though giving me time to reconsider what I had just said, but I had already made up my mind.

When he didn't see hesitation in my eyes, he wrapped his arm around my waist and lifted me off my feet. My legs hooked around his waist and my hands wrapped around his neck.

He looked up at me with emotions I couldn't fully understand. Then he turned around and slowly made his way to my bedroom. All this time, he never took his eyes off me.

He gently laid me down on the bed and stepped back, standing in front of me.

I gulped nervously as I watched him undo the buttons of his shirt. Soon, the shirt was pulled off and tossed into the corner of the room.

My eyes fell on his body and I stiffened slightly when I saw the deep markings on his skin.

My body froze as my eyes traced each scar on his body until they disappeared beneath his pants.

Who could have done this to him?

As if noticing my gaze, Aeron climbed onto the bed and parted my legs, settling himself between them. His hands caged my sides as he pulled me closer.

“All answers to your questions will be given later,” he whispered, his eyes lowering to my lips. “But for now… let's focus on us.”

.

.

.

“Ugh…”

I tossed slightly as my eyes opened to my surroundings. They squinted from the sunlight and I turned around, my hand reaching out to touch Aeron.

Huh?

My eyes snapped open when my hand touched nothing.

“Aeron?” I sat upright and a sharp hiss escaped my lips when I felt a throbbing pain in my neck.

My hand lifted to the spot and I felt the burn. Memories of last night flashed through my mind.

“I must have fainted during the mating.” I sighed helplessly and covered my mouth as a yawn escaped me. “Where is he?”

I got off the bed, covering myself properly as I made my way toward the door.

However, before I could reach it, a knock sounded from outside.

“Where did you go, Aeron?”

As the door opened, the words died in my mouth.

A tall man identical to Aeron stood in front of me. But instead of the warmth that Aeron carried with him, this man's face held nothing but cold mystery.

He was the only one among the triplets who had refused to get close to me.

“What are you doing here, Verek? Where is Aeron?” I demanded.

Verek's cold eyes stared at me before shifting to something behind me.

I didn't bother following his gaze because the scent from last night's mating still lingered in the air.

“Aeron has gone to war. I am here to guard you until his return,” he announced.

My heart quickened in panic.

It was one thing for him to go to war, but going alone was a whole different level of danger.

“How can you leave him alone?” I snapped, trembling with fear and anger.

Verek's expression never changed as he replied,

"He took my men to the front line. I was left behind to guard you."