Nari didn’t have time to react. The moment the leader of Sigma spoke these words, the two Alphas sprang into action and charged at each other. Their roar was so aggressive and fierce that Nari felt sick. The blows were falling like hail. They moved quickly, seeming not to see each other, as if the strikes were landed instinctively. Each time one of them missed a hit, they made no sound, as if they felt no pain. Only heavy breathing and the swish of blows could be heard.
– Stop this!!! – the girl rushed to Toneri, – they can get hurt!!!
– You think? – the leader smiled predatorily, – but it seems they like it!
– This isn’t right!!!
– I’m sure you know how to stop them.
– I don’t…
– Hey, Adelson, – Toneri casually tossed, – lose.
– No!!! – Nari screamed as Noah dropped his hands and simply allowed Maida to hit him furiously, – please!!!
– Only you can stop this, baby, – Toneri whispered.
– I will do… I will do everything you command! – Nari shouted, gripping the leader's hand, – I’ll do anything, just stop them!!!
He snapped his fingers. Mai froze. Noah fell unconscious. Toneri pulled Nari to him and slapped her with all his might.
– Never dare to go against me, Inaria, – he hissed directly in her face, – I’ve invested too much into this plan. Remember this moment. You will never disobey me, no matter what. Otherwise, I will kill with the hands of your precious Alpha. Everyone I deem necessary. And then I will kill him too. Remember this, think of it every time you wish to act on your own. Maida!
– Yes, sir, – Maida said softly.
– You’re on patrol today. Go.
– Yes, sir.
– As for you… – Toneri said, turning to Nari, who was desperately trying to lift Noah, – old primitive blackmail. But how effective it was!
– You’re insane! – Nari whispered.
– Perhaps, – Toneri shrugged, – but I always get what I want.
– Whoa, what’s happening here? – Iris ran onto the field, – Nari? O… what’s wrong with him?
– Tired, – Toneri waved him off and walked away, – you’ll figure it out here on your own.
– Right, sir, – Iris waved to him, and as soon as the leader disappeared from view, his expression grew heavy, – damn… I’m late.
– Iris… – Nari was on the verge of tears, – why is this happening?.. I don’t understand anything anymore…
– So… – the guy leaned over the Alpha, – please, no tears. We need to bring him back to his senses first.
***
Noah woke up to the bright scent of vanilla and pink pepper. Looking around the room, he immediately realized it was not his. Nearby on the bed sat Nari, healing his scraped hands with her calling.
– I’m waking up in your bed again, – the young man whispered, – I could get used to it.
– Better not get used to it, – Nari whispered, – how are you? Does anything hurt?
– I have a wonderful healer, – the guy smiled, – how about you?
He extended his hand and touched her scratched cheek.
– What is this?
– Didn’t you?..
– Shh… – Noah’s eyes lit up, – he did it again!
– What do you mean? Have you been controlled already?!
– Of course, – the young man sighed, – I thought it didn’t matter. As long as our goals align, let them do whatever they want. My life had no value.
– Never say that! – Nari grabbed his palm with both hands, – your life is important! You… you’ve saved me so many times! Helped me so many times! And all this time protected me! And Leo with Iris, and Maida! You’ve saved so many omegas! That matters!
– Nari, listen, I…
– No! Don’t say those silly things! If you don’t take care of yourself, if you don’t look after yourself!.. so many omegas will lose their protector!
– But Nari!
– You can’t treat your life so carelessly!
– Nari!!!
The girl fell silent.
– I used to think that way, – Noah smiled, – I thought after Ai’s death… and mom’s… my life had no meaning. But then, I met you.
Nari’s cheeks barely flushed.
– Tell me, you felt it too? My roar didn’t scare you. It seemed like it was meant for you.
– Noah, stop, – Nari covered his mouth with her palm, – you can’t.
– But why?
– Ai… – Nari whispered, – I was the last opponent of Ai. It was because of me that she…
Noah looked at her, puzzled. She couldn’t read his emotions. For several minutes he was silent, looking down. The silence at that moment was unbearable. Finally, he sighed and spoke.
– You’re not to blame for anything, Nari, – he said softly, – at least, I have nothing to blame you for.
He gently touched her hand.
– It’s not your fault that she ended up on the Arena. You yourself didn’t end up there by your own will. My father, the entire Adelson family, the Alphas… you’ve endured so much; all of this is our fault. So, you can hate me. You can pour all your anger, all your fury and hatred onto me! But never hate and blame yourself! If you tell me, I will never approach you, never touch you, never say a word… I will do anything so that you don’t hate yourself.
He wiped the tears from her face.
– You’re crying again. Honestly, just like a child, – the young man touched her forehead with his lips.
– Why do you… still… – the girl sobbed, – why me?.. why you?
– Once, I already answered this question, – the young man said quietly, – you called me. All this time since I first sensed you. No, not that way. My whole life I was leading to you. I feel warm next to you. I want to be near, want to touch you, want to hold you in my arms. Your calling was meant to be heard by me.
He took her hand.
– I’m in love with you, Nari, – he whispered, – since I saw the reflection of the starry sky in your eyes. Since I felt that sweet, incredibly seductive scent of vanilla and pink pepper. And I admired you even more with each new touch, with each new glance. When you smiled, when you cried, when you screamed, and when you were silent… I fell in love more and more.
– Noah, – Nari, as if enchanted, looked into his icy eyes.
– I just… I… – the young man stumbled, smiling, – I wasn’t supposed to…
Nari leaned forward and quickly kissed him on the cheek. Noah froze. He looked at her, and she at him. A few seconds were enough… the guy leaned towards her and passionately captured her lips. Nari wrapped her arms around his neck, responding to the kiss. Breathing became heavy. He kissed her hot lips, cheeks, neck… his hands glided over her shoulders, back, to her waist. It became hot; the room was filled with the scent of sweet vanilla, sharp mint, ozone, and pink pepper…