Red: Scorching Pride

Stephen flung his wet shirt over the hamper and picked up a towel nearby as he started to dry himself up. The heavy downpour echoed through the window of his room as he walks out of the bathroom as his eyes trail the towel dry towards the hand he used to hold Lance's hand awhile back making his cheeks heats up making him chuckle at the thought. He continued drying himself as he walks towards the cabinet to look for clothes to wear. Draping the towel around his neck as he pulled the drawer open. Skimming through the series of clothes that Lance carefully placed himself. Another small smile crept on his lips as he remembers the caring side of the tough Alpha he grew accustomed to.

He then pulled out a black shirt that he oddly was drawn to and he chuckled as he brought it closer to his nose. The scent is unmistakable Lance's. The blonde Alpha decided to wear it for laughs, curious at what Lance's reaction would be when seeing him wearing it. The clothe fit him to a tee and the scent of the man he adored is wafting close to his nose, something he seems to like even more. Plus wearing a mate's clothing is a huge turn on to male mates. He chuckled at the thought as he totally agree with that statement.

A low growl broke his trance as he turned to look and Lance was standing behind him with two mugs of coffee in each hand, the cute, cartoonish wolf caricatures hasn't escaped Stephen's gave making him chuckle inside. But what really made the blonde man swallow hard was Lance's eyes.

Fiery, red orbs glowing brighter than the well lit room shifting for a moment or two. The Alpha's chest heaved heavily as he breathes as his hold on the mugs tighten slowly. Stephen felt it like time slowed down suddenly as he was enveloped in Lance's gaze, in the intense emotion emanating from them. His lips twitched into a grin as he felt his instincts started to claw viciously from the inside out. Lance could feel the wolf from both of them trying to take over. The restraint to control their inner beasts was so obvious.

Stephen started to approach the Alpha, his steps heavy as his breath started to labor slowly with each stride. His mate's canines protruding as he felt his pierce his lips as well. Lance blinked and shook his head.

"Sorry." He croaked as he approached the other Alpha half-way. "Made you coffee." He reached out the mug he was holding to Stephen with a nervous smile. His form rigid when he offered the mug as his pants are right now.

Stephen looked surprised to say the least as he clasped the mug Lance handed to him. The sweet aroma of caffeine hits his nostrils and he smiled. He sure missed this bitter sweet concoction after all these years. He took a sip of the hot liquid and he shivered at it's bitterness.

Lance mentally sighed in relief as he was able to hold himself before he did something he would regret later. The mere sight that Stephen wore his shirt was an immediate turn on as the beast in him immediately was triggered. It was in a brief moment he saw Stephen's eyes that he forcefully calmed himself down. Though the beast in his pants haven't simmer even a bit.

"Thanks." Stephen spoke as he looked over at Lance as the raven haired male nervously grinned back. "I didn't know how long have I missed this." He hummed between sips. Lance unconsciously trail his gaze over Stephen's lips.

"No problem." Lance croaked. Stephen eyed him but didn't say anything. He reached out his free hand and wrapped it around Lance's waist, drawing the man towards him. "What are y -"

"Just give me this moment." Stephen growls back with a smirk as he nuzzled Lance' neck with his nose, drawing his man's scent in. Lance was visibly struggling himself. Stephen gave a devilish smirk as he felt Lance tremble before him. "You smell nice...." He chuckled.

"Steph... This is ...." Lance spoke.

"...hard." Stephen interrupted as both of them look down at Lance' visible bulge. Lance lets out a groan as Stephen chuckled.

"I need to put down the mug if you plan to do this down..." Lance rolls his eyes as Stephen pulls back slightly to look at him with a grin. "It's quite obvious you didn't notice the excessive restraint I'm putting out this whole time." He furrows his brows as he glares at Stephen.

"Fine... ." Stephen rolls his eyes playfully. "... Killjoy."

Stephen let's go of Lance and sat over the bed and placed the mug over the bed stand and pats the space near him while looking up at Lance. The man sighed and followed suit as they need to talk things out to be able to move forward. He looked down at his mug and gaze blankly at his reflection of the coffee while clasping his hands together over the warm surface.

Stephen looks at the man besides him and saw the seriousness dwelling in his features, a calm scowl forming in his lips as he reaches out to clasp Lance' hand. The other Alpha slightly taken at the surprise at the touch turned to look towards the man of his affection. Stephen's calm smile gave him the sincere strength to gather his courage. This is part of the path they should take to heal the wounds of the past.

"Steph..." Lance started as he looked forward, a flash of lightning was seen at the window followed by a deafening thunder. "I know I said this back then but.... I'm sorry." He gritted his teeth in disgust on his past self that he can't seem to forgive. "I should have been more ... of a man back then. I shouldn't have my rage clouded my judgment on what HE said about you and the actions I made were unforgivable..." Lance grovel in his spite as he shuts his eyes. "If given the chance I would kill that bastard that I call a father." Lance' tone was full of venom that Stephen can't help but feel frightened at the bloodlust emanating from the tanned Alpha.

Stephen clasped Lance' hand tighter as he could feel the man's self loathing and rage on himself. He wanted to console Lance but he also believe they need to vent out their inner demons this time if they wanted to move on. So, as painful as it is to the both of them, they must endure this.

"I wasn't a saint myself..." Stephen chuckled trying to uplift the mood. "I married Gale for petty reasons as well." He trials as Lance looked at him, his eye showing understanding. "Had Aries then left my pack, my wife and my son..." Lance' felt a drop of his recent emotion of rage to caring towards his other half.

"It wasn't your fault." Lance assured Stephen. This time clasping Stephen's hand in reassurance.

"Heh, even though you say that, I can't help but feel guilty myself. Either way, I've hurt the people I cared the the most. The person I loved." Stephen croaked trying to fight a tear from forming. Lance sighed and places his mug over the dresser in front of him before turning his gaze at Stephen, placing his hand over the man's cheek. "Lance, I hurt you." Stephen croaked as he looked down dejected.

"I know." Lance mused as he leans his forehead over Stephen's. "It's alright, I forgive you..."

"I left you for years..." Stephen chuckled dryly. "... It was a selfish thing to do..."

"Hush..." Lance leans over and kisses Stephen's forehead before looking straight at the man before him. "I did more shitty things as well. We are both selfish, dumb wolves and arrogant mates. We can't change the past... Fuck I can't believe I'm saying this... But we have each other now. Even how dumb wolves we are."

"Yeah, dumb wolves." Stephen laughed at the humor as he clasped Lance' cheek as well. "We did tons of stupid things. Things we are regretting right now. Things that are biting us in the back and are ... " He croaked as a lump on his throat seems to lodge in his airway. "... destroying the lives of the people we love."

Lance clenched his teeth in scowl as he wrapped Stephen in a sudden embrace catching the Alpha off guard and yet the gesture warmed his heart as tears started to well up in his eyes unnoticed.

"There's nothing in this world that will tear us apart." Lance growled in his conviction as the thought of Stephen's affliction kept nagging behind his mind. He mustered the will to brush it over. Stephen needs me to be strong for him right now! It's not the time to worry about anything stupid! He clasped Stephen's shirt tighter while burying his face over his mate's neck. "I'll make sure of it" He gritted his teeth tightly. "I'm sure in hell make that will happen."

"Mate..." Stephen started as he felt Lance' fear as he carried the same dilemma for years himself. "... I love you." Stephen reassured Lance though his mind was still carrying doubts. He wanted to be with Lance, it was the surest he has in his mind, but that nagging thought at the back of his mind won't go away and he was certain this would spell despair for him and his mate. But Stephen wanted to believe he has chance. Lance warmth wanted him to try very badly. He just returned the hug as tightly he could. "Lance..." Stephen croaked. "... I'm afraid..." He hands visibly trembling. "I don't want to leave this... I don't want to leave you and forget as I endanger the ones I love." He gritted his teeth tightly as his fear envelopes him. He felt Lance hold on him tighten as a low growl erupted from his mate's chest. He wanted to run again, his fear was so overwhelming that he doesn't want his fears to come true but Lance' hold on him was tight, his warmth so comforting that Stephen can't help but burst into tears. His hands tightening its grip on his mate's shirt. "I... I don't want this to happen to me..." He croaked. "Lance, I'm so sorry. I'm sorry..." Stephen buried his face over Lance' neck as he bares his greatest fears before the man who loved him for this long.

Lance gritted his teeth as he could only hold his mate tighter. The obvious fear that Stephen was carrying all this years was seeping into his heart like a flood. And he was afraid. He doesn't want this feeling to control him but his mate was not in distraught as he lay baring his deepest fears to him and he can't do anything. He does not know the answers flooding his mates questions and fears. All he could do is be the rock that Stephen needed. And he was sure as hell he would be that rock.

Lance started pressing his lips over his mate's neck as he felt his body tremble. He felt his mate's fears coursing his body and the immediate reaction to run away was first in Stephen's mind again that Lance held him with all his strength. They need to face this together. He has to be there with Stephen. He has to show he cared, that he loved him, that he was willing to go to the edge of the world and back for him to be safe. It was his time to be the anchor in their relationship.

All the years that gone by has hardened him to the point he projected this hate towards his son. He became the beast that he long decided not to be, his father. The very man that made his mate run away, the man that destroyed the very thing he held dear all those years, Stephen.

" Steph... Mate... Everything's going to be all right." Lance spoke as he he held Stephen tighter in his embrace trying to reassure his mate that he is there. "I'm here now and I'm not letting you go... whatever happens." He croaked as he tried to be strong for his mate, fighting the tears back, Lance buried face once more over Stephen's neck. Inhaling his mate's scent as he trying to mark it in his brain.

Lance pulls back and Stephen tightens his grip over his mate that cause Lance to look surprise. His handsome mate clang to him before letting go slightly, his head looking down. Lance places his fingers over Stephen's chin and brought it to face him. Lance' heart clenched as he saw his mate's teary eyes, he wanted to growl but he forced himself not to, as he manage to smile lovingly at the man before him. Slowly approaching his mate as he kiss each tear away before planting a soft kiss over Stephen's lips.

It was slow and sweet at first as Lance felt Stephen's lips trembled but he stared into his mates bright green orbs and smiled. Stephen's heart melted seeing Lance smile sweetly, his normal rugged, terrifying Alpha persona was suddenly changed, a rare side of Lance that Stephen was lucky enough to see. His mate's loving side was something Stephen loved about his mate that he can't help but smile back, his fears slowly fading back into his mind. When Lance closes back for a kiss, Stephen kissed back. Their lips weren't fighting for dominance like most of the time for this one was soft and sweet as if they are trying to convey that they care and was there for each other.

"Lance..." Stephen spoke as they broke from their kiss.

"Shhh..." Lance hushed his mate with another kiss as he pushed him down. His hand snaked inside his mate's shirt as he caressed the smooth skin of his mate. running through the back, he noticed visible scars but he continued to make love with the man under him.

Stephen let out a low, sensual moan but was immediately drowned by Lance' lips as he felt the ecstatic tingles run through his skin. Lance was being quite gentle as he started to plant kisses over his mate's cheeks. Stephen started to snake his hands under the man's shirt as he caress the beautiful, muscled contours of his mate. His hands soon found themselves grazing over Lance' erect numbs causing the tanned man to hiss as his canines protrude outwards involuntarily and his pants tighten. Stephen chuckled at the man's reaction, he decided to trace his mate's well-defined pecs with his hands, occasionally rubbing his thumbs over the sensitive numbs.

This assault wasn't caught unaware by Lance as his sinister grin and his eyes burning bright was revealing the hungry beast within him. His mate's playfulness was sure needed to be repaid in full or more. He reaches out with his right hand and traced his mate's back to his well-defined ass, grabbing a handful in the process. His canines scraped the skin of the Alpha before him causing it to break and bleed slightly.

Then a loud thud was followed as the door of their room flew open, crashing towards the wall it hit and broke into pieces was followed by a large, white wolf sliding in with a vicious snarl.

"Fuck Aries I said stop!" Blake was running behind the white wolf with his canines out and his face and clothes looked like a struggle has happened before he came inside the two men's room. "Don't you fucking listen to me-" Blake's eyes trailed the room and landed over his old man's and Aries' father lying in bed in a very, very suggestive position.

"What the hell are you two doing in and barging in without consent!" Lance growled as he straighten up while trying to cover Stephen in his arms.

"We smelled blood and -" Blake trailed off as he avoided his father's stabbing gaze as he looked at Aries who was still glaring daggers at his old man. "Aye, calm down...." Aries bared his canines at Lance as he ignored Blake's request. Blake sighed and reached out and placed his hand over the large wolf's face, caressing it softly. "Come on, girl. Calm down..."

Immediately, Aries snapped over Blake's side with a growl. Blake knew this would catch his attention. Shifting suddenly, Aries grabbed Blake's shirt's neck seem and forcefully dragged Blake to his face.

"Don't call me that, Blake." Aries growled and Blake just chuckled.

The ravened hair man clasped his hands over his mate's cheeks and planted a kiss. Aries fought for a second before caving in. Blake rests his head over Aries' as they broke the kiss.

"All calmed down?" Blake asked as Aries sighed and smiled. He turns around and looked at the two Alphas before him and clenched his fists. Noticing this Blake snaked his hand over Aries' and held it tightly. He was still furious but Blake's hold on him made sure he was calm enough to hold a conversation. "I'm sorry for barging in unannounced Lance but I smelled my father's blood and I assumed ..."

"And you assumed what?!" Lance growled back, Stephen quickly held him from advancing towards his son. "Do you think I'll hurt my mate after all this time?!"

"I don't know. " Aries drawled sarcastically. "As far as I know, you clearly don't have a clear track record of being a caring mate." Aries spat and as soon as those words left his lips, His back was thrown back into the wall with Lance' grip tightly wrapped around his neck.

Blake's and Stephen was visibly shocked at was just happened and started to call out for Lance to stop.

"Take that back." Lance seethed, his canines gritting, rage filling his eyes. "Or I'll fucking make you."

"Make me." Aries chuckled dryly his right hand holding the older Alpha's hand around his neck and slowly prying it off with less effort. "I've beaten you once Lance, what makes you think -"

A quick and strong left hook connected with Aries' face causes his head to turn. Lance lets go and stood glaring as Aries' wiped the blood that flooded his nose. The younger Alpha felt the sting, Lance was different from before. His blows were stronger, more convicted.

"I'm no longer that broken wolf you defeated long ago, pup." Lance growled looking at Aries with determination. "Today, I have a reason to punch you in the face. Now, I have the reason to push forward..." He turned and walked towards Stephen who was glaring at him for hitting his son though Stephen was feeling his mate's overprotectiveness to go to greater lengths to protect and be with him. Lance snaked his hand over his mate's hips drawing him closer. He turned to Aries as Blake was holding him up. "I won't hurt the person I love ever again, pup. Drill it in your fucking brain, brat! I won't make that same mistake again." He scowled throwing a thick tone of conviction in his words.

Blake felt his father's determination. Even though, he wanted to hit the living daylights over his old man, he felt a sense of pride as he stood there with his mate. An admiration he can see over the changed man before him. Stephen was sure his father's lost piece that held him together.

Aries let out a laugh as Blake, Stephen and Lance looked at him with surprise. He combed his hair with his free hand before looking at Blake and planting a kiss over his cheek. His gaze turned to Lance who was still glaring at him. Blake supported his mate as he stood straight.

"Lance..." Aries started as he mustered the strength to stand up straight. "... in my eyes, I still see you as a ruthless Alpha..." Lance stared back at Aries' intense glare but there was no longer tension between those, a sense of understanding was now looming. "... But your love for my father is undeniable... I respect that... And my father seems to share my same sentiments." Stephen leans over and plants a peck over Lance' cheek this time causing the glaring Alpha to look at the corner of his eye towards the man who snake his arm around his waist as well. Lance can't help but smile at the man besides him as his eyes shows only but love towards Stephen. He turns to look at Aries again as they approach them. Aries reaches out his hand. "I entrust you with my father from now on. Please take care of him."

Lance hand reaches out but immediately grabs Aries into a tight embrace. Aries was surprise at the gesture as Blake looked irritated at the sudden impulse of his old man.

"Thanks, pup." Lance spoke and Aries just buried his face over Lance' shoulder as he felt his cheeks flare up. Stephen chuckled at the two as Blake crosses his arms at his father's manhandling of his mate. "My kid's in you hand as well." He added.

"What does that mean, old man?!" Blake growled as he tried to pry his father's hold over his mate but was pulled by Stephen into a hug.

"Please keep my son safe always, Blake." Stephen requested as Blake turned to look at Aries who snaked his hand over Blake's hips, pulling him towards him. Blake's eyes softened and groaned in defeat.

"Always."