Stop Fighting

"Fuck, Helena," Romeo whispers as he pulled Helena close, his lips crashing against hers as they reached the top of the stairs on the third floor.

Helena didn't want to think.

She didn't want to push Romeo away.

He didn't have to defend her tonight.

She could sense he was about to challenge Alpha Ash. She couldn't let him ruin the peace the packs now enjoyed over her. He wasn't going to start his reign as Alpha with blood on his hands. Helena would not allow it.

"I would have started a war over you, only you, Helena," Rome said as he cupped her face in his hands and pressed a chaste kiss to her lips.

Helena wrapped her arms around Romeo's neck and pulled him close.

Just as he lowered his head to meet her lips again, they heard footsteps coming from the stairwell.

"Here," Helena said as she pulled a confused and stunned Romeo into her bedroom.

"You're not fighting me?" Romeo asked as he held her against his chest.

Helena settled and kissed his chin.

"Not tonight, no," she promised.

He held her tight as if he was afraid she'd run away if he let go.

They stayed that way for a while. Helena savored the moment, breathing in Romeo's comforting scent, letting herself rest against his body.

Choosing not to fight for the first time in a very long time.

'This is where we belong,' her wolf purred.

Helena knew she'd have to remind Hera of the risks they were taking by giving in tonight, but she didn't have it in her.

She'd been too emotionally drained by training that morning and by going up against Ash in the Dining Hall.

"You didn't have to do that," Helena mumbled, breaking the silence.

"I will always fight for you, Helena," Romeo said as he kissed the top of her head. "I'll never let anyone disrespect you. I don't care if you've slept with all those men. I can't claim to be a virgin either."

Helena couldn't help but chuckle at his words.

It was rare for werewolves to remain chaste. It was part of their nature to seek out companions, and it was even worse after the thrill of the hunt or a fight.

As an Alpha, it was worse for them, that's why most Alpha males were known for leaving a trail of broken hearts.

"Thank you," Helena whispered.

"You never have to thank me, love," Romeo answered as he pulled her closer to him.

Helena looked up and saw Romeo's intense gaze as he looked at her lips.

She reached out and pulled him toward her, capturing his lips in hers, letting go and allowing herself to indulge in him.

Romeo moaned against her lips and lifted her bridal style in his arms before setting her down gently on her bed.

"I've got you, Helena," Romeo whispered as he kissed her neck. "I'll always catch you when you fall. I'll always protect you."

"Just kiss me, Rome," Helena moaned as Romeo let his teeth graze where the traditional mate mark was left.

"You won't run today, Helena?" Romeo asked her as he lifted his lips from her skin.

"No, but…" Helena hesitated.

"What is it, Helena?" Romeo asked as he brushed his thumb over her cheek. "You can tell me whatever you want, I won't run."

Helena looked into his eyes and searched for any sign of doubt or fear, but he seemed so honest.

"I know we've already had sex," Helena said, blushing as she admitted for the first time that they'd been together.

"And it was amazing." Romeo smiled, planting a kiss on her forehead.

"But can we just keep things the way they are?" Helena asked.

Romeo gave her a kind smile and nodded.

"Whatever you want, love," he told her. "I'll take whatever you'll give me as long as you stay by my side."

Helena smiled as she leaned her head back on Romeo's chest, and he held her.

They sat in silence until Romeo suddenly stiffened beneath Helena.

"What is it?" she asked as she gave him a concerned look.

"It's Dad," Romeo said with a frown on his lips. "He's looking for us, and I think me dragging you up here got a few people speculating that we…"

"That we fucked," Helena said bluntly.

"That we were overpowered by our emotions and made love," Romeo said in a gentle tone. "And now they are looking for us."

Helena couldn't help but blush in embarrassment as she hid her face in her hands.

"We did technically get carried away," Romeo chuckled, teasing her.

Helena hid a smile. Romeo had a way of distracting her, making her forget whatever worries she had.

"By the Goddess," Helena cursed. "It's the first time I've ever been embarrassed about spending time with a man! Not that I've spent a lot of time with—"

"Helena, calm down," Romeo said as he sensed her panic. "I know you've had a healthy amount of partners over the years. It doesn't bother me."

"It doesn't?" Helena asked as she looked up at him.

She knew most Alphas would prefer to have their mates pure and often went into rampages over other wolves their mates had shared a past with.

Heck, Helena went green with jealousy when Sara implied that Romeo had sought her out for sex.

"As long as I'll be your last," Romeo said, his eyes filled with love.

Helena couldn't help but look away.

"You said you wouldn't fight it tonight," Romeo reminded her.

"Romeo, I don't want a mate," Helena confessed. "I'm happy with how things are."

"And what if we're mates?" Romeo questioned her. "Will you reject me?"

'Can you?' Hera asked her as well.

'Can you tell me if he's our mate?' Helena demanded from her wolf.

Again, her wolf went silent.

Helena already knew the answer. They had to wait until the Blood Moon, and she wasn't risking the heartbreak of seeing him with another woman.

She honestly never thought about the answer to his question. She'd never thought beyond avoiding him during the Blood Moon.

"Is it that bad being mated to me, Helena?" Romeo pushed.

"Romeo," she groaned.

Romeo's gaze suddenly went distant. She knew that look. His father was speaking to him, and it was the kind of conversation that demanded his full attention.

After a few minutes, he let out a sigh and stood up.

"We have to go back," Romeo said as he offered Helena his hand. "Your uncle is here and he's looking for his Heir."