the pack leader Jyrus

Chapter Five: The Morning After

The sunrise painted the horizon in shades of amber and rose, the first rays of light spilling over the treetops and chasing away the lingering shadows of the night. Cyrus sat at the edge of the pack's training grounds, legs dangling over the ridge, as he stared out at the awakening forest.

He could still feel the warmth of Jonah's kiss lingering on his lips, and the thought brought a flush to his cheeks. Snow, his wolf, stirred restlessly within him, not from unease but from the sheer energy of their bond. He had barely slept, his mind replaying every moment at the bonfire, every word Jonah had said.

Together, Cy. Always.

Cyrus let out a breath he hadn't realized he was holding, his fingers idly tracing patterns in the dirt. The words had felt like a promise, one he desperately wanted to believe in. But now, in the light of day, the doubts began to creep back in. Jonah was the future Alpha. He had a pack to lead, responsibilities to uphold. Could their bond really survive all of that?

"Up early, aren't you?" Buffy's voice broke through his thoughts, and he turned to see her approaching, a steaming cup of coffee in her hands.

"Couldn't sleep," Cyrus admitted with a sheepish smile.

Buffy dropped down beside him, handing him the coffee. "Figured. You had that look on your face last night—the one that says your brain won't shut up."

He chuckled softly, taking a sip. The bitter warmth was grounding. "It's just... a lot. Last night was amazing, but I can't stop wondering what happens next. What if—"

"Stop," Buffy interrupted, holding up a hand. "What ifs are just fear's way of keeping you stuck. Jonah made it pretty clear he's not running anymore. You shouldn't either."

Cyrus looked down at the coffee in his hands, her words sinking in. "It's just hard, Buff. He's Jonah. Future Alpha. Everyone's expecting so much from him, and I don't want to be the thing that—"

"You're not 'the thing,'" Buffy said firmly. "You're his mate. You're exactly what he needs to be the Alpha he's supposed to be. Don't sell yourself short."

Before Cyrus could respond, a familiar voice called out from behind them. "Morning, Cy. Buffy."

Cyrus's heart skipped a beat as he turned to see Jonah walking toward them. He was dressed casually in a faded T-shirt and jeans, his dark hair still slightly damp from a morning shower. The sight of him, so effortlessly confident yet approachable, sent a flutter through Cyrus's chest.

"Morning," Cyrus managed, his voice quieter than he'd intended.

Buffy smirked knowingly. "I'll leave you two to it." She stood, giving Cyrus a wink before heading back toward the main house.

Jonah watched her go, then turned his attention to Cyrus, his expression softening. "You disappeared after the bonfire last night. I was looking for you."

Cyrus shrugged, trying to keep his voice steady. "Needed some space to think."

Jonah nodded, stepping closer until he was standing right beside him. "Fair enough. Last night was... a lot."

"Yeah," Cyrus agreed, his gaze dropping to the ground.

Jonah crouched down so they were eye level, his green eyes searching Cyrus's face. "Hey," he said softly. "Talk to me. What's going on in that head of yours?"

Cyrus hesitated, the vulnerability of the moment weighing heavy in the air. But Jonah's steady gaze and the warmth of his presence were impossible to ignore.

"I just... I'm scared, Jonah," Cyrus admitted, his voice barely above a whisper. "This bond between us—it's incredible, but it's also terrifying. I don't want to mess things up for you or the pack."

Jonah reached out, placing a hand on Cyrus's knee. "Cy, listen to me. You're not going to mess anything up. If anything, you're the only thing keeping me grounded right now. I know this is big, and yeah, it's scary, but we don't have to figure everything out today. We'll take it one step at a time. Together."

Cyrus looked up, meeting Jonah's gaze. The sincerity in his eyes was undeniable, and for the first time since the ceremony, the knot of anxiety in his chest began to loosen.

"Okay," Cyrus said, his voice steadier now. "Together."

Jonah smiled, that soft, genuine smile that made Cyrus's heart do flips. "Good. Now come on. TJ's running training this morning, and I promised him we'd both show up."

"Both?" Cyrus raised an eyebrow.

"Yeah. You're not getting out of it this time," Jonah teased, standing and offering a hand to pull Cyrus to his feet. "Alpha's orders."

Cyrus rolled his eyes but took Jonah's hand, the simple touch sending a comforting warmth through him. As they walked toward the training grounds, side by side, Cyrus felt the weight of his doubts begin to lift.

Whatever challenges lay ahead, he knew one thing for certain: he and Jonah would face them together.