FRAGILE

Chapter 32: Finally Free

As Levi's wolf stood trembling but proud under Maximus's watchful eye, the world seemed to slow down. The weight of the past, the fear, the conditioning—it all felt distant now, a shadow that lingered but didn't control him. The air was thick with the scents of earth and forest, of dominance and protection, all radiating from Maximus's black wolf. The two wolves faced each other, one towering and powerful, the other small and delicate, yet there was no mistaking the connection between them.

Maximus's wolf stepped closer to Levi's, his large body moving with grace and quiet strength. His presence was overwhelming but comforting. There was no danger here, no judgment—only reassurance. Maximus's wolf lowered his head slightly, his golden eyes locking onto Levi's, and let out a soft rumble, inviting Levi's wolf to follow him.

Levi's white wolf hesitated for a moment, its gaze flickering with uncertainty. The fear of his past still clung to him, but the presence of Maximus's wolf—his mate—kept that fear at bay. Slowly, tentatively, Levi's wolf stepped forward, its small paws crunching softly against the ground as it moved closer to Maximus.

The connection between the two wolves began to deepen, their bond growing stronger with every step Levi's wolf took toward its mate. Maximus's wolf was patient, guiding Levi's wolf with soft nudges and gentle growls, leading him out of the shadowy corners of his mind and into the light.

As they moved together, Levi's wolf began to relax. He could feel something shifting inside him—a warmth spreading through his chest, healing the old wounds that Thomas had left behind. Maximus's wolf was more than just a protector. He was a healer, a guide, and with each passing moment, Levi's wolf found itself growing stronger, more confident.

They circled one another, their movements synchronized as if they had been together for a lifetime. Maximus's wolf brushed up against Levi's, offering him strength and encouragement, while Levi's wolf nuzzled back, seeking comfort and guidance. The bond between them was undeniable, a tether that tied them together in ways Levi had never imagined possible. This was not the relationship Thomas had forced on him—this was something pure, something built on respect and trust.

The wolves continued their quiet dance, and soon, Levi's wolf began to push itself further, testing the boundaries of its newfound freedom. There was no pain here, no punishment. Only the soothing presence of Maximus's wolf, who remained at Levi's side every step of the way.

Eventually, Levi's wolf began to feel the pull to return to his human form. It was as if the two sides of himself—wolf and human—were finally beginning to merge, finally finding balance after years of being at odds. With a deep, shuddering breath, Levi's wolf looked up at Maximus's, seeking permission, seeking comfort.

Maximus's wolf let out a low, approving growl, his massive head lowering to nudge Levi once more. It was a silent command, a promise that no matter what, Maximus would be there, watching over him.

And with that, Levi's wolf began to shift.

The transformation back to his human form was smooth, almost effortless, as if the pain of shifting had been washed away by the strength of their bond. White fur melted into pale skin, and soon Levi was standing before Maximus, trembling and vulnerable but free. His human form returned, but it was still his wolf in control, still the part of him that Maximus had unlocked and healed.

Levi's gaze met Maximus's as he knelt on the ground, his breaths coming in soft, controlled gasps. His mind was quiet now, no longer filled with the suffocating rules and demands of Thomas. All he felt was Maximus—his presence, his protection, his warmth.

Maximus shifted back into his human form as well, the transformation just as smooth and graceful. He stood tall and strong, his eyes soft as they met Levi's. Without a word, he knelt beside Levi, his hand gently cupping his mate's cheek.

"You're safe," Maximus whispered, his voice rough with emotion. "You're with me, Levi. I've got you."

Levi's wolf, still in control, nuzzled into Maximus's hand, his body instinctively leaning into the warmth of his mate's touch. There was no need for words between them, not now. The bond that had formed between their wolves was enough to convey everything Levi needed to know: he was loved, he was wanted, and he was no longer alone.

Over the next few days, the honeymoon period between their wolves blossomed. Levi's wolf was tentative at first, still adjusting to the freedom it had been denied for so long, but with Maximus at his side, guiding him, Levi began to flourish.

Levi's wolf took joy in the simplest things—scent-rolling on soft blankets that smelled of Maximus, curling up beside him, and even nuzzling into Maximus's chest as they lay together. Maximus encouraged all of it, understanding that these were things Levi's wolf needed to heal, to reconnect with the world. The once timid and broken omega was now slowly but surely finding his place, relearning how to enjoy life.

Maximus remained patient, always present, always offering his strength to Levi whenever he needed it. They spent hours together, Maximus's wolf guiding Levi's as they explored their bond and shared quiet moments. There were still times when Levi hesitated, when the echoes of his past tried to pull him back into the darkness, but Maximus never let him fall.

He would hold Levi close, whispering soft reassurances, reminding him that he was safe, that he was loved.

And as the days passed, Levi's wolf grew stronger, more confident. The omega's spirit, once crushed, was slowly rebuilding itself, piece by piece, under the careful guidance of Maximus and his unwavering love.

They were healing together, and with every step, their bond grew deeper, more unbreakable.

Levi was no longer 2197. He was Levi.

And he was home.