A Howl In The Night ✔ » l.s

15

Almost an entire day had passed since Harry was last conscious. Louis had decided to stay by Harry's side the entire time, fingers intertwined with his as he watched the steady rise and fall of the boy's chest. It was such a risky thing to do, to keep him sedated this long, especially since medicine tended to have different and unexpected effects on those who are presenting.

Liam, Niall, and Zayn had left earlier, deciding that it would be best if they continued with their work to avoid much suspicion about why all the Winters have suddenly disappeared. They had also all agreed to keep the fact that Harry was an Omega between them for now, though Louis knew for a fact that their secret wouldn't last that long.

As soon as Harry left this cell, hundreds of Alphas would be able to sniff his scent from a good distance. The thought made something like jealously rumble in the pit of his stomach, which he just ignored, as always.

Louis reached out and pushed Harry' curls out of his face, caressing his pale, smooth cheek. Louis always wondered how Harry was real—the boy was too beautiful, inside and out. It hurt him to think that Harry had to go through so much, especially now that they had a new challenge to face.

By now, Louis had gotten used to Harry's powerful scent—a scent that could make any Alpha go mad. Since he'd been here all day, he'd gotten used to it, although there were still times when he'd get slightly dizzy and dazed.

In the several hours of silence he'd spent by Harry's sleeping figure, he'd racked his brain for answers and solutions. He figured that they'd eventually have to tell Benedict anyway, and that they could never truly guess what his reaction and decision regarding the situation would be. There was also the issue of the Fort—they would definitely kick Harry out.

The thought broke Louis' heart, because he knew how Harry wanted to stay here. Hell, he'd even started creating his own "cure" in the short amount of time he'd been here. Plus, where would he go if he was asked to leave? Back to the mansion? Live on his own, perhaps? It was a dangerous world out there, especially for Omegas. Louis felt a little better knowing that he'd be by Harry's side all along.

Even if he hadn't made that deal with Benedict weeks ago, he'd still gladly leave the Fort with Harry if they stupidly decided to kick him out. It would be difficult to adjust in his lifestyle and turn his back on all he's ever known as a soldier, but it would be worth it, as long as he got to be with Harry and ensure that he was safe and protected all the time.

Not that Harry couldn't protect himself, of course. The boy was obviously skilled and knowledgeable about a lot of things having been brought up at the Winter's mansion, but he also happened to have a soft, compassionate heart, sometimes being too kind for his own good that twisted people would no doubt take advantage of.

With a sigh, Louis played with the younger boy's long, slim fingers, thoughts constantly running around his head. When he had presented, it had taken him nearly an entire day. It varied from person to person, though, but Louis wasn't so sure how it usually went for Omegas.

He didn't have to wonder any longer when Harry began stirring, eyelashes fluttering as he opened his eyes. Louis immediately held his hand, letting him know that he wasn't alone.

When Harry turned to look at him, his eyes were its usual green color, small hints of gold still lurking, though it was barely noticeable now. Louis smiled up at him warmly, giving his hand a comforting squeeze.

"How are you feeling?" Louis asked, trying to hide the anxiousness in his voice.

Harry's eyes wandered across the room for a moment, eventually landing on Louis'. With a scratchy and weak voice, he said, "I feel like I died. Then I was resurrected."