CHAPTER 116: CHAPTER 116 REUNITED.

Under the scattered clothes, two figures lay naked against each other as the morning sunlight bathed their bodies, highlighting every stunning feature.

Xylander was still beneath Daniel, who lay curled against his chest, drawing warmth that had lasted all through the cold, dark night. It was blissful—beautiful even. Daniel had appreciated every second, especially how Xylander had held him through his restless sleep and endless nightmares.

Daniel stirred first, the sweet memories of last night flooding his mind.

Xylander’s emotional words, his embrace, the way his strong hands had pulled him close—promising to never leave his side. After so many days, Daniel had finally confessed. He had spoken his heart out, something he’d never done before, and it was Xylander who drew it out of him.

A small smile played on his lips as his gaze drifted toward Xylander, still fast asleep. The man had almost torn him apart last night, yet was still thoughtful enough to hold back, knowing Daniel wasn’t in the best condition.

"Just be patient, hubby," Xylander had whispered last night, smirking. "Once we return, be ready for me completely—I’ll have you without restraint."

The memory alone left Daniel blushing.

Now, watching Xylander sleep, Daniel couldn’t help being spellbound. The hazel eyes that rested beneath long lashes, the sharp, angular face, the smooth nose—everything about him was breathtaking.

And to think, all that beauty was his to enjoy. He was lucky. Damn lucky.

His eyes trailed lower, to Xylander’s bare chest—smooth, toned, and maddeningly defined. The sight alone made Daniel lick his lips unconsciously.

"Just wow... it hasn’t even been that long, and I already want him inside me again," Daniel muttered, trying to hold himself back. But the temptation was too much.

A tiny voice in his mind whispered, Touch him. He’s asleep. He won’t even notice.

That alone was enough to push him forward. His body’s reactions were impossible to ignore, and he knew the signs—his full heat was approaching. He had stopped taking the medication after learning about his pregnancy; those useless pills never worked anyway.

After everything, he’d still gotten pregnant. What was the point? At least his scent no longer caused chaos when his Alphas were around. Though lately, his pheromones had intensified even more—none of them could resist him for long. But he couldn’t blame them. His scent was powerful, irresistible even to the strongest.

He sighed. He’d been careless not tracking his heat cycles, but now he was determined to fix that.

Xylander’s pheromones were already driving him wild, and he ignored every warning bell because—well—it was his husband.

Leaning in, Daniel inhaled deeply, and his eyes fluttered. "So fresh..." he murmured. The lemony scent clung to Xylander’s skin, crisp and addictive.

His fingers trailed across Xylander’s chest, tracing the hard lines of muscle that flexed beneath his touch.

Xylander stirred, rolling slightly to his side until his face was turned toward Daniel. Daniel froze, holding his breath. After a long moment of silence, he waved a hand over Xylander’s face to make sure he was still asleep. Convinced he was safe, Daniel resumed his little exploration.

"Has it always been this smooth?" he whispered, leaning down to lick his skin. The tip of his tongue teased along Xylander’s navel, then brushed over his nipples.

Xylander’s body arched slightly at the touch. Unbeknownst to Daniel, one of his eyes snapped open. He watched his lover mischievously, fighting to keep his breathing calm each time Daniel paused to check.

"Whew, I thought I woke you up..." Daniel chuckled softly, about to continue when a noise from the nearby bushes froze him in place.

"I’m sure I saw smoke from this direction—let’s check it out!" Alex’s voice echoed through the woods.

Draven groaned behind him. "Hours have passed, morning’s already here, and we’re still wandering. I’m starting to doubt your so-called tracking skills!"

"Just look!" Alex snapped back. "We haven’t made any progress because you keep whining instead of helping. Daniel must be terrified by now."

Draven huffed dramatically, pacing like a scolded child. "You’re all talk, Alex. If you’re so sure, lead the way."

Alex rolled his eyes. "You can leave anytime. It’s not like you’ve been useful so far."

Before Draven could fire back, Norman—who had been clearing the path ahead—suddenly stopped. His eyes widened. "Uh... guys, you might want to see this."

"What now?" Draven muttered, stomping forward until Norman silently pointed toward the clearing.

There, on the soft grass, lay Xylander and Daniel—tangled, half-covered, very much naked.

Draven froze mid-step. "You’ve got to be kidding me—"

Alex shoved him aside, forcing a look. "Move over!"

"That’s bullying, Sir Alex," Thomas whispered, only to be ignored.

But before they could call out, a twig snapped underfoot.

Daniel jerked upright. Xylander leapt instantly, startling him so badly he shrieked, "Ahhhhhhh!" and swung the wooden stick he’d been holding.

"Daniel, it’s me!" Xylander dodged just in time.

"You—! You scared the hell out of me! Were you awake this whole time?" Daniel demanded.

Xylander grinned. "Surprise! Wasn’t that sexy?"

Daniel ignored him, clutching the stick tightly, waiting for the intruders.

Meanwhile, Draven, trying to peek past Alex, stumbled right through the bushes—just as Daniel swung again.

"Daniel, it’s—" thud!

The stick connected squarely with Draven’s forehead.

"Got you!" Daniel crowed triumphantly—until Alex stepped into the clearing with Norman and Thomas, his face pale.

"Tell me I didn’t just hit Draven..." Daniel gasped, dropping the stick and rushing to the fallen man.

Even Xylander sprinted after him—still completely naked, everything swinging freely as he ran.

Norman and Thomas froze.

"They... uh... seem to have things under control," Norman murmured.

Thomas nodded. Even Alex, who’d been deadly serious about the search, could only gape. "Unbelievable. We spent all night searching while they were out here... enjoying themselves."

"Well," Norman said dryly, "it was worth it."

Alex scowled but stayed quiet. Thomas leaned in, whispering, "You know, you’ve been really harsh on Draven. He might act childish, but he’s kind-hearted and adores you. Try easing up on him a little." Then he walked off, leaving Alex thoughtful.

Daniel touched Draven’s forehead and flinched. "He’s burning up! Oh my gosh, it’s like touching an oven—Xy, we need to head back now!"

Thankfully, Draven wasn’t badly hurt—just a swollen bump where the stick had struck.

"You tracked us all the way here?" Xylander asked, honestly impressed.

"Yeah," Alex replied, folding his arms.

"That’s incredible. Thank you—all of you. And the servers too," Xylander said, grinning proudly.

Daniel hugged Draven tightly, then motioned for Alex to come closer before wrapping both of them in his arms. "I love you both. I knew you wouldn’t let me down."

He kissed them—on the lips—leaving both men stunned.

Alex blinked, his brain spinning. Daniel was being emotional... affectionate. Wait—did that mean Xyle did it? He caught Xylander’s knowing wink.

Oh my god, he did! Alex could’ve jumped in excitement.

Daniel turned and hugged the two shirtless chefs too. "Still shirtless, boys?" he teased. They laughed together.

"I knew I made good friends. See? When you’re loved, you’re really loved."

"All praise goes to Draven and Alexander," Norman said. "Especially Alex—he’s a surprisingly good tracker."

Daniel smiled warmly at Alex, full of pride.

Alex, seeing Draven’s shy, hurt look, cleared his throat. "I couldn’t have done it without him," he said softly. "Draven kept me motivated."

The others froze in shock—especially the chefs.

Draven’s eyes widened. "Sorry... for everything I said before," he murmured, to which Alex only smiled and squeezed his hand.

Xylander cheered, still stark naked, dancing around until Alex finally snapped.

"Clothes on, people! Before we all go blind!"