Darius

Darius paced the corridor just outside John's door, bewildered by his impulsive actions. "What was that? Why did I have to barge in on him like that?" he murmured to himself, his hand running through his already dishevelled hair.

Courtesy of his bear, vivid images of his naked mate flashed before his eyes, urging him to go back in there and complete the bond. Darius resisted the temptation, pushing his bear to the background and effectively locking those instincts away. Tonight was not the night for weakness, especially with the significant events ahead.

Sera had informed him earlier over the link that John had taken the heat inhibitor jab, ruling out the possibility of his rut approaching.

So why was Darius feeling out of control, overactive even? Was it the fear of losing him again? The idea that they could have grown up together, bypassing the current strangeness between them, weighed heavily on Darius's mind, casting a shadow over his emotions.

**Flashback**

Darius sat there, at