Mek slept soundly.
Tucked into Pete's bed, his breathing slow, his body wrapped in blankets—and peace.
But Pete was wide awake.
And pissed.
Khaos showing up? Acting smug? Thinking he could rattle Mek again?
Nah.
Not happening.
Pete slipped on his black jacket, pulled back his hair, and left without a word.
No anger on his face.
Just calm.
Dangerously calm.
---
Pete knew where to find Khaos.
He always knew where to find people who made the mistake of hurting someone he cared about.
The underground club was loud. Neon lights. Sweaty bodies. But Pete moved through it like he owned the damn place. Because in a way… he did.
He found Khaos at the bar.
Laughing with some guy. Arrogant. Relaxed.
Pete walked up behind him, leaned close, and said one word:
"Outside."
Khaos turned, that same smirk on his lips—until he saw Pete's eyes.
Dark.
Deadly.
Khaos swallowed but followed.
In the alley behind the club, Pete lit a cigarette with steady hands, staring at Khaos through the smoke.
"You got something to say?" Khaos asked, trying to sound unfazed.
Pete flicked ash to the ground. "Yeah. Stay the hell away from Mek."
Khaos scoffed. "He's not a possession."
"No. But he's mine." Pete's voice dropped. "And unlike you, I don't throw away the people I care about."
Khaos crossed his arms. "You threatening me?"
Pete stepped closer.
Face to face. Barely a breath apart.
"I'm warning you."
Khaos tried to hold his stare but faltered when Pete whispered:
"You don't know who you're playing with, pretty boy. I play nice—for Mek. But I don't play fair."
Khaos's jaw clenched.
Pete grinned, low and terrifying. "You show up again, make him flinch even once… and I'll make sure you disappear so fast your own shadow won't find you."
Khaos opened his mouth—but Pete grabbed his collar, slammed him against the wall with a quiet, brutal thud.
"No bruises. No noise. Just a message," Pete whispered. "I protect what's mine."
Then he let go.
Khaos stumbled, gasping.
Pete turned and walked away—cool, calm, powerful.
Like a man who'd just ended a war before it started.
---
Back home, Mek stirred as Pete slid back into bed.
"Where were you?" Mek mumbled sleepily.
Pete pulled him close, kissed the top of his head. "Nowhere important."
Mek snuggled in, safe in his arms. "Feels like everything's quiet now."
Pete smiled.
Yeah.
Because he made it that way.