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College had been good to him. Many times he had thought that after graduating high school, he would leave California, running from everything that had happened there.
But no, Riverside had been an excellent recommendation made by his father. And his mother couldn’t have been happier that her son wanted to study medicine without going too far from home.
When he told them, he took them by surprise, but Dr. Geyer shed a few tears upon hearing him say he wanted to follow in his footsteps in the life-saving field. On the other hand, in his pack, Scott and Stiles congratulated him on his choice, wishing him all the luck in the world. Lydia said she had once imagined him studying literature and becoming a history teacher, but she was happy for him. Malia didn’t say much, but the tone of her words showed the pride she felt when she said:
—The pup is growing up.
He hadn’t even expected the Hales to offer to pay for his college. Although he politely declined, he told them they could help someone else instead.
Mason and Corey had taken different paths, but his best friend hugged him, saying how proud he was of him, that he already looked forward to calling him Dr. Dunbar in the future, and Corey confirmed that he would be excellent.
And then there was Theo.
After spending their last school year together, they had become good friends, and then that friendship began to feel different. While they had doubts, they managed to handle it.
Raeken wasn’t much of a talker, but that night when he came home, he saw him sitting at his desk, greeting him with a calm smile while silently watching him finish changing out of his lacrosse uniform, and then they had a conversation.
—I don’t know where to start— he laughed. —When you told me the Hales could pay for my college... I laughed, because I never imagined that could be real— he could feel his nervousness, but he was also happy. —But a few hours ago, while you were at practice, Derek came to see me, to make sure your words hadn’t been a joke. And that if I really wanted to study, he could become my sponsor— Liam’s eyes sparkled with excitement as he listened intently. —And I... I said yes.
Dunbar only jumped into his arms, letting him know that he supported him, that Theo was making a good decision, and that he could keep getting better.
Now, after the move and their family goodbyes, they were both attending college together, sharing every day side by side. And Liam loved the relationship they had. It was too good, too healthy, and everything he had ever wanted. Theo showed him every day what he always longed for: to be loved.
He had discovered that Raeken was someone who enjoyed showing affection freely: he always gave him a kiss on the cheek before they went to separate classes, and when they shared one, he’d hold his hand discreetly under the desk. In their free time, Theo would stroke Liam’s hair or read to him softly while he rested his head on his lap. After lacrosse practice, he’d give him massages after a shower, peppering soft kisses on his back and shoulders.
On nights when it was just the two of them, they’d crawl into bed, tangle up under the blankets, and Theo would lose himself in the pleasure of having Liam beneath him, enjoying his closeness and warmth.
Their weekends were usually spent in the apartment, watching movies or playing PlayStation, which Liam had brought from home. But that routine changed when they both started looking for jobs. Theo began working afternoons at a vet clinic, while Liam started teaching history to elementary school kids, and even to high schoolers when asked. His talent and dedication made him highly requested.
Every week, Theo came home with a new pet to care for for a few days. He started with a brown dog, always scared and nervous, that slowly gained confidence. Then came a black cat with green eyes, which Liam, smiling, named “Theo” because it reminded him of his beloved. There was a week they barely slept: the Chimera had brought home a bird that wouldn’t stop chirping at night. Theo had to get up several times to talk to it, asking it to be quiet, and then returned to bed apologizing to Liam for waking him. But what nearly made Liam ask Theo for a divorce —even though they weren’t married— was when he brought home a blue boa snake. Liam shrieked in surprise, and Theo could hear his wolf growl lowly, as if he sensed a threat. However, that long snake was far from dangerous. Still, Theo apologized in case Liam felt uncomfortable. But every time the blue-eyed boy saw his boyfriend watching the animals with such incredible curiosity, his anger vanished. He knew Theo was becoming a great vet, and he was grateful to the man —who reminded him of Deaton— who promised to sign a recommendation letter when the time came for his college internship.
His life was going well; time seemed to move with unexpected softness. Although Liam once feared how fast life passed, now he was happy and loved how he was living it. He was young, had a good job, a future degree, an amazing boyfriend, and pack reunions once a month.
But, like in every life, amidst so many good things, something bad had to happen. Liam cried, screamed, almost destroyed his room in a fit of rage, and ran to the woods in the park he used to visit with Theo once a week.
That very afternoon they had called to tell him his mother was in surgery, at risk of death. His stepfather had returned and caused a disaster when he found out where his mother lived. He had stabbed her several times —as Officer Parrish explained, trying not to give too many details— and she had lost so much blood that, unfortunately, it was hard to find donors.
He couldn’t leave without Theo, so he had to wait for him to get home to take him back to Beacon Hills, where, if it wasn’t too late, he could see his mom and endure her pain as she recovered.
Theo didn’t take long. He had asked permission to leave half an hour early and had gone out to find a gift for Liam. He didn’t know exactly if he’d like it, but when he saw that pair of chains with a small anchor as a pendant, he immediately thought of them.
He was happy; his little wolf would turn a year older in a week, and he had decided to give him a gift every day until that day arrived.
He wanted Liam to stop being just his boyfriend. He wanted him for life, he wanted to call him his husband.
When Theo arrived at their apartment, the one who was surprised was him. The air was thick with sadness, anger, and fear. He panicked when he found Liam sitting on the bed, rocking back and forth, arms wrapped around his legs.
He ran to his side and took his face in his hands, seeing the tears still running down his cheeks.
—Love? What happened?— he asked softly.
He didn’t even need to look around to know the room was a mess.
—We have to go— Liam whispered. —My mom... she’s in the hospital, and I don’t know if she’ll survive.
Theo, though surprised, stood up without asking for more details; he knew he’d find out soon enough.
—Then let’s go. Let’s leave now.
Liam seemed to snap out of it and ran to grab his backpack to throw in some clothes. Theo was already ready when he came downstairs, and they both locked the door to head to the truck.
Before Theo started the engine, a call came in. Lydia’s name lit up the screen.
Theo had already guessed what Lydia was going to say, but still answered to hear her breathless: Liam had to be in Beacon Hills immediately because his mother could die. Her vision had come late, and she apologized to Liam for not predicting it sooner and avoiding the whole disaster. Liam assured her it wasn’t her fault and that they were already on their way to the hospital.
Scott called his beta to tell him he’d arrive in Beacon Hills the next morning and to stay calm, because his mother would be in good hands with Melissa.
Theo held Liam’s hand the entire trip. They didn’t stop; they were probably hungry, but Raeken wasn’t planning to stop until they reached their destination.
It was past one in the morning when the hospital doors swung open to let them in. Melissa was already waiting and guided them through several halls and elevators until they reached the Intensive Care Unit. The woman had come out of surgery successfully but was in a coma.
Liam took his mother’s hand to ease her pain, but there was no pain; she was in a deep sleep where nothing affected her. Tears welled up again, thinking he might never see the eyes of the woman who gave him life again.
Theo stayed by his side the whole time, from when Liam fell asleep crying to when dawn broke and he woke up to the rapid beeping of the machines.
Liam’s heart was pounding, unsure of what to do, until Melissa entered accompanied by his stepfather and Scott. The doctors immediately stabilized her. Scott pulled him into a firm hug, one Liam clung to desperately, because he needed it more than ever.
McCall assured him his mother would get better, that she’d come out of this because she was a fighter, and because she was the mother of an incredible son she wouldn’t leave behind so easily.
She woke up four days later.
Tears welled up in everyone’s eyes, filling the room with contained emotion. Liam felt immense relief when he heard, with difficulty but with strength, the voice he loved say his name.
—I’m sorry you’ll spend your birthday in a hospital, sweetheart.
—It’s okay, Mom. I’ll spend it with you, and that’s what matters.
The woman smiled as she gently hugged her only son, then looked back and saw Theo, who had always been there for her boy.
—Thank you— she whispered. —Oh, Liam, you have a very handsome boyfriend. I almost forgot how handsome Theo is.— she laughed.
—Right? He gets hotter every day— Liam assured her with a beaming smile, while Theo blushed, unable to hide it.
Theo left the room to give them space and ended up in a pleasant conversation with Liam’s stepfather. The man seemed to be holding something back, torn between saying it now or waiting.
—You can tell me anything, Mr. Geyer— Theo said calmly.
The man looked at him and, with a nervous smile, replied:
—Yes. I’ve been planning this for a year, ever since I made sure your intentions with Liam were good and without malice— Theo listened carefully. —Liam will be twenty-two in a few hours. And though he’ll always be my little boy, there’s something I wanted to pass down to him.
—A family heirloom?— Theo asked.
—Something like that— said Mr. Geyer, pulling a black velvet box from his coat. When he opened it, it revealed a ring with a diamond that sparkled even in the dim light.
—Wow— Theo exclaimed. —It’s beautiful.
—It is— the man agreed. —I know Liam’s not my biological son, but he’s the only one who’s ever called me Dad, who loved me and welcomed me into his life so openly. This ring means a lot to me, and I thought of giving it to him some time ago, but... I want to give it to you— Theo frowned. —Don’t think I don’t see how you look at him. You look at him the same way I did when I wanted to propose to Liam’s mother.
Theo raised his eyebrows in clear surprise.
—I...
—I don’t know if you’ve already planned it or not, but when you do, you can use this ring and carry on the legacy.
Theo felt so much joy in his heart that he couldn’t help but hug the man.
—I will. I wanted to propose on his birthday, but I’m not sure if we’re in the best condition for it.
—Do it. Take him out tomorrow, give him a good day, and make him your fiancé. When I tell Jena, she’ll understand.
—So I have your blessing?
—You have the trust, the love, the security, and the blessing of this family to marry Liam.
When the clock struck 12 a.m., everyone enthusiastically congratulated Liam. Mason was the first to send a message, assuring him he’d be there first thing in the morning to give him his gift and he kept his promise. Corey, Alec, and Mason arrived promptly at 8 o’clock, and Derek showed up by surprise with several presents in his arms, saying the rest of the pack had sent them all.
But what Liam wanted most was the gift his boyfriend had for him. Theo had whispered in his ear that the next day they would go out for a while because he had something special to tell him. He’d be lying if he said he wasn’t anxious; he had never liked surprises because his impatience didn’t help.
It was starting to get dark when Theo took him by the hand to the bridge where, years ago, Liam had watched him with Stiles while smelling the scent of the soap Theo always used which he now loved. He led him to the edge of the lake. Years ago, Liam might have panicked thinking Theo would push him, but today he only thought that maybe he wanted to introduce him to his sister.
—Maybe it’s not the best place— Theo began. —But here is where you first saw me, where I let you feel my true emotions, and where I saw your eyes —the ones I fell in love with unintentionally. You might call me crazy, but you know Tara died them, so I think... she’s still here, at least a part of her. And I want her to see the boy I’m in love with, the one that, wherever she is, she can call her brother-in-law— a tear ran down his cheek and Liam wiped it with his thumb. —Liam, I love you. I love you like I’ve never loved anyone in this life. You made me a better person, you saw the good in my soul and brought it to the surface, even when I thought all was lost— Theo sighed softly. —I have the honor of being the boyfriend of the most beautiful person in this world. A Liam Dunbar who, if he allows me, I’d like to one day call Mr. Raeken.
Surprise crossed Liam’s face.
—What do you mean?— he asked shyly.
—I want to imagine a future with you where we’re not just two young men in love, but two people sharing life and living the best this world has to offer. I want us to one day have a house, and for that house to be filled with the laughter of little ones who carry your blood and mine. I want to have kids with you, damn it!— he laughed. —But let’s not get ahead of ourselves. Before all that, I want you to be my husband.
—Wh—
Liam couldn’t form words because Theo knelt in front of him, pulling out a black velvet box that held a ring. In his other hand, he held a chain with an anchor.
—Liam, with your parents’ blessing, and the blessing I ask from my sister, will you be my husband?
Liam was crying, so all he could do was nod euphorically while pulling Theo up to kiss him deeply.
—Yes! Hell yes.
—Will we have children?— he asked innocently.
Liam laughed.
—First you’ll have to put up with being my man for a while before creating little creatures.
—We can start practicing anyway— winked at him.
—You’re an idiot— he laughed. —But I love you. And I’ll have as many kids as you want.
Theo hugged and kissed him harder, letting his emotions fill the air. He was in love and committed.
Who would’ve thought, right?
Tara would’ve laughed.