Being able to sleep beside her is a victory that could sustain him on its own well into the future, but Omega doesn't need a reward to protect her. She's his mate. She's his entire world. He will never be too exhausted to fight for her, or to curl around her in darkness -- whatever she needs from him. Holding her in his arms means more to him that eating or sleeping.

But they'd slept anyway, without intrusion, and Omega drifted off to the scent of her hair and her face pressed into his shirt, and as darkness descended he'd instinctively taken up a stronger position to surround her with his own body, the best defense he has. That she was able to fall asleep is the only reason he could... but her tears will echo in his dreams for a long time.

Being easily woken and utterly attuned to her has him stirring slightly when those beloved lips touch his, and she moves to be closer to him; Omega breathes a slow, heavy sigh, and opens his eyes slowly. Nothing's wrong? Good. His fingers spread gently on her back, and his cheek rubs hers the slightest bit.