Chapter 4: The Unwanted Invitation

MORNING AT VOLKOV MANSION

Morning sun hit the high windows. Dining table was chaos. As usual.

Everyone eating breakfast. Footsteps echoed down the stairs. Kyrian Volkov walked down.

Simple black clothes but expensive. Humming a soft tune. He grabbed his car keys. Tried to sneak out.

"Kyrian."

He froze.

Aria Volkov raised an eyebrow. Serious face. "Where do you think you're going without breakfast?"

Kyrian turned around. Nervous smile. "Uh, Mom... I have a shoot. Getting late. I'll eat there."

"No need," Aria said firm. "I know exactly how you eat later. Breakfast first. Then leave."

"Mom, but—"

Aria didn't speak. Just glared at Kirill. Kirill sensed the danger. Cleared his throat. Looked at his son strict.

"You aren't a kid, Kyrian. Do as your mother says."

Defeated. Kyrian sulked. Flopped onto his chair. Servant served him fast.

Ivan smirked. Enjoying the show. "Wasn't today your day off?"

"Yeah," Kyrian mumbled. Eating his fruit aggressively. "But that bloody director needs a photo urgent."

"Language, Kyrian," Kirill warned.

Ivan chuckled. "Honestly, little brother, whoever marries you... unlucky guy."

"Mom!" Kyrian whined.

Aria chuckled soft. "Stop it, Ivan. You should be married first. My baby is still young."

Kirill raised an eyebrow. "Your baby is 21, Aria."

Banter for a while. Warm family vibes. Then everyone left for work.

THE STUDIO

After the tiring shoot, Kyrian was chilling with his friend Sergey.

"You going to the Business Awards tonight?" Sergey asked.

Kyrian groaned loud. Threw his head back. "Ugh... No! I don't want to! But do I have a choice? No.

Mom won't let me stay home. Says 'Go enjoy yourself!' What is there to enjoy?"

He made a dramatically annoyed face. "Just boring old people talking money."

Sergey smirked. "Maybe you'll find a hot Alpha?"

"Yuck!" Kyrian shuddered. "Hate it. Don't wanna end up in hospital cause some dirty Alpha scent caught me."

"You always say that," Sergey teased.

Kyrian flipped his hair. Proud smirk. "I swear... but what can I do? Too hot to roam alone."

THE GALA NIGHT

At home. Kyrian getting ready. Looked in the mirror—hair perfect. Silk shirt glowing.

"God, people will die today," he whispered to himself. "Not my fault."

Walked downstairs. Parents waiting.

"Ivan not coming?"

"Meeting," Aria explained. "Busy."

Kirill looked concerned. "Took your medicine?"

"Yes, Dad," Kyrian sighed. "If you don't want me to go, I can stay..."

"No," Aria cut him off. "We agreed. No arguments."

"Don't make a scene there," Kirill added sternly.

Kyrian pouted. "Talk like I'm a kiddo."

"Sometimes worse than a kiddo," Kirill mumbled. Opened the door.

THE GRAND GALA

Moretti Gala. Dripping luxury.

Crystal chandeliers. Expensive wine. Rich people laughing.

In a corner, Lorenzo Moretti stood like a King watching his kingdom. Wine glass in hand.

Observing. Power.

"Smile sometimes, Enzo," Isabella said beside him.

"Look, beautiful Omegas. Tell me if you like

anyone."

Lorenzo sighed. Bored. "Mom, no scandals. Please."

Matteo chuckled. Joined them. "Leave him, Mom.

I'll tell you if I like someone."

Isabella glared. "Behave. Don't flirt with random people."

"Partiality!" Matteo whined. Walked to Dante and Enzo Romano.

They were drinking. Enzo Romano nudged Dante.

"Look. Volkovs."

Lorenzo's eyes shifted.

Froze.

Kyrian walked in with his parents. looked even better than the photo. Breathtaking.

Lorenzo stared. Like a predator looking at prey.

"Bad to stare at a man's brother," Matteo teased. Saw the intense look.

Lorenzo didn't move. Stared at Kyrian's every move.

"Won't greet them?" Dante asked.

"I don't greet anyone," Lorenzo said. Cold Italian accent. "They come to me."

THE INCIDENT

Kyrian was suffering.

"Mom, headache already," he whispered.

"Quiet, Rian. Enough tantrums," Aria scolded gently.

"Stay away from Alphas," Kirill warned. Shielded him.

"Why am I here if I can't meet anyone?" Kyrian huffed.

"Image," Kirill replied. "People talk if you don't show. Necessary."

Kyrian huffed. Followed parents like a lost puppy. Dad started greeting someone. Kyrian slipped away.

Roamed around. Looking for a quiet corner. Wine. No cameras

Reached the bar. Water. Sat alone on a velvet sofa. Watched the fake smiles.

Suddenly. Hit him.

Strange scent. Strong.

Not just Alpha scent. Intense. Suffocating. Smelled like burnt wood, rain, danger.

Took the medicine... what is this? Kyrian thought. Hand shaking. Reached for water. Too intoxicating.

Deep breaths. Air felt heavy.

"God, can't faint here," whispered. Vision blurry. "Can't afford that..."

Stood up. Fresh air. One step. Two.

Luck ran out.

Vision went black.

THUD.

THE CHAOS

Kirill was greeting the host.

"Nice to meet you, Vincenzo."

Vincenzo hugged him. "How's your health?

"What can happen to me?" Kirill laughed.

"Meet my younger son, Kyrian," Kirill turned around. Proud.

Kyrian wasn't there.

Kirill scanned the crowd. Frantic. Eyes landed near the bar.

Heart stopped.

Son on the floor.

"Kyrian!"

Shouted. Ran towards him.

Across the room, Lorenzo saw. Put down his glass instant. Started walking.

Kirill took Kyrian in his arms. Laid him on the couch.

"Rian... Rian!" Tapped his cheeks. Panic.

Vincenzo rushed over. "Kirill, take him upstairs. I'll tell Lorenzo to check him. He's a doctor."

Kirill froze. Looked at Vincenzo.

He knew.

Lorenzo is an Enigma. His high scent did this. If Lorenzo gets close...

"No need," Kirill said fast. Shielding Kyrian. "Thanks, but I'm taking him home. Exhausted."

"But Kirill," Vincenzo insisted. "Let him check. Medical emergency."

"Let him check, Kirill," Aria whispered. Clutching his arm. Fear in her eyes. "Took high dose medicine... still unconscious. Dangerous."

Kirill looked at his unconscious son. Then his wife. Didn't want suspicion.

Gritted teeth. Nodded.

"Okay. Upstairs."

Lifted Kyrian. Lorenzo arrived. Didn't speak. Just looked at the boy in his father's arms. Dark eyes swirling with emotion.

Doctor ready to inspect.