chapter 2

lior🌹

The doors of the mansion closed behind us

I adjusted my cuffs as my men moved into position.

“Eyes open,” i said calmly. As I hugged my arm around Eryx possessively like how any alpha with a very hot omega would do.

“Yes, boss, one bodyguard replied.

Eryx exhaled slowly. “Sometimes I forget how dangerous your life is.”

I glanced at him. laughed, “That’s why you don’t live it alone.”

Kael smiled faintly.

I know uncomfortable he is but he has to start taking it in

The party buzzed with music and quiet power.

The moment we stepped inside, heads turned.

“Is that Lior?”

“At his age?"

“He built all that before thirty."

“That kind of wealth should take generations.”

Jealousy dripped from every whisper.

I heard the whispering but acted like I don care I carry all the attention at any event I go.

A businessman approached, glass in hand. “ Lior. Still surprising people.”

my lips curved slightly. “I prefer results over expectations.”

The man chuckled. “Some of us spent decades chasing what you claimed in years.”

“Then I worked faster,” I replied coolly.

lior felt the pride warm his chest.

"Eryx?" i asked. “What is it?”

“I…” Kael pressed a hand to his chest. “Something’s wrong.”

The air shifted.

A scent—deep, commanding—brushed past me

Eryx ',knees weakened.

“No,” he whispered.

Across the room, an alpha stood surrounded by guests, laughing easily.

Eryx's heart recognized him instantly.

Fated.

His wolf stirred violently.

I frowned. “You’re pale.”

you really need to tell me what wrong with you"

Eryx forced himself to breathe. “I think I need water.”

I nodded. “Stay here. I’ll get it.”

The moment I turned away, the alpha across the room glanced up.

Their eyes met.

The pull slammed into Eryx.

His fingers curled into his palm.

This isn’t supposed to happen.

The alpha frowned slightly, confused—but didn’t move closer.

Kael tore his gaze away, heart racing.

When I returned, Eryx smiled—too fast, too forced.

“You okay?” i asked.

perceiving another strong alpha scent

“Yes,” Eryx lied.

Because how could he tell the man he chose…

…that fate had just found him?

Eryx kept his eyes on the floor.

Every instinct in him screamed to turn around—to look again, to confirm what his body already knew.

Don’t.

He followed closely as I moved from one conversation to another.

“Stay beside me,” i said quietly, not looking at him. “These people test what they can reach.”

“I know,” Kael replied, voice tight.

Across the room, laughter rose.

Kael stiffened.

That voice.

His wolf surged again, restless, demanding.

He stepped back abruptly.

I noticed instantly. "Eryx".

“I need air, he said too fast. “Please.”

I studied him, not wanting to let go but I have to stop acting clingy for my selfish reasons,sharp eyes missing nothing. “Two minutes.”

........................

He nodded and slipped away before he could be stopped.

The balcony was cool and dim.

Eryx gripped the railing, breathing hard.

“This can’t be real,” he whispered. “I chose Lior. I love Lior.”

But his body betrayed him.

That pull—steady, undeniable—was still there.

Footsteps sounded behind him.

Eryx froze, Head spinning.

“Sorry,” a male voice said. “Didn’t mean to interrupt.”

Eryx didn’t turn, but denying a fated was irrestible,he tried but couldn't

“It's fine,” he replied, turning,forcing calm.

Silence stretched.

Then—

“You okay?” the alpha asked gently.

Eryx heart slammed.

That scent hit him fully now—strong, grounding, dangerous.

Eryx turned slowly.

The alpha frowned, studying him with clear confusion. “Have we met before?”

Eryx swallowed. “No.”

“Strange,” the alpha murmured. his lips kissable his scent so strong “Feels like I should know you.”

Eryx took a step back immediately. “You don’t.”

The alpha blinked. “I didn’t mean to invade he said

"Am taken" Eryx said, sharper than intended.

Then the alpha nodded. “Understood.”

“I should go,” Eryx added quickly.

As he passed, the alpha spoke again—soft, almost to himself.

“Fate has a cruel sense of timing.”

Eryx didn't respond.

He couldn’t, not when he have lior.

He returned inside to Lior’s side, slipping his hand into sleeve like he belonged there.

Lior glanced down at him. “Feeling better?”

“Yes,” Eryx lied again.

But across the room, the alpha watched them quietly