Chapter 2: Ultimate Choice

"Twenty, untouched, and still fighting like a feral cat. Most Omegas would've pissed themselves by now. This one's got fire. Enzo's gonna enjoy breaking it out of him."

"He better be worth all the trouble."

The voices continue over his head as his flashes slowly flutter. The world tilting as he cracks his eyes open, taking in the blurry view--leather seats, tinted windows.

Julian jerks as the memories slam back--the alley, a cloth pressed over his mouth. Drugged, captured.

He is slumped in the back of a moving car, wrists zip-tied in front of him, buildings and Skyscrapers sliding past them, illuminated only by street lamps and a half moon.

"Hey he's awake!" The one in the passenger seat muses, grabbing his chin roughly, forcing his green eyes up. "You better behave kid, or I'll fuck you up real good this time!"

Julian doesn't respond to the threat, his tongue too thick and dry.

Meanwhile outside, the convoy slows. Shouts erupt outside, grabbing the attention of the two men in front.

Julian lifts his head just enough to peer through the gap in the front seats. Two black SUVs block the narrow street ahead, another group of armed men blocking the road.

"Fuck!" The driver curses with gritted teeth. "Those stupid vultures are at it again!"

"Hey boy!" He tightens the zip tag around his wrists until the skin turns red. "Don't even think about escaping again." They pull out their guns, the door slamming behind them with a loud thud.

Gunfire is exchanged, bodies clashing in the sudden gang fight. Enzo's men are highly outnumbered, hiding behind cars as they throw fire.

This is his chance.

Julian kicks the door with his good leg. It gives slightly, thankfully they can't hear it over the noise. He wriggles free of the loose restraints around his leg and himself tumbles onto the asphalt.

Pain flares in his swollen ankle, but he ignores it, trying to crawl away with his hands still tied.

He hears someone hollow in pain as another gunshot echoes, but he doesn't look back. He just ducks behind a dumpster, using the edge to cut off the zip tag, before he completely vanishes into a dark alley.

The darkness swallows him whole there, the walls narrow, stinking of piss and garbage, and lined with graffiti-covered walls.

Julian limps deeper, the necklace bouncing coldly against his skin. He needs distance.

Anything that's far away from Enzo or his gangs.

He comes out the other end, breathing hard, still trying to limp away, when he hears footsteps behind him,

He smells them before he even sees them-- a group of dominant Alphas.

"Well, what do we have here?" a rough voice calls out.

Three Alphas stinking of alcohol step out from behind him, blocking his exit on the empty streets. Their alcohol hazy eyes glinting with lust as they realize he's an Omega.

The tallest one grins, cracking his knuckles. "Alone on the streets like this. Running from something, little one?"

Julian backs up,"Stay away from me!"

They laugh loudly. "What? Scared of a little fun, Omega?"

Julian's eyes dart around them, looking for an opening to escape, but find none as they crowd him.

"Looks sweet too." The third one comments, caressing his chin. "Bet he tastes just as good."

He yanks the man's hand away, "leave me alone!!" He shouts.

"Shut the hell up!" The man grabs his arm, slamming him against the brick wall. Pain explodes in his shoulder, as they circle him.

"Walking alone in the street at night, you were asking for it!" He hisses, hands roaming roughly over his hoodie, yanking at the zipper.

"Untouched, I bet. We'll fix that right here."

They let their pheromones flood the air, three dominant scents hitting him all at once, forcing his body to weaken.

And for the first time in years, Julian feels his wolf triggering from the fear; a very faint and soft release of pheromones, Like morning dew and something sweet underneath--but enough to draw them in like bees to honey.

The Alphas growl in response, eyes darkening.

The leader pins him harder, breath hot on his neck, fingers forcing their way under his waistband. "Hold him down. This won't take long."

Julian struggles, kicking, biting-- but it's useless. Tears sting his eyes as a hand clamps over his mouth, one of the Alphas tugging his pants lower, exposing skin to the cold night.

'This is the end', he thinks. He ran away only to walk right into something dirtier-- a filthy side road instead of a penthouse.

Just then, a black SUV screeches to a halt at the far end suddenly, the engine rumbling quietly until it finally comes to a stop. The gang of Alphas pause, snarling at the interruption.

A tall figure steps out, power rolling off him in terrifying waves.

He's attractive-- unfairly so, broad shoulders, thin waist, long legs wrapped in expensive tailored pants. The sleeves of his white shirt are rolled up, exposing forearms completely covered in tattoos.

The men holding Julian stiffen.

"Enzo," one mutters, voice laced with fear.

Julian turns, just as Enzo Moretti emerges fully into the light. His breath hitches-- this is Enzo?!

He has the kind of face that can rival top models on billboards. Sharp jawlines and nose, with dark, beautiful silver eyes that could unravel your soul.

His eyes suddenly lock right onto Julian's. Forcing the younger man to look away from his intense gaze.

He inhales slowly, nostrils flaring. Then his expression shifts, from irritate to hunger-- but not crazed like the men behind him.

Darker, greedier.

"Get off him," Enzo says, voice low, but deadly calm.

The Alphas hesitate but release him, stepping back with muttered curses.

Julian doesn't hesitate, he pulls his jeans back up with trembling hands, scent of fear still lingering very faintly the air.

Enzo approaches, ignoring his men entirely. He stops a foot away, towering over Julian, and tilts his head. His gaze rakes over Julian's disheveled form, his green eyes and smooth, pretty face.

His beautiful face folds into a devilish smirk that makes Julian's heart race, despite the fear running down his spine.

Julian in that moment also realize Enzo doesn't know who he is. Not YET atleast. So instead of ordering his men to capture him, he pulls out a thick wad of cash--more than Julian has ever seen in his life-- and holds it out.

"Spend the night with me." He says it so casually, "One night. Let me have you willingly. I'll make it worth your while and give you much more if you're good."

Julian blinks at the offer, stunned. Who the fuck just hands a random man cash to sleep with them?

He stands slowly, ignoring the pain in his ankle and shoulder.

"I-I can't." He meets Enzo's eyes, completely certain that he doesn't know who he is. "I don't want to. I don't want your money."

Enzo surprisingly isn't offended. On the contrary, he chuckles, "I apologize if it sounded like I was asking your opinion."

What?

He turns around, signaling for his men to call the other group of Alphas back.

And when his silver eyes land back on Julian, they're glinting with something that sends shivers down his spine.

"It's either them, or me."