Chapter 4 Elevator Impression

The private jet touched down at Suvarnabhumi Airport at five in the morning, disappearing into the thick gray fog hanging over Bangkok.

Phana Akarachin had barely slept in three days.

The Tokyo summit had been a disaster.

His father and the Minamoto Pack council had spent hours pushing political obligations, family expectations, and outdated traditions onto his shoulders. Phan had fought back the only way he knew how, with contracts, negotiations, and carefully chosen words sharp enough to cut.

In the end, he got the deal.

Akarachin Holdings came out ahead.

But the victory felt meaningless.

Because all he could think about was Bangkok.

And one particular Omega who smelled like rain and storms.

The moment his Mercedes entered the underground gates of Akarachin Tower, Phan was already reviewing the corporate attendance reports on his tablet.

He scanned through the list.

Then stopped.

*Kavin Sirilert - Absent.*

His expression immediately changed.

"Where is he?"

The question was quiet.

Too quiet.

Rut, sitting in the passenger seat, glanced back.

He recognized that tone.

It was the same tone Phan used before destroying someone's career.

"His department reported him absent thirty minutes ago," Rut replied calmly. "Kavin called in sick."

"Sick?"

Phan looked back at the screen.

The word bothered him more than it should have.

"He was fine when you saw him."

Rut turned slightly.

"People become sick, Phan."

"Not conveniently after I leave the country."

Rut sighed internally.

The Sovereign Alpha who could negotiate billion-baht contracts was currently losing an argument with a sick day.

"I'll contact his department and get more information."

"No."

Phan leaned back.

"Arrange a wellness check."

Rut looked at him.

"Phan..."

"If something is wrong, I want to know."

His voice softened slightly.

"Immediately."

Rut stared at him for a moment before nodding.

"Understood."

By eleven that morning, Kavin was sitting at the small wooden dining table upstairs, looking like death had personally introduced itself.

He wore an oversized gray T-shirt, his hair was messy, and dark circles surrounded his eyes.

Sky stood across from him reading the doctor's notes.

"Dehydration."

He looked up.

"Vitamin deficiency."

Another page.

"And a severe reaction caused by mixing cheap suppressants with alcohol."

He dropped the papers onto the table.

"I told you those black-market blockers were terrible."

Kavin groaned and rested his head in his hands.

"I feel like a truck ran over me."

"You say that every time."

"Because every time it feels true."

Sky crossed his arms.

"The doctor literally said your body is exhausted."

Kavin looked up.

"I heard him."

"And?"

"And I don't like being judged by my organs."

Sky rolled his eyes.

"You are impossible."

Kavin reached for a napkin.

"You promised me lunch."

"I promised you food."

"Same thing."

Before Sky could answer, the bell downstairs rang.

Both of them froze.

Sky frowned.

"Who is that?"

He walked toward the staircase.

Then stopped.

Because standing near the bakery counter was Rut.

Again.

For a moment, neither of them spoke.

Then Sky's expression softened into amusement.

Of course.

The serious Alpha had returned.

Rut, meanwhile, had forgotten the reason he came.

The bakery smelled different from the nightclub.

Cleaner.

Warmer.

And Sky's scent filled the room.

Brown sugar.

Vanilla.

Fresh bread.

It was impossible not to notice.

Rut hated that he noticed.

He had spent years training himself to stay focused. To control his instincts.

Yet one smile from Sky made all that discipline feel useless.

"Mr. Teerut."

Sky leaned against the counter.

A playful smile appeared.

"Are you here for another iced coffee?"

A pause.

"Or did I break another security rule?"

Rut cleared his throat.

He needed to remember why he was here.

"I am here on behalf of the Chairman's office."

Sky raised an eyebrow.

"That sounds serious."

"We received notification of Kavin Sirilert's absence."

Sky crossed his arms.

"Then you can tell your Chairman that he still hasn't submitted his insurance claim."

Rut blinked.

Before he could answer, footsteps came from upstairs.

Kavin appeared at the top of the staircase, wrapped in a blanket like a very irritated ghost.

The second he saw Rut, he smiled.

A dangerous smile.

"Well, well."

Sky immediately recognized that look.

"Kavin..."

Too late.

"The scary gorilla came all the way here to check if I was pretending to be sick?"

Rut stared at him.

"I am here regarding your recovery."

"That sounds like something a villain says before kidnapping someone."

Sky covered his mouth to hide a laugh.

Rut ignored them.

He placed a black box on the counter.

"The company requires its employees to maintain proper health standards."

Sky opened it.

Inside were imported vitamins, organic honey, premium supplements, and legally approved suppressants from Akarachin Holdings' research division.

He stared.

"This is from the CEO?"

Rut nodded.

"Yes."

Sky looked confused.

"Why would a billionaire chairman care about a photographer's headache?"

Rut remained expressionless.

"The Chairman values efficiency."

Kavin leaned against the railing.

"Translation: the scary billionaire doesn't want his employees inconveniently collapsing."

Rut looked at him.

"Something like that."

He closed the box.

"Take everything as instructed."

Then he turned toward the door.

Sky watched him leave.

"He's weird."

Kavin looked thoughtful.

"Very weird."

A pause.

"But also..."

Sky glanced at him.

"You noticed too?"

Kavin sighed.

"Unfortunately."

Two days later.

8:45 a.m.

Kavin was officially late.

Very late.

He rushed through the marble lobby of Akarachin Tower, his Leica bag bouncing against his hip.

His black silk shirt was only half tucked in, and his hair was still slightly messy from rushing out the door.

The mood-board presentation started in fifteen minutes.

The last thing he needed was Phan Akarachin noticing he was late.

The main elevator was already crowded.

Executives.

Interns.

Assistants.

Everyone waiting.

Kavin looked at the crowd.

"Nope."

He immediately turned away.

There was another option.

The private elevator.

The one reserved for the executive board and the Sovereign Alpha himself.

Normally, he would never use it.

Today?

Today he was desperate.

He swiped his badge.

Once.

Twice.

The doors opened.

Empty.

Perfect.

Kavin stepped inside and leaned against the mirrored wall.

"Nobody saw that."

The doors began closing.

Then stopped.

A hand reached between them.

A long, elegant hand.

The doors opened again.

Kavin looked up.

And froze.

Standing there was Phana Akarachin.

The owner of Akarachin Holdings.

The man everyone in the company feared.

The man Kavin had accidentally insulted twice.

The elevator doors closed behind them.

Leaving the two of them alone.

For the first time.

Kavin swallowed.

Phan looked at him.

Neither spoke.

Then the elevator began moving upward.

And suddenly, being late was the least of Kavin's problems.

Phan’s POV

The lobby smelled like everything he hated about corporate buildings, artificial lavender, stale coffee, and expensive perfume that tried too hard to feel luxurious.

Then he walked through the revolving doors.

And stopped.

There it was.

That scent.

Lemongrass.

Dark vanilla.

Something sharp and electric, like the air right before a storm.

Kavin.

Phan’s entire body reacted before his mind could catch up. His breath caught, his fingers curled into fists, and the wolf inside him immediately stirred awake.

Weeks.

It had been weeks since he had last smelled him.

Weeks since that brief moment at The Vault when a single trace of that scent had nearly driven him insane.

But this was different.

This wasn’t a memory.

This wasn’t a lingering trace on an old jacket.

Kavin was here.

Somewhere inside his building.

And somehow, despite having the most advanced security system in Bangkok, the Omega had managed to walk straight into his restricted executive floor.

Again.

Phan ignored the confused looks from his security team as he moved toward the private elevator. His guards knew better than to question him when that expression appeared on his face.

The Chairman was angry.

The Alpha was hunting.

The scent grew stronger with every step.

His wolf pushed forward impatiently, desperate to find the source.

Then the elevator doors opened.

And there he was.

Kavin Sirilert.

Standing inside the lift like he belonged there.

Messy black hair.

Sharp violet eyes.

A wrinkled shirt that suggested he had rushed out of his apartment without caring about appearances.

Completely unaware that he had just walked into the path of the most powerful Alpha in Thailand.

For a moment, Phan forgot everything.

The meetings.

The contracts.

The endless responsibilities.

All he could see was him.

Kavin’s POV

The elevator suddenly felt much smaller.

Much warmer.

Kavin had been annoyed about being late, worried about missing the creative meeting, and already preparing the sarcastic speech he would give if Phan decided to complain.

Then the doors opened.

And the man standing outside walked in.

The atmosphere changed instantly.

Kavin’s fingers tightened around his camera bag.

He knew that face.

Everyone in Thailand knew that face.

Phana Akarachin.

The billionaire CEO.

The man who owned half the companies in the country and apparently half the city streets too.

And right now, he was staring at Kavin like he had just discovered something he had been searching for his entire life.

Kavin swallowed.

The intensity of that gaze should have made him nervous.

Instead, annoyingly, it made his heart beat faster.

The Alpha smelled like expensive wood, rain, and something darker. Something that made every instinct inside Kavin sit up and pay attention.

He quickly looked away.

Nope.

Absolutely not.

He was not getting distracted by a terrifying billionaire in an elevator.

Especially not after sneaking into his private lift.

"Sir," Kavin said carefully, stepping forward. "I apologize. I was running late for a creative meeting, and I needed to get to the executive floor quickly."

He gave a small awkward smile.

"I’ll take the stairs back down if that’s the issue."

Phan didn’t answer immediately.

Instead, his hand moved.

Fast.

Before Kavin could react, the Alpha reached out and stopped him from leaving.

Not aggressively.

Not painfully.

But enough to remind him exactly how much stronger the man was.

"You have an interesting habit," Phan said quietly.

His voice was deep enough to make Kavin’s stomach tighten.

"Of appearing in places where you clearly do not belong."

Kavin raised an eyebrow.

"Excuse me?"

Phan stepped closer.

"First, you drive into my company vehicle."

Kavin opened his mouth.

"Your driver hit me."

"Then you end up in my security vehicle."

"I was drunk."

"And now..." Phan glanced around the elevator. "You are standing inside my private executive transport."

Kavin crossed his arms.

"Are you accusing me of planning a corporate invasion?"

Phan’s lips twitched.

Almost a smile.

"Are you naturally this difficult, Mr. Sirilert?"

Kavin smiled back.

"Are you naturally this dramatic, Chairman?"

For the first time in a long time, Phan looked surprised.

Most people lowered their heads around him.

This Omega looked him directly in the eyes.

"You know," Kavin continued, stepping closer, "if your public elevators moved faster than a normal elevator, I wouldn’t have needed to borrow yours."

Phan looked down at him.

"You have confidence."

"I have a successful career."

"You also have a damaged company vehicle."

"And you have a photographer who increased your campaign sales by billions."

Kavin tilted his head.

"So I guess we both have things we’re proud of."

The corner of Phan’s mouth lifted.

"You’re very bold."

"You’re very intimidating."

"And yet you’re still standing this close."

Kavin realized he was.

Less than a foot separated them.

The scent between them was overwhelming.

Lemongrass.

Storm.

Wood.

Something neither of them wanted to admit they recognized.

Then-

The elevator lights flickered.

Once.

Twice.

And disappeared.

The sudden silence was broken by the violent sound of metal grinding.

The elevator dropped.

Only slightly.

But enough.

Enough to trigger something buried deep inside Kavin.

Kavin’s Nightmare

The darkness swallowed him.

And suddenly, he wasn’t in an elevator anymore.

He was somewhere else.

Somewhere hotter.

Somewhere burning.

The smell of smoke filled his lungs.

The screaming started again.

The alarms.

The explosions.

The fire.

His childhood facility.

"No..."

His breath became uneven.

"No, no, no..."

His hands flew to his ears.

He couldn’t hear the elevator.

He could only hear the flames.

He couldn’t see Phan.

He could only see fire.

"Kavin?"

Phan’s voice reached him faintly.

But Kavin was already falling apart.

"The doors..."

His voice cracked.

"They won’t open."

His body shook violently.

"It’s burning again."

Phan froze.

For the first time in years, the most feared Alpha in Thailand felt completely helpless.

Because Kavin wasn’t afraid of him.

He was afraid of something only he could see.

"Kavin."

Phan dropped down in front of him.

"Look at me."

But Kavin couldn’t.

His eyes were somewhere far away.

"Please..."

The word barely left his mouth.

"Don’t leave me here."

Something inside Phan broke.

Slowly, carefully, he reached out and pulled the trembling Omega against him.

Not as a Chairman.

Not as a Sovereign Alpha.

Just as someone who wanted him safe.

"I’m here."

His voice softened.

"I’m not leaving."

Kavin gripped his jacket like it was the only thing keeping him alive.

"I can’t breathe."

"I know."

Phan lowered his head, letting his scent surround him.

"Just listen to me."

The Alpha’s warmth slowly pushed back the memories.

The fire faded.

The screaming disappeared.

The only thing left was Phan.

And for the first time in years, Kavin felt safe.

His grip loosened.

His breathing slowed.

And eventually, exhausted, he fell asleep against the man he had spent weeks arguing with.

The elevator doors finally opened with a soft chime.

For a moment, nobody moved.

The group of executives waiting outside had prepared themselves for an angry Chairman.

They had expected shouting.

A lecture.

Possibly someone losing their job.

What they did not expect was Phana Akarachin stepping out of the elevator carrying an unconscious Omega in his arms.

The entire hallway went silent.

The Chairman of Akarachin Holdings - a man known for his cold expression and ruthless business decisions was holding someone like they were the most fragile thing in the world.

Kavin’s head rested against Phan’s shoulder, his dark hair falling messily across his face. His fingers were still curled into the fabric of Phan’s jacket, as if even unconscious, he was afraid of letting go.

Nobody dared speak.

Nobody dared breathe too loudly.

Phan lifted his eyes.

The look alone was enough to make several executives immediately look away.

"Clear the floor."

His voice was calm.

Too calm.

And somehow, that was more frightening than anger.

The employees scattered instantly.

"Everyone back to your offices."

His gaze swept across the hallway.

"And if anyone enters this corridor without my permission, consider your position here carefully."

Nobody questioned him.

Nobody needed to.

Within seconds, the hallway was empty.

Phan adjusted Kavin in his arms, his expression softening slightly as he looked down at him.

The same Omega who had insulted him.

Argued with him.

Threatened to ruin his perfume campaign.

And somehow still ended up being the only person who could make his entire world stop.

"Ploy."

His assistant immediately stepped forward.

"Yes, Chairman?"

"Open my private suite."

Her eyes widened slightly.

That area was restricted.

Nobody entered without approval.

But one glance at the sleeping man in Phan’s arms told her this was not the moment to ask questions.

"Immediately, sir."

The hidden door behind Phan’s office opened with a biometric scan.

Beyond it was a private residential space unlike anything in the tower.

Quiet.

Minimal.

Designed more like a luxury penthouse than a workplace.

Phan carried Kavin inside and carefully placed him on the leather sofa.

The movement was surprisingly gentle for a man who could intimidate entire boardrooms with a single look.

He removed his own jacket and placed it over Kavin.

Only then did he realize Kavin was still holding onto his sleeve.

Phan stared at their hands.

A strange feeling settled in his chest.

Possession.

Protectiveness.

Something far more dangerous.

His wolf was completely satisfied.

As if it had finally found what it had been searching for.

Ten minutes later, the door opened again.

"Phan."

Dr. Arwin walked in carrying his medical bag.

Unlike everyone else, the doctor wasn’t intimidated by him.

They had known each other for years.

And he immediately noticed the problem.

Not Kavin.

Phan.

The Alpha’s scent filled the entire room.

Protective.

Possessive.

Almost overwhelming.

Arwin glanced at the sleeping Omega.

Then back at Phan.

"You finally found him."

Phan’s expression hardened.

"Don’t start."

A small smile appeared on Arwin’s face.

"I didn’t say anything."

"You were thinking it."

"I usually am."

Phan ignored him.

"Check him."

Arwin moved toward Kavin and carefully examined him.

After several minutes, his expression relaxed.

"He’s stable."

Phan didn’t move.

"Explain."

"He had a severe panic response."

Arwin looked at the Omega.

"Something about the elevator triggered a traumatic memory."

Phan’s jaw tightened.

"What kind of memory?"

The doctor hesitated.

"One involving fire."

Silence.

Phan looked down at Kavin.

The pieces started connecting.

The fear.

The scar.

The way his body had reacted.

The way he had begged not to be left alone.

"He’s been carrying this alone for years," Arwin said quietly.

Phan’s eyes darkened.

"I want his medical history."

Arwin sighed.

"Phan."

"I want everything."

The doctor studied him carefully.

"You’re not asking as a CEO."

Phan looked away.

"No."

His voice dropped.

"I’m not."

Rut Arrives

The door opened.

Rut stepped inside, his expression serious.

"Phan."

The Alpha security chief stopped when he saw Kavin sleeping peacefully.

Then he looked at Phan.

Something unreadable passed across his face.

Because Rut had known Phan for most of his life.

He had seen him negotiate billion-dollar deals.

He had seen him destroy enemies.

He had seen him walk away from violence without emotion.

But this?

This was different.

Phan looked almost human.

"The engineering team is outside," Rut said.

Phan didn’t turn.

"They want answers about the elevator failure."

"Tell them there is an investigation."

Rut frowned.

"That’s all?"

"That’s all."

Rut looked between him and Kavin.

"Phan."

No response.

"You haven’t slept."

Still nothing.

"You haven’t eaten properly in days."

Phan finally looked at him.

"Are you done?"

Rut sighed.

"You look worse than the Omega."

A small silence followed.

Then, unexpectedly, Phan almost smiled.

Almost.

Rut shook his head.

"I’ll handle security."

He turned toward the door.

Then paused.

"Phan."

"What?"

His friend looked back.

"Whatever this is..."

Rut glanced at Kavin.

"...be careful."

Phan’s eyes lowered.

"I know."

Five Hours Later

The world outside slowly changed.

Morning became afternoon.

Afternoon became evening.

Bangkok’s skyline turned gold as the sun disappeared behind the buildings.

Inside the private suite, Phan sat at his desk.

A conference call was running.

Ten executives from across Asia were discussing expansion plans, financial projections, and international contracts.

Nobody knew the Chairman was sitting only a few meters away from a sleeping Omega.

Nobody knew that every few minutes, his eyes moved toward the sofa.

Checking.

Making sure Kavin was still breathing.

Still there.

Still safe.

"Chairman, the European distribution numbers have increased by twelve percent..."

"Approved."

"Sir, regarding the Tokyo acquisition..."

"Proceed."

His answers were short.

Efficient.

Professional.

But his attention never fully left Kavin.

Then...

A small movement.

The blanket shifted.

Phan immediately stopped speaking.

Kavin stirred.

Slowly, his eyes opened.

Confusion crossed his face.

The first thing he saw was the golden light from the windows.

The second thing he noticed was the unfamiliar room.

And the third...

Was Phan.

Sitting beside him.

Watching him.

For once, the terrifying Chairman looked less like a predator.

And more like someone who had been waiting.

Kavin blinked.

His voice came out rough.

"Where..."

He swallowed.

"Where am I?"

Phan looked at him silently for a moment.

Then answered.

"My office."

Kavin frowned.

"Your office?"

A pause.

Then his eyes widened slightly.

"Oh no."

Phan raised an eyebrow.

"What?"

Kavin slowly looked around.

Then back at him.

"Please tell me I didn't embarrass myself in front of the entire company."

For the first time that day...

Phan actually smiled.

Small.

Almost invisible.

But real.

"No."

Kavin narrowed his eyes.

"That means I definitely did."

Phan leaned back.

"You have a talent for creating problems, Mr. Sirilert."

Kavin sighed.

"And somehow I’m still employed."

"Unfortunately."

Kavin stared.

"Unfortunately?"

Phan looked at him.

"Your work is too valuable."

A small grin appeared on Kavin’s face.

"So you admit I’m good?"

"I admit you are difficult."

"Same thing."

Phan almost laughed.

Almost.

And that scared him more than anything.

Because for the first time in years...

Phana Akarachin wasn’t thinking about business.

Or power.

Or control.

He was simply sitting beside someone who made him feel alive.