Chapter 3

Chapter 3

*Stay Away From Me*

Lucas’s heart is yet to recover from what Clara did to him —- he had ditched their dinner date—the one he’d spent hours planning, with candles and her favorite dessert. All for nothing. He leaned against the wall, feeling small and heavy all at once.

“You know Clara doesn’t like you like that, right?” Donald’s voice was soft but sharp, like he was trying to rip off a Band-Aid. He stood nearby, arms crossed, he was calm and steady.

Lucas glared, his chest tight. “Seriously, Donald? Are you my friend or not?”

“I’m your friend. That’s why I’m being real with you.” Donald’s words hit hard, and Lucas’s face fell, his confidence crumbling.

Lucas ran a hand through his hair, breathing hard. “If you’re my friend, help me talk to her. Make her see I’m worth it.” He grabbed Donald’s shoulder, his voice low and desperate. “I really like her. I would do anything for her.”

Donald sighed, his eyes soft but sad. “I’ll try, but you know why she’s not into you. It’s because of him.”

Lucas’s jaw tightened, his teeth grinding. A low growl rumbled in his throat. “That jerk. I hate him.” His fists clenched, his nails digging into his skin.

Donald continued with his conversation but stopped, his eyes catching someone approaching them. A sneaky grin spread across his face. “Okay, hear me out—you and Alex? You kinda look cute together. He’s into you, and you know it. Since that costume party, he’s been showing up everywhere to find you. What’s the deal?” He winked, teasing.

Lucas’s face went red, his temper flaring. “No way,” he snapped. “I’m an alpha, Donald, not some weak omega. Why would I want anything with another alpha?”

Before Donald could answer, warm arms wrapped around Lucas from behind, strong and tight. A smooth, cocky voice whispered in his ear, “Don’t worry, cutie. I’ve got you.”

Lucas froze, his heart racing as Alex’s scent hit him—dark, rich, like leather and sweet honey, but stronger, heavier, the kind only an S-alpha could have. It made his head spin, his knees shaky, even though he hated him.

“Get your hands off me!” Lucas yelled, squirming in Alex’s grip, but the S-alpha just chuckled, holding him tighter, his laugh low and annoying.

Donald coughed, stepping back with a grin. “Oh, shoot, I forgot—I’ve got an extra class. Have fun, Lucas.” He used that as an excuse, leaving Lucas stuck with Alex.

“Why are you yelling now?” Alex teased, his lips brushing Lucas’s ear, making him shiver against his will. “Save that energy for me… later in bed.”

Lucas’s face burned, and he pushed against Alex’s chest, hard. “You’re nut!” But Alex’s grip was like iron, too strong, and Lucas felt like a kid trying to fight a bear. Finally, Alex let go, stepping back with a smug grin.

“You free this weekend, cutie?” Alex leaned against the wall, his brown eyes sparkling with trouble. “I want to spoil you. I’ve got money—enough to take care of you for a lifetime.”

“I’m not your cutie,” Lucas yelled, his voice shaking with anger and something else he didn’t want to name. “Stay away from me.”

Alex’s eyes roamed over him, lingering on his red cheeks, his quick breaths. “You’re all red. You like me, I can tell.”

He stepped closer, his voice low and smooth. “You’re mine now, Lucas. And when something’s mine, everyone else backs off. S-alpha rules, cutie.” Did I just make an S-alpha rule to get him? He is driving me insane already.

Lucas’s heart pounded, his alpha pride fighting the weird heat in his body. “I hate you,” he growled, shoving past Alex, his shoulder bumping him, sending a spark through his body. “You’re not my type.”

But Alex wasn’t done. He shouted, loud enough for everyone to hear, “Hey, everyone! Lucas is my cutie, so—”

Lucas spun around, panic hitting him like a wave. He rushed forward, slapping a hand over Alex’s mouth. “Shut up! What if my crush hears you?” His voice was shaky, his eyes wide with fear and anger.

Alex’s eyes twinkled with mischief. He grabbed Lucas’s wrist, yanked him into an empty classroom, and pinned him against a desk. The wood squeaked under Lucas’s weight, his back arching as Alex leaned over him, one hand by his hair caressing it, the other on his hip.

“Let me go,” Lucas snarled, but his voice cracked, Alex’s scent wrapping around him like a trap—warm, dizzying, too much. His body was betraying him, tingling where it shouldn’t.

Alex leaned closer, his breath hot on Lucas’s neck. “An alpha this weak… so fragile and cute,” he whispered, his voice like a tease. “You could pass for an omega.”

The word omega lit a fire in Lucas. He shoved Alex back with all his strength, making Alex stumble. “I’m not an omega!” he roared, his voice raw, his scent exploding—wild, like a fire in the woods.

“Don’t test me, Alex. Stay away.”

He stormed out, heart racing, sweat dripping down his face. His hands shook as he grabbed his pills from his locker, the bitter taste of Alex’s scent still stuck to him, making his skin buzz and his head foggy. How dare he use his pheromones like that? I hate him.

*

Lucas is someone who loves to be at the library most times he has nothing much to do in school. He grabbed a book off the shelf, hoping to lose himself in it, but Alex’s stupid face kept popping into his head. “Cutie! Cutie! Cutie!” that smug voice echoed. Lucas hit the book shut, his face hot, wanting to yell but stuck silent—library rules.

The door creaked, and a pile of heavy boxes got dropped off. Lucas saw Madam Jane, the old librarian, struggling with them. He jumped up, needing something to do. “Take a break, Madam Jane. I got this.”

“Oh, Lucas, you’re a sweetheart,” she said, smiling as she sat at her desk, glasses on, flipping through papers.

Lucas figured he could carry three boxes at once to make it quick. Bad idea. His arms shook, sweat dripped down his face, and his cheeks went red. The boxes were way too heavy. I’m an alpha, I should be able to do this, he thought, looking pissed.

“You okay there, Lucas?” Madam Jane asked, sounding worried.

“Yeah, I’m good,” he said, voice wobbly. No way I can lift these. He tried again, breathing hard, but the boxes wouldn’t budge.

Then, out of nowhere, the weight vanished. The boxes lifted like they were nothing, and Lucas’s jaw dropped, it’s his rival carrying them easy as pie.

“Hey, cutie,” Alex said, winking at Lucas. “Don’t stress yourself out. Let me be your strength.”

Lucas stood there, frozen, staring at Alex’s arms, muscles popping under his shirt as he stacked the boxes like it was no big deal. He’s so strong, Lucas thought, his mouth dry, his heart doing a weird jump. He hated how it made him feel.

Alex snapped his fingers, smirking. “Quit staring, cutie. I’m all yours.”

“You!” Lucas snapped, his face burning. He stepped back, tripped over a box, and almost fell—until Alex caught him, one arm sliding around his waist, warm and steady.

“This is where I get a thank you kiss, right? For helping you?” Alex teased, his voice low, breath tickling Lucas’s ear, sending a shiver through him.

“Get off me!” Lucas pushed him, but it was like hitting a wall. “I told you to stay away!” Alex just grinned, his eyes all over Lucas.

“You’re so cute when you’re mad,” Alex said, his voice soft but sneaky, like he knew he was getting under Lucas’s skin.

Madam Jane laughed, standing nearby, her eyes sparkling. “You two are adorable together,” she said, nudging Lucas. “When are you going to tell me?”

Lucas’s brain froze. “huh?!” Before he could explain, Alex jumped in, smooth as ever.

“He’s just shy, ma’am,” Alex said, throwing an arm around Lucas's waist. “He’s my boyfriend. Since he loves being here, helping you and reading, I’ll be here to help as well.”

Lucas’s eyes went wide. Boyfriend?! Has he been stalking me? That’s so creepy!

He tried to yell but Alex’s scent was messing him up, making his skin buzz and his thoughts blurry. He tried to argue—“I’m not his—” but Alex leaned in and kissed him.

The kiss was quick, warm, and way too good. Lucas’s body locked up, his heart pounding like a drum. He wanted to push Alex away, but his hands stayed still, like they forgot how to move. Alex’s scent was everywhere, sinking into him, making his head foggy. What’s wrong with me? Why can’t I fight this? He’s my rival!

Madam Jane clapped, grinning. “So sweet! I’ll give you two some privacy.” She winked and shuffled off.

Alex pulled back, smirking. “See, cutie? You kissed me back. You like me.”

“St-stay…” Lucas stammered, his voice shaky, trying to sound tough. “Stay away from me!” It was supposed to be a warning, but it came out weak. He yanked himself free, his face burning, legs wobbly as he ran from the library.

His heart raced, Alex’s scent still clinging to him, making his skin tingle.

I need to stay away from him. He’s gonna ruin me. But deep down, a tiny part of him wasn’t so sure.

*PRESENT DAY* *SHANGHAI*

The news is buzzing—Lucas’s dad just turned 70, and the whole town is talking about it—the family is planning a big party.

In a fancy room, dripping with luxury, Lucas slept like a prince. He was in his mid-20s but looked younger. His skin was smooth as snow, glowing soft and perfect, like it got more beautiful every day. His chestnut hair fell messy over his forehead, framing a face so handsome it could stop hearts—sharp jaw, high cheekbones, and glossy lips that curved just right and tempting as well. His chest rose and fell, steady breaths making the maids, both guy and girl betas, whisper and giggle.

“He’s so gorgeous,” one maid sighed, staring like he was a painting. “I’d give anything to be with him.”

Another reached out, her fingers trembling, dying to touch his flawless face. But Lucas’s eyes snapped open—bright blue, like a clear sky with a storm brewing. They sparkled, sharp and intense, making her freeze, every hair on her body standing up. His aura hit like a wave, heavy and electric, making her knees weak. He grabbed her wrist, gentle but firm. “Master Lucas, your bath is ready just as you like it.”She managed to say, but her entire body was shaking.

Lucas’s voice is low and commanding. “Leave.”

The maids scrambled out, tripping over themselves, hearts racing from his gaze alone.

He sat up, rubbing his eyes, Why am I dreaming about my time in the US?