Kaiden
In the lecture hall, the faint scent of lavender and cedar lingered, a scent I couldn’t ignore even if I tried. It was Sage’s scent, soft, alluring and a whisper of the beta’s presence that made my wolf stir beneath his skin. Sage didn’t know his own allure, oblivious to the ripple of interest he left behind everywhere he went. But I knew. I had always known.
From the moment we met, I had vowed to protect Sage from everything, including himself. Alphas were predators by nature, drawn to the innocence and vulnerability of a beta like Sage. He wasn’t an omega yet he possessed qualities like one.
But I wasn’t an alpha, although I was possessive, territorial, and deeply aware of how much control it took to keep myself from claiming Sage outright.
The problem was, Sage didn’t belong to me.
Not yet.
Sage was sitting in the front row, furiously jotting down notes as Professor River droned on about some engineering stuff. His deep voice was smooth as honey, laced with that Alpha authority that made every student in the room hand on to his every word, including me.
But I hated the way the professor kept looking at Sage, the subtle, lingering glances of the faint twitch of a smile whenever Sage asked a question.
River wasn’t just a professor, he was an unmated Alpha in one of the most respected regions and I felt like he had set his sights on my Sage.
Sage had no idea that I had registered for college again, to keep a close watch on him and away from the Alpha. All that thoughts came crashing when the professor placed his hand on Sage’s shoulder and squeezed.
I clenched my fist, the sharp sting of my nails digging into my palm grounded me. I wanted to yank that hand of my man but I couldn’t make a scene, not here.
Sage was oblivious to my dark thoughts, scrawling in his notebook as he too notes.
“You need to focus,” I muttered to myself, tearing my gaze away from Sage and forcing my attention back to the professor’s lecture.
But it was impossible.
Sage was a beta whose soft scent was growing stronger by the day. I wasn’t the only one who noticed. The subtle shifts in the room whenever he walked in, the way unmated alphas, and betas that turned to track his movements, made my blood boil.
When class ended, Sage lingered behind, chatting animatedly with River. The professor leaned in, his smile far too warm for my liking. My wolf bristled, the urge to storm over and stake my claim almost overpowering.
I stood up abruptly and my books fell to the ground, they both looked at me and Sage’s eyes widened with surprise at my presence.
“Kaiden?” He called out in confusion,
I gave him a grin but he shook his head at me before waving me over with that innocent grin that always disarmed me. “Come meet Professor River.”
I forced a tight smile as I approached, my gaze locking with the professor’s. The older alpha’s expression was unreadable, but I knew he could sense my hostility from a mile away. Judging by the smile on his face, I would say he was smug about it.
“Kaiden,” Professor said smoothly, extending a hand. “Sage speaks highly of you, you are the best friend, no?”
I took the hand reluctantly, “That’s because he’s too kind.”
Sage laughed, oblivious to the territorial undertones, I looked at the professor letting him know he was encroaching.
His smile widened as he cocked his head to the side, he was disregarding me. He was letting me know that my claim doesn’t matter. My wolf snarled because then I have to push forward in just claiming Sage and turn him into my omega.
SageI was a failure as a man.All through my Twenty five years, I could count the number of times I have spoken to the member of the opposite sex except asking for directions. I was inept when it came to talking to women and for some reason, Kaiden thought he could help me.The low hum of conversations buzzed in the background as I sipped my black coffee. The window seat was my favorite spot, close enough to people-watch but far enough to feel removed from the crowd. I couldn’t focus today, though. My eyes kept darting toward the door every time it opened. I don’t even know why. Maybe I was hoping for some sign that the universe didn’t hate me.“You’re brooding again,” Kaiden’s voice cut through my thoughts. He wasn’t even looking at me, just scrolling through his phone as his hands tapped absently on the table, like he was the most confident person in the room.I gave a half-hearted chuckle. “Just thinking.”Kaiden raised an eyebrow without looking up. “About?”“Nothing important.”
By the time we got to Kaiden’s apartment, my nerves were frayed. I trailed behind him, my steps slow and hesitant. What the fuck had I just agreed to? My mind kept replaying the conversation at the coffee shop. The idea of “training” with Kaiden had seemed ridiculous at first. But now, standing in his apartment, it felt real and terrifying.Kaiden unlocked the door and walked in like it was just another normal evening. He tossed his keys onto the counter and kicked off his shoes without a care in the world. Meanwhile, I hesitated in the doorway, my hands stuffed deep in my pockets, the air feeling way too heavy.“Relax,” Kaiden said, flashing me a grin as he shrugged off his jacket. “I’m not gonna bite.”I tried to laugh, but it came out strained. “Right. I know.”Kaiden leaned against the kitchen counter, crossing his arms as he looked at me. His gaze wasn’t judgmental, more amused, like he was waiting for me to settle down.“You’re making this a bigger deal than it is,” he said af
SageI blinked slowly at the command, and gulped when I saw the precum leaking from his cock.I licked my and shaped them into an 'o'. My hands reached out to grab the base of his cock and Kaiden flinched, the desire in his eyes growing by the second. “L…like this?” I asked, unsure if I was doing the right thing.Kaiden nodded.I tightened my fists around the cock with my heart pounding so hard in my chest. I felt a stirring in me that I have never before, I found myself wanting to please Kaiden.I leaned forward before I could stop myself with my tongue darted out to lick the precum,“Jesus,” Kaiden swore, his hand coming down on my head to grab a fistful of hair. He guided my head to his dick.“Open your mouth,” he ordered.I did as he said as he guided my mouth to it, the taste of him filled my senses. The mixture of salt and something masculine made my mouth water.My tongue darted out to lick it when Kaiden’s hand tightened on my hair, I let out a groan and looked up, that same
KaidenMy eyes narrowed as soon as I entered the bar, right there in front of me was Sage with his head on someone’s shoulders.A male, a male that wasn't me.I was pissed off, when the call came from Sage that he was going to hang out with friends on a school night, I immediately discouraged it.I didn’t want anyone having Sage’s attention and I certainly didn’t want them hitting on Sage. Only I knew how beautiful Sage was, and with his kind of body, everybody wanted a piece of him but the little shit didn’t know it.He was naive and oblivious to everything and everyone around him, that made him an easy target but I wasn’t happy with that because I was the only one allowed to manipulate Sage.My fists clenched involuntarily when Sage’s course mate leaned in and whispered something in his ear, and Sage laughed.The little shit actually laughed like he was being entertained by a comedian and that made me pissed because Sage was supposed to be pushing them away and not laughing at their
SageKaiden kissed his way down to my belt and unbuckled it, he pulled off my pants and I hurriedly kicked them off. My whole body was on fire.Kaiden went back to kissing me while I fought with myself, I was experiencing something foreign, a feeling that was completely new to me. There was excitement brewing inside of me, a need I was desperate to satiate.Kaiden went feral when I licked my lips, his tongue swirled around mine stripping me of every control I thought I had. I moaned into the kiss as he dug his hand into my briefs. He bit a part of my lower lip.He pulled away from the kiss and a sound of disappointment left my lips, he kept his eyes pinned on me, I felt like he could see the dark desires I was struggling to keep hidden in my eyes. He trailed kisses accompanied with his tongue sliding down to my boxer band. I closed my eyes as the pleasure zapped through my spine and tingled all the way down to my toes.Kaiden smirked at the bulge in my briefs before tugging it down
SageWe both looked down at the phone that was laying on the table buzzing.The name “Lisa💋” flashed across the screen. Before Kaiden could react, it went to voicemail, and the audio played out loud.“Hey, baby. It’s me,” a syrupy voice cooed. “Last time was amazing. You’re incredible, you know that? I’d love a repeat. I would like to feel your thick cock inside of me, I can’t stop thinking about you, call me.”The words hung in the air like poison.I stiffened, every muscle in my body locking up. My jaw clenched so tightly it hurt, and I could feel my face heat up with a mix of embarrassment and something darker, jealousy. Not that I’d admit that.Kaiden’s smirk vanished. “Sage, it’s not—”I cut him off, shoving him abruptly. “Save it. I don’t care what you do with your conquests.” My voice was sharp, colder than I intended.Damn it.I started gathering my clothes on the floor, struggling to put them on.He reached out, grabbing my wrist. “Sage, don’t. Listen to me—”I yanked my arm
SageI struggled with him till we got to his car.“Get in,” he ordered.I glared at him. Who was he to order me around? I crossed my arms,“Or what? You would drag me around like you just did? What’s the difference between you and those back there,”His vein threatened to burst on his forehead as he clenched his jaw, “Damn it, Sage! Do not compare me to those little bullies,”“Why not?” I raised a brow, “You are exactly like them. I just said I don’t want to go with you and you are dragging me like I have no choice?” I snapped.He was startled and I took deep satisfaction in knowing I caused that.“Just get in the car, please,” he mumbled as an afterthought.I glared again and reluctantly got in.The car ride was tense, the kind of silence that presses down on you, making every passing second heavier as it goes by. Kaiden’s hands gripped the steering wheel, his knuckles white as he glanced at me from time to time, but I refused to meet his gaze. My arms were crossed, my eyes fixed on
Sage I don't know how fast he drove but one minute, we were standing in front of my parent's house and the next, we were at his place.He was kissing me and unlocking the door, we both fell on the floor when the door gave way. I scrambled to my feet and shoved my shirt off my body.He kicked the door shut and advanced on me, kissing me ferociously again. I moaned deep in his mouth as his chest grazed my erect nipple. My body betrayed me as thousands of pleasure tingled all the way to my spine."You sure about this?" he whispered against my lips, his hot breath on my face making my skin tingle with desire.I nodded.He gave me a reassuring look before reaching to unbuckle my belt and in one swift move, he tore my pants off my legs.I gasped at his sheer strength, but the sound was immediately captured by his soft lips. He kissed me fervently, like a need, like a prayer. He pulled away. His face was straight with seriousness but the desire gleamed in his eyes. His gaze, so heavy it gav
SageIt was entirely unfair for someone like Amir to be real. Tall, lean, with chiseled features that looked like they belonged on a movie poster rather than in a security file, and a voice that dripped with smooth, practiced calm. He was the kind of handsome that made your thoughts scatter just a little if you looked at him for too long.And I was doing exactly that.“Mr. Amir, right?” I asked, extending a hand, hoping my voice didn’t tremble like my fingers did. “I’m Sage.”He nodded, his grip firm but not overbearing. “I know. It’s a pleasure.”He smiled and I don’t mean the empty kind people give when they’re on duty. It was warm. Polite. And it made my stomach flip in a way I hadn’t expected.But as he turned toward the room, I caught sight of Kaiden and the professor.Both of them were glaring.I blinked.Kaiden’s jaw was tight, eyes narrowed like he was assessing a threat he didn’t like the look of. The professor, arms crossed, stood with the energy of a man who’d already decid
KaidenWhen Martin dropped me in front of the professor’s house. I barely waited for him to drive off before I dug out my phone. My fingers hovered over the screen for a moment before I hit Bryan’s name.He was the only one who was making an attempt to help me right now. He answered on the second ring, his voice calm and clipped, like always.“Kaiden?”“Yeah, it’s me.” I moved to the far side of the room, away from the windows, and lowered my voice. “Something weird’s going on. I need to tell you about it.”“What kind of weird?” His tone sharpened immediately.I told him everything. The prepaid boutiques. The law firm. The condo being bought out. The way no one could or would tell me who was behind it. I could practically hear him frowning on the other end of the line.“You think it’s Sage?” he asked quietly.“No,” I said quickly, too quickly. “I don’t know. I mean—I don’t want to think that. And it’s not the professor either. I know that much. They would tell me if they are trying
KaidenI stared at the silver-trimmed envelope resting on the counter between the professor and me like it was some kind of explosive. The award ceremony. My name was on the guest list, of course. It had to be. I was the damn honoree.“I have my own invite, thanks to my connections,” the professor said casually, leaning against the kitchen counter. He swirled his coffee slowly, watching the dark liquid spiral. “But I think Sage should go with you.”Sage, sitting cross-legged on the couch and peeling a tangerine, looked up with a sheepish smile. “Would that be okay with you?”I didn’t even think about it before I answered. “No.”Their expressions changed almost instantly, surprise flickered across the professor’s features and Sage’s smile faltered.“It’s enough that Sage’s already in the spotlight,” I said, trying to keep my voice even, my words reasonable. “With the way everyone’s been talking and taking photos, I don’t want to put him in harm’s way, more than I already have. If you
Kaiden The clock on the bedside read 3:12 a.m. I rolled onto my side, confused by the soft glow seeping under the bedroom door. I blinked the sleep from my eyes, and when I looked over, Sage was still fast asleep beside me, his breathing steady and rhythmic. I reached out, touched his hair lightly, then slid out of bed. The hallway was silent except for the distant hum of the fridge and the occasional rustle of the wind brushing the windows. I padded barefoot across the wood floor, and as I neared the living room, the scent of whiskey hit me first. That, and the sound of papers being shuffled with irritation more than purpose. The soft overhead light in the corner cast a gold sheen across the professor’s back. He was hunched over the coffee table, glass of whiskey in one hand, papers spread out like an autopsy, calm chaos wrapped in tension. He didn’t look up when I entered. “You’re still awake?” I asked, keeping my voice low. “I have work to do,” he said, not looking at me. His
KaidenI watched Sage’s chest rise and fall steadily, his breathing finally even and calm after a long, exhausting day. The faint hum of the heater filled the small apartment as the evening air drifted colder through the windows. He looked peaceful in sleep, peaceful in a way that didn’t match anything we’d been living through lately. It was a lie his body told, one I was grateful for, even if I knew it wouldn’t last. The last thing I needed was for him to keep worrying about the unknown.Today took a toll on him.I sat at the edge of the couch, elbows resting on my knees, hands folded, but my thoughts weren’t still. They kept drifting back to the question he asked earlier about whether we’d ever go back to how things were. And now I knew for certain: we couldn’t. Not with this storm closing in around us, not when every time I let my guard down, something tried to take Sage from me.I haven’t even figured out how to apologize to the professor, it took me a lot of thinking to realize
SageThe next morning, Kaiden and I walked to school in silence. The meal we shared was so brief and he stayed with me. The professor didn’t come home and when I called him, he said he was working late and we should enjoy ourselves.I knew it was because he didn’t want to spend time with Kaiden. After their argument, they have been tense with each other.I didn’t want to Interfere in their problems as it could escalate into something I wouldn’t be able to control.I looked at Kaiden, I know we have already talked about this but I was so curious.I wanted to ask him again about where he’d really been that day, but the tension in his jaw warned me off. Still, I couldn’t help myself. “So,” I started, kicking a loose pebble on the sidewalk, “you never really told me where you went. Like, actually went.” His steps didn’t falter, but his grip tightened around the strap of his backpack. “I told you. I needed to clear my head.” “Yeah, but that could mean anything,” I pressed. “You just
SageI stood just outside the hospital’s main entrance, staring at the parking lot like it was a war zone. The discharge papers were crumpled slightly in my grip. I could feel my fingers tremble, but I didn’t loosen them. The sun was bright, the day clear, but I felt like I was standing in the middle of a fog, one that hadn’t lifted since I was attacked.Kaiden mentioned he would come and pick me up, hence the hesitation. I felt like if he wasn’t here to do that, I wouldn’t go. “Ready?” His voice pulled me out of my head.I turned toward him. He had one hand in his pocket, the other adjusting the strap of my duffel bag slung over his shoulder. His hair was a little messy, like he hadn’t even bothered with a brush this morning, and his hoodie looked slept in. But his eyes, his eyes were alert. “I don’t know if ready’s the word I’d use,” I admitted. My voice sounded too thin to my own ears. “I feel like I’m being pushed out of safety and right back into the middle of whatever this me
KaidenI slept at my place after the detective dropped me off. He was looking at me like he had a lot to say about what happened but I didn’t.Yes, I overreacted but I couldn’t go back there. I felt suffocated and the only thing I needed was freedom. I needed to find my answers and not let it extend to my relationship.I decided to go see Detective Bryan. The man in charge of narcotics. The one who might know what the hell was really going on. I hadn’t told Sage or the professor anything. Not yet. I couldn’t, not until I had something real. Something more than just paranoia and late-night shadows tailing me.I sat hunched over my laptop in a dingy little café two blocks from my apartment, the place reeking of burnt espresso and desperation. I typed in “Detective Bryan, Narcotics Division, city PD” and hit search. A few articles came up. He was decorated, involved in several high-profile raids. One article had a photo, square jaw, stern face, early forties. Not someone you’d expect to
SageI woke to silence. Not the peaceful kind, the kind that sets your skin crawling with dread, like the air itself is holding its breath. The clock on the wall read a little past 3am and I could see the shadows stretched along the floor, motionless. I looked around and noticed with a slight disappointment that Kaiden wasn’t here. I blinked twice and turned my head toward the small couch across the room. No professor either.My heart sank.They were gone. Both of them.I have never felt so alone. I thought they would both stay with me so I won’t be scared. But I was a big boy and could handle myself.I sat up slowly, the sheets slipping off my chest as I scanned the dim room. Maybe they went for a walk. Maybe Kaiden needed air and the professor tagged along. Maybe I was being paranoid.Or maybe something was very, very wrong.I was about to slide out of bed when the doorknob turned.I froze.The door creaked open, and the harsh fluorescent light from the hallway spilled into the r