Thwarted plans

The airport was unusually crowded as Vernon pushed his way through, keeping his head down to avoid being recognized.

The place could be crowded with his family's spies and his plan would be ruined if they caught wind of this.

He did not leave a note.

It would only hurt his parents more and he did not want them to remember a son who ran away from his responsibilities.

He walked to the receptionist and put his passport on the counter. "A flight to Kendale."

She typed on her computer. "We have one in forty-five minutes. Is that okay?"

Vernon nodded and the receptionist registered him.

He looked around the airport as he sat in the waiting room and observed the young people seated around him.

Most of them chatted among themselves while others were busy with their phones.

Vernon wondered how many of them were running away like him. Trying to get away from the life that was being forced upon them.

His thought about his family.

How will his parents feels if they realized he had run away? 

He felt pain at the thought of causing his family sadness.

And Xavier Donovan?

Vernon was curious about how the alpha will react?

Will he feel insulted that his fiancee had left before the wedding and throw a fit?

Or will he order a manhunt for him.

Vernon shivered at the thought. He secretly hoped Xavier would quietly move on without any drama.

It's not like they had feelings for each other anyway.

But the way the alpha had stared at him—

His stomach growled snapping him out of his thoughts.

Vernon immediately covered it with both hands and his cheeks reddened with embarrassment.

He looked through his bag and a sigh of frustration escaping his lips. While he was hurrying he forgot to bring anything to eat and he was now hungry.

He looked at his phone.

Fifteen minutes left.

Then he would be on the plane to Kendale city.

Vernon's stomach growled reminding him of his hunger. He reluctantly stood up and ran to the canteen outside.

It would not long for him to order a muffin and run back.

He walked faster moving through the crowd that never seemed to decrease.

"Two blueberry muffins and black coffee please" he said.

The seller nodded and started putting his order together while Vernon tapped his finger nervously on the counter.

For some reason, his heart was beating unusually fast.

This only happened when—

"You have good taste" a voice whispered into his ear and he startled with a yelp.

Vernon turned around and found himself staring into familiar eyes that held a hint of amusement in them.

Xavier Donovan.

"How did you—" he stuttered heart pounding in his chest.

"Here is your order," the seller said and Vernon watched as the alpha took the paper bag and paid.

"Let's go" the other said with a small smile. "My car is waiting outside."

The implication of that statement was clear. His escape plan had been ruined.

                              **********

"What do you mean Xavier is getting married!" a shrill voice cried out followed by the sound of a vase hitting the wall.

It shattered instantly and the shards covered the tiled floor.

But he young man didn't care, his eyes shone with anger, body shaking. "How can he do this... to me?"

His assistant cleared his throat. "The wedding is in a few days, sir."

"Is there anything else?"

"Did I get an invitation?" the man asked.

The other hesitated, nervously fixing his tie. "Unfortunately, Mr. Oliver you didn't—"

"Xavier Donovan is the most heartless asshole to ever exist," Oliver whispered, voice teary. The room smelled of burnt sugar— clearly expressing the omega's distress.

He looked at his assistant. "Get me an invite to the wedding."

The other paled. "But that's not possible. I—"

"I don't care how you do it," Oliver said. "I want to see the slutty omega who stole him from me."

                               **************

"You're out late," came his dad's voice and Vernon froze, heart pounding in his chest.

He spun around and saw his dad, Vincent Giordano seated on the couch, a glass of whiskey in hand.

"Uh... I actually—"

"Xavier told me he took you out for a late night stroll to help you clear your head," his dad cut him off.

Vernon frowned slightly.

Why would the alpha lie to his father about what happened? To protect him?

"But I know that's not the truth," Vincent continued, gaze hardening. "I wonder why that boy is lying for you."

Xavier's heart dropped and he tightened his grip on his bag

"For peace, I will let this slide."

His dad turned and left.

A tear rolled down Vernon's cheek as he stood.

                           **************

"You are looking handsome, son."

Vernon stared at his reflection in the mirror ignoring his father.

The black three-piece suit fit his frame perfectly accentuating his hazel eyes. His blonde hair fell like waves around his face giving him a soft look.

"Arent you going to speak to me?"

Vernon sighed and licked his lips. “Will it change anything if I do?”

“Then won’t you look at your pitiful father?” he asked, a quiet sniff following. “I only wanted the best for you.”

"Today is your marriage and you deny me to my son?"

Vernon shook his head, meeting his father’s eyes. “Are you emotionally blackmailing me now?”

Unbelievable!

His father smiled, hands resting on Vernon’s shoulders. “You look handsome… just like me.”

"It’s not a surprise your dad can never get enough of me."

Vernon raised a brow incredulously. “Are you flaunting your relationship in front of me?”

He always wondered where Kyle got his shamelessness from.

His father sighed, fingers brushing Vernon’s cheeks tenderly. “My point is… your alpha won’t be able to resist you.”

Vernon jerked back, startled. “That makes no sense!”

“Have you seen what the tabloids say about the alpha you’re forcing me to marry?”

"He has a name you know."

Vernon scoffed. “I don’t want to say his name but that’s not the point—”

"And he is a fine young man" his father interrupted with a teasing smile.

Vernon’s chest tightened. “That is not the point. His looks are not my problem.”

Tears covered his vision. "Marriage is not for me. I have so much to do."

Vernon had his whole life planned.

Furthering his education, traveling the world and he wanted to meet new people. Marriage was not part of the plan.

It would only tie him down.

He was pulled from his thoughts as his father’s arms circled him and the soothing scent of lavender calmed his heart.

Marcus kissed his forehead. “You have to be strong my love,” his father murmured.

Vernon’s lips trembled. “Please… tell Dad to call it off.”

"I beg you."

Marcus stepped back warm brown eyes glistening with unshedded tears. “This is for your own good. You will understand when the time comes.”

Vernon chuckled licking his lips. "I'm not ready yet."

"Neither am I" his father admitted quietly. "I do not want to let go of my little boy yet."

Vernon felt his eyes water. "What should we... do then?"

Marcus gave his arm. “I will walk you to the aisle so I can hold on to my son a little longer.”

"It is time."

Vernon took it with a smile and allowed his father to lead him away.