Chapter 1. A Lamb Among Wolves (Syl)

“Syl, please!” My best friend, Rollin, is clinging to my sleeve, refusing to let go. “This is insanity. The king will kill me if he finds out I helped you. You can still drop this outrageous plan and come home with me. No one will notice we sneaked out. Please, please, please!”

   “Stop it,” I hiss, trying to detach his clutched fingers from my favorite leather jacket before his nails pierce the fabric. “I am not going back. See you in the morning.”

   “No!” he whines and tightens his grip. “What about your brother? He is even scarier than His Majesty. We drugged your guards. I stole money. We jumped from the roof… Holly Goddess of the Silver Moon! I can already see our heads rolling in the dust.”

   “Really?” I grin at his scrunched face, which is paler than a ghost. “It’s 2025. We are not in the Middle Ages. At most, they’ll scold us and assign more guards.”

   “Scold,” he whimpers in despair. “Have you seen your brother when he is angry? I would rather be flogged a hundred times than be at his mercy.”

   “Enough,” I firmly say and slide out of the taxi. The driver glares at Rollin as he blocks the door with his foot, so I can’t get out completely. I slap my friend’s knee. “Go home and get some sleep. Everything will be alright. By the way, you seem quite fascinated by my dear big bro, His Obnoxious Highness, The Fucking Crown Prince. Goddess save your soul, ’cause he won’t.”

   The last statement does the trick. Rolly’s jaw drops. He finally releases my clothes and stops using his limb as a barrier. We both know he is madly in love with my older brother, being no less terrified of him at the same time.

   “I am not interested in His Royal Highness,” he mutters, nervously scratching his ginger head. “That man is a beast… with all due respect, I mean… a monster.”

   “Yeah, keep repeating it to yourself, and you might believe it someday.” I sneer and shut the car’s door, earning another glare from the driver. “Get lost and let me be.”

   “We leave for the airport at six.” Rolly does not give up and keeps yelling through the open window while the car is moving away. “The guards will wake up no later than five. You must be in your bed by then, or we are both dead. Do you hear me, Sylvion? COLD DEAD! And be careful in the bar. No eye contact with the Alphas. Don’t take off your jacket. No drinking. No talking to anyone. Help me, Goddess! They will eat you for breakfast… You are so fucked…”

   Everyone knows that Omegas are overly dramatic and very emotional, but my bestie is a textbook example of the worst it can get. I hope he will make it back to the pack house without fainting or suffering a heart attack.

   His voice finally fades away as the car disappears around the first bend in the winding alley. I smirk. Fucked, huh? Isn’t it exactly what I want? I am totally making eye contact, but only with the most gorgeous of those Alphas. For once, I will be the one to choose a man for myself. My family may have signed the treaty with the Misty Valley Pack to give me to their king, but the bastard is getting no damn virgin. I am here for my dream one-night stand, and no one can take it away from me.

   Rolly is freaking out. I, on the other hand, am chill. Like, super cool. Much more confident. Also tall… well, not that tall, but definitely strong. When I say strong, I don’t mean exactly muscles…

   Fuck! What if nobody likes me? What if I go in there and no one wants to talk to me?

   Nah, I am an Omega. Every Alpha is a sucker for an Omega. I am cute, too. Everyone says it. Mostly mom, but she knows best, right? Each of them will wish me to pick him. The pheromones will drive them crazy. I’ve got pheromones. I’ve never used them, so they are technically brand new. You can do it, Syl. Unleash the power!

   Wait! A bar, which is the usual place for the most dangerous Alphas to hang out… I am sure no Omega has ever set foot inside before. It’s like dropping a lamb in the middle of a pack of self-centered, overly aggressive, hungry wolves… literally. This does not seem like such a good idea after all. My heart starts pounding as I approach the metal door hidden behind a row of dumpsters and a warped wooden shed tangled in creeping vines. Oh, damn you, Rolly! Do you always have to be right? Couldn’t you shut your mouth at least this time?

   Before I can change my mind, someone opens the door. I am hurled inside by a drunk couple trying to go around me, but completely failing at it.

   “Sorry,” the girl slurs, casting a glance at me over her shoulder. Her eyes go wide. She hesitates for a moment as if there is something she wants to say, but her partner pulls on her arm, and she walks on with a shrug.

   What? Is there something on my face? Ugh, I am already making a bad impression, and I haven’t even entered yet. Is it possible that she recognized me? Hardly. My family protects me from any contact with outsiders. The Misty Valley Luna must be as pure as the driven snow. I roll my eyes. Not this one, fuckers.

   I find myself in a narrow corridor with mirrored walls. The soft light emanates from a massive crystal chandelier suspended ten feet above the gleaming marble floor. The door at the far end is draped in red velvet. I can hear muffled jazz music. It becomes clear that the nondescript entrance on the back wall of the old brick building is only a cover. This is a fancy club. It smells like luxury and wealth. Not many people know about it. The only reason I was able to find it is because I eavesdropped on my brother’s phone conversation while he was planning to meet his haughty friends here. Knowing him, this must be the hot bastards’ paradise.

   I’d better find a way to look around without attracting too much attention. It can’t be done with my face on display, judging by the girl’s reaction. I need a disguise. I gather my tousled silver hair and tuck it under my hood, pulling the hem over my eyes as low as I can without blocking the view. Then I turn up the collar of my jacket. It covers most of my face. A quick look in the mirror, and I nod in satisfaction. This should do. I certainly won’t pass for an Alpha, but I don’t scream Omega from a mile away either. It’s time for action.

   The red velvet door is heavy. I huff and puff, but finally manage to move it just enough for me to slip inside. It is dark. I see nothing. The air smells of expensive cigars and even more expensive perfumes, mixed with exotic scents, probably coming from the crystal candle holders on every table. There is a small stage under the spot light, where a jazz band is playing a slow, soulful tune. The raspy sound of the saxophone reverberates in the vast hall, creating a feeling of excitement and anticipation.

   I blink a few times until my eyes adjust to the twilight. Holly Silver Moon! It is packed with people. Big, scary tattooed men. I’ve never seen so much muscle and ink stuffed in one place. There are women, too. They are impressive, beautiful, and even more intimidating. I shudder as I realize that despite my best efforts to make myself invisible, most eyes are on me, shining in intense amber glow. There is no way I can blend in with the crowd here. What was I thinking?

   A mountain of a man in a sleek Armani suit gets up from the huge armchair he has been stretching out on and smirks at me. I pin my gaze to the floor. No eye contact. Shit! I am not panicking… just a little bit. Breathe, Sylvion. You are a prince. If things go south, you only have to mention your father’s name, or even better, your brother’s. 

   The thought gives me some courage and the ability to move. I scurry to the nearest corner and take another look around. The huge mahogany bar is a few steps to the right. One of the leather stools is empty. I will go and sit there with my back to the hall until I calm down. A drink should help. Only a sip of whiskey… or two. I promise.

   Just before I put my plan into action, I see him. The man in the adjacent chair. Somehow, he manages to stand out amidst the ocean of sex appeal and numbing power around him. He is different. 

   There is an aura of superiority about him. His tall, elegant frame is not stocky like most of the Alphas. He is strong and muscular, but more like a swimmer, with long legs and a broad, smooth chest. His clothes are not pretentious, and yet fancier than the tailored suits around. He is wearing navy, perfectly pressed trousers, and a casually unbuttoned white shirt with the sleeves rolled up. The tattoos on his arms and chest are not too much. They look carefully selected and meaningful. I feel a sudden urge to take a closer look at them. The most attractive thing about him is his perfect, handsome face with high cheekbones, sensuous lips, and magnetic eyes, glittering in shades of blue and misty gray in the darkness.

   What a man! I wouldn’t be able to avert my gaze even if I wanted to. I also have no desire to do it. He has me under his spell. I am drawn to him like a moth to the flame. 

   He shakes his head in bewilderment. His lips slowly stretch into an amused smile. Our eyes are locked. Rule number one - broken. I don’t give a damn about it. 

---

A/N

Hello, everyone who made it through the first chapter.

Thank you for supporting my newest story.

It means the world to me ♥️

As always, I am curious to see your thoughts.

Did Sylvion get himself into big trouble?

Is the Alpha who managed to make eye contact with him well-intentioned?

Will Syl and Rolly’s little escape go unnoticed?

Share your thoughts, ask questions, and criticize if you feel like.

And don’t forget to vote if you liked the chapter.

Thank you! ❤❤❤

Love: Anny

Chapter 2. Nowhere To Run (Syl)

I stare at the man as he slides from the tall barstool and starts walking towards me.

   His step is slow, confident, and measured. He knows there is no point in hurrying. The planet would stop spinning and wait for him if he wanted to. 

   My body is numb, hot, and cold, all at once. I won’t move a muscle until he reaches me, frozen in the blue sky and lost in the gray mists of his bewitching gaze. There is still a barely perceptible look of amazement on his face. His expression is serious, a bit angry, and yet it seems he is fighting to hold back a smile. I am nervous, but I am not afraid of him. Unlike any other Alpha I have ever met, there is softness in his features. He will not intimidate or patronize me. Somehow, I am sure of it. Such a man does not need to be scary to subdue others. It just happens.

   I gasp when he finally stops in front of me, too close for comfort. The light fragrance of a divine perfume makes me weak at the knees. I unconsciously try to take a step back, but I am stuck to the wall. There is nowhere to run.

   He tilts his head to the side and says a simple, “Hello.”

   It is the final nail in my coffin. His voice! Deep, raspy, collected. It warms my body like hot melted chocolate on a frosty day. My cheeks are burning. My throat suddenly tightens. I have lost all my ability to speak.

   I had no idea. My Dear Goddess, I did not know. All the Alphas I have met are from my own family. This is the first time I am talking to one who is not related to me. I have always found my controlling father and my spitfire brother terribly annoying and overbearing, so I thought the rest of them were the same. All the stories of what the right Alpha can do to an unsuspecting, innocent Omega came across as absurdly far-fetched to believe. I was so naive. Everything in me screams that I am his, and he can take me, even though I don’t know his name.

   “Are you alright?” the man asks, bending closer to study my face. He sounds soothing and gentle. “You are too pale. How about sitting down? Can I offer you a drink?”

   His unexpected kindness makes it worse. I am stunned, unable to utter a single word. My desperate attempt to nod in agreement and smile back ends with the hood falling off my head and all my messy hair cascading down onto my face. I see nothing. All I hear is his quiet laughter.

   “Oh, my!” he mumbles. “Fascinating. Beautiful hair. May I?”

   I have no clue what he is asking for. It doesn’t even occur to me to say no. An unintelligible sound rips out of my heaving chest, which he correctly takes for the consent I am trying to give. The touch that follows is as light as a feather. His long, elegant fingers carefully brush the tousled strands away from my face and finally rest under my chin.

   “This is much better, isn’t it?” he warmly says. “Shall I have the pleasure of learning your name now?”

   “I… Umm… My name…” The moment I open my mouth, a gruff, menacing growl comes from the aisle between the tables. My body shudders at the palpable threat. A few more growls from different directions make me glance around in fear. Several huge men have fixed their enraged amber eyes on us. The growing anxiety makes me bite my lip. This keeps proving to be the worst idea I have ever had. Are they going to pick a fight? What happens if my Alpha loses the battle? Am I going to be kidnapped? Will I survive this alive and intact? What if he gets hurt because of me? I am such a fool.

   “Look at me.” His firm tone cuts the frenetic flow of horrific thoughts in my head. His eyes lock with mine again. His finger tags on my lip, forcing me to release it. I have not noticed that my teeth have drawn out a few drops of blood. “I am not going to lie to you. Telling you that coming here alone is a bad decision would be a great understatement. This is no place for an Omega. You must never do it again. Promise me.”

   I vigorously nod in agreement and barely whisper, “I promise.”

   “Good.” He reassuringly smiles. “Do not be afraid. You are safe with me. No one will touch you.”

   His fingers leave my chin. I instantly miss the warmth. He offers me his open palm. I accept it without hesitation.

   “Your name?” he insists, lightly squeezing my hand.

   “My name is Vee,” I lie without blinking an eye. The guilt causes a twinge in my stomach, although it is not entirely untrue. This could as well be my nickname. It’s just that everyone prefers to use Syl.

   “Nice to meet you, Vee. I am James. We’ll sit at the bar. Walk with me and don’t look around. They are just a bunch of angry wolves. Nothing too concerning. Relax. It’s gonna be fine.” He makes a pause and bends down to whisper in my ear, “If any of those fuckers had spoken to you first, I’d be pretty pissed off myself. Can’t blame them. By the way, Omegas are terrible liars. Vee is a lovely name, though, so we’ll go with it.”

   James leads me by the hand, moving in full composure and self-confidence. One of the agitated men is standing in our way. His posture is arrogant. His audacious expression says it all. I can unmistakably recognize an Alpha wolf throwing a challenge in the face of his opponent… because of me. The strongest will take the prize.

   I am about to faint. This can’t be happening. My heart will jump out of my chest. I try to stop, but James doesn’t slow down. His thumb caresses my hand. The subtle gesture gives me more courage than if the special forces in full gear had rushed to our rescue. Standing his ground is the only option. Showing the slightest sign of weakness would result in a physical confrontation. If it were up to me, we would be doomed. He doesn’t flinch when we almost bump into the formidable contender. The other man spews a ripe curse before stepping aside. We pass, accompanied by the ominous gnashing of teeth. 

   Almost miraculously, we escape major trouble. James must be a big shot. I can feel the hostility streaming towards him, but no one else dares to challenge him.

   The short distance to the bar feels like miles. My legs are softer than jelly. The adrenaline is rushing through my veins. My hands are shaking. James has to help me climb onto the stool. I grip the edge of the bar and take a deep breath to stop the nausea. I am ashamed of the moisture in my eyes. I can’t even imagine what would have happened if I hadn’t met him. Rolly was right. If my brother somehow finds out about this, we are both goners. There is no way I am revealing my real name or my family. The scandal would be epic. Not to mention that my stupidity can cause a war.

   “Hey, Vee.” James’s hand rests on my back. He places a glass of Scotch in front of me and clinks it with his. “No need to overthink. Drink. We can both use a sip of liquid courage. Hungry?”

   “Umm… No, I’m fine,” I choke out. As if I could eat in this pitiful state. The burning alcohol slides down my throat, easing the tension and infusing some bravery into my shrinking heart. “James, I am so sorry about this… ugh… risky situation. Thank you for protecting me. I mean, I never thought that I would become the subject of… of… so much…”

   “Lust?” He chuckles and starts drawing soothing circles on my back. Why isn’t this guy at least a tiny bit stressed? I am not that relaxed after a walk in the park. “So you have never looked into a mirror, huh? And probably never met an Alpha, let alone a full bar of us?”

   “I know it sounds silly.” I finally let a small smile bloom on my lips. “But it’s true. I am not lying this time.”

   “Wow, nice smile,” he says, casually running the tips of his fingers over my cheek. I flush crimson. “You mean the mirror?”

   “Nooo.” I giggle. “I mean, I have never met an Alpha who is not a relative”.

   “What? Where have you been living all this time? Under a rock?” He is puzzled. His mesmerizing eyes curiously examine my figure from head to toe. His expression shifts from slight concern to one of satisfaction. “You do not look mistreated, only inexperienced. Actually, no offence, but I think you are spoiled. Why else would the most handsome Omega I’ve ever seen, dressed in some pretty expensive clothes, even think of sneaking into a bar where he clearly doesn’t belong, like at all? Are you rebelling against the strict rules your rich family imposed on you?”

   “I guess.” I shrug my shoulders and take a big gulp of the drink. “It’s not easy being an Omega. Everyone claims to take care of you, but in reality, they try to boss you around. You wouldn’t understand.”

   “You might be surprised that I do,” he thoughtfully says, twirling one of my unruly locks between his fingers.

   Did he say ‘the most handsome’? Me? I get crazy butterflies in my stomach. Every compliment coming from this perfect man makes me melt. He approached me with no intention of intimidating me, never invasive, kind, and gentle the entire time. He does not reprimand me when I probably deserve it, considering the great risk he was forced to take to keep me safe. He treats me as an equal. And he is gorgeous. Is it wrong to want him?

   It seems James reads me like an open book. I do not deny that I am spoiled. I have always been given everything I want, except my freedom. This time, I fought for it and won the right to choose him for my only night out.

   “Ready?” he asks, pointing at my empty glass. “I’d be happy to offer you another drink, but it doesn’t seem reasonable. Let’s go.”

   He waves his hand. Two beefy bodyguards appear out of nowhere. Where were these bastards when we almost got murdered?

   “Get the car,” he instructs. “We are leaving.”

   “Leaving for where?” I ask in confusion.

   “Oh, that’s something I expect you to tell me, Vee,” he replies. “I am taking you home. I insist on making sure you get there safely. You’ve had enough adventures for tonight.”

---

A/N

Hello everyone 😊

Thank you for supporting my newest story.

What do you think, can we trust James?

Share your thoughts, ask questions, and criticize if you feel like.

And don’t forget to vote if you liked the chapter.

Thank you! ❤❤❤

Love: Anny

Chapter 3. Dangerous Innosence (Syl)

“No!” I shriek and wrap myself around his arm. “Please! I can’t go back.”

   “What’s the matter, pup?” James gently asks. His eyes are full of concern and eagerness to protect. “Are you afraid to go home? Isn’t your pack good to you?”

   Pup? Wow! No one has called me that before. Nice. I can get used to it. I want to be his pup. This must be the feeling Rolly told me about, the desire to submit to an Alpha. I like it. If we were not in a crowded bar, I would bare my neck to this fantastic man. The thought makes me flustered and warm. The image of sharp canines piercing my skin seemed horrifying before, but I am starting to change my mind.

   Everyone is watching, though, so I suppress my unusual cravings and try to explain. It is best to be sincere. He will know if I lie anyway. “No, all is fine. Everyone at home is nice. I just do not want us to part ways yet. It was difficult to sneak out. No one will notice I am missing until five in the morning. Can’t we spend some more time together?”

   “You are going to pull on all my damn heartstrings, aren’t you?” He groans, casting a glance at his watch. “Five a.m., you say. That gives us almost six hours. Alright then. You got me. But you must promise first…”

   “Yeah, yeah, I will never run away from home again. You have my word. Jeez!” I flash a victorious grin. “I learned my lesson. You can stop preaching.”

   “Such innocence is dangerous, Vee,” my companion says. “You can use it as a weapon - an adorable, needy Omega begging for attention. You leave me with no choice. But I am not letting you stay here a second longer. Let’s go.”

   He takes my hand and leads me across the room. Walking between the tables is no better than stepping in quicksand, at least for me. I try to keep my eyes on him and ignore the scary faces around me. It is not an easy task. James, on the other hand, is unwavering. If it weren’t so incredible, I would suspect that he finds this entertaining. Alphas love to challenge each other. They enjoy confrontation. However, I doubt it is as cool when you are alone against a dozen. Sometimes I wish I could be as powerful as they are, but the drive to prove yourself through violence is something I will never comprehend.

   We finally leave the dusk bar and find ourselves in the back alley. A sense of utter relief washes over me at my miraculous salvation. I take a deep breath of the cold night air, clearing my lungs from the smoke and the pungent smell of musk and sweat. That was an experience I would happily live without. I could feel the hungry stares of all those furious men burning my skin the entire time while we were sitting at the bar. It is no fun being prey.

   A big black limo is waiting nearby. James opens the door, graciously offering his assistance. Unfortunately, nature has never planned for me to possess grace. I clumsily climb onto the leather seat, narrowly avoiding a mortifying faceplant. He takes the place across from me and smirks. I do not blame him. Tripping over a shoelace is shameful. In my defense, I can only say that it happened because I was gazing at him. He is even more handsome under the bright moonlight.

   The car silently drives off in an unknown direction.

   “Are we going to your place?” I mutter, staring at the city lights passing by the window.

   Being alone with him in this cramped space gives a whole new sense of the situation. I suddenly realize that he is a stranger I have just met at the favorite bar of the most violent people on this planet, and those brutes showed him respect. Not that I am worried, but I am not delusional either. 

   This man is not harmless at all. I am aware that he is much more dangerous than the Alphas, who were snarling at him a minute ago. I shiver at the cold chill that runs through my body. A little too late to stress about it. Quite pathetic, as well. But I am an Omega. We are neither known for our courage nor for the ability to control our emotions.

   I use the opportunity to take a better look at him, pretending to fiddle with my zipper puller. James is not hefty. His intriguing tattoos do not cover his skin from head to toe. They look carefully picked and exclusive. I bet each one has a special meaning to him. His clothes are casual and designed to fit his build rather than accentuate his muscles. There is nothing ostentatious about him. That is exactly why the sheer power in his sculpted body is so evident. 

   I imagined the ancient Greek gods like that when I read Homer’s Iliad - beings so perfect that the world would bend to their will by a single glance. He can crush me if he wants to. He can bring me to my knees. He can be rough. I am lucky he prefers to be a gentleman… for now. But how long will his benevolence last? This could very well be a trap. And I jumped right into it.

   “Vee.” His voice startles me. It is raspier than before. The blue hues in his irises are darker. Their colour has almost turned purple. It could be the lighting, but it still feels like magic. He puts an open palm on my knee. “Don’t be nervous. I have no intention of hurting you. We can go anywhere you want. My home is far away from here. I am staying at the Diamond Plaza Hotel. If you don’t feel like going there, we can walk on the beach, grab a bite at that small Italian restaurant I saw by the docks, or go to an ordinary human club where you will be safe. The choice is entirely yours.”

   “Oh, I knew that.” I try to play it cool and ignore the part where he noticed how I was freaking out like crazy. “I mean, it is obvious that you are not local. You are kind. Your eyes are blue-gray… umm… purple, too. Our Alphas have amber eyes… and suck big time.”

   He throws his head back, shaking with laughter. “Aren’t you a bit harsh on your people? It can’t be that bad. I’ve heard nothing but praise about the Silvermoon pack.”

   “On the contrary, I would say that I am pretty sparing. You should see my broth…” Woops! I bite my lip to prevent any further disclosure of personal information. That was stupid. I should be more careful. I quickly change the topic and direct the conversation to our family business. Dad owns the hotel chain James mentioned. I am curious to hear his opinion. “Anyway, I would love to visit Diamond Plaza. Wasn’t it the only six-star hotel in the area? Do you like it?”

   “That’s not a real thing.” He opens the minibar and offers me a soda. “The official ranking is up to five stars. Some places go out of their way to offer luxury, but I wouldn’t say this one is among them. I am not saying it as a criticism. I’m not a fan of huge crystal chandeliers and gilded ornaments on the furniture. This one is cozy. The bed is nice. The view is magnificent. They have excellent room service. I don’t need more.”

   “Sounds great. Off to the hotel then.” Oh, Goddess! I pretend to be enthusiastic, but in reality, I am a total mess, both panic-stricken and excited. And why do I blush so hard at the mention of a bed? The man is attentive. It does not mean he is attracted to me in that way.

   I unconsciously press my hand to my cheek. Whenever I feel embarrassed, my face goes beet red and hot as if I have a fever. My attempt to hide it does not go unnoticed.

   James cups my other cheek. “Let me cover this one, too. I’ll pretend I didn’t see the lovely shades of red. Oh, you are burning. You might need a cold shower first thing when we get to my room.”

   “Thanks!” I frown at him. “You are not helping, you know.”

   “It was never my intention,” he smugly notes. “Scarlet looks good on you.”

   “Stop it!” I whine, squirming under his intense gaze.

   I am so bad at flirting. Not that I have done it before. James grins and blows a cold minty puff of air onto my burning forehead. It seems he likes my lack of social skills. His mesmerizing purple eyes are focused on me. They move over my body like a heat wave. I swear, I am going to melt if he doesn’t stop.

   A beep coming from the intercom saves my poor soul from leaving my body. The driver announces without lowering the separating partition, “Sir, we will be at the hotel in five minutes. Do we stop, or shall I keep driving?”

   What does this fool think we are doing? Does he often drive around the streets while his boss is having fun in the back? A surge of jealousy makes my stomach churn. I have no right to be jealous. I’ll probably never see James again when the night is over. And yet I am.

   “Stop in the garage, by the private elevator,” James answers. He turns to me. “I’ve rented the penthouse. It has its own entrance. We don’t need to go through the lobby. It’s my first time in this city, so I decided to go for the best experience. You’ll be my first and only guest. I think I got the best of that, too.” 

---

A/N

Hello everyone 😊

Thank you for supporting my newest story.

Do you think James is attracted to Syl?

Will the one-night stand go as planned?

And most importantly, do you think this is the only time they meet?

Share your thoughts, ask questions, and criticize if you feel like.

And don’t forget to vote if you liked the chapter.

Thank you! ❤❤❤

Love: Anny

Chapter 4. A bit Concerned (Arian)

“Good evening, ma’am.” I try to say it as calmly and politely as possible. It doesn’t work. There is something about my voice that always makes people freak out. I can hear the woman gasp and almost feel the sudden jerk of her hand as she nearly drops the phone. She has instantly recognized me. I decide to introduce myself anyway, hoping it will help her relax. “It’s Arian Loctius Silvermoon. I apologize for the late call. How are you doing?”

   “Your Royal Highness,” she barely chokes out. “How nice to hear from you. We are all in perfect health, thank you. I hope your parents are feeling well, and so is dear Sylvion. We haven’t seen him lately. He used to visit us more often before. What a lovely child. We love him as our own. I remember how I used to prepare pancakes. It was his favourite breakfast… Oh, I am so sorry for the rant. You must be terribly busy. To what do we owe the honour of your call?

  “No, no,” I quickly respond. Goddes, I hate this. Why is everyone so fucking afraid of me? I am only three years older, but still somehow Syl is the wonderful child and I am… ‘highness’. I admit that I have some anger issues. Nothing too bad, though. What the hell? I soften my voice even more. “Not busy at all. I was preparing to go to bed. Sorry about Syl. He had a lot to do before tomorrow’s trip, get all the luggage ready, and so on. I was actually hoping to have a quick word with your son. Is Rollin at home?”

   “Of course,” she assures me. “Where else would he be? You are leaving early in the morning. It wouldn’t cross his mind to stay late. It was so generous of you to invite him to join you. He and Syl have been inseparable since kindergarten. It means the world to him to accompany his best friend to his new home. I heard the Misty Valley is a beautiful place. Congratulations on the upcoming wedding. It was about time.”

   “I know.” I sigh. Small talk. Ugh. Mrs Donahue is talkative. At least, I am not expected to respond to everything she says, so I only add, “The Misty Valley Pack took their sweet time before setting a date. They are about five years late.”

   “So true,” the woman ardently agrees. “Your darling brother had to wait in isolation. No one deserves to be kept in the dark about their future partner for so long. Those royal mating rituals are devastating. I wonder why all this secrecy is necessary. But my husband tells me our precious Syl is a fighter and accepts every inconvenience with dignity. I pray to the Moon for him every night. Let’s hope it is worth the wait. You must be so proud of him. We all are… Oh, Goddess! I am talking too much again. Just a moment. I’ll send for Rolly right away.”

   “Rollyyyy,” she screams at the top of her lungs. “Come here this instant! Alpha Arian wants to talk to you.”

   I grin at the sound of quick stamping feet. He is adorably bad at running. A startled shriek follows a terrible crash and the shattering of ceramics on marble tiles. 

   “My Ming Dynasty vase! Your father will kill me. I made him bid three hundred grands for it at last week’s auction,” the woman shrieks. “How can you be so clumsy?”

   “I’ll fix it, I promise. All it takes is a little instant glue. It was cracked anyway when you brought it,” Rolly retorts. “Ouch! Fuck! I cut my toe… No, mom, stop! You’ll bandage it later. It’s not such a big deal. Give me the phone.”

   I snort and cover my mouth with a hand to stop the laughter. This must be the clumsiest, most jittery, and undoubtedly the cutest Omega in existence. I take a note to send a Ming Dynasty vase to Beta’s house. The destruction of the valuable work of art is ultimately my fault. Beta Donahue is a total penny-pincher, even though he owns thirty percent of the shares in our business. I can’t let the ginger cutie take the blame. A cut toe is more than enough punishment.

   “Alpha?” Sweet, shaky, pleading voice. He always talks to me as if I am approaching only to scold him. It sounds like he begs for forgiveness. I could never understand why. Rolly is the last person I would suspect of breaking a rule. Unfortunately, I can not say the same about that cheeky little brat, my brother. I am actually grateful to his friend for keeping him out of trouble.

   “You will call me Your Highness or Sir. How many times do I have to correct you?” I grumble in response. Shit! That was damn harsh. I hear his breathing quicken. He is petrified.

   I do not want to be rude to him, but it always happens in the end. His presence bothers me. The thing is that when a perfect, pretty, obedient Omega like him calls me Alpha, especially with this particular enticing tone, it implies submission. He was born to be spoiled and protected. It is his nature, and it hits directly in my cock. 

   We are fully compatible. I am not in denial. But I can’t. He is my baby brother’s buddy. We grew up together. The boy is too innocent, almost a family member. So, I keep a distance and play it tough. Let him think of me as an asshole. It’s better for him this way. I will be a king soon. Kings can’t choose. They must do what is best for the pack. Sadly, he is not it. 

  “I am sorry, Alpha… umm… Your… Sir,” Rolly hums. “How can I help?”

   There are a thousand ideas in my head about how he can help me, but I only mutter, “I want to talk about Sylvion. Do you think he is alright?”

   “Yeah, better than ever… fast asleep,” he hurriedly blurts. “I mean, we spoke about an hour ago. He said all was packed, and he was tired… exhausted…almost asleep. That’s all I know… Not a good idea to wake him…”

   “Rolly, this is not an interrogation,” I interrupt him. Wow, I must have been a real jerk lately. The boy is a mess. I don’t like scaring him. “I am just a bit concerned. That’s all. Syl won’t talk to me, so I decided to ask you. It must be damn stressful to know that you will soon see your future husband for the first time.”

   “Nah, he’s chill,” Rolly firmly replies.

   “Don’t tell me you’ve researched his fiancée.” I groan. “If you did… I swear…”

   “No,” he squeaks. “Never! We would never do such a thing.”

   Honestly, it is fucking hard to stay calm with these two. Silvion is very responsible for his duties to the pack, but for everything else, he is a ticking bomb. And his best friend listens to his every word like gospel. If my brother decided to do something stupid, the redhead would certainly help him. It would probably take some serious convincing, but Syl is stubborn and would win in the end.

   I am not superstitious. I don’t believe in the legend that a royal engagement should be left entirely in the hands of the Moon Goddess because she would be angry if the future royal couple saw each other before her blessing. The priestess claims it would mean they do not trust the divine providence, and it would bring doom to their people. Yeah, we still do this in the twenty-first century. Then again, we are half wolf and half human. It is magic, isn’t it? A superior force exists. We just do not fully understand it.

   There remains the political issue as well. The two packs fought for ten years. It was so bad that humans almost discovered our existence. The birth of an Omega Prince was the last hope. The betrothal saved our kind. We cannot afford to ruin it. All the ancient customs must be followed to ensure lasting peace.

   “Rollin Donaghue, I am dead serious,” I slowly and menacingly enunciate. “If you lie to me…”

   “No,” he cries out. “Alpha, I would never lie to you. Syl is ready. He has followed the ritual. We’ve done nothing.”

   “Fine. I believe you.” I rub my eyes in frustration. “We are all too tense. Tomorrow it will all be over.”

   “Alpha,” Rolly quietly utters. “Have you seen him? I mean, the new Valley King? Is he scary and cruel like his father?”

   “I met him,” I answer. I shouldn’t do this. But I love my brother, even though he most likely thinks otherwise. I would never allow him to be hurt, even if it meant war. “Tell Syl there is nothing to worry about. Off you go now. Take care of that toe and go to sleep. And in the name of The Moon Goddess, stop calling me Alpha.”

   “But you are my Alpha,” he whispers.

---

A/N

Hello everyone 😊

Thank you for supporting the story.

What do you think about Arian?

Are Syl and Rolly correct in their opinion of him?

Does Rolly have a chance with his best friend’s brother?

Share your thoughts, ask questions, and criticize if you feel like.

And don’t forget to vote if you liked the chapter.

Thank you! ❤❤❤

Love: Anny

Chapter 5. Here and Now (James)

“Can I ask you something?” The gorgeous Omega is shy and blushing to the tips of his perfect ears. He is cowering in the corner of the elevator. His big, beautiful green eyes are fixed on my face despite his obvious efforts to stop staring. 

   “Sure.” I smile and take a step away from him. It seems that the narrower the space we share, the more nervous he gets. I don’t want him to reconsider his decision to spend more time with me, although it would probably be the best solution. Neither of us should be here.

   “Why did you come to talk to me?” he mumbles.

   “Because I wouldn’t let anyone else near you,” I sincerely answer. “I saw you the moment you walked through the door. So did everybody else. There was no shortage of candidates, as you surely noticed. To put it mildly, none of them were right for you.”

   “Yeah.” He nervously chuckles. “Embarrassing, wasn’t it. I acted like a fool. I want you to know that I am not completely devoid of common sense. This is the first time I have allowed myself to break the rules.”

   “You owe me no explanations,” I reassure him. “I’m not judging. You must have had good reasons to do it.”

   “I do.” A shadow of sadness darkens his eyes for a brief moment. His shoulders slump, but he quickly straightens up and smiles. “I was lucky you were there. Thank you for not leaving me to fend for myself. If it’s not too impolite, I also have a request.”

   “Don’t mention it, pup. It was entirely my pleasure.” I am not going to admit that it was quite a selfish move on my part. He is the prettiest, sweetest Omega I have ever seen. The boy does not realize it. There is no vanity in him. It makes him even more attractive. I couldn’t resist. “You can ask me anything. Tell me.”

   “No personal information,” he constrainedly mutters. “Let’s just be Vee and James and leave the world outside for a few hours. I am sorry. I would love to know you better and be more open, but the circumstances…”

   “It’s fine by me,” I say, saving him from further distress. Without knowing it, he is doing me a favour. I suspect that I have a much greater need for anonymity than him. “You have nothing to worry about.”

   “Thank you.” He sighs in relief and scoots closer, glancing at the small screen that indicates we are halfway to the eleventh floor. “I am a little afraid of elevators. I don’t use them often.”

   This makes me damn curious about him. Who is he? Why did he sneak out of his home to seek company in such a dangerous place? He is visibly in his twenties. How come he is so inexperienced? A stunning Omega like him should have found a mate long ago. Why doesn’t he have a partner? Or maybe he has? I am itching to do some research and find out everything about him. But I shouldn’t. 

   If I knew who he was, nothing would stop me from contacting him again. It is out of the question. I also feel guilty because even laying my eyes on him is terribly wrong, a weakness I should have fought. There is too much at stake to let myself follow my own desires. He is irresistible, but all I can afford is to be with him only here and now. 

   I hold out my hand. He willingly takes it, just in time, as the lift makes a nasty screeching sound. Vee wraps his arm around my waist without a second thought. His chin rests on my chest.

   “Oh, Goddess,” he groans. His warm breath raises goosebumps on my skin. “As if it is not enough that the walls are made of glass and it feels like we are hanging in the air, but now we are going to get stuck as well. This is hazardous. Someone should file a complaint.”

   “It’s okay. It always happens when I pass the eighth floor. The door is probably warped and rubs against the cabin.” I can’t resist the temptation and lean in. My cheek brushes against his silky hair. The sensation is divine. He smells of grass, jasmine, and tulips. It reminds me of the cool, fresh air on an early spring morning. My voice comes out too hoarse. “Hold on. We are almost there.”

   “Oh, sorry.” He apologizes, but his grip tightens. He doesn’t step back until we stop. The doors smoothly slide open in the middle of the huge living room. 

   The lights are out. The space is beautifully illuminated by the night city glow, streaming through a fifteen-foot glass wall. Books and magazines are scattered on the big sectional sofa. My luggage is still in the open suitcase, left on the floor next to the mahogany coffee table. The laptop lies on an armchair with a half-drunk cup of coffee on top of it. It is not particularly tidy, but the traces of my presence make the place more cozy.

   “Wooow,” Vee squeals. He literally runs around the room and ends up leaning on the panoramic wall with his palms and forehead pressed against the glass. “This is awesome. I can see the whole town. What a view.” 

   What a view indeed. I can’t take my eyes off him. He is taller than most of the Omegas I know. Not as thin and fragile as the others. His thighs are plump. His long legs are strong and beautifully shaped. It is a nice surprise. I admire delightful curves when I see them. 

   He is sweet, but in every movement he makes, there is also a visible sensuality waiting to be awakened. One would think he is quite a naive young man. However, he exudes the wisdom of a person with a mission, an important task, which he is determined to fulfill with the necessary stoicism and perseverance.

   “Take off your jacket and make yourself comfortable.” I gesture towards the sofa and start gathering my possessions to make room. “Sorry for the mess. I didn’t expect any guests.”

   “Wait.” Vee pulls a book out of my hand. “The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy. One of my favourites. You like science fiction?”

   “I read everything,” I confess, “from romances to works of philosophy. I don’t have much time, but it’s a passion of mine, so I try to catch up when travelling. I once had to wait a long time stuck in a room and finished an entire math textbook for lack of other options.”

   “Nice, but no thank you.” He flops on the sofa and grins. It seems his distrust is finally gone. “I have too much time for reading. I wish I could travel more. This is going to change soon, though. Umm… my best friend told me I shouldn’t take off my jacket. He offered a lot of other advice that I didn’t follow.”

   “Oh, why not?” I ask. 

   “Because of the pheromones, I guess.” He shrugs. “It doesn’t matter anymore. Either way, I’m here with you.”

   “True. Your pheromones won me over despite the thick layers of clothing.” I burst into laughter.  He blushes profusely. Too cute for his own good. “Your friend is a wise man. You should listen to him more.”

   “Stop it.” Vee hides his face again. “I think I’ll stay quiet for a while.”

   “Please, don’t,” I sit next to him. “Your voice is lovely. I love to hear it. What do you feel like doing? They have a great collection of movies here. And since you won’t be visiting any other shady places tonight, I think we could have another drink.”

   “This place feels safe.” He says it as a statement, but it sounds like a question. 

   His eyes are studying my face. His lips part as he takes a sharp breath. Seduction seems to be his natural talent. I am dying to kiss him, but it would be a disaster. It is a torture to hold back. Goddes, I really need that drink. 

   “Let’s pick a movie,” I rasp, reaching for the phone. “I’ll order some food and a bottle of wine. Any preferences?”

   “Great,” he mumbles and slowly slides the jacket down his arms, keeping his gaze focused on me. “Now I realise that I am starving. How about Tuscan Merlot and medium rare steaks?”

   Little devil. I am almost certain that a faint smirk is playing on his lips. He got me, and he knows it.

---

A/N

Hello everyone 😊

Thank you for supporting the story.

Syl is safe with James.

But do you think James is safe with the cheeky prince?

Share your thoughts, ask questions, and criticize if you feel like.

And don’t forget to vote if you liked the chapter.

Thank you! ❤❤❤

Love: Anny

Chapter 6. A Solid Plan (James)

[Trigger warning - mild descriptions of meat eating and hunting]

   If Vee’s delicate looks and pretty face could trick someone into thinking he has nothing to do with one of the most dangerous predators in nature, the sight before me would quickly dispel such a naive delusion. Give a hungry wolf pup a pile of juicy steaks and watch. I don’t have a fetish, but this definitely fills me with all kinds of excitement. A healthy appetite is damn hot. The boy has me spellbound.

   Completely ignoring the cutlery, he grabs a whole piece of meat and sinks his pearly teeth into it with an expression of such delight that my mouth starts watering. His pink tongue scoops the drops of sauce that trickle down his bottom lip. He casts an apologetic glance at me and mumbles, “Sowee.”

   “Huh?” I smile and take a sip of wine, trying to cover up the fact that I was staring at him so intently I didn’t even hear what he said.

   “I am sorry,” he repeats after swallowing the big chunk. “My table manners are awful. When I think of all the money my parents spent on etiquette tutors… If mom sees this… I mean, I have to follow strict rules most of the time. It’s really nice to eat without thinking about which fork is the correct one and how to place the napkin.”

   “It’s lovely that you enjoy food,” I sincerely praise him. “I like to use my fingers, too. Just for the pleasure of watching you, I would gladly fetch a live deer for you to chase. I suppose you like hunting.”

   “What?” Vee loudly giggles. “Am I expected to eat it afterwards as well? Are you crazy? That’s savage. Do people still go for things like that? I thought no one shifted anymore. I’ve only done it twice in my twenty-five years, for the coming-of-age ceremonies. Can’t say I was thrilled to be in the wolf form. It felt super strange. Hunt down a deer… Oh, my Goddess! Conservation organizations will expose us in no time, and we’ll end up in a human laboratory.”

   “Deer is not an endangered species in our latitudes.” I refill his glass and push the second plate towards him. It seems he hasn’t eaten all day. “They are game animals. Humans hunt them. No one finds it suspicious when wolves do the same. And yes, I like hunting. The dense forests are teeming with life where I live. How come you don’t shift? You need to release all that pent-up energy. And why did you have to learn etiquette? Do you visit the palace often?”

   “Whoa.” He raises his hands in front of him like an imaginary protective wall. “That’s a lot of personal information. I guess I brought it upon myself. Don’t be mad, but I can’t answer your questions, at least not all of them.”

   “I can never be mad at you,” I quickly assure him. “I apologize. You have a fascinating personality. Enigmatic, I would say. The urge to learn more about you comes naturally. It wasn’t on purpose. No more questions, I promise. Have some more food. I’m not hungry at all.”

   “Thank you.” He grabs another stake, but stops before biting into it. His hesitation is obvious. He finally states, “I live in the palace. There is no point in hiding it. I think you have already come to this conclusion.”

   “Well, it crossed my mind that you might be of noble origin,” I confirm. “It’s well-known that only the royal clan and their relatives have this distinctive, beautiful silver hair. Honestly, it never occurred to me that you were from the palace. You must be very resourceful to pass the guards there without being noticed. That also means your wolf is white, right?”

   “Yeah.” He nods. His cheeks turn bright red. “I’m only a distant cousin, though. The king likes to keep us all under one roof. Unfortunately, it doesn’t save me from the formal dinners I am obliged to attend from time to time.”

   “I see.” I nervously run my fingers through my hair. Shit! This Omega is full of surprises. Some of them are a bit shocking.

   I knew I was playing with fire when I invited him to my hotel, but now I realize how dangerous this encounter actually is. I must have lost my mind. What is wrong with me? How could I give in? I should have sent him home as soon as we stepped on the street. It was my original plan. Then he started begging…

   I clear my throat, hiding the tension in my voice. “Vee, this is not a good idea. You shouldn’t be here.”

   “I know.” His emerald eyes find mine. I am not able to escape his pure, alluring gaze. He licks his lips and scoots closer. Something weird is going on. My nostrils catch a subtle aroma of vanilla and lemon, mixed with the familiar scent of grass, jasmine, and tulips. My body is warming up. The desire to touch him is overwhelming. I need to feel his skin under my fingers. His voice is shaky. “It doesn’t matter who I am. We have an agreement. No one will ever know about this. Don’t make me leave.”

   “We need some fresh air.” I jump up from the sofa and stride as far away from him as possible. The strong aromatic mix is clouding my mind. The friking window is stuck. I fling the terrace door wide open. The sea breeze cools my burning face.

   This is not an ordinary attraction. I would not be so incapable of saying no to him if it were. What bothers me the most is the taste of cocoa, malt, and dark chocolate in my mouth. If that is what I think it is, I am in deep shit. It would be stupid to spend another minute with him. 

   A member of the ruling clan is in my hotel room a day before the royal wedding of the century. How did this happen? I am a determined person. I make decisions as quickly as a wink. But this valuable quality of mine is betraying me when I need it the most. I am defeated by the charm of an Omega I barely know. I groan in exasperation. Why is it so difficult to tell him to leave?

   “James?” He sounds disappointed and sad. It makes me desperate. I want to make him happy.

   “Let me take a quick shower and change. I’ve been wearing this shirt the whole day.” I point a finger at him. “You stay here. We’ll watch a movie when I come back.”

   “Awesome.” A radiant smile replaces his gloomy expression. “You are the best.”

   Am I? I am putting everything I have accomplished in my entire life at risk. Vee may not know it, but I am exposing even his people to danger. And yet I cannot send him away. This is madness. I shouldn’t have come to this city. I shouldn’t have visited that bar. My weakness is pissing me off. I am not used to being driven by emotions. It sucks.

   I enter the bathroom and lock the door behind me, as if that will somehow stop the fire torturing my body and make me do the right thing. The water is freezing. I almost hear the sizzling as it touches my skin. I slide to the floor and let it pour over me until I start shivering from the cold. 

   The fever subsides. My mind is clearing up. It is not such a big deal. If I am careful, Vee may never find out that we are compatible. Omegas experience the effects of compatibility more dramatically, but they can not sense it as quickly as the Alphas. They need more intense skin-to-skin contact, which, of course, I will avoid. It is obvious that he is attracted to me, but I still do not see any signs of increased gland activity. If I keep my distance, this will remain a wonderful evening in great company and nothing more.

   This is a solid plan. I can do it. No one will get hurt. 

   With renewed determination, I pull on one of the fluffy blue robes provided by the hotel and reach for the door handle. Vee’s phone rings. He is two rooms away, but the apartment is quiet. I can hear every word he says. 

   “Stop freaking out,” he insists. “Why would he wake me up? … It means nothing. I know that he doesn’t call you often, but considering the circumstances… No, he knows nothing… Yeah, I am sure… Of course, I am fine… I am not telling you where I am… I’ll be there on time. Go to sleep. Bye.”

   So someone knows he has sneaked out of the palace, and that person is worried about him. It must be the friend he told me about. I am glad Vee can count on his support. He didn’t mention anything about me or the hotel, although they seem close. There is a pretty good chance that my plan will succeed.

   I finally decide that I’ve got myself under control enough to get out of the bathroom. My body is still a little stressed from the raging hormones. I choose a black t-shirt and soft cotton pants, which feel good on my sensitive skin.

   “Hey, what took you so long?” Vee is reclining comfortably on the sofa, propped on his elbow. His hoodie has come off, revealing a beautiful, smooth shoulder. He is scrolling on the phone, occasionally puffing to blow away the strands that fall in front of his eyes. “Can we order popcorn and ice cream? Sorry, I finished the steaks.”

   “Anything you want, pup.” Goddess, help me.

---

A/N

Hello everyone 😊

Thank you for supporting the story.

It seems both Syl and James are perfectly aware that being together is a bad idea.

We know Syl’s reasons to be nervous.

But why do you think James is suddenly so worried upon learning that Vee is one of the royal cousins?

Did he believe the lie?

Is his solid plan going to work?

Share your thoughts, ask questions, and criticize if you feel like.

And don’t forget to vote if you liked the chapter.

Thank you! ❤❤❤

Love: Anny