2. Colton

Colton Sterling satin his sprawling office, a temple of dark wood and leather that seemed to echo with the weight of decisions made within its walls. The view from the floor-to-ceiling windows revealed a city pulsating with life, a stark contrast to the solitude he felt amidst his empire.

His assistant, a middle-aged beta named Emma with an impeccable sense of time and priority, hovered nearby, tapping away on a tablet. Colton barely glanced at her as he signed documents, each one an affirmation of his power and responsibility.

"That"s the last of them, sir," Emma said as she collected the papers.

Colton nodded, dismissing her with a wave.

Once the door clicked shut behind Emma, Colton leaned back in his chair, his gaze drifting over the cityscape as he contemplated the monotony that had become his life—endless work with fleeting moments of satisfaction.

His life had become a never-ending cycle of work and responsibility, and he longed for something, anything, to break that monotony. He needed to let loose again, to indulge in that reckless behavior with Jaxon, as they often did when they felt the need to escape their respective duties.

He shifted his attention and frowned at the pile of files needing his review. He sighed, massaging his forehead as he felt the tension escalating. The pristine glass tumbler of scotch sitting on his desk beckoned him. Colton reached for it, downing it in one go, hoping it would help alleviate some of his fatigue. It did, and he continued working, losing himself in the endless tasks that consumed the day.

As CEO of Sterling Enterprises, there was always more to do—proposals to review, contracts to approve, and meetings to prepare for. The work never ended.

Two hours later, he finally leaned back, rubbing his eyes. He loosened his tie and stared blankly out the window.

He needed a good fucking, preferably with a gorgeous alpha or beta. Not omega. Never an omega. Their pheromone was just too intoxicating for him during sex, leading him to lose all reasoning and control, and Colton liked to be in control.

Noticing how dark it had gotten, he checked his watch—seven o"clock. His employees had long gone home to their families and lives outside the office. Here he remained, alone again.

He stood and walked to the bar cart in the corner, pouring himself another glass of Scotch. He swirled the amber liquid as he gazed out at the city lights twinkling below.

What he wouldn"t give to break free from the daily grind. To escape the tedium and responsibilities that chained him to his desk, the same obligations that had been thrust upon him and his siblings and cousins when they were just youngsters, binding them to the Sterling Dynasty. He craved excitement, a departure from the ceaseless conventions and dull tasks, a shift in rhythm, even if fleeting. Naturally, the kind of thrill he and Jaxon craved was always unconventional and unhinged, not what the average person would deem suitable. It was the type that the exceedingly affluent wouldn"t think twice about upon hearing.

The door swung open, and Jaxon sauntered in with his characteristic swagger.

"Holy shit!" the younger twin said, flashing a grin that seemed to light up the room. "You look like you need rescuing from your own life."

Colton raised an eyebrow but said nothing.

Jaxon collapsed into one of the leather chairs across from Colton's desk, casual in his intrusion. "Here once again, you work late into the evening. What a hardworking brother you are."

Colton sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. "You"re looking excited. What"s up?"

Jaxon"s smile broadened, his gaze sparkling with mirth. As he casually draped one leg over the other, he said, "I"ve been busting my tail, being the COO of this godforsaken Sterling Enterprises, because letting down my boss isn"t an option." His eyes locked meaningfully with Colton"s.

Colton arched an eyebrow. Strictly speaking, he wasn"t Jaxon"s superior, but his role as CEO placed him above his brother in the hierarchy, prompting Jaxon"s playful references to him as the chief. It was a post he had taken over from their grandfather, Matthew Sterling. The old fogy was contentedly retired now, living without a care in his multimillion-dollar abode on his isle in the Caribbean.

"Exhausted and disheartened, I resigned myself to another afternoon toiling away, until Mike waltzed in and surprised me with these." Jaxon gestured and revealed a pair of opulent-looking cards.

"And they are?" Colton asked.

"Invitations, my dear brother," Jaxon said. "To an exclusive party."

"Whose party?"

"Why, Roman"s, of course," Jaxon said. "So, you coming? It"s next Saturday."

"I"ll pass," Colton said. "Like I do every time that pompous ass throws one of his exclusive events."

Roman was an egotistic alpha who loved flaunting his wealth and status. His parties were flexing contests for the city's rich and powerful alphas, all preening peacocks showing off. Colton wanted no part of it.

Jaxon gave him an exasperated look. "Come on, it'll be a good time. Open bar and tons of hot girls. What more could you want?"

"A root canal?" Colton retorted. "I'd rather do anything than spend time with Roman and his cronies."

"Don't be such a killjoy," Jaxon said. "We never go out anymore. It's just work and sleep, day after day. Okay, not always just work and sleep. There"s eating, too, and you love your fine food and an even finer wine. Oh, and the occasional three- or foursome with women from bars. But what I mean is, don't you miss having some actual fun? Don"t you miss our fun?"

Of course, Colton longed to admit how much he yearned for their shared excitement. He pined for the wild escapades, the exhilaration of pursuit, and the euphoria of triumph.

He said, "And why would you want to go?"

Jaxon grinned wickedly. "Because it"s an opportunity for us to let loose," he said with a mischievous glint in his eye. "Come on, Colt. We both know you"re at your limit."

Indeed, Colton was nearing his breaking point. It was only a matter of time before endurance gave way and his primal self would shatter the restraints, unleashing chaos.

A rap came at the door, and upon Colton"s "Enter," Emma came in.

Jaxon said, flabbergasted, "You"ve got Emma here at this hour? It"s practically eight. I kicked Mike out the moment the clock struck five. You"re a terrible boss, Colt."

Emma said to Jaxon, "It"s only seven fifteen, Mr. Sterling. I was merely concluding some final tasks." Turning to Colton, she said, "I was on my way out when I noticed this." She extended to Colton an elegant envelope adorned with gold. "I presumed it was urgent and required your prompt attention, sir."

Colton accepted the envelope, gazing at its ornate detail.

"Have a good night, Mr. Sterlings," Emma said. With acknowledgments from both men, she exited.

As soon as the door closed, Jaxon rose and positioned himself beside Colton"s desk. "What"s inside?"

Colton carefully unsealed the envelope, revealing a pair of invitations.

Jaxon let out a low whistle, his gaze fixed on the exquisite item.

"Trimmed and written in gold," he said, picking up the one bearing his name. "I take offense they didn"t mail mine straight to me, just to cut corners on a fancy envelope. Stingy bastards." He flipped it to read the reverse side. An eyebrow arched in surprise. "An invitation to attend an exclusive Alpha Gold Club gathering as honored guests, and it"s set for next Saturday."

"The Alpha Gold Club," Colton said with a hint of recognition in his voice. They were renowned, a name familiar to the elite. A secretive society that auctioned off attractive young men and women to the extraordinarily wealthy and celebrated, all under the pretense of philanthropy. While Colton hadn"t attended one personally, tales from those who had reached his ears.

Jaxon said, "Is this a no, too?"

"It"s a no," Colton replied.

Jaxon sighed. "Dammit! It looks like hitting the bar and picking up some ladies again. What a chore."

Colton scoffed, aware that the task was anything but burdensome. The two of them were undeniably attractive, their mere presence, and scent, enough to draw women, along with certain men, regardless of their status as alpha, beta, or omega, clamoring for a moment of their attention.

Jaxon looked thoughtful for a moment and then said, "Colt?"

Colton stared at his brother and knew where this was going. He could see the gleam in Jaxon"s eyes. He said, "Not interested."

Undeterred, Jaxon pushed on. "Come on, when was the last time we did something crazy together?"

Colton"s resistance waned under Jaxon"s persistent charm; however, he wasn"t ready to concede just yet. "I have responsibilities," he said flatly.

Jaxon laughed, a sound that seemed to mock the very concept of duty. "And when don"t you? Let"s shake off this boredom."

Colton frowned at the word boredom. It was too simple a term for the weariness that clung to his bones, a weariness born from expectations and obligations that never seemed to end.

Jaxon moved closer, eyes alight with mischief. "Imagine it, two Sterling alphas at one event. They won"t know what hit them. And you said you"d rather do anything than spend time with Roman and his cronies."

Colton"s lips twitched despite himself. Jaxon"s enthusiasm was infectious. And he was certainly quick to use Colton"s words against him.

"You"re impossible," Colton finally admitted.

Jaxon clapped him on the shoulder. "That"s why you need me. I"m your other half."

Colton hesitated for a moment before relenting. "Fine," he said grudgingly. "Fuck, it better be worth my while."

Jaxon chuckled. "Now, how about dinner? I"m starved."

* * *

Colton was feelingrelaxed and content after the exquisite meal he had just enjoyed with Jaxon at a three-Michelin-star restaurant. The buttery Wagyu beef practically melted on his tongue, paired impeccably with a bold Barolo that complemented the rich flavors. Even the dessert—a silken crème br?lée—was sheer perfection, the crack of the burnt sugar top sending a spike of satisfaction through him.

The luxurious meal had been a welcome respite from their usual routine, and Colton had savored every morsel, but now his mind was focused on getting home. As they stepped out onto the bustling city street, the cool night air caressed their faces. Colton loosened his tie, already dreaming of the scotch he would enjoy while unwinding in his study.

Jaxon, ever the impulsive one, said, "Colt, you fancy a quick stop at that cozy little café I spotted earlier? It"s just around the corner."

Colton hesitated for a moment. He was eager to get home and unwind after the long day, but he couldn"t deny his brother"s infectious enthusiasm, and as always, he found it difficult to deny Jaxon much. "Fine," he relented with a sigh. "Lead the way."

They entered the café, a quaint but dreary space with only a few patrons scattered at the tables. Colton wrinkled his nose slightly, the lighting too harsh and décor lacking any flair. This was certainly not their typical haunt.

As they approached the counter, a young woman emerged from the back, her lower face obscured by a mask. Colton studied her intently, noting the smooth skin and dark, lustrous hair pulled back in a ponytail. Even with the mask, he detected an elusive sweetness in her scent, though he couldn"t quite place the aroma.

"One coffee, please. Black," Jaxon ordered briskly.

The woman—Delcy, according to her name tag—nodded and turned to prepare the drink. Colton watched her graceful movements, a contrast to the otherwise dull surroundings. He found himself curiously drawn to her, though he wasn"t sure why. Perhaps it was the hint of weariness in her eyes or the way she carried herself with quiet dignity even in the mundane task.

When she came to their table with the coffee, Colton inhaled sharply, the proximity intensifying her sweet scent. It teased him, stirring a raw need he fought to suppress. His inner alpha recognized that alluring fragrance, though his rational mind rebelled against the implication.

Delcy. An unusual name. He rolled it around in his thoughts as Jaxon doctored his coffee. An uncomfortable heat was spreading through Colton"s body, his instincts threatening to override reason. He needed to get out of there. Now.

"Hurry up and drink," he muttered tersely to Jaxon.

His brother glanced at him in surprise but didn"t object. He downed the coffee in several gulps.

"Let"s go," he bit out, already up and striding toward the exit.

Once outside in the cool night air, Colton drew in a deep breath, trying to clear his head. To steady his pounding heart and tamp down the unwelcome desires. Desires he refused to acknowledge, much less act upon.

Jaxon was watching him curiously but had the sense not to pry. Colton was grateful for that. Without a word exchanged between them, they headed toward their respective cars.

Colton"s arrival at his penthouse was a silent affair. The door swung open at his approach, revealing the austere face of his butler, Hawkins, who bowed slightly in greeting.

"Welcome home, Mr. Sterling," he said, his voice a low rumble of respect and deference. The elderly beta had been in service to the Sterlings for decades and was unflappable in his decorum.

Colton gave a curt nod in return, not trusting himself to speak. He shrugged off his jacket and handed it over without breaking stride. The butler accepted it with practiced ease, disappearing to hang it in the cloakroom.

Colton strode into the foyer, the cool marble floor a welcome contrast to the heat coursing through his veins.

Mrs. Danvers, the housekeeper, emerged from the depths of the penthouse with a warm smile that crinkled the corners of her eyes. Like Hawkins, she was a beta who had dedicated her life to the Sterling family, her loyalty and discretion beyond reproach.

"I"ve prepared your room for the night," she said. "And there"s a fresh batch of lemon water in the fridge."

"Thanks," he said, though his mind was elsewhere, on a scent that lingered on him, a fragrance that refused to be ignored.

Struggling to rein in the primal urges simmering beneath the surface, he headed for the sanctuary of his bedroom.

His master suite was an opulent space that catered to every comfort and whim—a king-sized bed that beckoned invitingly, a sitting area with plush leather chairs, and floor-to-ceiling windows that framed the city"s twinkling lights like a masterful painting.

He paused at those windows, gazing down at the urban sprawl below. From up here, everything seemed distant and muted, every problem reduced to nothing more than flickering lights against the dark canvas of night.

Colton closed his eyes as he focused on steadying his breathing. But closing his eyes only intensified the memories, of delicate hands preparing coffee, of dark hair framing beguiling eyes, and most dangerously, of that sweet, intoxicating scent.

Cursing under his breath, he turned on his heel and began shedding his clothes as he headed for the shower.

The steam soon clouded the mirrors as hot water cascaded over him. He let out a long breath as he felt his muscles relax under the spray, but it wasn"t enough to ease the tightness in his chest or quell the heat coursing through him.

As he lathered soap over his body, he couldn"t help but remember Delcy and her intoxicating scent that now clung to him like a second skin. It haunted him, teasing him and stirring an instinctual reaction deep within. His mind drifted back to her, to the way she moved, the softness of her skin, and that elusive fragrance that seemed to call to him on a primal level. He groaned softly as his hand found its way between his legs, mindlessly stroking himself as memories of her flooded his mind.

But then something clicked in his head—he was going into a rut. The sudden realization jolted him out of his trance, and he quickly worked on cooling the heat within him.

He switched the dial, turning it to cold. The icy water was a shock to his system, but it helped clear the haze of desire, at least a little. He braced his hands against the marble tiles, letting the spray sluice down his back as he wrestled with himself.

Ah, fuck! Colton refused to even think it. He had sworn off omegas years ago, for good reason. He would never again allow himself to lose control. The consequences had been too grave.

He rinsed off quickly, wanting to rid himself of her scent but finding it only embedded deeper into his memory with each attempt to wash it away.

After the shower, he toweled off and pulled on black silk pajama bottoms. The cold water had tamped down his arousal, but remnants persisted, keeping him on edge. Grimacing in frustration, he went through his nightly routine. But as he applied moisturizer, he caught a whiff of something sweet clinging to his skin. Her scent, he was sure of it. Delcy"s scent seemed to have permeated him, despite his efforts to wash it away.

Clenching his jaw, Colton stalked into the bedroom and flung back the covers on his massive bed, the sheets cool and smooth against his heated skin. He stared up at the ceiling, willing his mind to quiet, but it refused to cooperate.

Unbidden images arose—Delcy"s graceful neck as she prepared the coffee and the tempting curve of her body under the shapeless uniform. An unwelcome heat began pooling in his groin, again.

"Fuck!" he snarled, sitting up abruptly. This wouldn"t do. He needed to take stronger measures before things got out of hand.

Crossing the room, he unlocked the top drawer of his dresser to retrieve an unmarked pill bottle. It contained suppressants, specially formulated to counteract the rut triggered when an alpha encountered the pheromones of an omega. He hadn"t needed them in years. Until now.

Colton shook out one of the pills and swallowed it dry, grimacing at the bitter taste. He stood there, waiting for the suppressant to take effect, for the feverish need to abate. For Delcy"s scent to fade, along with the dangerous thoughts it provoked.

After several minutes, he began to feel calmer, more in control of himself. The suppressant was working. With a sigh of relief, Colton climbed back into bed, stretching out atop the luxurious Egyptian cotton sheets. He focused on taking deep, even breaths, willing his body to relax.

As he stared out the wall of windows overlooking the twinkling cityscape, his thoughts drifted involuntarily back to Delcy—her gentle movements as she served coffee, her scent... God, her scent was something else entirely.

Despite himself, Colton imagined what it would be like to have her close—so close he could feel her breath against his skin, so close he could explore every inch of her with hands and mouth, so close he could lose himself in her completely.

It was a dangerous line of thought, one that Colton rarely allowed himself to entertain. Yet tonight, fueled by lingering pheromones and suppressed desires held at bay for too long, he found himself indulging in fantasies about an omega who had somehow managed to slip past his defenses.

His heartbeat thrummed in his ears as he envisioned Delcy beneath him, her eyes wide with desire as they locked on to his own gaze, her soft moans filling the room as they moved together in perfect rhythm, her fingers clutching at him as if she never wanted to let go.

He imagined tracing his fingers over her delicate collarbone, tangling them in her silky dark hair. What would she look like with that ponytail undone, locks spilling wildly across his pillows?

Sense came to him once again, and Colton gritted his teeth, forcing those thoughts away. She was an omega; her scent made that clear. And he had no place in his life for an omega. With effort, he redirected his thoughts to the mundane—upcoming meetings, quarterly financial reports, employee issues requiring his attention.

Gradually, Colton felt his eyelids growing heavy as the suppressant worked its magic, subduing his alpha instincts, dulling the edge of urgency that had gripped him since leaving the café. Delcy"s scent and the desire it provoked were fading away, much to his relief. He needed to forget her. She was nobody. Just a server in a random café, meaningless to him and his world.

As Colton finally drifted off to sleep, visions of Delcy still danced in his head. He murmured her name as he slipped into slumber, unable to fully banish her from his dreams. Though he fought to deny it, she had sparked something within him, dangerous yet irresistible.