Chapter 2

Marco

As I took in the sight of the young man wriggling in my grasp, I realized two things simultaneously: one, he was fucking gorgeous; and two, he was most definitely an omega in heat. His scent was intoxicating, sweet, and musky, filling my nostrils and making my cock twitch eagerly beneath my jeans. Fuck, I wanted him. Badly. But there was no way I would act on those urges, not without knowing why he was here, trespassing on Nightshade territory like this.

He stopped struggling when he saw the look in my eyes, his own widening in fear as realization set in. Good. At least he understood the gravity of his situation. I loosened my grip further, just enough to let him turn around and face me properly, but not enough to risk him trying to bolt again. Couldn't let that happen.

"What's your name, kid?"I continued, keeping my voice firm yet calm. No use scaring him more than necessary. He was scared enough as he was already.

He swallowed hard, Adam's apple bobbing nervously before he spoke."Lucas. Lucas Chen."

Christ, even his voice was adorable, soft, and slightly pitched, sending unwanted shivers down my spine. I needed to focus, dammit.

"And what brings you to Nightshade territory, Lucas Chen?"I inquired, releasing him completely and taking a step back to put some distance between us. Not that it helped much; his scent still lingered, clouding my judgment. It was everywhere.

"I-I didn't mean to,"he stammered, rubbing his wrists where my fingers had been moments ago."My friend and I, we were looking for somewhere private to ride out my heat. We didn't know we were crossing into someone else's land."Lie. Total lie. But I didn't call him out on it yet.

"Uh-huh,"I said instead, folding my arms across my chest."And where's this 'friend' of yours now?" I had to know everything about him.

He shifted uncomfortably under my gaze, looking away briefly before meeting my stare again."Back at the cabin. She's waiting for me."

Something about his wording struck me as odd, but I brushed it aside for later contemplation. Right now, I needed more information from him.

"How long do you plan on staying here, Lucas?"I pressed, watching his reactions.

He shrugged."Not sure. Until my heat passes, I guess."

Fuck. That could take days. Days spent smelling his delicious aroma, fighting the urge to claim him... My cock throbbed painfully at the thought, and I adjusted myself discreetly, hoping he hadn't noticed my predicament.

"Why so far from home?"I continued, needing to keep him talking until I figured out what to do with him.

Another shrug."It's complicated. Family issues. I needed space."

I raised an eyebrow."Space? Or escape?"

His cheeks flushed pink, giving him away despite his attempt to maintain composure. Yeah, he'd run away alright. But from what or whom? I was still suspicious about his answers.

Before I could probe deeper, a twig snapped nearby, drawing our attention toward the sound. A group of men emerged from the shadows, faces stern and weapons drawn. Shit. My men must've heard us talking and come to investigate.

"What do we have here, boss?"One of them asked, eyeing Lucas warily.

"New arrival,"I answered shortly, signaling for them to lower their guns."Found him wandering alone in the woods."

Their gazes flicked back to Lucas, assessing him openly. Too openly. Jealousy surged through me, possessiveness rearing its ugly head. Mine. He's mine. I barely managed to rein it in before anyone noticed.

"We should bring him back to headquarters,"another suggested, licking his lips unconsciously as he caught wind of Lucas' scent."Find out who he really is."

"No,"I snapped sharply, earning confused looks from my crew."He stays with me. For now."

They exchanged glances, clearly surprised by my order but wise enough not to question it. Smart move on their part—nobody wanted to tangle with me when I was protective over something... or someone.

"You heard me,"I added firmly, turning back to Lucas."You're coming with me."

"I'm not going anywhere with you,"he declared firmly, crossing his arms over his chest. Stubborn little thing.

I raised an eyebrow at his sudden boldness."Oh yeah? And why do you think you can do that?"

His chin jutted out stubbornly, eyes flashing with challenge."Because it's ridiculous! You're telling me I can't stay where I am? That I have to leave with someone I don't know, just because you say so?"

Fair point, actually. Not that I'd ever admit it to him. Instead, I folded my arms mirroring his stance, staring him down until he squirmed.

"Look, kid,"I began,"I understand your concern-"

"No, you don't!"he snapped heatedly, surprising both of us with his vehemence."You have no idea what it's like for omegas like me. Always hiding, always running, never able to trust anyone-"

He broke off abruptly, realizing perhaps he'd revealed more than intended. Too late; curiosity piqued, I pressed further.

"What do you mean, 'omegas like you'?"I asked casually, watching closely for any signs of deceit or evasion.

Lucas bit his lip, hesitation clear in those expressive eyes. Then, sighing heavily, he gave in."Never mind. Just... please, let me stay here. Or take me back to my friend. Don't separate us."

He was loyal to his companion. Respectable quality, especially considering their situation. But still not good enough reason for him to disobey my orders.

"Not happening,"I stated flatly, shaking my head."Not until I've got more answers from you."

"But-"he started protesting, only to stop when I took a step closer, crowding his personal space again.

"No means no,"I reminded sternly."Now come along quietly, or... well, let's just say I won't enjoy having to carry you kicking and screaming."

Fear flashed across his features once more, but he nodded nonetheless, accepting defeat gracefully. As we made our way through the forest, following the familiar path leading back to my place, I couldn't help stealing glances at him every few seconds. Goddamn, he was beautiful. Long lashes framing large, dark eyes; full lips pursed anxiously; smooth skin begging to be touched...

Stop it, Marco, I chided myself internally. You don't know anything about him yet. Could be dangerous. Could be lying. And either way, he's too young for you. Way too fucking young.

But even as logic tried reasoning with desire, my body refused to listen. Every cell within me screamed 'mine,' demanding I stake my claim, mark him, and make him irrevocably ours right at this moment. It took all my willpower to resist the instincts clawing at my insides, urging me to throw caution to the wind and give in to temptation.

We reached my estate soon after, the grand building looming ahead like a beacon amidst the darkness. Lucas paused briefly, taking in the sight with wide-eyed wonder before allowing himself to be led inside without protest.

"This way,"I instructed gruffly, guiding him up the stairs and straight into my bedroom. If he thought that was weird, he kept it to himself, simply standing there awkwardly while I closed the door behind us.

"So..."he began hesitantly, shifting from foot to foot."What happens now?"

Good question. What did happen now? I wasn't entirely sure myself. All I knew was that I couldn't let him leave just yet, not until I figured out why he was really here and whether he posed any threat to my territory or people.

"Now,"I started slowly, choosing my words carefully,"you tell me everything. Starting with why you're really here, and ending with who sent you."

His expression darkened instantly, suspicion replacing fear momentarily."I told you-"

"Not good enough,"I cut him off harshly, stepping closer until he backed away instinctively."Try again."

He swallowed hard, pressing himself against the wall as if seeking refuge from my intense scrutiny. Little did he know, running only made me want to chase harder.

"I-I'm serious,"he insisted weakly, avoiding my gaze."My friend and I just wanted somewhere safe to stay during my heat. We didn't mean any harm."

Bullshit. Total bullshit. But pushing wouldn't get me anywhere right now. Not unless I wanted to scare him senseless. Which, admittedly, I kinda did. The caveman part of me reveled in seeing him cower under my dominance, eager to see how much further I could push him.

"Alright,"I conceded reluctantly, backing off slightly."Let's say I believe you. For now. But understand this, Lucas: Nightshade territory isn't some place to mess around lightly. There are rules here, consequences for breaking them."

He nodded, looking appropriately chastised. Good boy.

"And just like everybody else,"I continued,"you have to follow those rules. To obey orders given by me or my men. Got it?"

More nodding, more obedience. Fuck, that felt good. Made me want to test his limits, see how far he'd bend for me.

"But first,"I said, softer this time, watching his shoulders relax infinitesimally."Tell me about yourself. Who are you, Lucas Chen?"

A small smile tugged at the corners of his mouth, surprising me. Cute.

"Just a college student,"he replied casually, tucking a strand of hair behind his ear."Studying art history. Normal stuff."

Normal stuff? Nothing about him seemed normal to me. Everything felt different, heightened somehow since meeting him. Even breathing seemed harder, each inhale filling my lungs with more of his sweet scent than they could handle.

"And what really brings an art student to our neck of the woods?"I insisted, trying desperately to keep the conversation flowing naturally despite my racing thoughts.

He shrugged nonchalantly."Like I said, needed space. Somewhere quiet to work on my projects undisturbed."He was consistent, at least, with his lies.

Before I could delve deeper, a soft whimper escaped his lips, drawing my attention immediately. His face flushed pink, embarrassment clear in those big doe eyes.

"What's wrong?"I asked gently, resisting the urge to reach out and touch him comfortingly. Barely.

"My heat,"he mumbled, avoiding eye contact."It's starting early."

Fuck. That meant his suppressants weren't working properly anymore. Or maybe he hadn't taken them regularly. Either way, it put him in a vulnerable position, one I shouldn't take advantage of. Yet, goddammit, I still wanted to. Badly.

"We should get you settled then,"I managed to say instead, gesturing towards the en-suite bathroom connected to my room."There are supplies in there - towels, blankets... whatever else you might need."

He hesitated briefly before heading inside, leaving the door open a crack. I leaned against the wall opposite, listening intently as water ran and fabric rustled, imagining him stripping down, revealing that creamy skin inch by inch...

Down, boy, I ordered silently, adjusting myself discreetly once more. No matter how tempting, no matter how much I wanted to storm in there and ravish every inch of him, I had to maintain control. Had to protect him, keep him safe until we sorted things out between us.

When he finally emerged, wrapped tightly in one of my fluffy robes, I barely managed to contain my groan. Jesus Christ, even covered head-to-toe, he looked fuckable. And when he climbed onto my bed, curling up beneath the covers like a kitten seeking warmth, all rational thoughts flew out the window.

Mine. Mine, mine, mine. My cock throbbed painfully, straining against my jeans as primal instincts roared to life within me. Claim him. Mark him. Make him yours forever.

But I held back. Somehow, miraculously, I resisted the overpowering urges threatening to consume me completely. Because despite everything screaming otherwise, something deep down told me that rushing into anything with Lucas would be a mistake. A huge fucking mistake.

So instead of pouncing on him like the animal I felt like, I turned away, forcing myself to focus on anything but the temptation lying mere feet away.

"You'll sleep here tonight,"I announced gruffly, moving towards the door."We'll figure out tomorrow together."

He murmured something softly in response, too low for me to hear clearly. Probably 'goodnight,' most likely thanking me. Whatever it was, it made my heart clench unexpectedly, stirring feelings long forgotten, buried deep after years of solitude and violence.

As I stepped outside, closing the door firmly behind me, I couldn't help glancing back one last time. He was already curled up under the blankets, eyes closed, lashes casting shadows across his cheeks. Sleeping peacefully, blissfully unaware of the turmoil raging within me.

Tomorrow, I promised silently, turning away resolutely. Tomorrow, we'd talk again. Sort shit out. Figure out who exactly Lucas Chen really was, and where he truly belonged.

Until then, though... until then, I allowed myself one moment of weakness, leaning my forehead against the cool wood separating us, inhaling deeply through my nose until his scent filled every corner of my being again.

Mine. All mine.