Adrian's days after the visit to the Duke's palace were restless. Everywhere he turned, whispers seemed to follow. Some Omegas giggled and teased, wondering why Duke Rylan had singled him out at the differentiation party. Others sneered, muttering that he was too plain, too stubborn, too unworthy to catch the heir of Valcor's eye.
It was suffocating.
He avoided the palace whenever possible, choosing quiet corners of the Severale estate to hide away. But no matter how far he ran, memories of Rylan's crimson eyes—and that fierce, burning kiss—haunted him.
"Adrian," his mother's gentle voice broke through his storm of thoughts one evening. Linda sat by his bedside, brushing a lock of hair from his forehead. "You've been so quiet lately. Is something wrong?"
Adrian hesitated, torn between honesty and silence. How could he explain? How could he tell her that the Duke's son, the most powerful Alpha of their generation, had set his sights on him? That Rylan's touch both terrified and thrilled him?
"I'm fine, Mama," he lied, forcing a small smile. "Just… tired from the party."
But Linda wasn't convinced. Her eyes, sharp with maternal instinct, studied him with concern. She knew her son was carrying something heavy, but she also knew pushing him too hard would only make him retreat further. She sighed softly and kissed his forehead. "Remember, my sweet boy—being an Omega doesn't mean you're powerless. Don't let anyone, not even an Alpha, decide your worth."
Her words settled in his chest like a fragile flame, bringing him warmth and courage.
---
Meanwhile, at the Duke's palace, Rylan was anything but patient. He paced his chambers, frustration clawing at him. Every second away from Adrian gnawed at his sanity.
He had tried to distract himself—training, sparring with soldiers, even attending council with his father—but nothing worked. Adrian's stubborn glare, his soft lips, his trembling defiance… it consumed him.
Finally, Rylan snapped.
"I'm done waiting," he muttered, crimson eyes glowing in determination. He stormed into his father's study, where Duke Veythar sat reviewing scrolls with his Beta, Gerald.
"Father," Rylan began, his voice firm, "I want to discuss a betrothal."
The Duke raised a brow, amused. "Oh? And to whom, my son? A princess from the northern kingdom, perhaps? Or one of the High Council's daughters?"
Rylan's lips curved into a grin that bordered on feral. "No. Adrian Severale."
The room went silent. Gerald nearly dropped his quill. The Duke leaned back in his chair, studying his son carefully.
"Adrian… Severale," he repeated slowly. "The Omega son of Alpha Cassian?"
"Yes," Rylan answered without hesitation. "He's the one I want."
Gerald coughed awkwardly, clearly uncomfortable. "My lord… the Severale boy is… unusual. Strong-willed. Not the docile type most Alphas prefer."
"Exactly," Rylan said, eyes blazing. "He isn't like the others. That's why he's mine."
The Duke stroked his beard thoughtfully. "This is no small matter, Rylan. Cassian is proud. He won't give up his son easily. And Adrian himself… do you believe he will accept you?"
Rylan's smile darkened. "Whether he accepts me or not, I'll make him see he belongs to me."
The Duke exhaled slowly, shaking his head. His son's obsession reminded him painfully of his late wife's stubborn spirit. Dangerous, untamable. But perhaps that was what made him a true Alpha.
"Very well," the Duke finally said. "I'll speak with Cassian when the time is right. But remember, Rylan—an Omega bound by force can turn into your greatest weakness."
Rylan only smirked. "Or my greatest strength."
---
The next morning came far too quickly.
Adrian woke with a tightness in his chest, the uneasy feeling of being watched prickling across his skin. It was irrational—he was safe in his room, wrapped in familiar blankets, surrounded by the quiet hum of the Severale estate.
And yet…
His body remembered Rylan.
His scent.
His heat.
His hunger.
Adrian groaned and buried his face in his pillow.
"This is ridiculous…"
He tried to get up, but his legs felt oddly weak. His body had been restless all night, tossing, turning, aching with something he refused to name. Something he hoped no one would notice.
Especially not his father.
Alpha Cassian Severale was known for many things—strength, discipline, honor—but being gentle was not one of them. Adrian didn't fear him, but disappointing him… that fear lingered deep.
And telling him an Alpha like Rylan had kissed him?
No. Absolutely not.
Adrian climbed out of bed, splashing water on his face. Cold. Grounding. He inhaled sharply—
—and froze.
Scent.
Strong. Sharp. Expensive.
A dominant Alpha scent lingering faintly in the air.
His heart leapt into his throat. He spun around, scanning his room.
Empty.
But the scent…
It was Rylan's.
That unmistakable, intoxicating blend of smoke and winter steel.
Adrian's palms went clammy.
"Did he—? No. Impossible. He wouldn't break into the estate."
Except… Rylan seemed perfectly capable of doing exactly that.
Adrian's breaths quickened as he backed away from the center of the room.
He needed air.
He needed space.
He needed to get away before—
Someone knocked.
His entire body froze.
"Adrian?" his father's voice rumbled from behind the door. "We need to talk."
Adrian stiffened.
Did Cassian know?
Had Rylan said something?
Had someone seen them?
His heart hammered.
"I—I'm coming," he said quickly.
He forced himself to breathe before opening the door.
Cassian stood tall and imposing, arms crossed, expression unreadable. "Get dressed. We have a visitor."
Adrian blinked. "A visitor? This early?"
Cassian didn't elaborate. He simply turned and walked down the hall, expecting obedience.
Adrian hurried after him, nerves scraping his insides raw.
They reached the main hall.
And Adrian's breath left his body.
Because standing there—confident, breathtaking, smirking like he owned the world—was Duke Rylan Veythar.
In full ceremonial attire.
Crimson cape. Polished armor. The Veythar crest gleaming on his chest.
His gaze zeroed in on Adrian the moment he entered.
Heat shot up Adrian's spine like lightning.
Cassian cleared his throat. "Duke Rylan has arrived with… a proposal."
Adrian nearly fainted.
Rylan's eyes darkened—hungry, claiming, unmistakably possessive.
"Good morning, Adrian," he said softly, voice dripping with satisfaction. "I've come for you."
Adrian stumbled back, heart pounding. "W-What do you mean, for me?"
Rylan stepped forward, every movement precise and predatory. "To ask for your hand."
Cassian's expression tightened, but he stayed silent, gauging Adrian's reaction.
Adrian felt the world tilt.
Marriage?
Now?
Without warning?
"No," Adrian breathed, panic flaring. "Father, I— I didn't agree to this—"
Rylan stopped in front of him, towering, overwhelming, eyes locked onto him like prey.
"You will," Rylan whispered, low enough for only Adrian to hear. "You feel it too. Don't lie to me."
Adrian's heart kicked painfully.
Because damn him—Rylan was right.
He did feel something.
Something dangerous, magnetic, impossible to resist.
Cassian finally spoke. "Adrian."
Adrian turned to him slowly.
"This decision affects your entire life," Cassian said, voice low but controlled. "I will not force you. If you refuse, I will stand beside you."
Adrian's chest tightened.
His father was giving him power.
Real power.
Rylan, however, stiffened. His jaw clenched as if holding back a growl.
Adrian looked between them.
His father—stern but protective.
Rylan—burning with raw, unfiltered desire.
His throat tightened as he whispered—
"I… I need time. This is too much."
Rylan's gaze darkened, stormy and frustrated. But to his credit, he nodded.
"Very well," he said. "But know this, Adrian Severale—"
He took Adrian's hand, lifting it to his lips before anyone could stop him.
A soft kiss.
A promise.
A claim.
"I am not leaving without you," Rylan murmured.
Then he turned, cape sweeping dramatically behind him, and strode out of the estate.
Adrian stared at the door long after it closed.
His father spoke quietly. "Adrian… what happened between you two?"
Adrian swallowed hard as his pulse throbbed wildly.
"I… don't know," he whispered.
But deep down?
He did know.
Fate had just shifted.
And he was no longer sure he could escape it.
---
Back at the Severale estate, Adrian stared out of his window at the moonlit sky, unaware that forces greater than himself were already moving to seal his fate.
And though his heart whispered warnings, another voice—one he didn't want to admit—echoed louder:
Why does part of me… want him too?