The Regeants.
One of the biggest and most anticipated events of the year , a chance where every rider showcased their talent in a dual race where only one came out on top. Even applying was a challenge; almost eighty percent of applicants were cut during the elimination rounds. It was the race every alpha dreamed of winning ,speed, power, and dominance all packed into one roaring event that decided who ruled the tracks for the season.
Omegas weren't allowed to ride, only to build and support. Betas could, though it was rare.
For Lucian, that was enough. Sort of.
His bikes had competed in The Regeants three years in a row , all ridden by Ethan.
But now, that partnership was falling apart.
When Lucian got home, he didn't even remember how he'd gotten there , just that he had. He didn't bother turning on the lights. He went straight to his room, dropped onto his bed, and let the silence close in.
His hands still smelled faintly of oil and smoke, and..... Ethan. The image of that other omega wearing Ethan's shirt refused to leave his mind, no matter how tightly he shut his eyes, the omega was even cute and that make it even worse
He buried his face into the pillow. How could he do that? After everything?
Why did it always have to be the same mistake over and over again?
He already knew the excuse Ethan would give , "You're scentless, that's why. I needed someone to fill the void."
Lucian let out a shaky gasp and stared up at the ceiling. Yes, he was a scentless omega more like a beta who could go into heat. And not just scentless… he was recessive too. What a perfect combination for someone like him.
The tears came quietly, warm and endless. For the first time in years, he didn't fight them. He knew staying with Ethan was pointless , it would only keep hurting him. He loved Ethan, but it was always one-sided. He was the one who pushed the relationship to this point, maybe if he stayed only as his rider , things wouldn't had been complicated as it is
The door creaked open after a while. His stepmother, Marina, peeked in. She was kind stubbornly kind , one of the few people Lucian had never been able to push away, no matter how hard he tried. She got married to his father after his mother died , honestly he used to resent her the most for trying to replace his mothers position, but eventually he grew out of it
"Lucian, sweetheart," she said softly. "Are you okay? You've been in here for hours, you did even come for dinner" , she sat down on the edge of the bed as she looked at Lucian who looked the other way " were you crying ?, did something happen at work today?"
"I'm fine," he mumbled into the pillow. "Just… allergies."
Marina sighed, clearly not convinced. "Alright. I just wanted to let you know Hunter's coming home tonight. He called earlier."
Lucian froze. Hunter. His stepbrother, correction, his annoying step brother, The last person he wanted to see.
Great, he thought bitterly. What was that jerk even coming here for? From what he'd heard, Hunter had just finished business school abroad.
"Great," he said flatly. Trying to mask his annoyance but clearly it failed
He and Hunter had never gotten along. When they were younger, they used to torment each other every chance they got. Lucian bit his lower lip and muttered under his breath, 'Let him crash on that plane he's boarding.'
"He'll probably be here late tonight," Marina added. "You should come say hello when he arrives. I'm sure you two will reconnect."
Lucian forced a smile. "Yeah. Sure."
He lied, of course. There was no way he was going to greet that self-absorbed alpha. He was already exhausted dealing with one, he didn't need another headache in the house.
Marina left soon after, and Lucian was alone again.
He turned his head toward the small metal toy bike on his nightstand ,something he'd bought years ago, a reminder of his dream. His chest tightened. No… he wasn't backing down. He was still going to participate in The Regeants, even without Ethan. He's going to regret cheating on me, Lucian thought.
But as the night stretched on, he stayed in bed, staring at the ceiling until his eyes blurred. Every memory of Ethan played like a cruel film his laugh, his promises, his hands. By midnight, Lucian's throat ached from crying.
Even with revenge on his mind, his heart refused to forget. But his decision was made. He had to end it completely.
He sat up, dizzy from exhaustion. His mouth was dry, so he slipped on a hoodie and padded quietly to the kitchen for some water. The house was silent; everyone was asleep. The last thing he wanted was a conversation ,especially not in the state he was in.
He opened the fridge, grabbed a cold bottle of water, and took a long sip, letting the chill cool the heat in his chest. Then, as he turned around, he froze.
Even in the dark, he recognized that figure instantly.
Hunter.
He stood by the doorway, arms crossed, watching Lucian with a sharp gaze , like a predator sizing up its prey.
"Didn't bother to welcome me, huh, chiquitín?" Hunter's voice was low and rough, carrying a faint accent that wasn't there before. It sent a shiver down Lucian's spine.
Lucian rolled his eyes and tried to walk past him. "Left for a few years and you come back with a stupid accent," he muttered.
Hunter chuckled, a deep, amused sound. "Always the sarcastic one. Years pass and your mouth is still as rotten as ever."
Lucian glared. "Can't say the same about you. Years pass and the only thing that changed is that fake accent."
Hunter smirked but said nothing. The silence between them stretched until Lucian moved to pass him.
"Pathetic," he muttered under his breath.
A strong hand grabbed his arm and yanked him back. Lucian gasped, eyes wide as he looked up at him.
"Bloody hell, what's your problem?"
Hunter's eyes narrowed, his grip tightening. "Pheromones," he said coldly. "Why do you smell like pheromones?"
Lucian's breath hitched. "What,? I don't—"
"Answer me," Hunter demanded, his voice low but fierce.