The man stormed into his house, his face twisted with rage.
"Damn it," he growled, slamming the door. "I lost that Omega. If it wasn't for that Alpha, he'd already be mine."
Morning – The Hotel Room
Aiden woke slowly, blinking against the morning light. His body still felt weak, but the warmth beside him made him feel safe.
A soft voice came from behind him.
"Are you awake, my little Omega?"
Aiden turned his head, cheeks heating. "Yes… I'm awake."
Leo gave him a small smile before standing and walking to the kitchen. Moments later, he returned with a tray.
"Breakfast," he said, setting it on the table. "Eat and get your strength back."
Before Aiden could reply, there was a knock at the door.
Leo leaned close, his breath brushing against Aiden's ear.
"Don't be afraid," he whispered. "I'll check."
Aiden nodded, clutching the blanket nervously.
Leo opened the door. Standing there was a young man with worried eyes.
"Hello," the man said quickly. "I'm Lucas, Aiden's friend. He didn't come home last night, so I got worried. I even tracked his phone, and… that's how I found this place. Is he here?"
Leo's expression stayed calm. "He's here," he said. "Would you like to come in?"
Lucas stepped inside, his eyes darting around until they landed on Aiden.
Leo sat down beside Aiden, his arm casually draped over the back of the couch. He glanced at Lucas.
"Your friend looks young," he said. "Let me guess—he's a Beta, right?"
Aiden nodded. "Yes."
Lucas crossed his arms, his brows furrowed.
"Aiden, what happened? Why didn't you come home yesterday?"
Aiden's hands tightened in the blanket. "…I was attacked yesterday. By an Alpha."
"What?!" Lucas shouted. "Why didn't you call me?"
Leo smirked. "Because he's too stubborn to ask for help."
Lucas frowned. "And you didn't even tell me you were… dating someone?"
Aiden's eyes went wide. "No! It's not like that! He—Leo—he saved me yesterday… and helped me through my heat."
Lucas froze. Then a grin spread across his face.
"Oh. Ohhh. Well, I'm happy for you. You two look… really good together. What a cute couple."
Aiden flushed and looked away. Leo, though, didn't smile. His expression was, thoughtful.
Lucas noticed. "What are you thinking about, Leo?"
Leo's eyes stayed on Aiden. "That Alpha," he said flatly. "He's not done. He won't stop until he gets what he wants. That's why…" His voice dropped lower. "That's why I have to mark you, Aiden."
Aiden's heart jumped. Before he could answer, something clicked in his memory.
"…Wait," Aiden whispered.
Leo and Lucas turned to him. "What is it?"
Aiden swallowed hard. "I just remembered something. The Alpha who attacked me… Lucas, I think he was your friend."
Lucas blinked, confused. "What? No. That's impossible. My friend… he's dead. There's no way."
"Lucas," Aiden said quietly, "do you remember the black spot on his hand?"
Lucas froze. "…Yes. I remember it clearly."
His voice trailed off as his phone began to ring. He glanced at the screen—and his face went pale.
To be continued