The sound of clanking metal echoed in the dim garage. The smell of oil, dust, and burnt rubber hung heavy in the air. Lucian crouched beside the bike, inspecting it one last time to make sure there weren't any faults he might have missed. The engine purred softly, like a heartbeat waiting to race. He had gone back to the garage that day, he needed something to calm him down, calm his own thoughts.
He wiped his forehead with his sleeve and stared at the bike , sleek, perfect, and ready. But his chest felt heavy, not proud. The Regeants were coming fast, and the one person who should've been his rider was gone. He sighed. He just hoped to at least find someone ,even if they weren't that skilled , as long as they knew the basics, that would've been fine, if they would survive the elimination round they would still be safe.
"Boy," a voice called from behind him. Old man Harris shuffled closer, a rag in hand and concern on his face. He looked at Lucian. "Did you manage to talk to Ethan?" he asked, sitting down. "Haven't seen that boy since you last said you were going to visit him."
Lucian froze, pretending to be busy with the tools. "Yeah. I did." He had almost forgotten that Mr. Harris knew. But how was he supposed to open up about the breakup ,about being left without a rider with the Regeants so close?
Harris nodded slowly, studying him. "And?"
Lucian forced a small smile that didn't reach his eyes. "It's done. We're done talking." He stood and stretched, quickly grabbing his helmet before the old man could dig deeper. "I'll take her for a test ride, make sure everything's running fine," he said, trying to avoid the conversation as much as he could.
Harris sighed. "Don't drive angry, boy." He stood, patting his back. "Whatever conflict you boys have will soon be resolved." He started walking off. "I'm stepping out for a bit ,make sure to close the garage on your way out."
Lucian chuckled weakly. "I'm not angry. Just… tired." He looked at the helmet as his faint smile faded as quickly as it came.
The road stretched out endlessly under the fading sun. Wind rushed past his face as Lucian sped down the empty streets, the sound of the bike's roar filling the hollow ache inside him. He didn't know where he was going — he just wanted to ride until he couldn't think anymore. Until the only things left in his head were himself, the road, and the bike.
Ethan's face flashed in his mind.
You're scentless, Lucian. What am I supposed to do with that?
He clenched the throttle tighter.
So what's that supposed to mean? he had asked. We've been together all this time — you didn't seem to mind before.
Mind? Well, I do mind. I need pheromones if I'm going to fuck you. I get bored with you too easily.
Lucian bit his lower lip, pain twisting in his chest, and increased the speed.
Then Hunter's voice echoed next , calm, low, dangerous.
I'll be your rider.
Lucian gritted his teeth. "What the hell does he want from me?" He shook his head hard, the memory of Hunter's steady gaze last night still making his pulse skip. "No way. I'm not getting involved with him." He hissed under his breath, "You're both just trouble… I hate you. I hate both of you."
I hate you.
I hate both of you.
I hate you… hate… hate ALPHAS!!!
By the time he returned to the garage, the sky had turned gray. He parked the bike, the sound of the engine fading into silence. Pulling off his helmet, he ran a hand through his messy hair and froze.
A hand gripped his arm hard.
"Lucian."
He turned sharply. Ethan stood there, eyes blazing, his jaw tight. His scent hit first sharp, heavy, alpha pheromones that made the air thick.
Lucian's stomach twisted. "What do you want, Ethan?" His voice faltered slightly as he winced from Ethan tightening his grip.
Ethan's voice dripped with anger. "You're looking for a new rider?" His voice boomed. Lucian's eyes widened ,he had never seen Ethan this furious before, the last time he saw him angry ws the time he found out his little sister was being bullied
Lucian tried to pull away. "That's none of your business," he said in a low voice, avoiding his gaze.
"The hell it isn't!" Ethan barked, slamming his hand against the wall beside Lucian's head. His pheromones surged again , heavy, oppressive, wrapping around Lucian like invisible chains. "You're mine, Lucian! Don't you dare—"
"Let go of me!" Lucian gasped, pushing against him, but Ethan only leaned closer. His scent burned , triggering Lucian's instincts , and his knees weakened. Fear flickered in his eyes as tears began to prick at the corners.
Then , a sharp sound.
Crack!
Ethan's head snapped to the side. Hunter stood there, fist still clenched, eyes dark and cold.
"I'm not the type to resort to violence," Hunter said quietly, "but you'll be an exception."
Ethan staggered, hand on his jaw, glaring. "What the hell—"
Hunter ignored him completely. He stepped to Lucian's side, one hand brushing his shoulder. His scent followed ,clean, deep, and strangely grounding. His pheromones flowed out gently, soothing the air and washing away Ethan's aggression.
Lucian gasped softly. His chest eased, his trembling stopped, and for a second, his heart forgot to beat. He looked at Hunter , how did he even know he was here?
Hunter's voice lowered, steady and calm. "You okay?"
Lucian nodded slowly, eyes wide. "Yeah… I think so," he whispered, wiping the tears that threatened to fall.
Hunter placed a hand on his back and turned him away from Ethan. "Let's go."
"Lucian!" Ethan shouted, still breathing heavily. He rubbed his cheek and used his thumb to wipe the blood from his split lip. "He's mine! I'm his boyfriend ,we need to talk!"
Hunter turned his head slightly, his eyes colder than ice. "From today, that's over." He smirked faintly. "And don't worry — Lucian's already chosen me as his new rider."
Lucian froze mid-step, his heart pounding. "Wait , what?" He looked up at Hunter, shocked. Did he just say he'd be my rider?
Ethan's expression twisted in fury. "You bastard!"
But Hunter only gave a small shrug and pulled Lucian closer, his voice calm but final. "The Regeants are coming, and he needs someone better. That's me."
Lucian looked up at him, stunned, breath caught in his throat. His heart thudded painfully as he whispered, "Hunter… what are you doing?"
Hunter's gaze softened just slightly. "Keeping promises you never got from others."
And before Lucian could reply, Hunter led him out , leaving Ethan standing there, furious, defeated, and watching as the scentless omega he once owned slipped further out of reach.
I hate alphas.
I hate alphas…
I don't… hate alphas…
It's complicated