The drive to the Imperial Gala was a silent battle of wills. Inside the armored limousine, the air was heavy with the scent of Soren's pheromones—Dark Bourbon and Cold Steel.
Mika was pressed against the far window. He was wearing a midnight-blue silk suit that Soren had practically forced him into. Every time the car hit a bump, a sharp jolt of pain reminded him of the morning's exhaustion. His legs were still heavy, his body still humming from the intensity of Soren's "Blood-Stained Vow."
"Stop picking at your cuff, Mika," Soren's voice sliced through the silence.
Mika froze, his fingers clutching his sleeve. He shot Soren a sharp, defiant look—the same 'bad eye' that usually earned him a punishment. "I feel like I'm wearing a leash, Soren. Everyone is going to see me and know... they're going to know what you did to me."
Soren moved across the seat in one fluid motion, pinning Mika against the door. His tattooed hand cupped Mika's jaw. "Let them know," Soren rasped. "I want them to look at you and see the mark of the man who owns your every breath."
The Unexpected Rival
As they entered the grand ballroom, the atmosphere shifted. A delicate male Omega with a sickly sweet jasmine scent approached them. He moved with a grace that suggested he owned the place.
This was Viktor. Mika had heard the name whispered in the mansion, but seeing him was different. Viktor was Soren's cousin—they had grown up together as childhood sweethearts, and for years, the family expected them to marry.
Viktor reached out to touch Soren's lapel with a familiarity that made Mika's blood boil. "Soren! You're finally here," Viktor chirped, ignoring Mika entirely. "Grandfather was asking about you. You know we were supposed to sit together... like we always planned since we were kids."
Soren's expression remained stoic, but he didn't pull away. "Viktor. You know the plans changed."
The Hidden Dagger
Viktor finally looked at Mika, his eyes full of cold hatred disguised by a fake, sweet smile. "Oh... is this the one who 'sold' himself to pay off those debts? Soren, I could have helped you find someone more... dignified."
Mika pushed back, his violet eyes flashing. "Then why is my name on the contract, Viktor? And why is your neck bare while mine..."
Soren, sensing the fire in Mika, reached up and slowly, deliberately, folded down Mika's high collar. The deep, violet-black bite mark was exposed to the light of a thousand chandeliers.
"He's my consort, Viktor," Soren said, his voice dropping into a warning growl. "Family or not, don't forget your place. Mika is the only one I've sworn my blood to."
The Staircase Trap
Later, when Soren stepped away to handle a security matter, Viktor cornered Mika near the grand marble staircase.
"He'll never love a street-rat like you," Viktor spat, his innocent act gone. "Did you know Soren almost died for you? That 'incident' at the docks last month? Soren took a bullet meant for your childhood sweetheart. You're just a burden that makes him bleed."
Mika felt a wave of guilt. He remembered Soren coming home bleeding weeks ago, refusing to explain. Before Mika could respond, Viktor saw Soren approaching in the distance.
"Watch this, 'Little Jasmine,'" Viktor hissed.
Before Mika could move, Viktor grabbed Mika's hands, pulling them toward his own chest. Then, with a theatrical gasp, Viktor threw himself backward.
"Mika! No! Please don't!" Viktor screamed.
Mika watched in horror as Viktor purposely tumbled down the marble steps, crashing onto the landing with a sickening thud. Soren was there in seconds, his face a mask of shock and fury as he ran to Viktor's side.
"Soren... it hurts!" Viktor wailed, pointing a trembling finger at Mika. "I just told him I wanted us all to be friends, and he... he pushed me! He said he'd kill anyone who tried to take you away from him!"
Soren looked up at Mika. His amber eyes were cold—full of disappointment and a dark, dangerous confusion.
"Mika... tell me you didn't," Soren rasped.
Mika stood at the top of the stairs, his hands trembling. He saw the way Soren was holding Viktor—the childhood friend, the 'family.'
"Would you even believe me if I told the truth?" Mika whispered.
Soren didn't answer. He picked Viktor up in his arms, the Omega smirking at Mika from over Soren's shoulder. "We're going home," Soren commanded. "And you and I are going to have a very long talk about your behavior, Mika."