A noble's party was always a cause of happiness for the guests, because it was the perfect opportunity to form ties or find an ideal partner to marry. Such intentions turned the party into a true battlefield hidden under masks and good decorum.
Eugene was the star of the night, and everyone understood why. In addition to being a Grimwood and younger brother of the Grand Duke, there was something about him that transcended his social position. The elegance of its movements, the softness of the smile, the natural charm and its unique beauty. His black and wavy hair fell perfectly, the rosy eyes emanated a tenderness that captivated everyone. And, above all, its sweet pheromone that, even without noticing, involved the alphas around him.
Oh, sweet Eugene Grimwood was the real target of all alphas that season.
The hall shone with crystal lights, and the soft sound of the orchestra permeated the environment. Eugene felt the glances on himself as he circulated among the guests, greeting one by one with a polite smile and a touch of charm. His birthday party was a success, but his focus was on something much more personal.
"My lord, is there any family that caught your attention?" Asked a lady.
Opening a sweet smile, Eugene remained enigmatic in his answer.
"In fact I see that all the families accepted my invitation, this makes me happy."
Although he said those words, the omega looked at Cadec, who was talking to Magnus and Lucian further back. But he was still close enough to see that Cadec was still smelling him.
Since they had entered the hall together, Eugene could feel the tension between them. Cadec's subtle touch on his waist during the dance, the warmth of the prince's fingers in his hand, all that made Eugene's heart beat faster.
They were not yet engaged. The conversation they had during their dance still ran through his mind, causing a slight flushing on his cheeks. It was too much for his heart to take, but at the same time brought a wonderful feeling.
Cadec had said he couldn't keep his hands off him. That's exactly what he wanted.
The cheerful smile that appeared on Eugene's face charmed the guests, although no one knows the reason for their joy. The fools would think it was the genuine happiness of finally making a social debut.
As Eugene walked among the guests, many greeted him with reverence, and it didn't take long for some alphas to start courting him in a subtle but intense way. One of them in particular stood out. An alpha accompanied Maverick, seemed to be a knight, considering the medal of honor on his chest.
"Lord Grimwood, I must say you are dazzling tonight" said the young knight, bowing lightly and kissing Eugene's hand with a restrained boldness "The brightness of this hall is nothing compared to yours."
"Congratulations on your debut, young Grimwood."
"Your words are very generous, my lords" Eugene smiled sweetly "I'm glad to see you here. Are you having fun?"
"It would not be too much to praise you for having prepared such a party, after all it is a Grimwood." He leaned close to Eugene, lowering his tone to whisper to him "Anyone with common sense would be honored to be by your side."
The omega knew very well what that knight implied. The interest was clear, but not reciprocated. Still, Eugene smiled politely, not noticing the intense look that a certain alpha of royalty threw at him.
"Is it really? Haha, I'm grateful for that" commented Eugene to avoid estrangement between them by looking at Maverick "but it seems that Sir Maverick seems more interested in having the company of Her Highness, the First Princess."
Maverick shook his head subtly, though his attention swept the hall. Eugene followed his gaze, noticing Stephen Baragnon talking with a small circle of nobles, his hands gesturing naturally as he charmed the group around him. Eugene knew his brother was interested in that Maverick, until he chose to marry the Eighth Prince. But the biggest surprise was hearing rumors about him.
"Hm? Oh, sure, but that's... an insignificant distraction."
"My brother-in-law, Lucian, said he saw you at the tea party of Countess Sahara. It seems that you have been seen frequently with Princess Raven lately."
Maverick let out a discreet sigh, but there was a slight tension in his gaze.
"Yes, the Imperial Consort gave me this mission" replied Maverick, his voice a little lower. "It's an honor to serve the royal family, of course. Raven is a lovely woman... but the work is tiring."
Eugene blinked somewhat confused. Maverick was a knight working in Magnus' battalion, as far as he knew. He was supposed to be with the other knights doing investigations on the rebels and the mercenaries, but now he says he has been transferred to be the escort of the First Princess?
"Anyway, my lord, what do you think of dancing?" The other rider resumed the conversation, turning to Eugene and holding his hand politely "Could you give me this honor?"
Eugene did not want to dance with someone else than Cadec, and so far he has declined all invitations since several people wanted to talk with him. But the knight was clever to hold the omega's hand and prevent its escape.
However, there was an alpha who reached its limit. Until then he was just watching from a distance, making sure everything was okay, but seeing the knight holding Eugene's hand made him feel jealous and possessive. The prince, always controlled and austere, walked in the direction of those three with a calm studied, but the intense brightness in his eyes revealed what was really happening in his troubled mind.
Only when a gloomy hand held Eugene's wrist and pulled him out of the knight's clutches did Eugene realize. Surprised, the omega raised his eyes and noticed the presence of the First Prince staring at the knight coldly.
"My lords, I apologize for the interruption" said Cadec coldly but polite enough not to create a scene "But I must speak with Lord Grimwood for a moment."
The knight retreated slightly, though with an expression of displeasure. He knew he had lost the game.
"Of course, Your Highness" He made a bow before moving away.
"Forgive me for leaving you alone, my lord" Cadec said turning his gaze to the omega "Even being your companion, I ended up being carried away by the conversations."
Eugene almost had a heart attack when he felt Cadec's fingers holding his wrist. Despite his serious and hoarse tone, the touch of his fingers were soft and delicate, not wanting to hurt the omega. This made the red tone appear on his cheeks, and he smiled innocently to his companion.
"No way, Your Highness. Many people want to talk with you, it's natural that you do."
The prince raised his eyebrow and then stared at Maverick again before he sighed low.
"If you'll excuse me, knight, I will take the lord with me."
"Oh, of course..."
The prince barely waited for Maverick to finish speaking, and tried to pull Eugene through the crowd of guests. The omega looked up at Cadec and smiled sweetly at the idea of seeing an alpha's possessiveness, as his pheromones were becoming present again.
If Cadec was exhaling pheromones, then this would be a sign that he want to mark Eugene as your omega, right? Just thinking about it, Eugene was euphoric and cheerful as a passionate fool he was.
They walked quickly through the hallways of the mansion, away from prying eyes, until they reached the secluded balcony, where the soft lights of garden lanterns created shadows between the curtains and trees around. The silence of the place was a contrast with the music and noise of the party.
Eugene felt Cadec's body approaching, the tension between them growing every second. The prince leaned on the balcony, watching Eugene as he passed his lured fingers between his strands of dark hair.
"What are you doing, my lord?" Asked Cadec, with his husky and low voice, and the warm breath as he released more pheromones "Do you still play with me?"
The omega took a step forward, watching the prince's countenance. It seemed to continue resisting him. He released his pheromones, deliberately, feeling the immediate impact that it caused in Cadec. The prince closed his eyes for a moment, as if he was struggling to keep control. But Eugene knew that the control was fading quickly.
"Your Highness... forgive me for my selfishness" Eugene whispered, stopping in front of you. He held Cadec's hand and brought it to his face, raising his pink eyes innocently to the alpha "Forgive my greed that refuses to let you go."
"Eugene..." Cadec muttered, his flickering in the measure in his hand moulded to omega's face.
Eugene did not expect the next move, he imagined that the prince would continue to resist it. However, Cadec leaned towards him and took possession of his lips urgently. The kiss was intense, fervent, as if all the repressed desire between the two had finally exploded. Feeling the hot lips of Cadec against yours made his heart speed even more.
When Cadec's arm wrapped around his waist, he pulled him closer, while Eugene kept his hands on his wide chest, being able to feel the alpha's heart beating hard and fast.
The feeling was so electrifying, and Eugene knew he had won that battle. Cadec was surrendering.
Their tongues curled into each other, their smells mixed in the air around him. Eugene felt himself melting in the alpha's arms. His omega instinct howled completely delighted to have the alpha of his choice kissing him so deeply.
When the kiss was interrupted by shortness of breath, Cadec hugged Eugene and stroked his head. He could not see what expression he had on his face, but Eugene could feel his heart and smell giving the answer.
It was then that Eugene noticed the pheromone gland of Cadec. The woody smell that made him so melty came from there. The omega moistened the lips and licked the region before dipping its teeth into the alpha's neck, biting it deeply. The metallic taste of blood appeared in his mouth, Cadec gasped surprised by the sudden action, squeezing his arms around the young omega.
The bite was a symbol — a sign that Cadec was now yours.
"Ugh... I... gene..."
Cadec's body gave way, sliding down the wall until it fell sitting on the ground. Eugene accompanied him still in his arms. He embraced Cadec possessively and began to cry, although he did not regret his act.
"Forgive me, Your Highness... but I love you too much to let you go."