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The Severale estate felt different after Rylan's visit.
The halls Adrian had walked his whole life suddenly felt too small, too bright, too loud. Every servant he passed looked at him with a new kind of curiosity—some nervous, others excited, all whispering behind their hands.
The Duke's heir asked for him…
Why Adrian?
Is he really going to marry into House Veythar?
Adrian kept his head down, cheeks burning. Attention suffocated him, especially this kind. It made his skin prickle, his heart twist, his thoughts spiral.
He slipped into the gardens where the morning sun cast gold across dew-touched petals. At least here, the air felt lighter.
Or so he hoped.
But even surrounded by flowers and soft breeze, his mind replayed the scene relentlessly:
Lord Rylan standing in the main hall, regal and determined.
His crimson eyes locking onto Adrian the moment he entered.
His voice — "I've come for you."
His kiss — soft yet terrifying in its certainty.
Adrian pressed a hand to his chest, willing his heartbeat to calm.
"This can't be happening," he whispered.
Footsteps approached.
"Adrian."
He turned to see his father.
Alpha Cassian Severale rarely looked uncertain, but now a shadow of concern crossed his expression.
"Walk with me," Cassian said.
They moved through the garden in silence, the soft crunch of gravel the only sound. Adrian's palms dampened with nerves. Whatever his father wanted to discuss—it would not be easy.
"Tell me exactly what happened between you and the Duke's heir," Cassian said at last.
Adrian swallowed. "Nothing. I mean—something. But not what he thinks."
Cassian gave him a pointed look. "Again."
Adrian stared at the ground. "At the differentiation party… we talked. And he… kissed me."
Cassian stopped walking entirely. "He kissed you?"
Adrian shrank. "I didn't ask for it."
Cassian exhaled sharply, irritation tightening his jaw. "That boy…"
He shook his head. "Bold to the point of recklessness."
"He's terrifying," Adrian muttered.
And—if he was being painfully honest—even thrilling.
Cassian resumed walking, slower this time. "Adrian, you're my son. My only child. I won't hand you over just because the Duke's heir is infatuated with you."
Adrian blinked. "Infatuated?"
Cassian gave a grim nod. "Rylan Veythar doesn't hide what he wants. And right now, he wants you."
"That's not my fault," Adrian said, voice cracking as frustration finally spilled over. "Ever since he kissed me, my body feels… wrong. Too warm. Too aware. I swear I can smell him even when he's not here."
Cassian's expression softened, fatherly concern deepening. "You're nearing a sensitive stage. Bonds can form easily—especially with an Alpha of his strength."
Adrian sank onto a stone bench near a fountain. "What do I do?"
"Take your time," Cassian said simply. "If Rylan truly wants you, he will wait. If he becomes impatient, then he was never worthy."
Before Adrian could respond, a servant rushed into the garden, breathless.
"My lord! A package has arrived—for young master Adrian."
Cassian stiffened. "From whom?"
The servant hesitated. "It bears the Veythar crest."
Adrian's stomach dropped.
Cassian muttered, "That boy moves faster than a wildfire."
The servant approached with a velvet-wrapped box. Cassian took it and examined the golden seal.
"Do you want to open it?" Cassian asked.
Adrian's hands trembled. "…Yes."
Cassian broke the seal, lifted the lid—
—and his expression darkened instantly.
Inside lay a silver chain with a dark red teardrop stone.
Adrian frowned. "What is that?"
Cassian shut the box with a hard snap. "A symbolic claim mark. A courting necklace."
Adrian's breath stuttered. "He sent me a claiming necklace?"
Cassian rose to his feet. "He's declaring public intent. Without your consent."
"What do we do?"
"Nothing." Cassian handed the box back to the servant. "Send it back with a message."
Adrian's eyes widened. "Father—"
Cassian's tone was firm. "No Omega of mine will be claimed like property."
Before Adrian could argue, another servant sprinted into the garden, panting.
"Lord Cassian—an envoy from House Veythar is here. He insists on speaking with young master Adrian immediately."
Adrian's knees nearly buckled.
Cassian's gaze sharpened. "Insists?"
The servant swallowed. "He says Lord Rylan wishes to meet with Adrian personally. Today."
Adrian's heart thudded wildly.
Rylan wasn't waiting.
He wasn't slowing.
He was closing in.
Cassian placed a protective hand on Adrian's shoulder. "Stay behind me."
Adrian nodded weakly.
They walked back toward the main hall—where House Veythar awaited.
Lord Rylan was not a Duke.
But he was still the most dangerous Alpha Adrian had ever met.
And he wasn't letting go.