Lucian didn't particularly relish controlling people's fates but in the world they lived in, only those that were willing to do the hardest things survived and ruled.
His father had successfully molded him into a ruthless alpha whose name inspired both fear and respect.
Where his father broke bones and tortured, Lucian collected secrets like people collected art.
He didn't need to physically torture his opponents when psychological torture was more effective.
He knew which politian was accepting bribes, which CEO was hiding tonnes of debt and which celebrity was cheating on their spouse.
Lucian was the apex predator simply because he knew the power secrets held. The right skeletons in the closet were enough to destroy an empire and ruin a reputation and he wielded that power with quiet precision.
He didn't need to threaten. A simple knowing smile was enough to pass the silent warning.
The CEO that was seated opposite him had more than enough dangerous secrets to ruin him if they were exposed and Lucian flashed him a small smirk that increased the rate at which the alpha was sweating.
"I heard you refused to pay the five percent fee on profit everyone that does business in my city is obligated to pay each month." Lucian's voice was calm but his ashen grey eyes were sharp.
"I don't see why I should pay you. That's my hard earned money." The alpha snapped, his voice defiant although his body trembled slightly in fear.
Lucian was momentarily quiet.
"I wield more than enough power to shut down your business with just a word. That small amount you pay offers you my protection. You either pay or perish." Lucian replied nonchalantly and the alpha seated opposite from him shot him a defiant glare, reluctant to submit and accept defeat.
"You will regret this." His voice was venomous and Lucian smirked darkly.
"I highly doubt that and I don't like being threatened. As punishment for forgetting your place, the value of your company stock will fall by twenty percent next morning." Lucian assured and blood drained from his opponent's face.
That was a loss worth millions of money.
"I will pay." He realized his mistake too late because Lucian was already starting to get up.
"Too late." Lucian brushed him off as he walked away, totally unscathed by the encounter.
There was indeed a scandal the next morning that saw his opponent's company shares drop by approximately twenty five percent in value.
Lucian switched off the television in his sitting room and prepared to go and monitor the performance of one of his construction companies.
He received a phone call from his father as he stepped into his car, ready to begin his journey.
"Was this morning's news your doing?" His father's impressed voice reached his ears.
"Yes." Lucian replied, wondering why his father had really called.
His old man was clearly proud of the way he had handled the situation but Lucian knew there was more to the sudden phone call.
"How was your date yesterday?"
Lucian was not disappointed by the inquiry and he raked his mind for a response as he briefly recalled Kyle's face and expressive blue eyes.
"It was okay." He replied after a while and received a long irritated sigh from his father.
"Just okay?" His old man didn't sound impressed and Lucian didn't particularly feel like explaining himself that morning.
"Dad, I am running late. Bye." He prepared to hung up.
"Wait! Will you at least go on another blind date? I have selected new and very suitable candidates." His father changed his domineering tone to a cunningly coaxing whisper.
"No dad. I am done with blind dates." Lucian stood his ground and hung up on his dad, not ready to be seated on a table with a total stranger when all he could wish for mid way through the interaction was for Jace to take their position.
.....
Kyle spent an entire week trying to suppress the urge to call Lucian again.
The alpha had not checked up on him even once since their last phone call and Kyle tried not to pout in displeasure as he turned his phone and placed it face down on his office table.
It was the tenth time he had glanced at his phone screen that morning, hoping for a miraculous text or phone call from Lucian but he had been disappointed again.
It was becoming evidently clear that his alpha love interest had no plans of reaching out anytime soon and Kyle tried not to be disheartened as he leaned back in his chair, his mind revising his plan to pursue Lucian.
He was currently working as an assistant manager in a popular fashion company and although his position was quite comfortable and he earned good money doing something that he loved, Kyle felt like he was ready to step into the world and try starting up his own brand.
He was now twenty four and had worked three years for the company, slowly advancing in rank without depending on his powerful father's last name.
Kyle believed he had gained enough experience in the field and although he had saved up quite a lot of money, it was not enough to start up his company.
He needed a powerful investor to produce half the funds to finance his goal and a small smile curled up on his lips as he thought of Lucian.
A business proposal was the perfect alibi to occasionally interact with the alpha without seeming too clingy.
He could have easily chosen to get the funds from his billionaire father but he was willing to do anything to get close to Lucian without looking too eager.
It was the perfect setup.
Kyle's eyes shone with determination as he picked up his phone and dialed Lucian after inwardly rehearsing his proposal.
"Hello Kyle." Lucian's voice tingled with a hint of surprise at the unexpected call from the omega.
"Hello Lucian. Are you free this evening? I have a business proposal that you might be interested in. Can we meet for dinner?" Kyle's voice was the perfect mix of both professionalism and familiarity.