Though Lucian was single and still a virgin, he wasn't cold-hearted. He was simply careful about choosing his future partners. Perhaps it was his nature as an alpha, but he couldn't deny the slight obsession he had when someone caught his eye. He would observe, study, and test from a distance until he was certain they were worth pursuing.
His parents, both Betas, had never pressured him into monogamy. They understood what it meant to be an Alpha, especially a Dominant one. Many like him had multiple partners to meet both physical and emotional needs. Still, his parents instilled one principle that had stayed with him: 'Anyone you bring into your life, you must value and protect.' Lucian had taken that to heart.
And Cyril McKenzie… was someone who had passed every test Lucian set in his heart.
After a year of watching quietly from afar, Lucian finally began courting him. Five months had passed since then, and every day drew them closer.
Lucian knew better than most that no man was an island. With the shadow of an apocalypse looming, he had no intention of facing it alone. His plan was simple: when the time came, he would bring home the Omegas he had chosen.
Cyril stepped in quietly, raising a mask to cover his face. As he adjusted the mask, his soft blue eyes found Lucian, making Lucian's heart skip a beat.
"Good evening," Lucian greeted gently.
"Good evening," Cyril answered, his eyes curving into a smile that sent Lucian's heart racing.
Lucian bit the inside of his cheek, grounding himself. "On duty?" he asked, awkwardly scratching the back of his neck.
"Not really," Cyril replied softly, tucking a stray lock of hair behind his ear. A faint blush warmed his cheeks under Lucian's smoldering gaze.
Lucian couldn't help himself. The way Cyril looked—slightly flustered but still so composed—made his heart race.
The Omega stole a glance at the reflection in the elevator's steel doors, and his breath caught.
Violet eyes staring back at him.
A trait of a Dominant Alpha.
Those almond-shaped, heavy-lidded eyes locked onto his blue ones, making him blush even more.
Lucian had an overwhelming presence. His thick dark brows arching heroically, a straight nose, and a sharp jawline are just visible beneath his mask. Tall and broad-shouldered, his tousled dark hair framed his striking features. Even in something as simple as a tracksuit, he exuded effortless power and quiet dominance.
Though Cyril was tall for an Omega, he still felt small beside him. And though he would never admit it aloud, he was secretly proud that such a man had chosen to court him.
But then Cyril's thoughts remembered the message Lucian had sent earlier in the group chat, mentioning something about starting a family with an omega.
"Congratulations," Cyril murmured, forcing a smile. "I hope you'll have a happy family."
The words burned bitterly on his tongue. He tried to sound mature, but a faint thread of jealousy betrayed him.
Despite knowing it was in an Alpha's nature to have more than one Omega, Cyril couldn't suppress the pang of envy. The seven-year gap between them only deepened his insecurities, reminding him that they were still in the delicate stage of getting to know each other. He wasn't even certain that Lucian's feelings for him ran deeper than simple attraction.
A low chuckle pulled him from his thoughts. Then, without warning, large, warm hands closed over his own. His head snapped up, only to drown in the glow of Lucian's violet eyes.
"You're adorable," Lucian teased, sliding an arm around Cyril's waist and pulling him close. "Don't be jealous. When the renovations are finished, I'll be bringing you home too." He buried his face in Cyril's hair, inhaling the sweet floral scent that made his self-control falter. He was surprised at himself—how easily this Omega made him touchy, even flirtatious.
Cyril rolled his eyes, the blush still lighting his cheeks. He placed his hands on Lucian's chest and pressed, attempting to create distance. Lucian responded by wrapping his arms more firmly around Cyril, pulling him in until Cyril could feel Lucian's steady heartbeat.
Heat crept up Cyril's neck.
Maybe it was instinct to submit to an Alpha, maybe something more—but he couldn't deny how much he secretly loved Lucian's touches: the way he kissed his hair, held his hands, and wrapped him in arms that felt too safe to resist.
A sigh escaped him. "Lucian," he whispered, sadness in his voice. "If you're saying these things just to make me happy, then stop. I know you're young. I know you'll have others. I'm… a little jealous, but I won't stop you. Just give me time to get over it." His voice cracked as he leaned into Lucian's chest, letting the heartbeatsoothe him.
Lucian's expression hardened. He gently drew Cyril back and cupped his face, forcing him to meet his gaze.
"Cy," he said firmly. "I won't lie. I can't promise you'll be the only one, but I can promise I'm serious about you. I wasn't joking when I said I'd take you home. I meant every word." He brushed a loose strand of hair from Cyril's face, tucking it tenderly behind his ear.
Then his expression shifted, more solemn. "You're a doctor. You've heard about the new virus, haven't you?"
Cyril nodded, his brow furrowing in confusion.
Lucian's gaze flicked to the elevator display—they were already on the second floor. He leaned close, lowering his voice. "I've received some information. This virus… It's dangerous. If things escalate, the government will enforce lockdown."
Shock rippled through Cyril, but before he could respond, the doors opened and two elderly women entered. Lucian casually draped his arm over Cyril's shoulders, ignoring their disapproving looks, while Cyril ducked his head, flustered, and stayed quiet until they reached the ground floor.
The two old women stepped out— but Lucian stayed.
Puzzled, Cyril looked up. "You're not getting out?"
"Let's talk in your car," Lucian murmured, brushing his lips against Cyril's hair and breathing in his scent.
────── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ──────
The walk to the underground parking lot was quiet.
When they reached Cyril's white SUV, he slid into the driver's seat while Lucian settled in beside him.
"What did you mean earlier?" Cyril asked, gripping the wheel a little too tightly.
Lucian leaned back, eyes half-lidded, but his voice was grave. "As I said, this virus isn't ordinary. If casualties rise, the government will impose a lockdown." His eyes flicked toward Cyril, who sat rigid, face serious.
Lucian's gaze sharpened on Cyril. "Why aren't you shocked?"
Lucian had been watching Cyril for nearly a year, long before they started speaking as closely as they did now.He already understood the Omega's nature— with him, Cyril could be shy and a little needy, soft in ways that stirred Lucian's protective instincts. Yet around others, he was the complete opposite—composed, strict, and even intimidating at times. It was no surprise his colleagues at the hospital had branded him 'The Devil Doctor.' But Lucian knew better. Beneath the stern exterior lay sharp intelligence and unshakable strength.And because of that, Lucian was certain—when he spoke of the coming storm, of the danger that this new virus carried, Cyril would not only understand his fears but also take them seriously.
Cyril let out a long breath. "Today was supposed to be my day off. But the hospital called me in for a highway accident. Strange, right? An obstetrician at a crash scene? I thought so too. When I checked with colleagues, they said casualties weren't severe. Procedures were already handled. They even joked it was ridiculous to drag me in on my rest day. But what unsettled me was my department head's voice—urgent, almost desperate. She even threatened me with my salary to make me come in." Cyril gave a short, bitter laugh. "She's usually terrified of me. For her to pressure me like that… something wasn't right."
Lucian frowned and reached to take Cyril's hand from the steering wheel, absently tracing his fingers along Cyril's knuckles. Cyril used his other hand to gently lay it across Lucian's, halting his movements but not pulling away.
"I pressed another colleague," Cyril continued, his voice low. "She messaged me in secret—two patients infected with the new virus had been admitted. The hospital might be quarantined, so they needed extra manpower at the crash site. After that… nothing. No replies, no calls, not even news on TV." His jaw tightened. "So I decided I'll check the hospital from a distance myself."
"The government must be suppressing the information," Lucian muttered darkly. His thumb brushed over Cyril's cheek, easing the tension in his expression.
Cyril leaned into the touch, voice trembling. "What should we do?"
Lucian drew in a long breath and lowered his forehead against Cyril's. "Cy…" His voice softened, thick with emotion. "I'm not a saint. When this outbreak begins, doctors like you will be thrown onto the frontlines, and I can't bear the thought of you in danger...Stay with me—please."
Without hesitation, Cyril whispered, "Then I'll resign."
Lucian blinked in surprise. "So easily?"
Cyril sighed, squeezing his hand. "It's not just because you said so," Cyril explained, intertwining his fingers with Lucian's. "I haven't told you this, but I've been thinking about resigning for a long time. The hospital environment is toxic; my relationships with my superiors and some colleagues have only gotten worse. I just needed a reason." His voice softened. "And now, I think this is it."
His gaze drifted out the windshield, toward the darkness of the parking lot. "I've weighed the pros and cons of this possible outbreak. If the virus wasn't dangerous, why would the government impose a large-scale quarantine and silence the news about it? That only means the threat is real."
Lucian's lips curved in a faint smile. He leaned closer, burying his face against Cyril's shoulder, inhaling his intoxicating scent.
"I'm not a saint either, Lucian," Cyril whispered, his voice trembling. "Maybe you'll think I'm crazy, maybe obsessed, but… whatever happens, I want to stay with you. I love you."
For a heartbeat, silence filled the car.
And Cyril's heart pounded like a drum in his chest as he waited.
But Lucian didn't make him wait long. He smiled; with a swift motion, he tugged down his mask and captured Cyril's lips in a sudden, searing kiss.
Cyril froze, his lips parted in shock, and Lucian seized the chance to deepen the kiss, his tongue sweeping boldly into the warmth of his mouth. Cyril moaned softly, surrendering, kissing him back with clumsy desperation. Neither had experience, but it didn't matter. Their tongues tangled, their breaths mingled, and the air thickened with the sweet haze of Cyril's pheromones.
Lucian forced himself to pull away, stealing one last lick of Cyril's flushed lips before drawing him tightly against his chest, battling his own desire.
For a long moment, the car was filled only with the sound of their breathing. Finally, Lucian opened the window, letting the heavy pheromones drift away.
"I love you too, Cyril," Lucian whispered. His violet eyes shone as he cupped the Omega's cheek. "And I swear—I'll make you happy, and I'll protect you, no matter what. Will you be with me?"
Cyril's lips curved into a trembling smile, relief and affection glowing in his blue eyes. "I will," he murmured, leaning in for another kiss.
Their lips met again, soft at first, then deepening into something neither wanted to end.