The explosion at Onyx Biomedical Solutions had reduced its pharmaceutical and research building to ruins. Several security personnel were injured, but no civilian casualties were reported.
With the cause still unknown, speculation spread quickly. Some suspected an accident; others believed the blast had been deliberate, an attempt to destroy evidence. Rival companies were already being named online, but investigators had yet to identify anyone responsible.
Amid the uncertainty, Empire Onyx Entertainment announced that its upcoming special concert would be postponed until further notice. The agency apologized to fans and promised to announce a new date once arrangements had been finalized.
Inside the hidden laboratory beneath the Mercier Estate, a single vial of Sovereign rested on a metal tray beneath the clinical white lights.
Maximillian stood before it, studying the serum in silence.
This was the first Sovereign formulation created specifically for him, without the nano-lattice kill switch. No one would be able to shut down his body remotely or force him into submission.
His father had taught him that strength was the foundation of power and that a man's legacy depended on how far he could rise above everyone else. Maximillian had spent years trying to prove that belief right.
Sovereign had already pushed Alpha abilities beyond their natural limits, but he wanted more. Enigmas remained the one classification whose capabilities his research couldn't fully explain, and he refused to accept that there were limits he couldn't overcome.
He lifted the vial beneath the clinical lights. If the formulation worked, he wouldn't have to rely on anyone else's strength—or answer to anyone who could control him.
He would become the proof that his father's ambition had never gone far enough.
"Chairman," the scientist said cautiously, "the final checks are complete, but the reaction remains unpredictable. The strain on your cardiovascular and nervous systems could be severe."
Maximillian slowly turned toward him.
"You knew the risks when you agreed to develop it. And now, after all this time, you're telling me to reconsider?"
The scientist lowered his gaze, visibly uncomfortable beneath the Chairman's scrutiny.
"I apologize, Chairman. I only wanted to ensure you understood the possible consequences."
"I understand them perfectly."
Maximillian set the vial beside the prepared injector and extended his arm.
"I didn't bring this project to its final stage to turn away because the results are uncertain. Administer it."
The scientist hesitated before proceeding.
For several seconds, nothing happened.
Then the pain hit.
Maximillian's fingers clamped around the examination table as a violent tremor ran through his arm. His heartbeat thundered against his ribs, and heat surged through his body until his muscles began to contract uncontrollably. His pheromones erupted in powerful, uneven waves, sending the monitors into a series of sharp alarms.
"His heart rate is climbing rapidly," one scientist reported, turning toward Maximillian's right-hand man. "His blood pressure is rising, and his pheromone output is exceeding the expected range."
The right-hand man stepped closer to the observation monitors, his expression tightening.
"Can you stabilize him?"
"We're monitoring his response. We need to see whether his body can complete the integration."
Maximillian could no longer follow their conversation.
Pain tore through him again, wrenching a strangled cry from his throat. His muscles seized, and his back arched against the table. Blood trickled from his nose as his fingers slipped from the edge.
The scientists rushed forward, their voices lost beneath the shrill alarms as another convulsion shook his body.
He had known the reaction would be severe.
He had accepted the risk before the needle ever touched his skin.
I will not fail.
The thought had come while he was still conscious enough to understand what was happening.
He would not spend his life pursuing the power his father had demanded of him only to retreat at the moment of truth.
Another wave of agony tore through him.
His vision darkened, the laboratory lights dissolving into a blur as consciousness slipped beyond his grasp.
The last thing he heard was the scientist calling for another reading.
Then everything faded.
Gradually, the violent fluctuations began to subside.
His breathing steadied. His heart rate, though still elevated, settled into a more regular rhythm, and the pressure of his pheromones slowly receded.
When Maximillian finally opened his eyes, the first thing he noticed was the sound.
He could hear the faint electrical hum of the monitors, the movement of equipment behind him, and the hurried breathing of the scientist standing beside the table. Even the quiet exchange between his right-hand man and another researcher came through with startling clarity.
He drew a slow breath.
The laboratory smelled different, too. He could distinguish the antiseptic on the table, the metallic scent of the equipment, and the faint traces of pheromones lingering in the room.
His senses had sharpened.
Maximillian flexed his fingers, then slowly sat up.
The scientist checked the monitors again, disbelief spreading across his face.
"Chairman, the initial integration appears successful. Your vital signs are stabilizing, and the serum's effects are already becoming measurable. We'll need further testing to determine the full extent of the enhancement."
He waited until the dizziness passed before swinging his legs over the edge of the table. The scientists continued checking the monitors, but Maximillian was already testing the steadiness of his hands.
The strange lightness in his limbs and the newfound steadiness felt unlike anything he had experienced before.
"Then prepare the testing chamber. I want the results, not speculation."
The scientist immediately moved to comply.
Maximillian's right-hand man approached with his jacket. He slipped it on, straightened his cuffs, and followed the scientist into the adjoining testing chamber.
Once inside, Maximillian stood in the center of the room and glanced toward the observation window.
Then he released his pheromones.
Ancient cedar and dark vetiver flooded the chamber, their familiar depth carrying a weight that had not been there before. The pressure rolled outward, heavy and commanding, filling the space with an intensity that made the scientists behind the glass stare at their monitors in disbelief.
Maximillian took a slow breath, savoring the strength coursing through his body. Even his pheromones felt different, more potent than anything he had produced before.
A slow smile spread across his face.
Then he laughed.
The sound began as a low chuckle before growing into a full, unrestrained laugh that echoed through the chamber. For years, he had watched other Alphas reach the limits of their abilities. Now he could feel himself moving beyond them.
For the first time, Maximillian had proof that Sovereign could take him beyond the limits of his classification.
He lowered his head, still smiling as he turned toward his right-hand man.
"Sovereign can be reproduced. We have the research, the formulation, and the means to continue. The explosion at Onyx Biomedical has cost us billions, but it hasn't ended the project."
His right-hand man inclined his head.
"The five remaining vials are scheduled for transfer to our Russian partners. The handover has been arranged at the private cargo pier. I'll accompany the shipment myself, with a small team of elite Alphas to keep the operation discreet. I'll oversee the exchange personally and report to you once all five vials have been delivered."
Maximillian gave a slow nod.
"Keep the operation discreet. I won't have the transfer compromised."
"It won't be, Chairman. I'll handle it personally."
"See that you do. Those vials are too valuable to lose."
Maximillian's gaze hardened as he turned toward his right-hand man again.
"And find the people who think they can destroy Onyx and walk away unscathed. I want their identities, their connections, and every piece of information you can uncover."
His voice dropped, the satisfaction of his recent success giving way to something far more dangerous.
"When you find them, bring me their names. I'll deal with them myself."
"Yes, Chairman."
Maximillian looked through the glass at the scientist, who was already preparing the next round of tests.
A cold, satisfied smile returned to his face.
They had destroyed Onyx Biomedical's laboratory, but they had not destroyed Sovereign.
And they had not destroyed him.
He had become something stronger than he had been before.
Now, he intended to make everyone responsible for the attack regret ever challenging him.
⸻
Several days later, Kael joined Aris in his laboratory, where they continued examining the research recovered from Onyx. Files lay open across the workbench, filled with test results and observations about the damage Sovereign had caused to the harvested patients.
Aris studied the test results on his laptop, comparing the patient records with the data recovered from Onyx.
"The completed cases show extensive damage to the scent glands and the systems responsible for pheromone production," he said. "If we can identify how Sovereign causes those changes, we may find a way to reverse them."
Kael studied the results. "So Axis gives us a chance to see what the first phase actually did."
"That's what I'm hoping," Aris said. "If I can separate the early changes from the damage caused by the later phases, we might have a better idea of what can be reversed."
"And the five vials?"
"They might help us understand the formulation, but I'm not promising a cure." Aris met his gaze. "Not until I know exactly what Sovereign has done to them."
Kael nodded. "Fair enough. Find out what you can. I'll make sure you have the resources you need."
Aris saved his findings before turning to another file.
A moment later, he looked at Kael. "Have you heard anything from Mina?"
Kael's expression tightened. He lowered his gaze to the documents on the workbench, his fingers curling against the edge.
"Nothing." He exhaled slowly. "I should've planned things more carefully. Maybe then, things wouldn't have turned out this way."
Aris waited, giving him time to continue.
"If my father had anything to do with her disappearance, he might have already killed her." Kael swallowed, his gaze fixed on the papers. "And there's still no sign of her."
"They still haven't found her," Aris said quietly. "We don't know what happened to her."
Kael's jaw tightened. "I know what my father is capable of."
Aris rested a hand on his shoulder but didn't press him for more. After a moment, Kael drew a breath and turned back to the files.
Aris withdrew his hand and asked, "Have they found anything new about the explosion?"
Kael shook his head. "Nothing that tells us who was behind it."
"You think it was personal?"
"It wouldn't surprise me. There are plenty of people who would want revenge."
Kael turned his attention back to the research. "We still don't know if we can reverse the damage."
"Not until I've examined everything," Aris replied. "But I won't rule out a solution before we have the evidence."
Kael watched him work for a moment, impressed by how quickly he had broken the problem into manageable parts. Despite everything hanging over them, Aris remained focused on what they could still do.
"Get me your initial findings as soon as you can," Kael said. "I'll make sure you have everything else you need."
Aris nodded and resumed his analysis, already working through the possibilities.
⸻
The safe house had quieted down as the evening went on, with only the occasional sounds from outside breaking the silence.
Axis and Dane stood side by side by the balcony railing. Axis gazed out over the grounds, while Dane kept his attention on the mark around his wrist, barely noticing the breeze ruffling his hair.
He brushed his thumb over the mark. The skin had healed, but he still remembered standing at the edge of the balcony, overwhelmed by the emptiness left behind when his scent and abilities disappeared.
Back then, he hadn't even known what had happened to him. He'd only known that something essential was missing, and he couldn't imagine how to live with it.
When he'd come dangerously close to giving up, Axis had been the one who stayed.
Axis glanced over his shoulder.
"Hey, still thinking about it?"
Dane lowered his hand and looked at him. "Am I that obvious?"
Axis gave a small shrug. "A little."
Dane let out an awkward laugh before looking back at the sea.
"It's strange, isn't it? How something that reminds me of the worst time in my life can also remind me that I wasn't alone."
Axis turned toward him, his expression softening.
Dane ran his thumb over the mark once more.
"I didn't even know what was wrong with me back then. I just knew something was missing, and I couldn't figure out how to live with it." He paused, searching for the right words. "I kept wondering what I'd done wrong, whether I'd ever feel normal again, and why it had to happen to me."
Axis listened without interrupting.
"And when I finally couldn't take it anymore, you were there." Dane looked at him. "You didn't have to say anything or promise that things would get better. You just refused to let me give up."
Axis looked away toward the water, his expression growing thoughtful.
"I wasn't going to stand there and watch you throw your life away."
"I know." Dane offered him a small smile. "But you could've walked away afterward. You could've decided I was too much trouble."
Axis turned back to him.
"Is that what you think of yourself?"
Dane blinked. "What?"
"Too much trouble." Axis shook his head. "You were going through something you didn't understand. That doesn't make you a burden, Dane."
Dane fell quiet.
Axis returned his gaze to the sea. "You don't have to figure everything out right now, Dane. Just don't give up on yourself because you haven't."
For a moment, Dane didn't know what to say. Then he let out a slow breath, some of the tension leaving his shoulders.
"You know, for someone who doesn't talk much about his feelings, you can be annoyingly insightful."
Axis glanced at him. "Don't spread that around. I have a reputation to maintain."
Dane laughed, nudging his shoulder.
"Your secret's safe with me."
"Good."
They stood together in the quiet night, the salty sea breeze stirring their hair as they looked up at the stars scattered across the dark sky.
Dane's expression grew thoughtful again.
"I still hope we find a way to get my pheromones and abilities back," Dane said. "I want to know what it's like to wake up one morning and not feel like something's missing."
Axis nodded.
"That's fair."
"But I'm also tired of waiting for my life to start again." Dane glanced down at his wrist. "I don't want every day to revolve around what I lost or whether we'll ever find a way to fix it. I want to do things without constantly thinking about what happened to me."
"Then do that."
Dane looked at him, surprised by the simplicity of the answer.
"That's your advice?"
"Pretty much."
"Wow. All those years of wisdom, and that's what I get?"
Axis gave him a dry look. "You want a longer speech?"
"No, no. I'm just appreciating your incredible ability to make everything sound easy."
"Glad I could help."
Dane laughed, shaking his head.
The humor faded gradually, leaving a quiet sense of relief behind. He was still frightened of what the future might hold, but he no longer felt the same desperate need to find all the answers at once.
"Thanks, Axis."
Axis glanced at him. "For what?"
"For being there that night. And for not treating me differently afterward."
Axis looked back at the sea.
"You're still Dane. Why would I?"
Dane smiled, his eyes warming.
"See? Annoyingly insightful again."
"I'm starting to regret saying anything."
"Too late. I'm keeping all of it."
Axis shook his head, a faint smile tugging at his lips.
Dane moved closer to the railing, his shoulder brushing Axis's. Neither moved away, letting the quiet settle between them.
⸻
The beach lay quiet beneath the moonlight, a silver path stretching across the water as gentle waves washed over the sand.
Elio sat with his knees drawn up, his shoes beside him. Vyn sat close, their shoulders touching, one arm stretched behind Elio.
For a while, neither said anything. They simply enjoyed a rare moment when no one needed anything from them.
Then Vyn slipped an arm around Elio's waist and drew him closer.
"Thinking about tomorrow?"
"A little." Elio leaned into him. "We've prepared as much as we can. I just wish that meant we knew how tomorrow would go."
Vyn glanced down at him. "I know. But whatever happens, we'll handle it together."
Elio smiled. "That's what I'm counting on."
Vyn's lips curved into a faint smile before he pressed a kiss to Elio's temple.
They fell quiet again, listening to the waves. Stealing the Sovereign was only the beginning. They still had to expose Onyx, and Maximillian wouldn't go down without a fight. There was no telling how long it would take before they could finally put it all behind them.
Yet Elio found himself thinking about what waited beyond the fight.
"Vyn?"
"Hmm?"
"What do you think our lives will look like when all this is over?"
Vyn turned to him. "What do you want them to look like?"
Elio smiled. "I asked you first."
"Fine." Vyn brushed his thumb over Elio's waist. "I want to marry you."
Elio lifted his head, his eyes brightening with amusement.
"Oh? Just like that?"
"Just like that."
"We're in the middle of taking down Onyx, and you're thinking about marriage?"
"I can think about two things at once."
"Can you?"
Vyn drew him closer, watching his face expectantly. "Well? Aren't you going to say anything?"
Elio's smile softened. "I just didn't expect you to say it so casually."
"Casually?" Vyn pressed a kiss to his temple. "Elio, I want to marry you. I want a life with you." His expression grew a little more vulnerable. "Please tell me you want that, too."
Elio's teasing expression melted. He squeezed Vyn's hand and leaned in to kiss his cheek.
"Of course I do, you idiot."
Vyn brightened immediately. "You do?"
"I just said I do."
"I know. I just like hearing it from you."
Elio laughed softly. "You really do need to hear it, huh?"
"When it comes to spending my life with you? Absolutely."
Vyn looked entirely unashamed of the admission, making Elio shake his head fondly before nudging him with his shoulder.
"So, have you actually thought about what our life together would look like?"
"Of course I have."
"Oh? Let me guess. A big house, expensive furniture, and a bedroom you never intend to let me leave?"
"Not quite." Vyn's mouth curved. "A place of our own, somewhere quiet near the sea. Waking up beside you every morning. Having you in my arms at night. Kissing you whenever I feel like it."
"That last part sounds suspiciously like your plan for keeping me trapped."
"Trapped?" Vyn leaned closer. "I was thinking more along the lines of happily married and thoroughly spoiled."
"Ah, so you plan to spoil me?"
"Among other things."
Elio tilted his head, looking at him with an innocent expression that Vyn knew was anything but innocent.
And there went his self-control.
Vyn stared a second too long, his gaze drifting over Elio's face before settling on his lips.
Elio caught him. "What?"
"Nothing."
"You're staring."
"I'm admiring what's mine."
Elio's eyebrows rose. "Already getting possessive?"
"Have you looked in a mirror lately?" Vyn murmured. "You expect me to sit here and behave when you look at me like that?"
"Like what?"
"Like you know exactly what you're doing to me."
Elio's smile widened. "Maybe I do."
Vyn let out a quiet laugh, then leaned in and nuzzled his neck.
"Vyn!"
"What?"
"You're sniffing me!"
"I'm appreciating my future husband."
"You're using that excuse to do whatever you want."
"And you're making it very difficult for me to stop."
He breathed in once more before Elio pushed lightly at his shoulder, laughing. Vyn finally pulled back, looking far too pleased with himself.
"You're shameless."
"Only with you." Vyn caught his hand and kissed his knuckles. "You bring out the worst in me."
"I'm sure that's my fault."
"Entirely."
Elio laughed and leaned against him again. Vyn brushed his lips over his forehead, then looked out at the sea.
"There's one more thing I've been thinking about."
Elio looked up at him. "What is it?"
Vyn smiled, brushing his thumb over Elio's knuckles. "A little family of our own. Maybe a baby someday, running around our house."
Elio blinked, then a mischievous grin spread across his face.
"A baby?"
"Mm-hmm."
"And who exactly do you imagine is going to carry our baby?"
Vyn looked at him suspiciously. "Why do I feel like I'm about to regret bringing this up?"
"No, no. It's a perfectly reasonable question." Elio straightened, doing his best to look serious. "What if you get pregnant instead?"
Vyn stared at him.
Elio's grin widened. "You want a baby so badly. I'm just making sure you've considered every possibility."
"You're enjoying this far too much."
"I'm imagining you dealing with morning sickness. You'd probably try to negotiate with it."
"I would not."
"You'd make a schedule. Breakfast at eight, nausea at eight fifteen."
Vyn burst out laughing. "You think you're hilarious."
"I know I am."
Vyn tugged him back against his chest. "Keep teasing me, and I might start wondering how you'd look with a baby bump."
Elio twisted around to stare at him. "Oh, so you've already decided I'm the one getting pregnant?"
Vyn grinned. "I'm also considering the possibilities."
Elio narrowed his eyes at him, fighting back a smile. "You seem awfully pleased with that idea."
"Can you blame me?"
"Vyn!"
He laughed and pressed a kiss to Elio's cheek. "What? I'm allowed to have a little imagination."
Elio laughed, resting his head against Vyn's shoulder. The thought of a home, a family, a future that belonged to them both settled between them. It was something they could choose together, when they were ready.
"You really want all that?" Elio asked quietly.
Vyn turned to him. "With you? Absolutely."
"Even the messy days? The occasional arguments? Putting up with me when I'm being difficult?"
"I think I can manage. Though I reserve the right to be difficult, too."
Elio smiled and kissed his cheek. "You're going to be an annoying husband."
"And you're going to love me anyway."
Elio gave him a look. "You sound awfully confident."
"I know who I'm marrying."
Elio laughed, leaning in to kiss him again. Vyn caught his hand before he could pull away, bringing it to his lips.
"Stop showing off," Elio murmured.
"Can't help it. You're sitting here talking about our future with me."
Elio tilted his head to look at him. "And what makes you think I won't change my mind?"
Vyn's smile faltered just enough for Elio to notice. Before he could answer, Elio cupped his face in both hands.
"Hey. Look at me."
Vyn did.
"I love you," Elio said, his voice gentle but certain. "Not because of what you can give me or the life you can promise me. I love you because you're you. I'd choose you even if all we had was a little house by the sea and nothing else."
He brushed his thumb over Vyn's cheek.
"I want the ordinary days with you, too. The quiet mornings, the bad days, all the little things we don't get to have right now. I want to grow old with you, Vyn. You don't have to give me a perfect future. I just want you in mine."
For once, Vyn had no clever reply.
He looked at Elio, taking in the face he loved so dearly, the slight tilt of his head, the warmth in his eyes. Vyn had spent enough of his life keeping his feelings to himself.
With Elio, he wanted to be greedy about the things that mattered. He wanted the kisses, the closeness, the mornings and nights, the chance to love him openly without having to hold back.
Vyn pulled Elio into his arms and kissed him, pouring all his pent-up longing into it.
When they finally parted, he stayed close, his gaze searching Elio's face before settling on his lips again. His chest tightened at the sight of him, so close and so beautiful, and he caught his own lower lip between his teeth, trying to rein in the hunger stirring inside him.
Elio's eyes flickered to Vyn's mouth before meeting his gaze again. The look he gave Vyn held the same barely restrained desire, his fingers curling into the front of Vyn's shirt as if he wanted him closer, too.
Vyn smiled softly, his arm still wrapped around Elio's waist. He wanted to kiss him again, but for once, he made himself hold back. Elio had just given him something more precious than any promise of a perfect future, and Vyn wanted to savor every word.
"You can't say things like that and expect me to behave," he murmured.
Elio laughed softly. "I wasn't asking you to behave."
Vyn's eyes flicked to his lips. "That's a dangerous thing to tell me."
"Then maybe you should stop looking at my mouth."
"I've tried. It's never worked."
Elio tilted his head, smiling at him.
Vyn closed his eyes briefly, as if asking the universe for patience.
"Have some mercy on me."
That made Elio laugh, and Vyn kissed him again before he could say anything else.
Elio pulled back just enough to catch his breath, his smile lingering.
"You know, for someone who wants a whole lifetime with me, you're awfully impatient."
Vyn brushed his thumb along Elio's cheek. "I've waited long enough to have you to myself. I'm allowed to enjoy it."
"Have me to yourself?" Elio raised an eyebrow. "I wasn't aware I'd agreed to become your personal property."
"Then I'll have to settle for being your favorite person."
"That's a big assumption."
Vyn leaned in, his lips grazing Elio's. "Should I be worried?"
Elio pretended to consider it, letting Vyn wait a beat before smiling. "No. You're stuck with me."
"Good." Vyn kissed him once, softly. "Because I have no intention of letting you go."
Elio curled closer, resting his head against Vyn's shoulder. "You'd better be prepared to put up with me for a very long time."
Vyn tightened his arm around him and kissed his temple. "That's the plan."
Elio laughed softly before settling against his chest, their fingers intertwined.
Tomorrow, they would return to the fight waiting for them. Tonight, they allowed themselves to imagine the ordinary life they wanted.
⸻
The cargo pier lay quiet beneath the night sky. Beyond the loading area, the commercial port remained active, its distant machinery and moving lights providing cover for an exchange that was never supposed to happen.
There were no CCTV cameras covering the exact handover location, so the team had installed several of their own earlier.
From a van parked several streets away, Ada and Pete monitored the cargo area through the live feeds.
Dane monitored the surrounding roads, while Joey and Aris waited in an SUV near the eastern exit. Kael remained farther away on his motorcycle, ready to leave as soon as Axis delivered the briefcase.
Beneath their dark clothes, Elio, Vyn, and Axis wore bulletproof vests and masks to conceal their identities. They had prepared for the possibility of gunfire, but the armor offered no guarantee of safety. They still needed to keep their heads and limbs out of the line of fire.
"Three vehicles approaching the pier," Dane reported through the comms.
Ada checked the monitor. "Confirmed. That's the delivery team."
The vehicles pulled into the cargo area. Several men stepped out, followed by two E-Class Alphas and a group of elite Alpha guards. Their leader emerged last, carrying a black briefcase.
Maximillian's right-hand man.
Sebastian had originally been assigned to handle the exchange, but Maximillian had changed the plan and sent his right-hand man instead. Kael had learned of the switch through the listening devices he'd planted in Maximillian's bedroom and office. The team had adjusted accordingly, though they knew little about the man's fighting abilities beyond his E-Class classification.
"Target has arrived," Pete reported. "The briefcase is with him."
"Any movement from the Russian vessel?" Vyn asked.
"The ship is holding near the outer side of the port. No sign of the representative at the handover location."
The Russian vessel had entered the port illegally under cover of darkness. Its representative was expected to receive the five Sovereign vials once the exchange was complete. The team needed to intercept the handover before the samples reached the Russians.
"Keep an eye on the ship and the access roads," Elio said into the comm. "Let me know if you spot anything unusual."
"Got it. Just be careful out there," Ada replied through the earpiece.
Behind a stack of containers, Vyn watched the men spread out across the pier, Elio standing beside him.
The right-hand man held the briefcase himself, his fingers wrapped firmly around the handle. He checked the perimeter while his guards positioned themselves around him.
The two E-Class Alphas stayed close, their heightened senses alert to anything unusual, while the elite guards covered the approaches with their weapons ready.
Then the right-hand man paused.
Something unfamiliar had reached their senses from beyond the containers. He couldn't identify it, and judging by the subtle shift in the two E-Class Alphas' expressions, they had noticed it too. An instinctive warning stirred beneath his skin. He turned toward the shadows, searching for its source.
"Delivery team is in position," Pete reported. "The handover hasn't started."
Vyn gave a brief signal.
Elio moved.
He emerged from behind the containers and struck the nearest guard before the man could raise his weapon. The guard stumbled, giving Elio enough time to knock his gun aside and drive him against a stack of crates. A sharp blow to the jaw dropped the man to the ground.
The others reacted immediately.
"Contact!"
Gunfire erupted across the pier.
Elio ducked behind the nearest container as bullets struck the metal around him. Sparks flew from the surface, and the sharp reports echoed through the loading area. He stayed low until the firing shifted toward the other side of the cargo area, then moved along the container's edge before the gunmen could adjust their aim.
Two guards rushed to intercept him.
Elio struck the first across the face, then caught the second man's weapon arm and forced the muzzle away. He drove his elbow into the guard's jaw and shoved him aside, breaking through before either man could recover.
The two E-Class Alphas came at him together.
The first swung for Elio's head. Elio ducked beneath the punch and drove a knee into his abdomen, then struck his jaw before he could recover. The Alpha retaliated with a heavy punch, but Elio blocked it and twisted his arm, forcing him off balance.
A sharp strike to the face sent the man crashing against a container.
His partner attacked from behind.
Elio turned in time to deflect the blow. He drove his elbow into the man's ribs, struck his jaw, and swept his legs out from under him. The Alpha hit the ground hard.
Before the man could rise, Elio landed another blow, leaving him struggling to recover.
The first Alpha charged back into the fight. Elio met him head-on, slipped past his guard, and struck his jaw. The man staggered, and Elio followed with a hard blow to the side of his head that sent him sprawling beside his partner.
Both E-Class Alphas hit the ground, but neither stayed down for long. Elio had bought himself a few seconds, nothing more.
Elio barely had time to turn before another burst of gunfire forced him back behind cover. Bullets struck the container around him. He kept his head and limbs shielded, knowing his vest would offer little protection against a direct shot to an exposed area.
Across the pier, Vyn moved in.
The two E-Class Alphas had begun to recover, and one tried to reach Elio's position. Vyn intercepted him with a hard strike to the ribs, then drove a punch into his jaw.
The Alpha swung back. Vyn blocked the blow with his forearm and forced him backward, striking again before the man could regain his footing. The Alpha tried to rush him, but Vyn pivoted and sent him stumbling with a blow to the face.
The second Alpha charged from the side.
Vyn turned to meet him, caught his arm, and drove his elbow into the man's abdomen. When the Alpha tried to force him against a container, Vyn planted his feet and shoved him off. A sharp blow to the jaw sent the man staggering.
Neither opponent was easy to put down. Their E-Class strength allowed them to withstand punishment, but Vyn matched their physical power and was quicker to exploit their openings.
The first Alpha tried to return to the fight.
Vyn blocked his next strike and drove a fist into his face, forcing him back before he could attack again.
An elite guard approached from Vyn's blind side.
Axis intercepted him, knocking the guard's weapon arm away before landing a strike that sent him stumbling. Another guard tried to close in, but Axis kept moving, preventing the men from surrounding him.
"Eastern exit is clear," Joey said through the comms. "We're ready to get you out. Just be careful."
No response came. Through the comms, Joey and Aris could hear the sounds of the fight unfolding on the pier.
At the center of the pier, the right-hand man advanced toward Elio. He had watched the masked intruder take down both E-Class Alphas and break through his armed guards. His initial caution had hardened into anger.
"Stay back," he ordered his men.
He kept the briefcase firmly in his hand. He wouldn't pass it to a guard or leave it behind, not even while fighting. The five vials inside were too valuable to risk losing.
Elio emerged from cover.
The right-hand man attacked without warning. His punch caught Elio in the side, followed by a knee to his abdomen. Before Elio could recover, the man seized his jacket and slammed him against a container.
Pain shot through Elio's back. The man caught a glimpse of Elio's mismatched eyes, his gaze lingering for a fraction of a second before he struck again.
Elio shoved him away and blocked the next strike, countering with a punch to his jaw. The man barely staggered before retaliating, his movements sharp and controlled.
He could feel the difference in their strength. Every time he tried to close the distance, the right-hand man forced him back, keeping the briefcase out of reach. Trading blows wasn't going to work.
So Elio changed tactics.
He unleashed his pheromones.
A heavy, commanding presence flooded the space between them. The right-hand man released his own in fierce resistance, but the pressure kept building. His grip tightened around the case as he fought to remain standing.
Elio pushed harder.
The man's stance faltered. Elio struck him across the face and wrenched the briefcase from his weakening grip, but the right-hand man immediately caught the handle again.
They struggled over it, both refusing to give ground. The right-hand man struck Elio across the shoulder with his free hand, nearly forcing him to release the case. Elio's fingers slipped, and the briefcase tilted between them.
"Who sent you?" the man snarled.
Elio said nothing.
He planted his feet and pulled again. The right-hand man dragged him forward, then landed another blow that sent pain shooting through Elio's side.
Elio nearly lost his grip.
He gritted his teeth and drove a hard strike into the man's face. The man's hold loosened for a fraction of a second. Elio twisted the handle and wrenched the briefcase free, stumbling backward as he secured it against his body.
The right-hand man stared at his empty hand.
For a moment, disbelief crossed his face. Then his expression twisted with fury.
"Fuck!" he snarled. "Get that fucking case back! Don't let those bastards leave with it!"
His men surged forward.
"Case secured," Elio reported through the comms.
An elite guard behind Vyn raised his weapon and took aim.
Elio saw him just as the man began to squeeze the trigger. Still clutching the briefcase, Elio broke away and shoved Vyn out of the line of fire.
The gunshot cracked across the pier.
Pain tore through Elio's upper arm. He staggered against a container, his free hand flying to the wound.
"Fuck!"
Vyn turned sharply and caught him before he could lose his footing.
"Are you okay?" Vyn demanded, his gaze dropping to the blood spreading across Elio's sleeve. "You took the shot for me!"
"It's just a graze."
"That's not what I asked you."
"I'm okay." Elio tried to pull his arm away, but Vyn kept hold of him. "It'll heal eventually."
"You were shot, Elio."
"And I'm still standing." Elio glanced toward the approaching guards. "Can you save the lecture until we're out of here?"
Vyn's jaw tightened. He clearly wasn't satisfied, but the gunmen were closing in, leaving no time to argue.
"Stay close."
Elio gave him a sharp look. "Just keep moving."
The gunman tried to steady his weapon again. The right-hand man was advancing too, furious at the loss of the briefcase and determined to recover it before the intruders escaped.
The two E-Class Alphas had regrouped, and the remaining guards spread out to surround Elio and Vyn. Their weapons were trained on the pair while the men who had closed in for hand-to-hand combat positioned themselves to block the exits.
Ada's voice came through the comms. "We heard the shot. What's happening?"
"We have the case," Elio replied. "Still engaged."
"The Russian vessel is holding farther out. Their representative hasn't approached the handover area."
The armed guards advanced. Their elite Alphas began releasing their pheromones, their instincts reacting to the threat. One presence joined another, building into a coordinated wall of Alpha pressure intended to overwhelm the intruders and force them to retreat.
Elio felt the shift in the air.
The opposing pheromones pressed against him from every direction. Their numbers gave them an advantage, and their coordinated release was meant to disrupt his focus and trigger an instinctive response. Several guards pushed forward, relying on their Alpha instincts to make him hesitate.
Elio stepped out in front of Vyn.
He drew a breath and released his own pheromones.
His overwhelming presence swept through the cargo area, colliding with the guards' combined pressure. Several men faltered, their instincts reacting before they could steady themselves. The two E-Class Alphas stiffened, their concentration wavering as Elio's presence pressed down on them.
Only then did his pheromones fill the air: smoked cardamom, sun-warmed amber, and dark oud, deep and unmistakably powerful.
Vyn released his pheromones a moment later, adding his strength to Elio's without allowing his own signature scent to distinguish itself beneath Elio's dominant presence. Their combined pressure rolled across the pier, forcing the opposing Alphas to fight harder to maintain their footing and concentration.
The guards responded by releasing even more pheromones. The air grew heavy with competing Alpha presences as they struggled to resist the pressure and regain control.
The right-hand man pushed forward, refusing to retreat despite the strain. His own pheromones surged in an attempt to challenge Elio's dominance, but he couldn't break through the combined force of the two men.
Their resistance wasn't enough.
The strain showed in their movements. One of the guards faltered as Vyn closed in, leaving himself open to attack.
Vyn met him head-on, blocking a punch and driving his fist into the man's jaw. He followed with a strike to the abdomen, then shoved the Alpha away before he could recover.
The second attacked from Vyn's side.
Vyn turned, caught the blow on his forearm, and drove his elbow into the man's ribs. The Alpha tried to push through, but Vyn struck him across the face and forced him backward. When the man charged again, Vyn planted his feet and sent him crashing against a container.
The first Alpha attempted to return to the fight, but Vyn intercepted him with another hard strike. The man staggered and dropped to one knee, unable to mount an effective attack.
Across the pier, Axis released his pheromones, forcing the elite Alpha to hesitate for a fraction of a second. He used the opening to knock the guard's weapon aside and slip past him, avoiding a prolonged fight. He needed to reach the eastern exit and wait for the vials to be passed to him, not waste time engaging an opponent who could slow him down.
The gunman raised his weapon again, trying to aim through the competing pheromone pressure. His hands weren't completely steady, and the shifting bodies made it difficult to maintain a clear line of fire. He squeezed the trigger, but the shot struck the container beside Elio.
Elio ducked behind cover, keeping the briefcase close.
The right-hand man pushed through the chaos, his face twisted with anger. Even as the pressure disrupted his concentration, he refused to give up. He lunged toward Elio, trying to reclaim the case, but Elio blocked his strike and drove a knee into his side.
The man staggered.
Elio struck him across the face, forcing him backward. The right-hand man tried to grab the briefcase again, but Elio twisted away and landed another blow that sent him down to one knee.
The man looked up at him, breathing hard, fury burning in his eyes.
"You think you can just walk away with that?" the man spat.
Elio kept the briefcase secured against his body.
The right-hand man surged forward once more.
Elio blocked him, drove a punch into his abdomen, and shoved him back. The man stumbled, struggling to regain his balance under the combined pressure and the blows he'd taken. He still tried to advance, but Elio had already created enough distance to keep the case out of reach.
"Move!" Vyn called.
Elio crossed to him with the briefcase. Vyn was still fending off a guard when Elio passed it into his free hand.
Vyn caught it, drove the guard back with a sharp strike, then turned and handed the case to Axis.
"Take it!"
Axis secured the briefcase and sprinted toward the eastern exit. A guard tried to cut him off, but Axis sidestepped the attack and struck him hard enough to send him sprawling.
He kept moving.
The right-hand man saw the case leaving the pier.
"Stop him!" he roared.
Two guards attempted to pursue Axis, but the combined pheromone pressure and the fighting had left their formation in disarray. Axis slipped past them and disappeared through the eastern exit.
The right-hand man tried to follow, but Vyn intercepted him. Their fists collided, and the man was forced back a step. He swung again, but Vyn blocked the strike and drove a punch into his ribs before shoving him away.
By the time the man regained his footing, Axis was already gone.
Kael waited at the rendezvous point on his motorcycle. Axis reached him and handed over the briefcase. Kael secured it before giving Axis a brief nod.
Axis climbed onto the motorcycle behind him.
The engine roared to life, and they sped away from the port.
The right-hand man watched their escape, his face contorted with rage. He had been entrusted with the five vials and now the case was gone. His men had failed to stop the intruders, and the Russian representative was already withdrawing from the exchange.
"Find them!" he shouted at the guards still standing. "I want that case back!"
But no one could give chase quickly enough. The intruders had broken through the perimeter, and the remaining guards were still struggling to recover from the fight.
At the cargo area, Vyn caught Elio by his uninjured arm and pulled him toward the exit. Elio kept his pheromones controlled as they moved away, allowing the pressure to ease only once they had enough distance from the remaining guards.
Joey had already opened the rear door of the SUV, while Aris leaned forward from the passenger seat.
"Get in."
Vyn helped Elio inside before climbing in after him. Joey pulled away immediately, leaving the pier behind.
Ada continued monitoring the cameras. "The Russian vessel is turning away. Their representative never approached the cargo area. They're withdrawing."
Aris turned around and reached for Elio's arm. "Let me see the wound."
Elio moved his hand away from the blood-soaked fabric so Aris could examine it. The bullet had grazed his upper arm, leaving a painful but shallow wound.
"It's not deep," Aris said. "But it needs to be cleaned and dressed properly."
Vyn took a clean cloth from the compartment and pressed it against the wound, his gaze fixed on Elio's injured arm.
Elio winced. "Easy. It's already slowing down."
Vyn glanced at him, then back at his arm, keeping the cloth in place. "Let me see for myself."
"It's healing, Vyn." Elio shifted his arm slightly. "Look. It's barely bleeding now."
Aris leaned closer to examine the wound before nodding. "He's right. The bleeding's slowing faster than I expected. It should heal soon, but we still need to clean and dress it properly."
Vyn reluctantly lifted the cloth, his eyes lingering on the wound as Aris cleaned it and secured the dressing.
The SUV continued through the dark streets, leaving the port behind.
⸻
The slap cracked through the quiet balcony.
Maximillian's right-hand man staggered, his head snapping to the side. Before he could straighten, the Chairman's pheromones crashed over him, filling the air with suffocating pressure.
"Five vials!" Maximillian roared. "Five vials of Sovereign, and you still managed to lose every single one!"
The man lowered his head, one hand pressed against his reddening cheek. Blood seeped from his split lip, but he remained standing beneath the crushing force of Maximillian's pheromones.
"I'm sorry, Chairman."
Maximillian stared at him, his anger settling into something colder.
Of all the men under his command, this was the strongest. Maximillian had entrusted him with the Sovereign, confident that few could match his abilities, especially with the drug amplifying his strength. Yet he had failed the handover, losing all five vials worth a billion dollars and jeopardizing years of research.
"Do you understand what you've cost me?" Maximillian stepped closer, his voice laced with fury. "A billion dollars and years of research, all because you failed to do your job."
"We underestimated them, Chairman. Our men couldn't hold them back. I tried to recover the case, but one of them was stronger than me."
For a moment, Maximillian said nothing.
His pheromones pressed harder against the man, making the air feel heavier with every passing second.
"Stronger than you?" he repeated.
"Yes, Chairman." The man kept his head lowered. "I've never encountered anyone like him. His presence was unlike anything I've experienced. He didn't seem like an Alpha, either."
Maximillian's expression darkened.
"Are you telling me you encountered an Enigma?"
"I can't say for certain, Chairman. I couldn't determine his classification, but his strength was extraordinary. Three of us had received Sovereign, and even with its effects, we couldn't match him. He was stronger than us."
The admission hung between them.
Maximillian had invested heavily in Sovereign to push the limits of human ability. Those who received it were meant to gain an advantage over ordinary opponents. Yet someone had managed to overpower the strongest man in his service, even with that advantage.
This was no ordinary theft.
Maximillian stepped away, his fists tightening at his sides.
"Were you able to identify them?"
"No, Chairman. They were wearing masks, and I never got a clear look at their faces. But the stronger one had different-colored eyes."
Maximillian's gaze sharpened, though his expression revealed nothing.
"Then find out who they are." His voice was quiet, stripped of the fury that had filled it moments earlier.
"Determine whether they're connected to Northstar. I want every lead investigated and all five vials recovered."
"Understood, Chairman."
Maximillian held his gaze. "You are the strongest man I have. I trusted you to handle what others couldn't."
He stepped closer, his pheromones bearing down on the man once more.
"Do not make me regret that trust."
The man bowed his head. "I won't fail you again, Chairman."
"You've already failed me once." Maximillian's voice dropped to a near whisper. "Make certain there isn't a second time."
"Yes, Chairman."
Maximillian turned toward the railing. The five vials were gone, another costly setback to years of research.
His thoughts shifted to Elio.
He recalled the questions surrounding the young idol's physical capabilities and whether they aligned with his registered classification. At the time, he hadn't considered the discrepancy worth investigating.
Now, he couldn't ignore the possibility.
What if Elio wasn't an ordinary S-Class Omega?
What if he was an Enigma?
The thought stirred his interest. If his suspicions proved correct, Elio could be exactly the subject his research needed. But he would have to confirm it first.
Maximillian had invested too much to let the investigation into Onyx Biomedical or the explosion derail his ambitions. Whatever it took, he would see his research through.
He turned back to his right-hand man, who remained standing nearby.
"One more thing."
The man straightened immediately. "Yes, Chairman?"
"Bring Elio to me."
"Yes, Chairman."
"I want this handled discreetly. No public attention, and no one outside those directly involved is to know where he is." Maximillian fixed him with an unwavering stare. "He is to be brought here unharmed. No unnecessary injuries, no public incident, and no mistakes. Is that clear?"
"Understood, Chairman. I'll handle it personally."
"See that you do. You may leave."
The right-hand man bowed and left.
Maximillian turned his gaze back toward the dark grounds below.
He had no proof that Elio was an Enigma. His instincts could be wrong, but he could no longer afford to ignore them.
Five vials of Sovereign had been stolen, and Onyx Biomedical was under scrutiny. Maximillian had every reason to lie low, but retreat had never been part of his plans.
He would recover the Sovereign and find the people responsible for the explosion.
And if Elio truly was an Enigma, Maximillian would make sure the young man fell into his hands before anyone else discovered what he was.
⸻
A few days had passed since the operation at the port.
That night, Empire Onyx lay quiet beneath the glow of its corridor lights as Vyn made his way toward the private lounge with Joey beside him. They were discussing which of Vyn's upcoming commitments could be rescheduled to give him more time with Elio.
"I can move the interviews to next week," Vyn said. "The rest can wait."
Joey smirked. "At this rate, why not just retire early? Then you and Elio can spend all the time in the world together."
Vyn shot him a sidelong look. "And what's wrong with that? I can afford to take time off."
Joey chuckled. "Who knew you'd be this whipped?"
Vyn rolled his eyes. "You done?"
"Yeah, yeah. I'm just saying."
Vyn shook his head, hiding a smile as they continued toward the lounge.
But when he stepped inside, his smile slowly faded.
The lounge was empty.
"Elio?"
He checked the adjoining room, then looked around the lounge again. There was no sign of him.
Vyn pulled out his phone and called Elio. The ringtone sounded from somewhere inside the lounge, but nobody answered.
He followed the sound to the table.
Elio's phone lay on the floor.
Vyn hurried over and picked it up. A cold jolt ran through him. Elio wouldn't have left without his phone, not when he'd been waiting for Vyn.
The bottle of water stood on the table, its cap lying beside it.
"Elio!" Vyn called, checking the adjoining room again. "Elio, where are you?"
Joey hurried out to search the nearby rooms and corridor, then asked the staff if anyone had seen Elio. Vyn continued searching the lounge, calling Elio's name as his unease grew into something far more frightening.
A few minutes later, Joey returned.
"Nothing. I asked around, but nobody saw him leave."
Vyn stared at the phone in his hand.
"Someone took him," he said, his voice tight.
Joey's smile vanished. "Who would—"
"I don't know!" Vyn snapped. He dragged a hand through his hair, struggling to keep his panic under control. "I should've come back sooner."
"Vyn, we'll find him."
Vyn immediately called Kael and explained what had happened, barely managing to keep his voice steady.
"It could be Dad," Kael said over the phone.
Vyn's jaw tightened. The thought had already crossed his mind. He knew where Maximillian might have taken Elio.
"Be careful," Kael warned. "We'll follow."
Vyn ended the call and turned to Joey. "We're going to the estate."
Joey nodded, his expression serious. Neither of them knew what they would find there, but Vyn wasn't willing to waste another minute.
Vyn drove out of Empire Onyx at a speed that made Joey brace a hand against the dashboard. He barely slowed as he cut through traffic, his grip tight on the steering wheel and his eyes fixed on the road.
"Vyn, watch the road," Joey warned, glancing at the speedometer before checking his phone. "Kael just messaged. He and the others are on their way."
Vyn didn't answer. His jaw was clenched so tightly that the muscles stood out beneath his skin, and his eyes remained fixed on the road.
Every red light and every car in his way seemed to test what little restraint he had left.
Joey glanced at him, then gripped the edge of his seat as the car sped through another turn.
"Okay, I get that you're worried, but try not to get us killed on the way there."
Vyn pressed harder on the accelerator, unable to shake the image of Elio's phone lying abandoned on the floor. Every minute they lost was another minute Elio was alone with Maximillian.
⸻
The first thing Elio noticed was the light.
It shone directly into his eyes, bright enough to make him squint. A dull ache throbbed behind his temples, and his mouth felt dry. When he tried to move, something tightened around his wrists.
His eyes opened slightly.
He was lying on a narrow examination table, his wrists and ankles secured by restraints. Overhead lights illuminated stainless-steel counters, glass cabinets, and medical equipment arranged with unsettling precision. A monitor beside him displayed lines of data he couldn't make sense of.
For a moment, he stared at the unfamiliar surroundings, trying to remember how he had ended up there.
His thoughts felt sluggish, and his body was too heavy to move properly. He shut his eyes again, hoping to ease the throbbing in his head, but the darkness only brought back fragments of his last memories.
He had been waiting for Vyn in the private lounge at Empire Onyx. The other ELYS members had already gone home, leaving the building unusually quiet. Vyn had told him to relax there while he finished something upstairs, and Elio had settled down with his phone and the bottle of water he'd brought with him.
After taking a few sips, he returned to his messages, expecting Vyn to be back soon.
A few minutes later, his eyelids grew heavy, and a strange warmth spread through his body. He tried to shake off the fog, but the room tilted whenever he lifted his head.
Something was wrong.
Elio pushed himself to his feet, grabbing the edge of the table when his knees nearly buckled. Before he could reach his phone, a masked man appeared in the doorway.
"Who… who are you?" Elio slurred.
The stranger didn't answer.
"Don't come near me."
Elio tried to push past him, but his legs gave way. The man caught him before he hit the floor. Elio struggled against his hold, but his arms barely responded. His phone slipped from his grasp and struck the floor.
He fought to stay conscious, anger and fear rising through the haze. Then the stranger's face blurred, and everything went dark.
Elio opened his eyes a fraction.
Someone drugged me and took me here.
He forced his eyes shut again before anyone could notice he was awake.
Then voices came from somewhere nearby.
"His initial readings are stable," one of the scientists said. "We should be able to proceed with the genetic analysis."
"Make sure the results are cross-checked. The Chairman wants a complete assessment of his classification."
Fuck.
Elio kept himself limp, forcing his breathing to remain steady as he listened, careful not to give away that he was awake.
"His readings are beginning to change," another scientist remarked.
"Record everything. We need to understand why his markers don't align with the usual S-Class Omega profile."
Elio listened without moving. They were examining his classification, and he could only imagine what Maximillian hoped to learn from the results.
He fought through the lingering haze as his Enigma instincts stirred, alert to the danger surrounding him.
He could hear the scientists moving between the examination table and their equipment, occasionally exchanging notes about his readings. Footsteps near the entrance reminded him that the room was guarded.
Two E-Class Alphas stood watch. One remained near the door, while the other—the right-hand man—kept closer to the examination area, ready to intervene if Elio tried to escape.
"His readings are rising," one of the scientists warned.
"Keep monitoring him," another replied. "If he becomes too agitated, we'll have to sedate him again before continuing."
Sedate me again? Not a fucking chance.
Elio wanted to fight, but his limbs remained heavy. In his current condition, he couldn't be sure he could overpower two E-Class Alphas, even if he managed to break free. Any attempt to struggle would expose the fact that he was awake.
He stayed still, keeping his breathing slow and even.
The scientists continued their work, while the two Alphas stood guard, convinced their captive was still unconscious.
Elio listened, waiting for the sedative to wear off and his strength to return. He needed time for his body to recover—and for the guards to let their guard down.
⸻
By the time they reached the Mercier Estate, Vyn was out of the car before Joey had even finished unfastening his seat belt.
"Vyn, wait up!"
The guards at the main gate stepped forward as the car approached, preparing to check the arriving vehicle. Vyn lowered his window just enough for them to see his face.
The guard immediately straightened.
"Good evening, Young Master."
Vyn gave him an impatient nod.
The guard stepped back and signaled for the gate to open. Vyn drove through without another word, the tires crunching over the gravel as he headed toward the main residence. He parked near the entrance and got out, already moving before Joey could catch up.
Joey hurried after him as Vyn strode into the residence, his attention fixed on the corridor leading to the private elevator.
A few elite Alpha guards stationed inside straightened when they saw him.
"Young Master," one greeted him.
"Where's my father?"
The guards exchanged a brief glance. It was subtle, but Vyn caught it.
"The Chairman hasn't asked to be disturbed, Young Master. You can wait in his office while we notify him."
"Is he in the lab?" Vyn took another step forward.
The guard held his ground. "The Chairman's office is available, Young Master. Please wait there, and we'll let him know you're here."
Vyn's eyes narrowed. They were being careful with their words, avoiding his question despite knowing exactly what he wanted to hear.
"Move."
The guards didn't budge.
Joey stopped beside him, his expression tightening as he realized the men had no intention of letting Vyn pass.
Vyn turned his head slightly toward Joey. "Stay here."
"Vyn—"
"Stay here, Joey."
Before Joey could argue, Vyn faced the guards again. His pheromones surged through the corridor, heavy and commanding. The elite Alpha guards stiffened under the sudden pressure, struggling to hold their ground.
Two other E-Class Alphas stood among the men blocking the way. One of them glanced at his companion before turning to the guards.
"Let him through," he said. "We don't need to make this worse."
The guards hesitated, but none dared challenge Vyn further. They stepped aside, leaving the way to the concealed elevator clear.
Vyn strode past them without another word.
Joey glanced toward the corner where Vyn had disappeared, then sighed and headed for the exit.
As he passed the guards, he gave them a cheeky grin and raised both hands. "Relax, gentlemen. I'm just going outside. No need to tackle me. I bruise easily."
He winked, but the guards didn't so much as blink. Joey clicked his tongue and strolled out, whistling as if he hadn't a care in the world.
Vyn reached the elevator and pressed the button. His jaw tightened as the doors opened, and he stepped inside, selecting the underground research level.
The doors slid shut, anger burning in his eyes as the elevator began its descent.
⸻
Maximillian stood in the research room on the laboratory's upper level, his attention fixed on the enormous screen before him.
The display showed a live feed from the laboratory below, where scientists were conducting tests on Elio. Smaller panels beside the footage displayed his latest genetic analysis, with the results updating as the examination continued.
Rows of workstations filled the room, where researchers monitored the tests and reviewed the data. Despite the activity around him, Maximillian's attention remained fixed on the screen.
A researcher assigned to brief him stepped forward.
"We repeated the genetic analysis using a second sample," the scientist explained. "The results are consistent. Elio's markers don't fully match the expected S-Class Omega profile."
Maximillian's eyes narrowed. "What does that tell us?"
"Not enough to confirm another classification, Chairman. But the discrepancy is too significant to dismiss as an error."
On the large screen, the footage continued as the scientists in the laboratory worked through the examination. Another researcher highlighted a further inconsistency in the genetic data.
Maximillian studied the results in silence.
If Elio possessed a rare or undocumented classification, he might provide the lead Maximillian needed to advance the research behind Sovereign.
"Continue the analysis," Maximillian ordered. "I want a complete assessment when the additional tests are finished."
"Understood, Chairman."
Maximillian left the research room and headed toward the elevator. As he approached, the indicator above the doors caught his attention.
Someone was coming down.
He stopped in front of the elevator, watching the display descend toward his level. He hadn't authorized another visitor to the underground facility.
The elevator stopped.
When the doors slid open, Vyn stood inside.
For a moment, they stared at each other.
Maximillian's expression remained impassive, while Vyn made no effort to hide his anger.
"What are you doing here?" Maximillian asked.
Vyn stepped out of the elevator. "Where is Elio?"
Maximillian regarded him without answering.
Vyn moved toward the secured entrance. "I know you took him."
Maximillian stepped in front of him, blocking his path. "You're not going anywhere."
Vyn stopped inches away from him, his jaw clenched. "You broke our agreement."
Maximillian's eyes narrowed slightly, the only sign that Vyn's accusation had gotten under his skin. He held Vyn's gaze without offering an explanation.
"You couldn't leave him alone, could you?" Vyn's voice turned bitter. "You always have to take everything apart just to see what makes it valuable."
"If I'm right about his classification, he's worth more than you realize."
Vyn stared at him in disgust. "You're fucking sick."
He tried to push past Maximillian, but Maximillian caught his arm and yanked him back. Vyn spun around and threw a punch, only for Maximillian to catch his fist in midair. His fingers closed around Vyn's knuckles, stopping the blow inches from his face.
Vyn twisted his wrist, trying to break free, but Maximillian tightened his grip.
Maximillian shoved him backward. Vyn stumbled into the wall, striking it hard enough to rattle the equipment mounted beside him. Before Maximillian could grab him again, Vyn ducked beneath his reaching arm and drove his shoulder into his chest, forcing him back.
Vyn broke away and rushed toward the research room.
Maximillian pursued him, catching up just as Vyn reached the entrance. He seized Vyn from behind and drove him sideways through the doorway. They slammed into a workstation, sending equipment crashing to the floor.
The two researchers inside recoiled from their consoles.
"Get out!" Vyn shouted.
Neither needed to be told twice. One scrambled toward the exit while the other abandoned his station, and they nearly collided as they fled into the corridor.
Vyn shoved Maximillian away and turned to face him. He was ready to attack again when something on the enormous screen behind Maximillian caught his eye.
The live footage showed Elio lying motionless on an examination table, his wrists and ankles secured by restraints. Medical equipment surrounded him, and his head rested limply against the surface.
Vyn froze.
"Elio…"
His voice barely escaped his throat.
He stared at the screen, searching desperately for any sign of movement. Elio lay unconscious, restrained and helpless under Maximillian's control.
For a moment, Vyn couldn't move. The sight hollowed him out, leaving him struggling to draw a single steady breath.
Maximillian had done this to him. He had taken Elio, restrained him, and reduced him to a research subject without a second thought.
A hand clamped down on Vyn's shoulder.
He turned sharply.
Maximillian stood behind him, his expression cold and impatient, as though Vyn's reaction were nothing more than an inconvenience.
Something inside Vyn snapped.
Dark crimson pheromones erupted from him, flooding the room with the suffocating pressure of an enraged Alpha. Maximillian released his own pheromones in response, the two forces colliding until the air between them seemed to vibrate with hostility.
Vyn seized Maximillian by the neck.
Before Maximillian could wrench himself free, Vyn drove him backward and hurled him into the enormous screen.
The impact shattered the display. Glass burst across the floor, and the image of Elio fractured into flickering fragments before the entire screen went black.
Vyn released Maximillian and stepped toward him as he struggled to recover among the broken equipment.
"You're a fucking monster," Vyn spat, his voice thick with hatred. "Go to hell!"
He lunged.
Maximillian looked up at him and suddenly laughed.
It began as a low chuckle, then swelled into a chilling, almost devilish laugh that echoed through the wrecked room. Blood gathered at the corner of his mouth, but the sight of Vyn's fury only seemed to amuse him.
"You really think you can stop me? You're a pathetic fool."
His pheromones surged again, filling the room with an immense, suffocating force. Vyn's pheromones rose to meet it, neither man willing to yield.
Maximillian's smile widened.
"Come on, then."
Vyn charged.
⸻
By the time Elio reached the elevator, his legs were trembling beneath him. His clothes were disheveled, his body covered in bruises, and every breath seemed to scrape against his aching chest.
He stumbled inside and leaned against the wall, struggling to steady himself. After pressing the button for the research level, he lowered his head and tried to catch his breath.
The elevator doors closed.
As it ascended, Elio shut his eyes, fighting the dizziness threatening to pull him under. He had no idea what awaited him above, only that he needed to get out of the underground facility.
The elevator slowed to a stop.
A soft chime sounded, and the doors slid open.
Elio stepped out onto the research level, only to find the entire area devastated.
The walls separating the elevator hallway from the main research area had been smashed apart, leaving gaping openings where solid barriers had once stood. Chunks of concrete and twisted metal littered the floor among shattered glass and wrecked equipment. Overhead lights flickered, illuminating the destruction in uneven flashes.
Elio stared, unable to make sense of what he was seeing.
Then he spotted Maximillian standing at the far end of the damaged wall, on the opposite side of the wrecked elevator hallway.
His clothes were disheveled, his face bruised, and blood stained the corner of his mouth. One hand rested against the broken wall as he caught his breath, but his posture remained upright. Despite his injuries, his expression was cold and composed, his narrowed eyes fixed on Elio with an unsettling lack of concern.
Their eyes met.
Elio's gaze lingered on him, taking in the bruises and blood.
Then he noticed someone lying on the floor between them.
Elio stared at the motionless figure, dread settling in his chest.
"Vyn?"
The name came out in a whisper.
Then he saw Vyn's face, pale and bloodied against the cold floor.
Elio rushed forward, stumbling over broken concrete and scattered glass. He dropped to his knees beside Vyn, barely noticing the pain shooting through his own battered body.
"Vyn…"
He brushed the hair away from Vyn's forehead and cupped his cheek, but Vyn didn't respond. His hand lay limp against the floor.
"No, no…"
With trembling hands, Elio leaned down and pressed his ear against Vyn's chest, desperately listening for a heartbeat.
There.
Faint, but there.
Relief washed over him, though Vyn remained motionless, his face bloodied.
Elio clasped Vyn's hand in both of his, tears blurring his vision. He had fought so hard to escape, never imagining he would find Vyn like this.
"Vyn, please…" His voice broke. "Wake up. Please, just wake up."
*********