Chapter 4: Take Me Back
937 Words
Why now? Why am I in heat now? This was supposed to happen six months from now, on the day Lahn experienced his first heat in Alpha's Affair. I didn't prepare for this outrageous situation. I was foolish to trust the story's timeline so much. But what triggered this? What did I do in my past life to cause this? Am I just incredibly unlucky? Being surrounded by alphas while in heat is the most dangerous scenario imaginable. Thinking about the worst-case scenario made me feel faint again.
That's what I hoped for, but no such luck.
Before anyone, including myself, lost their rationality, I tried to run, but I was paralyzed, unable to move. Damn it. I felt weak, with nonstop panting and an inexplicable burning pain inside me. How did Lahn manage to endure that with this terrible pain? I felt like I was dying.
"I... I need to leave this place."
Mustering my remaining strength, I pushed the person touching my face away, but he wouldn't move. "Tch, Lixue, if I regain my strength, I'll castrate you! Mark my words!" I glared. He still looked at me so softly, as if I were more valuable than the family jewels hanging between his legs. Wait, did I translate that correctly?
I snapped back to reality as his lips parted. I was focused on what he was about to say, when...
"Lahn!"
I quickly glanced toward the voice. "Eirwin!" I shouted back. For the first time in my life, I felt relieved to see someone other than my family. I have no idea how I managed to jump into his arms and hug him so tightly, but I was thankful he found me, and now… I was safe.
"Little Lahn… what happened?" he asked worriedly, wiping my tears. These leaky tear ducts! Let me be clear: I wasn't crying, and I'm not a crybaby. Anyhow, I didn't have the energy to explain; I needed to leave. I felt so weak.
"...win… home… take me back home…" I barely whispered before the dizziness and pain overwhelmed me.
[Third-Person POV]
Worried about his younger brother, Eirwin excused himself from his band and searched for Lahn. He couldn't help but worry when Lahn was out of his sight. He knew Lahn disliked crowds and events; he preferred solitude. But Eirwin wanted him to overcome his fear. It wasn't Lahn's appearance that was the problem, but people's perceptions. He shouldn't hide because of narrow-minded people.
Lahn wasn't ordinary; he was special. Eirwin believed Lahn shone brighter than anyone, even the stars. He wanted to show Lahn that there was nothing wrong with him; he was simply beautiful.
As soon as he stepped out of the hall, the sweet scent of spring blossoms greeted him—an illusion of pink petals dancing in the gentle breeze, bright colors covering the area. He recognized the faint scent of sakura; it came from Lahn.
"Lahn!" he shouted anxiously, shaking the person who had fainted in his arms. Receiving no response, he checked his pulse and breathing and carefully lifted Lahn. Eirwin knew Lahn had never experienced a heat cycle, so he doubted the accuracy of Lahn's secondary s*x characteristic results and was surprised Lahn wasn't using suppressants. He assumed Lahn's heat was triggered by meeting his fated mate. His speculation was confirmed when he sensed a spine-chilling alpha's glare.
'Why him?'
Lixue Blake, CEO of RYZ Entertainment, his boss. Infamous for being cold and emotionless. Eirwin instinctively knew he needed to leave immediately. "Please excuse me. I need to take care of my little brother," he said, emphasizing "brother."
However, he stopped when Lixue grabbed Lahn's hand and commanded, "Stay." Eirwin's brow twitched. A silent battle of wills began.
"Step. Back." Lixue's voice was chilling as he released a wave of pheromones, subduing the other alphas and stopping their attack on Eirwin.
Lahn's pheromones were affecting the four young masters, driving them to the edge of insanity. Lixue's pheromones neutralized the effect, but his dominance still suppressed them. Even Eirwin shivered at his power.
He was truly a Blake alpha.
"Calm down, Lix." A man with graying white hair appeared, tapping his cane.
"Grandfather," Lixue greeted, restraining his pheromones.
This old man rarely appeared in public, but his presence commanded respect. He approached Eirwin, glancing at Lahn. "Does he have a moon-shaped birthmark?"
Surprised, Eirwin answered honestly, "Yes."
A smile touched the old man's stoic face. "Lix, we've found him. Take him home," he commanded, turning to leave.
Perplexed, Eirwin protested, "With all due respect, sir, I won't let you. I'll take my brother home," his voice laced with anger as he held Lahn tightly.
The grandfather stopped, his cane stabbing the ground. "Do you think you can alleviate his suffering? Suppressants won't work; he smells like he's never used any."
"I insist, sir!" Eirwin stood firm.
"Foolish child." His voice rose, then softened. He sighed and looked at Eirwin. "Then accompany us. Your pheromones won't affect this omega, nor his yours, because of your bond as brothers. My dear 'grandson-in-law' only needs my grandson!"
Eirwin was stunned, especially by the last phrase. "P-pardon?"
Lixue intervened. "Eirwin Saivatores, we don't have time. His pheromones might affect other guests. I'll explain later. Stay by his side to ensure I don't do anything rash. But for now, I need to take Lahn from you."
His eyes seemed to plead for trust, but he respected Eirwin's decision. Seeing Lahn's condition, Eirwin reluctantly released his brother. "Lixue, I don't fully trust you. But please take care of him."
Lixue carefully lifted Lahn. "I will."
- Writer
