Marked by the enemy

The alpha's dilemma

CHAPTER TWO: THE ALPHA’S DILEMMA

Rhea’s breathing grew more labored as her Heat worsened, beads of sweat trailing down her temples. She pressed her back against the cabin wall, clutching her pouch like a shield, though it offered no protection now—not from him.

Lu Zeyan—no, Xian—stood tall in the doorway, the golden mark of Alpha authority pulsing under the collar of his jacket. He wasn’t supposed to be here. He wasn’t supposed to find her.

"How long have you been off suppressants?" he asked, voice calm but laced with a quiet urgency.

"Don’t pretend to care," she bit out, though her voice quivered.

She hated how his scent wrapped around her senses—sharp, clean, masculine. Her body, traitorous and weakened by Heat, responded to it, dragging her deeper into the haze.

"You’re going to get hurt like this," Xian said, stepping inside. "Or worse—caught by someone who won’t ask if you’re okay first."

"I didn’t ask you to play hero," she snapped, dragging herself toward the bedframe in the corner. "Just leave."

Xian didn’t move.

His instincts screamed at him to take control, to claim her, to end the unbearable tension building between them. But he held himself still, knuckles white at his sides. He wasn’t a monster.

"I can call someone. A healer. Or… I can stay here, in the corner, until it passes," he offered, his voice softer now.

Rhea barked a weak laugh. "You think your presence will help me ride it out? You’re an Alpha, Xian. Your scent is already making it worse."

"Then tell me what you want me to do," he murmured.

Rhea hesitated. Her pride wanted to scream, get out. But her body was burning, begging for relief, for touch—even from him.

"I want you to leave," she said, but it was barely a whisper.

He turned toward the door slowly, jaw tight.

But then she added, voice even lower, "But… not yet."

Their eyes locked.

Xian took a slow step back, sitting carefully in the chair near the window, keeping his distance. "I’ll stay right here. Just until it’s over."

"You’ll regret this," she muttered, biting her lip against another wave of heat.

"Maybe," he said. "But I doubt it."

***

Hours passed like centuries.

The cabin was filled with silence, broken only by the occasional pained gasp from Rhea. Her body writhed against the mattress, trying to shake off the growing fire. Xian never moved. He didn’t speak. But he didn’t look away either.

She hated how calm he was.

How safe she felt, even as her instincts screamed at her to take what he offered—his strength, his dominance, his touch.

"You’re stronger than most," he finally said. "Most Omegas wouldn’t have made it this far alone."

She scoffed. "That’s what you think of me? A strong Omega?"

"I think you’re dangerous."

That made her pause.

"To who?"

"To me," he admitted, voice low and dark.

Rhea’s breath caught. She turned her head to look at him, eyes narrowing. "Why?"

"Because I’ve never wanted to break every rule before just to protect someone."

Her pulse jumped.

"And now?" she whispered.

"I still want to protect you," he said, standing slowly. "But I want more than that. And I’m not sure I’m allowed."

Their eyes held a truth neither of them was ready to speak.

Not yet.

***