MATED BY DECEPTION

Three

The moon cast its glow on his side profile highlighting his sharp jaw and handsome features. Though he was unfamiliar, his scent was unmistakable.

The peppermint scent that haunted Ruelle's thoughts and—

"Have we met before?" The omega was snapped out of her thoughts by the man's question and she lifted her gaze to meet his that were filled with amusement.

Ruelle cleared her throat, fingers instinctively rubbing her neck. She sighed inwardly when she still felt her scent patch perfectly pasted on her scent gland.

"No..." she murmured, looking away. "I mistook you for someone."

It was a lie and they both knew it.

Still it wasn't refuted. The other merely hummed and looked out the window. "I see."

Even his voice was attractive and Ruelle pressed her legs together, trying to ignore the erratic beating of her heart.

"You're afraid," the alpha said and the omega scoffed.

"Why do you say so?"

"Your hands," the other said, finally looking at her.

The alpha's scent was even thicker now and more enticing. Ruelle could taste it on her tongue and bit her lips to stifle a whimper.

"So, are you afraid of me?" the alpha asked again and she closed her eyes, taking in a deep breath.

It didn't help. Instead, she only got a lungful of his scent and her n*****s hardened in response.

Shit.

Still, Ruelle opened her eyes and met his gaze steadily. "I was just robbed. I'm still... shaken."

The other nodded. "Fair enough."

From then on, they didn't speak again. Each faced the side of their window and Ruelle couldn't even be more grateful. The omega feared if she continued talking, she would say or do something they will both regret.

Up close, his scent carried the faint hint of cigarettes to it and Ruelle took a deep inhale, closing her eyes.

It was... delicious and her body thrummed in response, slick sliding down her thighs.

The driver turned left and whistled as he recognized the street. He glanced at Ruelle through the rearview mirror. "Belladonna district, huh?"

"You must be from one of the elite families."

Ruelle gave a shy smile, tucking a strand of hair behind her hair. "Yeah. We are." She crossed her legs, biting her lip.

Matteo nodded and glanced at Nico who was seated in the passenger's seat with a stoic expression. He hadn't said a word since

"You don't talk much, do you?"

"Mn."

Ruelle let out at the other's response. "Please, don't be angry. My brother... is a quiet person."

Matteo chuckled. "It's not a problem. I have been around people who are far more—"

"Stop the car," Nico said. "Now."

The vehicle jerked to an abrupt stop as the driver slammed the brakes, making them lurch forward, held back by their seatbelts. "What?" Matteo asked, brows furrowed in worry.

"Why would you—"

"We're already home," Nico cut him off and without waiting for a response, stepped out of the car leaving the Matteo staring at him in surprise.

Sure enough, they had reached a large black gate. The large, expensive house featured strong walls, tall windows, and manicured gardens with a large fountain and tall trees. It had a grand driveway and everything screamed elegance and luxury.

Matteo's brows raised subtly at the sight.

Ruelle unbuckled her seatbelt, an awkward look on her face. "I'm sorry about my brother. He doesn't do well with strangers."

He chuckled, unbothered. "That's okay."

The omega looked at the alpha, heart skipping to find him already staring at her. "Thank you for your help," she murmured, thankful she didn't stutter.

That would have been embarrassing.

The alpha looked away first. "Mn."

Ruelle took another lungful of his scent and got out of the car.

"Where are your shoes?" Matteo asked and the omega looked at her feet. She didn't even realize that she had been barefooted the whole—

"It's with me," Nico said, holding up a pair of heels.

"Goodnight then," Matteo said, waving. "And you too, introvert." He smirked at Nico.

Nico scoffed, muttering under his breath.

Ruelle wordlessly waved and watched the car drive away.

The once polite, meek persona had dropped leaving a cold, fierce expression. All traces of warmth were gone from the omega's face as she turned to Nico.

"Track those fools," she ordered. "I want them in front of me by tomorrow."

Nico nodded. "Yes. Boss."

With that, Ruelle walked into the mansion.

***************

Moans accompanied by the lewd sound of skin slapping filled the room as the woman bounced wildly on the man's c**k, eyes rolled back in pleasure.

"I can't... mmmm..." she sobbed out, the pleasure messing with her head. Her nails dug into the man's shoulder and he grinned, thrusting up at her.

"You can, darling." His grip tightened on her waist. "All you just need to do is keep getting information for me."

The woman gasped as the c**k slid further into her. "What...mmm... if she finds out?"

"Ruelle... haa... hates betrayal."

The man kissed her neck, grinding her on his c**k. "You're going to make sure she never finds out then."

"Besides, she trusts you."

The woman parted her lips to argue when the man resumed bouncing her wildly on his c**k, a smirk on his lips. "Ahhh! Slow... down..."

"But you like it rough."

"Yesss...." she hissed, head falling back.

The man kissed her throat, humming against the skin. "Good girl."

***************

The posh looking restaurant was bathed in the golden glow of the chandeliers that hung from the ceiling, giving it a warm, romantic vibe.

The air smelled faintly of roses and steak, further solidifying the elegant aesthetic.

But it didn't ease the tense mood between the couple eating, each focused on their food with only the sound of cutleries breaking the silence.

The woman coughed, trying to get his attention and her face darkened when he didn't respond. "You're not going to say anything to me?"

"Do I have to?" The man took another bit of his steak.

The woman slammed her palm on the table, drawing a few looks from other patrons. "When will you stop treating me like one of your whores Dante?!"

Dante clicked his tongue, taking a sip of his wine. "I don't take my whores on date, Elena."

The woman's face flushed with anger. "How dare you talk to me like that?!"

Her voice drew the attention of a few customers nearby and they glanced over.

Elena didn't care. Her eyes were glassy with tears, body trembling from rage. "I've done everything, Dante!"

"Why can't you just... see me?" she asked, a tear slipping down her cheek. "I've always loved you—"

"You're causing a scene," Dante calmly told her.

Elena scoffed in disbelief. "Is that all you have to say?"

"After—"

"I don't like talking when I'm eating," the man said. "You've ruined my appetite."

He stood up. "Goodnight, Elena."

With that, he walked out of the restaurant, leaving Elena gaping after him, tears slipping from her eyes.

As his car drove away from the restaurant, Dante ripped off his scent patch and the scent of peppermint slowly filled the vehicle. "Has it been done yet?"

His driver glanced at him. "Yes, Boss. We let one escape."

"Good." The alpha took out a cigarette. He lit it and placed the stick between his lips, taking a deep inhale. "He'll convey the message."

Dante exhaled a slow stream of smoke, letting it veil his face. "I want information on Ruelle."

"What do you want to do with it?" the other asked before he could stop himself. "I didn't mean—" he cut himself off, catching the other's cold gaze.

"I'm sorry, Boss."

"Are you questioning my decisions, Matteo?" Dante asked, taking another drag of the cigarette.

Matteo shook his head, forcing his gaze on the road. "It won't happen again, Boss."

The alpha hummed. "I want her file sitting on my desk tomorrow."

Matteo nodded. "Yes, Boss."

Dante tapped his finger on the car window, eyes on the starry sky. "I find her..." He paused, eyes glinting.

"Intriguing."