BOUND TO MY ENEMY ALPHA “(A bond that never should’ve existed)".

Aiden Cross, CEO of CrossTech Innovations, was used to dealing with insane situations: Investors demanding the impossible Rivals copying his ideas Employees panicking before product launches But nothing— nothing—prepared him for the message flashing on his phone that morning. A bold, impossible line glowed across the screen: MATCH FOUND — 100% FATED BOND IDENTIFIED PARTNER: LEON BLACKTHORN PAIR TYPE: ALPHA – ALPHA (ULTRA-RARE) Aiden froze. Blink. Blink again. Then he let out a sound somewhere between a groan and a dying animal. “Of all the people on this planet… it had to be him?!” Him — Leon Blackthorn, the CEO of Blackthorn Corporation. His business rival. His personal headache. His worst nightmare. And unfortunately… someone he once knew far too well during their university days. Aiden stared at the screen like it was personally mocking him. Leon Blackthorn — his fated mate. Aiden’s soul died a little. The universe clearly hated him. His phone buzzed again. MANDATORY NOTICE: Bonded Alphas must report to the Department of Genetic Stability within two hours. Separation-radius enforcement begins now. A sharp jab of pain shot through Aiden’s chest, making him flinch. “…Oh, come on. Already?” He pressed a hand over his ribcage, breathing through the discomfort until it faded. “Great. Perfect. I’m leashed to the devil.” --- 🌑 THE WORST REUNION IN HISTORY The Department building was all steel and glass and bad decisions. Aiden walked into the testing hall… and instantly regretted being alive. Standing near the center of the room was Leon Blackthorn. Tall. Commanding. Immaculate in a charcoal suit. Alpha scent sharp and cold. Every inch the arrogant CEO Aiden remembered. Leon turned at the sound of footsteps—and their eyes locked. The bond snapped to attention like a live wire between them. Aiden’s pulse skipped. Leon’s brows twitched. For a split second, Aiden saw their university days flash behind his eyes: Leon pinning him in debate finals Aiden shoving him during a heated argument Leon leaning too close during a late-night study fight Students whispering: “Are they arguing or flirting?” Aiden shook the memory away so fast he nearly sprained something. Nope. Not thinking about that. Leon’s voice cut through the silence. “You’ve got to be kidding me.” Aiden folded his arms. “Trust me, I’m as devastated as you are.” A government official hurried between them like someone trying to stop two lions from killing each other. “Alphas— please, stay calm. Your bond is unstable—” Aiden and Leon snapped at the same time: “Fix it.” “Undo it.” The official flinched. “T-the bond cannot be undone. You are, unfortunately, the rarest pair type ever documented—Alpha and Alpha.” Leon’s jaw tightened. Aiden’s stomach dropped. The official sighed, nervous. “There’s more. Due to instability, you two must live within a restricted distance.” Aiden frowned. “Define restricted.” “If you’re apart for more than a few hours… you may experience: chest pain aggression spikes dizziness instinctual distress unconsciousness and in severe cases… fatal rejection.” Aiden blinked slowly. “Fantastic. I always wanted a death countdown tied to my business rival.” Leon exhaled sharply through his nose. “Stop being dramatic.” “Oh, I’m sorry— who passed out during finals week because someone stressed him out?” Leon’s eyes narrowed. “That was one time.” “And I laughed for a week.” They glared at each other. The official cleared his throat. “Therefore… you must share a living space until stabilization.” Silence. Ice-cold, raging silence. Aiden sputtered, “I’m not living with him!” Leon scoffed, “Like I want you in my home?” “It’s mutual!” Aiden yelled. “For once,” Leon muttered. The official stepped back slowly. “You’ll be provided a government apartment.” Aiden rubbed his temples. Leon rubbed his jaw. Both looked like they wanted to retire from life. --- 🌘 THE APARTMENT OF DOOM The apartment was luxurious, spacious, and definitely not designed for two competitive Alphas with too much ego. Aiden dropped his bag on the floor. “I’m taking the bedroom.” Leon walked past him leisurely, loosening his tie. “No, you’re not.” “Yes, I am.” “No. You snore.” “I DO NOT SNO— Wait, how would you know?!” Leon glanced at him, eyes half-lidded. “We shared a dorm wall in university. I heard everything.” Aiden felt his ears heat. “That was one night! And it was allergies!” Leon smirked faintly. “Sure.” The bond thrummed—warm, electric, irritating. Aiden recoiled. “Stop doing that!” Leon raised a brow. “Doing what?” “That smug face!” “This is my normal face.” “Well, fix it!” Leon stepped closer, just enough that Aiden felt his breath. “Make me.” Aiden froze. Too close. Too warm. Too many old memories. The bond hummed under his skin, a soft vibration he wanted to punch. Aiden shoved him lightly. “Back up.” Leon didn’t move. “You back up.” Aiden blinked. “…Are we seriously playing this game?” “Yes.” The bond pulsed again. Aiden stepped away first, eyes avoiding Leon’s. “Fine. Whatever. I’ll take the couch. Enjoy your stupid bed.” Leon paused. “…You can take the bedroom.” Aiden looked up sharply. “What? Why?” Leon shrugged. “Better view for you. Your company could use the inspiration.” Aiden threw a pillow at his head. Leon caught it effortlessly. --- 🌒 FIRST NIGHT: FORCED PROXIMITY Aiden lay on the couch, determined to ignore Leon completely. Ten minutes later, his chest tightened painfully. “…Not again,” he groaned. He dragged a pillow and collapsed on the floor near Leon’s couch. Instant relief washed through him. Leon lowered his book. “Seriously?” His tone was flat. Aiden glared. “Blame the bond, not me.” “You’re practically at my feet.” “It’s not by choice!” Leon stared for a moment too long. Then: “You breathe loudly.” Aiden sat up. “Oh my god, not this again—” Leon smirked slightly. “I’m just stating facts.” Aiden threw another pillow at him. Leon caught it again, eyes softening in amusement. It was subtle. Almost invisible. But Aiden noticed. And his chest felt tight for a new reason— not the bond, not the pain… Just something warm and stupid. Aiden turned away quickly. “Goodnight.” Leon’s voice was low, gentle, almost unguarded. “…Stay close.” Aiden stilled. He didn’t respond. He didn’t need to. The bond hummed softly between them, steady and warm in the dark.