Chapter - 8
1214 Words
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Pete carefully placed the last cupcake in the box, his hands still slightly trembling. He took a deep breath, forcing himself to calm down. He had never reacted this way to anyone before. Why was this Alpha making his heart race like this?
Closing the box with precise fingers, he turned back toward Macau with a warm smile. "Here you go." he said, handing it over.
Macau grinned, taking the box eagerly. "Thanks, Phi Pete! Chay is going to love these!"
Pete chuckled softly. "Tell him I said hi."
Vegas remained silent.
Pete could still feel his presence-his intense gaze that made the air around them thick with something unspoken. He wasn't used to being under this kind of scrutiny, especially from an Alpha like him. It made his stomach twist, his heartbeat quicken.
But Pete was too shy to look at him again.
Instead, he focused on Macau, who was still smiling brightly. "You're lucky, Macau. Your Hia is driving you to school today," he said, trying to keep the conversation light.
Macau nodded enthusiastically. "Yeah! He usually doesn't have time."
Pete stole a quick glance at Vegas at those words-just a fleeting look. But the moment his eyes met Vegas's dark ones, he felt his breath hitch again.
Vegas wasn't just looking at him.
He was studying him.
Something flickered in those sharp eyes, something Pete couldn't quite understand. It made his skin feel warm, made him want to shrink back and step closer at the same time.
But before Pete could overthink it, Macau spoke again. "Phi, we have to go now, or I'll be late!"
Vegas finally broke his silence.
"Yeah," he muttered, his voice deep and smooth. "Let's go."
Pete didn't know why, but that voice sent a shiver down his spine.
Macau turned back to Pete one last time. "See you later, Phi Pete!"
Pete nodded, flashing him a smile. "Have a good day at school, Macau."
And then, just as Macau was about to walk out, Pete's eyes flickered toward Vegas again.
Pete's fingers curled against his apron as he watched them leave, his heart pounding painfully against his ribs.
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Vegas started the engine, the low hum filling the quiet space as he pulled the car away from the pastry shop. The warm scent of freshly baked goods lingered in the air, thanks to the small white box Macau held on his lap.
The younger boy wasted no time. As soon as they were back on the road, he popped open the box and took out a cupcake. His eyes sparkled with excitement as he took the first bite.
The moment the soft cake melted in his mouth, Macau let out a pleased hum.
"Hmm! So good!" he exclaimed, his voice filled with pure delight.
Vegas glanced at him from the corner of his eye, amused by his little brother's reaction. "You like them that much?"
Macau, still chewing, nodded eagerly. "Yes! Phi Pete's cupcakes are the best! They're so soft, sweet, and just perfect!" He took another big bite, his cheeks puffing up like a chipmunk. "I'm sure chay will also like it. "
Vegas hummed in response, keeping his eyes on the road. But something about the way Macau spoke made him curious.
That Omega-Pete.
His pastries had his brother completely enchanted.
Vegas tapped his fingers against the steering wheel, recalling the way Pete had looked earlier. The way his hands moved with such care, the way his dimpled smile had shone so brightly.
And the way he had stared at Vegas, wide-eyed, as if caught in a moment he didn't expect.
Vegas wasn't sure why, but thinking about it made his lips twitch slightly-almost into a smirk.
A few minutes later, they arrived at Macau's school. The car slowed as Vegas pulled up in front of the gate.
Macau quickly finished the last bite of his cupcake and wiped his mouth with the back of his hand. "Okay, Hia! I'm going!" he said, grabbing his bag. He pushed the door open and hopped out, turning back to Vegas with a wide grin.
"Bye, Hia!" he waved.
Vegas, still resting one hand on the steering wheel, smirked slightly. "Go inside before you're late," he said, lifting his hand in a lazy wave.
Macau beamed before running toward the school gate.
Vegas watched as his little brother disappeared into the crowd of students.
After dropping Macau off at school, Vegas drove away, the quiet hum of the car's engine filling the space. His mind, however, was anything but quiet. The weight of his father's words pressed down on him like a heavy stone.
"You will marry him, and that's final."
Vegas's jaw tightened as he gripped the steering wheel. The thought of being forced into a marriage he didn't want made his blood boil. He wasn't a puppet to be controlled, not even by his father. He had his own life, his own choices-and his heart belonged to Porsche.
Porsche. The name alone brought a flicker of calm to his stormy thoughts. Porsche understood him in a way no one else did. He wasn't just Vegas's boyfriend; he was his anchor, his safe harbor in a world of chaos. The idea of losing him, of being tied to someone else, was unbearable.
Vegas's mind raced as he navigated the streets. How could he break this marriage? His father wasn't the type to back down easily.
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The night air was cool as Pete stepped into his house, the warm glow of the hallway lights welcoming him home. He sighed, rolling his shoulders to ease the stiffness from a long day at the pastry shop.
Just as he was about to head to his room, he paused. The door was slightly open, and inside, he saw someone sitting on the couch near his bed.
His father.
Pete's lips curled into a bright smile. "Papa!"
Chan turned to him with a gentle chuckle. "My little omega, you look tired."
Pete walked over and sat beside him. "A little. But I'm happy to see you. You usually don't visit at this hour."
Chan sighed, his gaze warm yet serious. "I wanted to talk to you about something important."
Pete blinked, sensing the weight behind his words. "What is it?"
Chan took a deep breath, as if choosing his words carefully. "You know how much I love you, right? You're my little omega, and I only want the best for you."
Pete's heart swelled with affection. "I know, papa. I love you too."
Chan smiled, but there was a hint of sadness in his eyes. "You're growing up so fast, Pete. And as much as I want to keep you close forever, I know that's not fair to you. You deserve to build your own life, to find someone who will love and care for you as much as I do."
Pete's eyes widened slightly. "papa... where is this coming from?"
Chan hesitated for a moment before continuing. "A friend of mine... he proposed a marriage for you with his son. His son is strong and responsible. I think... I think you should think about it."
Pete froze, his heart suddenly pounding. "Marriage?!" he blurted out, his voice higher than usual. "papa, I-I'm not ready for that!"
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- Writer
