Chapter - 2
1169 Words
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Pete, still slightly flustered from Gun's compliment, quickly busied himself by scooping more curry onto the plates. His hands moved with practice ease, serving the food with a care that showed just how much he enjoyed cooking for others.
With a bright, dimpled smile, he held out a plate to Gun first. "Here you go, Sir. I hope you like it!"
Gun arched an eyebrow but accepted the plate without a word. The scent of warm spices filled the air, rich and inviting. It had been a long time since anyone had served him food with such sincerity.
Then, Pete turned to his father and handed him another plate. "And yours, Papa. Freshly made, just how you like it."
Chan took the plate with a knowing smile. "You always spoil me, Pete."
Pete giggled, sitting down on the armrest of his father's chair, still cradling the kitten in his lap. "Of course! If I don't take care of you, who will?"
Gun watched the interaction, something unreadable flickering in his sharp eyes. There was an undeniable warmth between father and son-one that felt foreign to him, but... intriguing.
Curious, he lifted his fork and took a bite of the curry. The moment the flavors hit his tongue, he paused.
It was good.
No, it was more than good.
It was warm, comforting-the kind of food that made a house feel like a home.
Gun's lips curled slightly in approval. "Not bad," he muttered.
Pete beamed at the praise, completely unaware of the silent plans forming in Gun's mind.
After finishing his meal, Pete dusted off his hands and stood up, cradling the tiny kitten close to his chest. He looked at his father first, flashing him a bright smile.
"I should get going now, Papa. You have important business to discuss," he said cheerfully. Then, turning to Gun, he gave a polite nod. "It was nice meeting you, Sir. I hope you liked the food!"
Gun, who rarely engaged in pleasantries, found himself nodding. "It was... good."
Pete's eyes sparkled with happiness at the simple compliment. "I'm glad!"
With that, he turned on his heel, carefully adjusting the kitten in his arms, and made his way toward the door. His presence had been like a breath of fresh air in the room, something soft and untouched by the harsh realities these men lived in.
As the door closed behind him, Gun leaned back in his chair, deep in thought. He glanced at Chan, who was watching his son with quiet fondness.
"He's a sweet boy," Gun remarked.
Chan chuckled, sipping his coffee. "Pete is always sweet."
Gun didn't respond immediately, his sharp mind was already spinning with ideas. A warm boy like that... in Vegas's life? He sat calmly in Chan's office, his sharp gaze steady as he spoke.
"If you don't mind, Chan... I'd like Pete to marry my son, Vegas."
Silence.
Chan's fingers tightened around the pen he had been holding, his mind struggling to process what he had just heard. He had expected many things from Gun-maybe a business deal, a request for an alliance, or even a power exchange between their families.
But this?
Marriage?
For a moment, pride flickered in Chan's chest. Gun Theerapanyakul-the most feared and powerful man in Thailand-was asking for his Pete's hand in marriage. A proposal from this family was something that many would kill for. Marrying into the Theerapanyakul name meant wealth, power, and ultimate protection.
But as quickly as pride appeared, worry replaced it.
Vegas.
The name alone brought unease.
Vegas Theerapanyakul was not just powerful-he was ruthless. A man who built his reputation on fear, violence, and control. Even within his own family, people tread carefully around him.
Chan knew Pete better than anyone. His son is a gentle omega, full of warmth, and had never been exposed to the cruelty of their world. Could a boy like Pete survive in Vegas's darkness? Would Vegas even accept someone like Pete as his omega?
More importantly-what would Pete say?
Chan took a slow, deep breath and met Gun's piercing gaze.
"You honor me, Gun," Chan finally said, keeping his voice steady. "Pete is my heart. I want what's best for him. But I cannot decide for him. I will not force my son into a marriage he does not want."
Gun gave a small nod, as if he had expected this response. "That's fair."
Chan leaned forward slightly, his fingers interlacing on the desk. His next question was more pressing.
"But I have to ask, Gun... do you believe Vegas will accept this marriage?"
Gun's expression darkened slightly, his eyes narrowing. "Vegas will not say no to me."
The words were simple. Absolute. Final.
But Chan wasn't convinced. Vegas was not a man who followed orders easily.
Yet, at the end of the day, the decision didn't belong to them. It belonged to Pete.
And that worried Chan the most.
Inside the office, silence stretched between the two powerful men. Gun's words still hung in the air, thick with unspoken meaning.
Chan exhaled slowly, leaning back in his chair, his fingers tapping rhythmically against the polished wood of his desk. His mind raced, weighing the implications of what had just happened.
Gun Theerapanyakul had asked for Pete's hand in marriage.
This wasn't just a proposal-it was a power move. A decision that could alter everything.
After a long moment, Chan finally spoke.
"Why Pete?"
His voice was calm, but his eyes were sharp.
Gun smirked slightly, his fingers tapping against the rim of his glass. He had expected this question.
"Because Pete is different."
Chan's jaw tightened. "Explain."
Gun let out a quiet chuckle, swirling the amber liquid in his glass before taking a slow sip. When he set it down, his eyes were sharp, assessing.
"Vegas has never cared for anyone, Chan," he finally said, voice laced with something unreadable. "The only person he has ever shown real care and love for is his younger brother, Macau."
Chan remained silent, watching Gun carefully.
Gun leaned forward, resting his elbows on the desk. "But Pete is warm. He's different. He's the kind of person who could make a man like Vegas... hesitate."
Chan frowned. "And that's what you want? For Vegas to hesitate?"
Gun smiled, but it didn't reach his eyes. "I want him to have something worth protecting. Not just Macau. I want to see him happy with his family. With his omega, With his pups. I want him to experience what is care. What is love which only your little omega son can give that."
A slow, uneasy feeling settled in Chan's chest. He knew what kind of father Gun was. He didn't offer love. He offered survival. His sons were tools, sharpened by necessity, honed by blood.
And yet, for some reason, Gun wanted Pete in Vegas's life.
"You think Pete can change him?" Chan asked, skeptical.
Gun's smirk returned. "I think he is the only one who can."
Silence stretched between them.
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- Writer
