Kaiden
In the lecture hall, the faint scent of lavender and cedar lingered, a scent I couldn’t ignore even if I tried. It was Sage’s scent, soft, alluring and a whisper of the beta’s presence that made my wolf stir beneath his skin. Sage didn’t know his own allure, oblivious to the ripple of interest he left behind everywhere he went. But I knew. I had always known.
From the moment we met, I had vowed to protect Sage from everything, including himself. Alphas were predators by nature, drawn to the innocence and vulnerability of a beta like Sage. He wasn’t an omega yet he possessed qualities like one.
But I wasn’t an alpha, although I was possessive, territorial, and deeply aware of how much control it took to keep myself from claiming Sage outright.
The problem was, Sage didn’t belong to me.
Not yet.
Sage was sitting in the front row, furiously jotting down notes as Professor River droned on about some engineering stuff. His deep voice was smooth as honey, laced with that Alpha authority that made every student in the room hand on to his every word, including me.
But I hated the way the professor kept looking at Sage, the subtle, lingering glances of the faint twitch of a smile whenever Sage asked a question.
River wasn’t just a professor, he was an unmated Alpha in one of the most respected regions and I felt like he had set his sights on my Sage.
Sage had no idea that I had registered for college again, to keep a close watch on him and away from the Alpha. All that thoughts came crashing when the professor placed his hand on Sage’s shoulder and squeezed.
I clenched my fist, the sharp sting of my nails digging into my palm grounded me. I wanted to yank that hand of my man but I couldn’t make a scene, not here.
Sage was oblivious to my dark thoughts, scrawling in his notebook as he too notes.
“You need to focus,” I muttered to myself, tearing my gaze away from Sage and forcing my attention back to the professor’s lecture.
But it was impossible.
Sage was a beta whose soft scent was growing stronger by the day. I wasn’t the only one who noticed. The subtle shifts in the room whenever he walked in, the way unmated alphas, and betas that turned to track his movements, made my blood boil.
When class ended, Sage lingered behind, chatting animatedly with River. The professor leaned in, his smile far too warm for my liking. My wolf bristled, the urge to storm over and stake my claim almost overpowering.
I stood up abruptly and my books fell to the ground, they both looked at me and Sage’s eyes widened with surprise at my presence.
“Kaiden?” He called out in confusion,
I gave him a grin but he shook his head at me before waving me over with that innocent grin that always disarmed me. “Come meet Professor River.”
I forced a tight smile as I approached, my gaze locking with the professor’s. The older alpha’s expression was unreadable, but I knew he could sense my hostility from a mile away. Judging by the smile on his face, I would say he was smug about it.
“Kaiden,” Professor said smoothly, extending a hand. “Sage speaks highly of you, you are the best friend, no?”
I took the hand reluctantly, “That’s because he’s too kind.”
Sage laughed, oblivious to the territorial undertones, I looked at the professor letting him know he was encroaching.
His smile widened as he cocked his head to the side, he was disregarding me. He was letting me know that my claim doesn’t matter. My wolf snarled because then I have to push forward in just claiming Sage and turn him into my omega.
SageI was a failure as a man.All through my Twenty five years, I could count the number of times I have spoken to the member of the opposite sex except asking for directions. I was inept when it came to talking to women and for some reason, Kaiden thought he could help me.The low hum of conversations buzzed in the background as I sipped my black coffee. The window seat was my favorite spot, close enough to people-watch but far enough to feel removed from the crowd. I couldn’t focus today, though. My eyes kept darting toward the door every time it opened. I don’t even know why. Maybe I was hoping for some sign that the universe didn’t hate me.“You’re brooding again,” Kaiden’s voice cut through my thoughts. He wasn’t even looking at me, just scrolling through his phone as his hands tapped absently on the table, like he was the most confident person in the room.I gave a half-hearted chuckle. “Just thinking.”Kaiden raised an eyebrow without looking up. “About?”“Nothing important.”
By the time we got to Kaiden’s apartment, my nerves were frayed. I trailed behind him, my steps slow and hesitant. What the fuck had I just agreed to? My mind kept replaying the conversation at the coffee shop. The idea of “training” with Kaiden had seemed ridiculous at first. But now, standing in his apartment, it felt real and terrifying.Kaiden unlocked the door and walked in like it was just another normal evening. He tossed his keys onto the counter and kicked off his shoes without a care in the world. Meanwhile, I hesitated in the doorway, my hands stuffed deep in my pockets, the air feeling way too heavy.“Relax,” Kaiden said, flashing me a grin as he shrugged off his jacket. “I’m not gonna bite.”I tried to laugh, but it came out strained. “Right. I know.”Kaiden leaned against the kitchen counter, crossing his arms as he looked at me. His gaze wasn’t judgmental, more amused, like he was waiting for me to settle down.“You’re making this a bigger deal than it is,” he said af
SageI blinked slowly at the command, and gulped when I saw the precum leaking from his cock.I licked my and shaped them into an 'o'. My hands reached out to grab the base of his cock and Kaiden flinched, the desire in his eyes growing by the second. “L…like this?” I asked, unsure if I was doing the right thing.Kaiden nodded.I tightened my fists around the cock with my heart pounding so hard in my chest. I felt a stirring in me that I have never before, I found myself wanting to please Kaiden.I leaned forward before I could stop myself with my tongue darted out to lick the precum,“Jesus,” Kaiden swore, his hand coming down on my head to grab a fistful of hair. He guided my head to his dick.“Open your mouth,” he ordered.I did as he said as he guided my mouth to it, the taste of him filled my senses. The mixture of salt and something masculine made my mouth water.My tongue darted out to lick it when Kaiden’s hand tightened on my hair, I let out a groan and looked up, that same
KaidenMy eyes narrowed as soon as I entered the bar, right there in front of me was Sage with his head on someone’s shoulders.A male, a male that wasn't me.I was pissed off, when the call came from Sage that he was going to hang out with friends on a school night, I immediately discouraged it.I didn’t want anyone having Sage’s attention and I certainly didn’t want them hitting on Sage. Only I knew how beautiful Sage was, and with his kind of body, everybody wanted a piece of him but the little shit didn’t know it.He was naive and oblivious to everything and everyone around him, that made him an easy target but I wasn’t happy with that because I was the only one allowed to manipulate Sage.My fists clenched involuntarily when Sage’s course mate leaned in and whispered something in his ear, and Sage laughed.The little shit actually laughed like he was being entertained by a comedian and that made me pissed because Sage was supposed to be pushing them away and not laughing at their
SageKaiden kissed his way down to my belt and unbuckled it, he pulled off my pants and I hurriedly kicked them off. My whole body was on fire.Kaiden went back to kissing me while I fought with myself, I was experiencing something foreign, a feeling that was completely new to me. There was excitement brewing inside of me, a need I was desperate to satiate.Kaiden went feral when I licked my lips, his tongue swirled around mine stripping me of every control I thought I had. I moaned into the kiss as he dug his hand into my briefs. He bit a part of my lower lip.He pulled away from the kiss and a sound of disappointment left my lips, he kept his eyes pinned on me, I felt like he could see the dark desires I was struggling to keep hidden in my eyes. He trailed kisses accompanied with his tongue sliding down to my boxer band. I closed my eyes as the pleasure zapped through my spine and tingled all the way down to my toes.Kaiden smirked at the bulge in my briefs before tugging it down
SageWe both looked down at the phone that was laying on the table buzzing.The name “Lisa💋” flashed across the screen. Before Kaiden could react, it went to voicemail, and the audio played out loud.“Hey, baby. It’s me,” a syrupy voice cooed. “Last time was amazing. You’re incredible, you know that? I’d love a repeat. I would like to feel your thick cock inside of me, I can’t stop thinking about you, call me.”The words hung in the air like poison.I stiffened, every muscle in my body locking up. My jaw clenched so tightly it hurt, and I could feel my face heat up with a mix of embarrassment and something darker, jealousy. Not that I’d admit that.Kaiden’s smirk vanished. “Sage, it’s not—”I cut him off, shoving him abruptly. “Save it. I don’t care what you do with your conquests.” My voice was sharp, colder than I intended.Damn it.I started gathering my clothes on the floor, struggling to put them on.He reached out, grabbing my wrist. “Sage, don’t. Listen to me—”I yanked my arm
SageI struggled with him till we got to his car.“Get in,” he ordered.I glared at him. Who was he to order me around? I crossed my arms,“Or what? You would drag me around like you just did? What’s the difference between you and those back there,”His vein threatened to burst on his forehead as he clenched his jaw, “Damn it, Sage! Do not compare me to those little bullies,”“Why not?” I raised a brow, “You are exactly like them. I just said I don’t want to go with you and you are dragging me like I have no choice?” I snapped.He was startled and I took deep satisfaction in knowing I caused that.“Just get in the car, please,” he mumbled as an afterthought.I glared again and reluctantly got in.The car ride was tense, the kind of silence that presses down on you, making every passing second heavier as it goes by. Kaiden’s hands gripped the steering wheel, his knuckles white as he glanced at me from time to time, but I refused to meet his gaze. My arms were crossed, my eyes fixed on
Sage I don't know how fast he drove but one minute, we were standing in front of my parent's house and the next, we were at his place.He was kissing me and unlocking the door, we both fell on the floor when the door gave way. I scrambled to my feet and shoved my shirt off my body.He kicked the door shut and advanced on me, kissing me ferociously again. I moaned deep in his mouth as his chest grazed my erect nipple. My body betrayed me as thousands of pleasure tingled all the way to my spine."You sure about this?" he whispered against my lips, his hot breath on my face making my skin tingle with desire.I nodded.He gave me a reassuring look before reaching to unbuckle my belt and in one swift move, he tore my pants off my legs.I gasped at his sheer strength, but the sound was immediately captured by his soft lips. He kissed me fervently, like a need, like a prayer. He pulled away. His face was straight with seriousness but the desire gleamed in his eyes. His gaze, so heavy it gav
Kaiden KaidenHe hesitated and I turned to look at him, pausing my steps.“I know this is probably a bad time but I remember we talked about going on a date. Let me take you out,”Is he for real?I literally just got back from the hospital and he wants me to go out with him?“I can’t go out on a date right now,” I told him as I eased back onto the couch, I winced from the soreness of my ribs. “Not until all of this is behind me.”He gave me a look that was a mix of disappointment and understanding. “I figured you’d say that. I had to try.”I offered him a faint smile. “I appreciate it, I do. It’s not about you, I just… I need to breathe. This whole thing is making me think I am too reckless.Raines leaned back in the chair across from me, elbows resting on his knees. “I get it. Trauma doesn’t go away because you wish it gone. But I want you to know, I’m not walking away. Michael’s going to answer for what he did, Kaiden.”“I remembered,” I said quietly.He looked up.I met his eyes.
KaidenThe hospital discharged me just before noon the next day, but my body still felt like a patchwork of bruises, it felt heavy and sore from the trauma. I kept thinking of the river, of how close I’d come to dying, of how the professor must have felt seeing me drown. I don’t even know how he got shot but I was feeling really bad because of how I treated him. I didn’t expect anyone to be waiting outside. But when the nurse wheeled me through the double doors, I spotted them immediately and a smile flickered on my face.Sage stood by the car, arms crossed, trying to mask his worry. Detective Raines leaned against the hood, one ankle crossed over the other, his black coat dancing slightly in the wind. His expression was unreadable, but his eyes flicked straight to mine and softened.“Hey, sleeping beauty,” he greeted, stepping forward to open the door.I offered a dry smile. “You always flirt with your victims?”“Only the ones who survive attempted murder,” he said, giving me a wi
SageI stood in the hallway of the hospital with my fingers clenched into fists in my pockets as I stared at the door to Kaiden’s room. The nurse had just told me where to find him. Room 48. I hesitated for a few seconds before finally reaching out to open the door.The first thing I saw was the professor.His arm was bandaged, blood still faintly spotting the edges of the gauze. He was standing near Kaiden’s bed, tense, his jaw clenched so tight it looked like he might snap it.Kaiden was lying in bed with an IV in his arm, looked pale, too pale for my liking and still somehow managed to be angry. He was frantic, his voice rising every second like he was desperate.“Call Raines. Call the detective, I need to speak to him, he should be here. Just call him, please!”The professor didn’t even look at me when I walked in. His undivided attention was entirely focused on Kaiden, his eyes burning dark with fury and something else…that looks like pain. What was he pained for? Was he mad
Kaiden It was a huge mistake. A big one but still, I wanted to do it. The moment I stepped out into the night, the air felt heavier. Colder. But I couldn’t sit still any longer. I knew it was dangerous. Hell, everything I’d done lately screamed recklessness. But there was something clawing at the inside of my chest. some knowing that didn’t feel like paranoia anymore. It felt like purpose. The second the detective left for his house, I planed it. Ethan’s mother was in a coma. And that wasn’t a coincidence. That was a message. So I took the back alleys. Wore a hoodie pulled low over my head. No car, just my sneakers hitting pavement and wet leaves as I walked the six blocks to her place. I knew I had maybe fifteen minutes. Less, if someone was already watching. There is a high chance that after their hit, they were looking to finish the job. I crept around the side of the house, careful not to trigger the motion light that flickered near the trash cans. The window I’d seen in
Kaiden Dinner was quiet.Sage and I sat on opposite ends of the couch, plates balanced on our laps, the TV playing some crime documentary neither of us was really watching. I picked at the pasta I'd made, appetite long gone, but I ate anyway, because if I didn’t, Sage would worry, and I didn’t want to give him more reason to.He hadn’t said much since our talk earlier. About wanting both me and the professor.And I… I didn’t know what to say in return.Was it selfish to want clarity when he’d been nothing but honest? Or was I the coward for not knowing what I truly wanted?I pushed those thoughts aside when there was a knock at the door.I tensed.Sage looked up too, alert, his eyes darting toward the door as if bullets might fly through it next.I rose slowly, setting my plate down on the coffee table and walking toward the door without flipping the lock just yet.“Who is it?” I asked.“It’s Raines.”Detective.I exhaled in relief and opened the door.Raines stepped in, looking slig
KaidenSage kept quiet.I didn’t need him to say anything right now. I was still drummed up from the adrenaline coursing through my body. I figured out when she sent me away that she was hiding something.I felt something hit the back of my car.“What the fuck?” Sage yelled.I barely had time to register the first shot before the second cracked through the air.Another loud bang echoed, and this time it hit closer, metal screeched, glass shattered, and instinct took over."Down!" I shouted again, throwing my arm across Sage as bullets rained from behind. He ducked, his eyes wide and panicked, his breath ragged.The back windshield exploded into a hailstorm of glass shards, sparkling as they scattered across the seats and floor. I didn’t stop to think about shit, I shoved the gear into drive and slammed on the gas.The car jolted forward, tires screeching as another shot pierced the rearview mirror. We were being chased. Or hunted.I saw the glint of a barrel from a dark sedan parked o
SageThe address Kaiden sent me didn’t look familiar. I even had to double-check it on the map before setting out. A quiet residential street with modest houses lined side by side, trimmed hedges, and the occasional child’s bicycle parked out front, it didn’t look like anywhere we’d ever hung out. Definitely not our usual vibe. Still, it was Kaiden. And for reasons I still didn’t fully understand, I trusted him.I mean I did call his enemies to beat him up but Kaiden wouldn’t do that to me.I pulled up to the curb and saw him leaning against a dull silver sedan, arms folded, eyes scanning the street like he was waiting for something more than just me.I wrinkled my nose in distaste as I stared at his car, what in the heavens was that? That wasn’t his usual car.“This is where you wanted to meet?” I asked, stepping out of my car and walking toward him. “Looks like we’re about to interrupt someone’s family dinner.”He nodded once, his gaze sharp. “Yeah. That’s the point.”I raised an e
KaidenWhen I woke up, the sunlight was already spilling across the living room floor. My neck ached from the weird angle my head had been resting on, and when I shifted slightly, I realized why, River was curled against me, both of us tangled on the couch, our legs overlapping. His arm was still loosely draped over my waist, and for a second, I just lay there, taking in the quiet moment.It was strange, waking up like this. Peaceful. Natural. My body didn’t feel tense for once, like it usually did when I woke up alone in the echo of my own thoughts. Instead, I felt…warm. Not from the blanket. From him.He had stayed with me all night. We talked and got to know each other. There was nothing sexual about it even though I had been tipsy. He had been the perfect gentleman and had broken the ice with me.As soon as I moved, River stirred. His eyes blinked open slowly, landing on me, and then a lazy smile pulled at his lips.“You drool in your sleep,” I said, voice hoarse with morning.“I
Kaiden“You know, you have asked me that question so many times and yet, you keep wanting to know the truth. Why is that?” He asked instead.I shrugged, “I don’t know. Maybe I want to hurt myself by knowing the truth or I just want to know where I stand.”He shook his head like he was disappointed with my answer, “you can’t have your cake and eat it, Kaiden. The world doesn’t work that way.” I started walking towards the house, eager to escape this conversation. Yeah, I know I couldn’t have my cake and have it but I just wanted to.So much, it was killing me.I didn’t want to look at him when we stepped into my condo, not really. But I could feel the weight of his presence behind me like a shadow I wasn’t ready to shake. I tossed my keys into the bowl on the counter and exhaled, not sure why my chest felt so damn tight.“Do you want wine?” I asked, already reaching into the cabinet.“Sure,” he said. His voice was soft and devoid of his normal arrogance.I poured two glasses and hande