Chapter:1 teasing Joshua
The heavy scent of aged whiskey and something metallic, unmistakably blood, clung to the air in 'The Serpent's Coil.' Rain, relentless and cold, drummed a chaotic rhythm against the reinforced windows, echoing the frantic beat of your own heart. You watched, impassive, as the tension in the room thickened, palpable enough to choke on. The city's predators had gathered, their eyes glinting in the dim, smoky light, all for this one, brutal night. Then, the double doors, carved with ancient, menacing symbols, were thrown open with a thunderous crash that momentarily silenced the murmuring crowd. You didn't need to look up to know who it was. The shift in the room, the sudden drop in temperature that had nothing to do with the storm, announced his presence. Joshua Alexandrovich. He stood silhouetted against the stormy night, not in some ridiculous couture, but in a heavy, formidable overcoat that made him look less like a model and more like the reaper himself. His jaw was set, a grim line that promised violence. He scanned the room, his eyes, like chipped ice, sweeping over the faces until they landed on yours. A flicker, almost imperceptible, passed through them recognition, annoyance, perhaps even something else you couldn't quite decipher. A slow, infuriating smirk stretched across your face. He was here, finally. The game could begin.Chase"Well, well, if it isn't the ghost of Alexandrovich past. Decided to grace us with your 'impeccable' presence tonight, Joshua? Or did you just get lost on your way to another photo shoot?" Chase voice cut through the tense silence, sharp and provoking. Chase leaned back in his chair, a casual, almost bored pose that belied the coiled anticipation in your muscles. Chase knew how to get under his skin, better than anyone. His eyes narrowed almost imperceptibly, and Chase could feel the dangerous hum of his anger vibrating across the room. The air was practically sparking between Chase and Joshua, a silent challenge issued and accepted.
Joshua's gaze remained locked on Chase, his expression unreadable. The smirk on Chase face seemed to irritate him further, a muscle twitching in his jaw. He took a step forward, the heels of his expensive shoes clicking ominously against the polished floor. The room held its breath, the other players sensing the impending clash between omega and alpha predators.
"Chase, always so quick with that clever tongue of yours. It's almost... admirable." His voice was low, smooth as silk and just as deadly. He stopped beside your table, his tall frame casting a shadow over you. "But let's not forget why we're here tonight. It's not for your witty remarks or my... modeling career."
He leaned down, bringing his face closer to yours. Chase could smell the crisp scent of rain and something uniquely Joshua expensive cologne and power. \"We're here for business.
"Yes yes business sorry dear because just being seeing you want me to make you mad ☺️ okay now business first".
Joshua's eyes flashed with a mix of annoyance and something else, something hot and intense that he quickly masked. He straightened up, adjusting his coat with a deliberate slowness that spoke volumes about his composure.
He said."Glad to see you can still prioritize, Chase. It's a rare trait in this room."His gaze swept over the other players, a subtle dismissal. When he looked back at Chase, his expression was carefully neutral, but the tension between you was palpable.
"The Alexandrovich family has been... concerned about the Sergeyev's recent activities. Expanding into our territories without so much as a courtesy call? It's poor manners, don't you think?"
He paused, letting the implication hang in the air. His hand drifted to the pocket of his coat, a gesture that could be innocent or loaded with meaning."We're here to discuss... realignment. A mutually beneficial arrangement that respects both our families' interests."
The challenge was clear in his voice, his stance. He was offering an olive branch wrapped in barbed wire. The game had begun, and Joshua Alexandrovich was playing to win.
Chase said "Hmmm.. what is it..this realignment thing Josh hmm ....are you suggesting marriage or something???who is the one going to be married to you from my family???we have 5 omega so who's your choice??."
Joshua's eyebrow arched at Chase provocative suggestion, a flicker of surprise crossing his features before he quickly schooled his expression back into its usual impassive mask. The room seemed to hold its breath, the other players exchanging curious glances at the unexpected turn in the conversations.
"Marriage?" He repeated, a hint of amusement lacing his tone."Chase, you're always so dramatic. I'm suggesting a business merger, not a wedding."
He leaned against the table, his proximity deliberate and intimidating."But since you bring it up, perhaps it's time our families considered... strengthening our bonds. An alliance through marriage could be mutually beneficial."
His gaze bore into yours, intense and unyielding. "As for who... that's a discussion for another time. For now, let's focus on the realignment of territories and resources. Unless you'd prefer to continue this... entertaining tangent?"
The challenge was clear in his eyes he was daring Chase to push further, to reveal more of Chase hand in this dangerous game of chess they were playing.
Chase said"Ehhh ... wait I take it back the marriage thing.....yeah the business it's good you come prepared the resources and territories places needed to be once again given an inspection or investigation for looking out the damages cause...and we need to discuss this on private for more privacy to protect!!".
Joshua's lips curved into a subtle, satisfied smile at your sudden retreat from the marriage topic. He straightened up, adjusting his coat with a smooth, calculated motion.
"Wise decision, Chase. Business first, as it should be." His voice was low, smooth as velvet, but with an underlying edge of steel."I agree that our discussions would be better suited for a more... private setting."
He glanced around the room, his gaze lingering on the other players before settling back on Chase."My car is waiting outside. Shall we continue this conversations elsewhere? I assure you, my penthouse is quite secure and conducive to... productive negotiations."
The invitation was clear he was offering to take this dangerous dance to a more intimate stage. His eyes challenged Chase to accept, to step further into the lion's den. The air between Chase crackled with tension and unspoken promises.
The choice was Chase stay in the relative safety of the crowded room or follow him into the unknown, where power plays and hidden agendas would be laid bare.
Chase said "Hmm wait I call Dad for this to let him know the details of our discussion (calling your father Eric Sergeyev) hello dad the discussion tonight went well but further more planning on it I be coming in josh penthouse to discuss to him our side.... yeah thanks dad.. bye...."
Joshua watched impassively as you made the call, his expression unreadable. The room seemed to hold its breath, the other players no doubt curious about the sudden turn of events. As you hung up, Joshua nodded slightly, a small acknowledgment of your actions.
"I see. Your father is a wise man, keeping informed." His tone was neutral, but there was a hint of respect in his voice."Shall we then? My car is waiting."
He turned towards the exit, his movements graceful and deliberate. The other players watched with varying degrees of interest and envy as he led the way out of 'The Serpent's Coil.' The cold night air hit Chase as Chase stepped outside, a stark contrast to the oppressive heat of the club.
Chase"Ohh wait can we stop to buy an medicine for heat....shit I forget the date".
Joshua paused midstep, his back stiffening slightly at Chase sudden request. He turned slowly, his eyes narrowing as he took in Chase flushed cheeks and the slight sheen of sweat on your forehead. Understanding dawned on his face, followed by a flicker of something else concern, perhaps, or annoyance at the inconvenience.
He glanced at his watch, then back at you, his expression unreadable."I see. How... unfortunate." He hesitated briefly before nodding curtly."Very well. There's a 24hour pharmacy nearby. We'll make a detour."
The car pulled up beside Chase, the driver's door opening to reveal a burly man with a stern expression."Take us to the pharmacy on 5th Street," Joshua instructed, his voice brooking no argument."And make it quick."
As the car sped through the rainslicked streets, Joshua sat silently beside you, his posture rigid and attentive.
(Chase body getting hot and hotter but chase make no sound of discomfort because Chase don't want him to know his heat is coming)
Joshua's keen eyes flicked to Chase occasionally as the car navigated the wet streets, his gaze lingering on Chase flushed face and the way you shifted uncomfortably in Chase seat. The air inside the vehicle seemed to grow thicker, more oppressive with each passing minute. He could sense your discomfort, the subtle signs of Chase impending heat that Chase were desperately trying to conceal.
The car finally pulled up outside the pharmacy, and Joshua stepped out without a word. He returned moments later, holding a small bag that he handed to Chase silently. As Chase took it, Chase fingers brushed against his, and Chase couldn't help but notice the contrast his hand was cool and steady, while Chase felt feverish.
He slid back into the car beside Chase, his eyes fixed forward as he gave the driver new instructions."To my penthouse." His voice was low, almost a growl."And step on it."
The car sped off into the night, carrying you both towards an uncertain future. Joshua sat tense beside Chase, his jaw clenched and his hands folded tightly in his lap.
(Chase try to control his pheromones scents to leak out and close his mouth even through his throat is dry out of saliva he is praying that this is gonna take fast discussion)
The car ride was agonizing, each minute feeling like an eternity as Chase body temperature continued to rise. Chase sat rigidly, Chase hands clenched into fists in his lap, nails digging into his palms as a means to distract himself from the growing ache inside chase. Joshua remained silent beside Chase, his posture stiff and his gaze fixed out the window, but Chase could feel the weight of his attention on him.
As the car finally pulled up to his penthouse, Joshua exited swiftly and held the door open for Chase. The cool night air hit Chase flushed skin like a slap, momentarily shocking chase system. He led chase inside without a word, his hand hovering at the small of Chase back not quite touching, but close enough that Chase could feel the heat radiating off him.
The elevator ride up to his penthouse was torture. The confined space amplified every sensation the pounding of Chase heart, the rasp of his breathing (despite Chase efforts to stay silent).
The confined space amplified every sensation the pounding of Chase heart, the rasp of his breathing (despite his efforts to stay silent), and the subtle shift of Joshua's posture as he sensed Chase discomfort. The elevator seemed to crawl upwards, each floor taking an eternity to pass.
When the doors finally slid open, revealing his lavish penthouse, Joshua stepped out and gestured for chase to follow. The cool air inside was a temporary respite, but as he led Chase towards his study, the heat within Chase intensified.
The study was dimly lit, shadows dancing on the walls from the flickering fire in the fireplace. Joshua poured two glasses of whiskey a generous pour for himself and a meager one for Chase.
Thank...you ...(Control his pheromones scents and his upcoming heat)
Joshua handed you the glass, his fingers brushing against Chase for a fleeting moment. He watched intently as Chase took a sip, his eyes lingering on the way Chase throat bobbed as Chase swallowed. The whiskey burned going down, a welcome distraction from the fire raging inside Chase.
He moved to sit behind his desk, gesturing for Chase to take the chair across from him. As Chase sat, he leaned back, his gaze piercing and unreadable."Now, let's discuss the terms of our... realignment."
His voice was low, measured, but there was an undercurrent of tension that mirrored Chase own. He began to lay out the details of the proposed agreement, his words clear and concise. But with each passing minute, it became harder for you to focus on anything but the heat coursing through your veins and the subtle shifts in Joshua's demeanor.
He paused midsentence, his eyes narrowing slightly as he caught a whiff of something in the air a faint, underlying scent that Chase couldn't quite control. His gaze sharpened, locking onto Chase with an intensity that made Chase breath catch.
"Chase,"he stood up.
Chase said "Yeahh...huff...I'm sorry I think we need to discuss this on next week....ahh ....I I I."(Chase knees getting weaker as he want to walk and he stumbled and can't get up because Chase getting hot and hotter and his mind gone blank)
Joshua's eyes widened as he watched you stumble, Chase usual composure crumbling before him. He was out of his chair in an instant, rounding the desk with swift, purposeful strides. As Chase collapsed to the floor, he caught him before chase hit the ground, his strong arms wrapping around Chase to steady him.
Chase body pressed against his, and he could feel the heat radiating off Chase in waves. The scent that had been teasing him earlier grew stronger, filling his nostrils and clouding his thoughts. It was a primal smell, one that spoke of need and desire and a desperation that mirrored his own.
Joshua's breath hitched as the full force of Chase scent washed over him. His arms tightened around chase instinctively, pulling him closer as if trying to absorb the heat emanating from chase body. He knew what was happening, had seen it before in others, but never had he been so close to an omega in the throes of heat.
Chase face was flushed, his eyes glazed and unfocused. Chase were mumbling incoherently, his hands grasping at his shirt, his arms, anything to anchor himself in the haze of sensation that threatened to overwhelm Chase.
Chase said "Josh I'm hot ahh ahh shit ahh".his body is getting hot and hotter his breathing is becoming heavy.
Joshua's grip on Chase tightened, his body responding instinctively to Chase distress. He swept him up into his arms, cradling chase against his chest as he strode purposefully towards the bedroom. Chase head lolled against his shoulder, Chase breath coming in short, ragged gasps.
The cool sheets of his bed provided a brief respite as he laid Chase down, but it was fleeting. Chase skin was burning up, Chase body arching off the mattress as waves of heat crashed over him. Joshua stood over Chase, his eyes dark and intense as he took in the sight of Chase writhing in discomfort.
He knew what he should do call a doctor, get Chase some medication to ease his symptoms. But there was a part of him that hesitated, a primal instinct urging him to stay, to help in a more... primal way.
His hands hovered over Chase body, unsure whether to touch or retreat.