NixOrtikal

CQ 2024 entry.
When Lithe Hildebrand hires Zen Starke to retrieve stolen property belonging to the Maximillian Tribe nothing goes according to plan. 
Lithe, a workaholic and perfectionist, convinces Zen to let him go on the dangerous mission with him for fear that if mishandled it could ruin his reputation and career.
Intrigued, Zen is determined to keep his potential mate by his side at all costs.
For he’s never met anyone as captivating and sensuous as Lithe. 
When Lithe’s life is threatened, Zen makes a bargain to protect Lithe if he pretends to be his fiancé. 
Pressed for time, Lithe agrees since Zen is nothing like the media portrays him to be.
As a recessive omega he finds the dominant alpha irresistibly charismatic and fiercely loyal.
The problem is the feelings are mutual.
Despite their differences, the lovers embark on a dangerous quest that gets them more than they bargain for when they encounter murder, deception and the gift of everlasting love.

Zen's Gift

"After today please don't do any more digging into this matter. You have no idea how dangerous this line of business is. Take my advice as someone with more experience in the matter."

"I can assure you my sources are well paid and trustworthy, they would never leak my information."

Lithe could see that Zen was trying to remain calm as the sudden anger dissipated slowly from his eyes.

"Anyone can be bought for a price. Even you tried to do the same earlier with my locket. Those who dabble in the black market are eager to slit a man's throat just for looking at them the wrong way."

"I wasn't aware that my curiosity meant that I was taking any risk with my life; it was just a simple business observation.

It was times like these that Grandmother Mila's sage-like advice came to mind.

Lithe remembered the conversation like it was yesterday.

Grandmother Mila had invited Lithe to her suite for tea and crumpets.

Potential Mate