NixOrtikal

CQ 2024 entry.
Zen seemed to be struggling, he was fighting not just his own need but the wolf's instinct to dominate. 
Then he was back again but this time the green was gone from his eyes.
Lithe stared into black bottomless pits but surprisingly he did not feel afraid because this was Zen's black wolf.
His face lowered towards Lithe, what sounded like a low growl escaped his lips before he pressed his mouth down on Lithe's lips. 
This kiss was different, mind blowing and possessive so unlike Zen's usual style something told him to run but he ignored it.
Choosing instead to stop thinking about anything else and just focus on the feel of Zen's mouth on his own. 
It wasn't just a normal kiss, he was also pouring pheromones down his throat.
Pheromones that tasted like sweet lemonade mixed with vodka, spilled into his mouth, down his throat, intoxicating Lithe.
Thanks to his wolf, Zen was finally letting go and giving himself over with an abandon that tantalized Lithe and was exactly what he needed.
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

Lithe politely excused himself from the dining table and fled the room without taking a single bite to eat.

Ash surprised everyone when he got up from the table with a worried expression on his face and went after Lithe.

Purposefully shrugging off Christina's hand when she tried to stop Ash from leaving the dining room.

Zen was about to go after the couple but Estella stopped him saying, "I also would love to go and comfort Lithe right now but he needs to get this closure from Ash in order for him to move on with his life."

"Lithe, are you okay?" inquired Ash. "I didn't know Christina would have announced our engagement over dinner. I honestly meant to tell you in person and not have you find out in that manner."

Lithe stopped and coolly observed Ash.

Then the icy frost coldness in his eyes turned to a blazing inferno when it occurred to him that this was just a repeat of what happened in Vallance Continent.

I never meant to make you cry