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

Looking back Lithe could remember the numerous times they made plans and Ash would blow him off at the last minute.

When they had first met things had been wonderful between them but then Ash started calling less and less or canceled the plans made for trips on their day off.

Even when meeting up for coffee Ash had trouble focusing on their conversation whether it was talking on his cellphone or responding to texts.

While Lithe was planning the Maximillian's annual spring launch for their clothing line, he said that he couldn't attend because he had to go on a overseas trip with a friend.

It also happened to be the same event that Christina went missing in action but Lithe thought nothing about it at the time.

Ash just had this way of playing on Lithe's conscience.

Making him feel like he was choosing work over Ash all the time and that was just not the case.

He let out a deep sigh before Ash attempted a response to Lithe's question.

Keep it on the down low