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

"For your information I didn't intend to let Ash sleep with me," Lithe said icily, I was just about to kick his ass to the curb, you didn't need to interfere on my behalf. I'm a grown man, I can take care of myself."

Zen raised an eyebrow, "Oh, so that's what was going on, you could have fooled me," he exclaimed dryly.

Lithe dragged his wrist from out of Zen's hold. "I was almost at the exit when Ash that jerk tripped me!"

"So, at least you're now ready to admit that your escape plan wasn't fool proof."

"Time was against me, it's not like I could sit and plan proper execution to flee the scene when Ashley had his grimy hands all over me."

Zen swore like a sailor, it made Lithe's ears turn red and he dared not repeat what he heard.

"Lithe, you dumb ass," Zen drew Lithe up closer to him. "Do you think that horny bastard was afraid to rape?"

You were the victim