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

Zen felt as Lithe started to shake uncontrollably in his arm.

He imagined that Lithe was inner turmoil and still struggling with the pain and hurt caused by Ash's betrayal.

Lithe struggled to control his breathing as he held unto Zen for support during this ordeal.

As a fair warning Zen gave Lithe a firm squeeze to remind him to get a hold of himself and contain his emotions.

Should Lithe freak out his vanilla scented pheromones would leak out and alert the bickering couple to their presence in the closet.

There was a niggling worry in the back of Zen's mind that instead of crying Lithe would become enraged at Ash's words and storm out of the closet to confront the bastard.

It was not the first time that Lithe acted irrational whenever his emotions ran amok.

So Zen had no idea what was running through Lithe's mind right now.

Given the nature of their current predicament, Lithe might do anything in the heat of the moment.

A drastic turn for the worse