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

Graelam was acting like what was happening to Lithe was one big joke.

The normally big and stern enforcer was just a little too eager or was it jaded?

Lithe probably couldn't blame, living in the commune meant sharing barracks and a lack of privacy unless you were higher in the hierarchy and could afford your own private room.

He would like to think that Graelam meant well and wanted to intercede on his behalf but Lithe's gut was telling him that Graelam might escalate the situation and make things worse.

For Lithe everything about his current situation reeked.

It was like members of the commune with their own individualistic reasons were reminding Lithe that his presence was not needed and their treatment towards Lithe just came off plain rude.

Seeing that Lithe wasn't in a position to answer him, Graelam addressed the she wolf.

Disappointing fight