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

"Look out," yelled enforcer Graelam.

As he shoved Hamil out of the way.

While deep in conversation with Zen and the other enforcers none of them noticed that the ceiling fan had come undone and was literally hanging by a thread.

Graelam had literally nosedived to shove Hamil out of the way before the ceiling fan could collapse with Hamil under it.

More dust and debris filled the room as everyone breathed a sigh of relief from the close call.

It just made them more eager to get everyone out of the basement and on higher ground.

"Go get the others to come up from the basement before it's too late," said Hamil while gasping.

The last thing they wanted was to be trapped in the basement and having the flood waters lead them all to a watery grave.

Outside they could hear choppers in the distance.

If they weren't working for weather channels tracking the twin tornados.

The danger is far from over