Keep Your Enemies Closer

Soren clawed at the Alpha's wrist, his nails digging into the man's skin as the pressure around his throat tightened. His body convulsed, legs kicking weakly as his lungs burned for air. Tears pricked at the corners of his eyes. His face flushed red, his head pounding from the lack of oxygen.

"I..." He forced the words out through gritted teeth, his voice barely a rasp. "I'm not… a spy…"

The Alpha studied him for a moment before releasing his grip. Soren collapsed onto the cold floor, gasping for air, coughing as he struggled to steady his breathing.

"Then what are you?" The man's voice was as smooth as silk, but there was no warmth behind it.

Soren swallowed hard, lifting his head. "I was trying to escape… to Eldoria."

Eldoria was a peaceful nation, a place where Omegas were free. It was a lie, but a convincing one.

The Alpha let out a low hum, stepping closer. Then, without warning, he turned Soren around, pulling him against his broad chest. Soren tensed, every muscle locking in place as a hand trailed slowly down his throat, brushing over his collarbone before settling on his chest.

"I don't believe you," the man whispered, his breath hot against Soren's ear.

Soren shuddered, his heartbeat hammering against his ribs. Each touch sent a sickening wave of dread through his body. He clenched his jaw, forcing himself not to recoil.

"But tonight," the Alpha continued, his fingers pinching one of Soren's sensitive nipples, "that doesn't matter."

A whimper escaped before Soren could stop it. Tears burned at the edges of his vision, sliding silently down his cheeks as the man's hand trailed lower.

His legs trembled. "P-please…" he whispered, voice barely audible.

The Alpha smirked. "Relax. You're in luck tonight. The Master told me they haven't given you contraceptives yet, so no matter how badly I want to, I can't fuck you."

Soren's stomach lurched. His hands curled into fists, his mind racing for a way out of being touched like this. Think, Soren. You have to survive this. A voice screamed in his head.

He took a shaky breath, then with all the braveness he could master at the moment spoke. "Then… let me do the touching instead."

A low chuckle rumbled from the man's chest. "To touch a man like me is a privilege."

Soren slowly turned, meeting the Alpha's sharp gaze. More tears slipped down his cheeks, but his expression didn't waver. His voice was soft but steady. "What do I have to do to earn that privilege?"

The Alpha's eyes gleamed with amusement. For a moment, he simply observed Soren, taking in the delicate features, the quiet tears, the fear laced with nothing but defiance. 

"You're a scared little Omega," the man murmured, tilting Soren's chin up with a single finger. "And yet… you're brave enough to negotiate."

He stepped back, crossing his arms. "I'll be here for three more days. That means we'll be spending a lot of time together. If you figure it out by then, I'll give you a head start before I decide to kill you."

Soren's breath caught in his throat. "Kill me?"

The Alpha's smile was almost gentle. "You might not be a spy, but I see a potential threat in you. I may be here for business with your master, but that's simply because I like to keep my enemies close," he cocked his head to the side studying Soren. "And if your master is smart enough, he may use you too well for my liking and one day you'll become an enemy. I'm simply avoiding that kind of future."

His words sent an icy chill through Soren's veins.

The Alpha turned away, walking toward the massive bed in the centre of the room. He undid his belt, letting his pants slide off before slipping beneath the covers. His piercing gaze landed on Soren once more. "Come."

Soren stood there, frozen, unsure whether to enter flight mode or just obey.

"I like your scent," the Alpha mused. "It's sweet. Calming."

Soren didn't ask questions. He climbed into the bed, keeping his body stiff as the Alpha wrapped a strong arm around him. The man's warmth was suffocating, his unwanted scent filling Soren's lungs.

He lay still, staring out the window at the night sky. The stars shimmered against the dark expanse, untouched by the horrors of this world.

His fingers curled into the sheets, his mind quiet yet screaming at the same time.

Cassius has taught me a lot, I need to stop being afraid and do what I need to do to survive. Soren thought to himself. I will play their game.

And when they least expect it, he would end every single one of them. Even if it cost him his life.

_______________

Kieran hadn't slept.

His mind had been consumed by thoughts of how he would kill Hadrian. How he would make him suffer. How he would make him regret ever crossing him.

But killing a commander, especially one with Hadrian's influence, was not something he could do without consequence. Not without evidence. And right now, all he had was a gut feeling. A gut feeling that told him Hadrian had sabotaged the mission, all for the sake of getting rid of Soren.

And to spite him.

A sharp knock at the entrance of his tent pulled him from his thoughts.

Magnus, his second-in-command, stepped inside, arms crossed over his broad chest. His sharp eyes flicked over Kieran's face, taking in the dark circles under his eyes, and the tension in his jaw.

"The others have returned from their missions," Magnus reported. "And… if you'd like, I could make Hadrian disappear."

Kieran smirked tiredly. "Mysteriously?"

Magnus gave a slow shrug. "Things happen. Accidents. Ambushes. People lose their way in the dead of night. Men die on the frontlines."

Kieran appreciated Magnus' loyalty. He truly did. But he wasn't the type to let others handle his vengeance for him.

"I'd rather do it myself," he said, leaning back against the table behind him.

Magnus chuckled. "Of course."

Kieran's expression turned serious. "Did we manage to secure rescuers for the omegas in Zendara?"

Magnus nodded. "I sent someone to speak with the Runes. They owe us a favour. But you know how they are. They like to take their time confirming things before they agree to anything, so let's give them a few days."

No sooner had Magnus said those words than the tent flap rustled, and a soldier stepped inside.

Two figures followed.

One was an Alpha dressed entirely in black—his outfit designed for stealth. His fitted gear blended seamlessly into the shadows, reinforced at the chest and limbs for protection while still allowing for agility. A high collar covered his neck, and a hood concealed his hair. A sleek mask covered the lower half of his face, leaving only his piercing eyes visible.

The other was a Beta, dressed in similar attire. His form was lean, built for speed rather than brute strength. His mask, however, was different—marked with faint, intricate patterns, the kind only members of the Rune Guild carried.

Without a word, they raised their hands, revealing a small emblem.

The Rune insignia.

Magnus lifted a brow, clearly surprised. "They responded faster than I expected." He glanced at Kieran. "That's unusual. Makes you wonder if they have their own reasons for coming so quickly."

Kieran's gaze flicked between the two masked figures. He wouldn't put it past the Runes to have their own agenda. But right now, he didn't care. He needed those omegas out of Zendara.

The Alpha stepped forward. "It's only the five omegas we're retrieving?"

Kieran nodded. "That's right."

A sudden, sharp feeling pricked at the back of his neck.

The Beta.

His posture was tense, his hands clenched at his sides. His eyes, visible through the mask, glowed—not in fear or concern, but in barely restrained fury.

And that fury was directed at him.

Kieran met the Beta's gaze, holding it steadily.

A silent challenge.

What's your problem? Kieran thought, though he said nothing aloud.

The Beta didn't speak either. But his burning glare made one thing clear.

He wanted Kieran dead.