: Territory & Boundaries

Nene was halfway through sketching out her new streaming setup when a shadow fell over the doorway.

She froze.

Then slowly turned—

And, of course, there was Alexander, leaning against the frame of her walk-in closet like he had every right to be there.

Watching her.

Golden eyes calm, unreadable.

Nene scowled. "Ever heard of knocking?"

Alexander glanced past her, taking in the empty shelves, the tangled cords, the half-open suitcase of her essentials on the floor.

Then, smoothly, "You're moving into the closet?"

Nene folded her arms. "It's called a workspace. Not that you'd understand."

One brow lifted slightly. "I understand perfectly."

She didn't like the way he said that.

Didn't like the way he lingered in the doorway, his presence filling up the space like he was assessing it, assessing her.

She huffed. "This is my territory now."

Alexander's gaze flickered.

Something about that statement caught his attention.

Then, in a tone far too amused for her liking, he murmured, "Your territory?"

Nene bristled. "Yes. I need a space for my music. My streaming. My brand. This—" she gestured at the ridiculously oversized closet "—is my office now."

"Fine," Alexander said, smooth and unbothered.

Before Nene could even enjoy her small victory, he pulled out his phone, typed something, and—

Within seconds, a soft chime echoed through the hallway.

A moment later, a woman stepped in.

She was Omega, clearly. Soft features, warm eyes, dressed in a sleek but practical outfit—the kind that screamed high-end professionalism but not flashy.

She took one look at Nene and smiled. "Hello, Mrs. Zhao."

Nene twitched.

Oh, hell no.

She turned to Alexander, glaring. "Who is this?"

"This," he said, calm as ever, "is your assistant."

Nene gawked. "My what?!"

The woman smiled again, completely unfazed by Nene's tone. "I'm Song Lina. Mr. Zhao assigned me to help with your adjustment."

"Adjustment," Nene repeated flatly.

Lina clasped her hands. "Yes. You'll need someone to handle errands, shopping, pack registrations—basic day-to-day things."

Nene crossed her arms. "I can do that myself."

Alexander tilted his head slightly, golden eyes watching her too closely. "Can you?"

She gritted her teeth. "I'm not useless."

"That's not the issue." His voice was infuriatingly patient. "You're not just living alone anymore, Nene. You're in Alpha territory. If you want to go out, you need security. If you need something, it's handled through pack channels. It's not as simple as taking a train downtown."

Nene hated that he was making sense.

She huffed, turning back to Lina. "And you just… do all of that?"

Lina smiled. "I manage household operations for high-ranked pack members. I can arrange your schedule, handle logistics, and ensure you have everything you need. If you want to go out, I'll coordinate your escort. If you need items, I'll make sure they arrive without issue."

Nene narrowed her eyes. "So you're my babysitter."

Lina chuckled. "I prefer 'assistant.'"

Nene exhaled sharply.

She didn't like this. She didn't like the idea of someone managing her life—but she also wasn't dumb enough to think she could just do things the way she always had.

New reality. New rules.

She turned to Alexander. "And you just had her ready to go?"

His smirk was slight. "I plan ahead."

Nene glared. "Of course you do."

Lina clasped her hands again. "Would you like to make a list of things you need, Mrs. Zhao?"

Nene twitched again.

She wasn't used to this.

But she was going to have to start.

She sighed. "Fine. But drop the 'Mrs. Zhao' thing."

Lina smiled. "Of course, Nene."

Nene flopped onto the couch, rubbing her temple. "Fine. Let's make a list."

Lina pulled out a sleek tablet, ready. "What do you need?"

Nene thought for a moment. "A proper desk. Soundproof panels. A new mic setup. And snacks. Lots of snacks."

Lina smiled. "Noted."

Alexander, who was still lingering nearby, raised a brow. "That's it?"

Nene scowled. "What else do I need?"

Alexander sat down across from her, gold eyes calm but sharp. "Clothes."

She blinked. "I have clothes."

"Not ones that fit my household."

Nene's eye twitched. "Excuse me?"

Lina cleared her throat delicately. "There is a… dress code."

Nene snapped her gaze to her. "For what? Existing?!"

Alexander was completely unbothered. "For being in my home. And under my name."

She crossed her arms. "Let me guess—no 'disrespectful' outfits? No 'revealing' clothing?"

Alexander tilted his head slightly, gaze flicking over her lazily. "Wear whatever you want inside your workspace."

Nene narrowed her eyes. "And outside of it?"

Lina smiled a little too politely. "Mr. Zhao prefers that pack members dress appropriately in public spaces."

Nene huffed. "You mean he doesn't like me showing skin."

Alexander didn't blink. "No Alpha does."

Her stomach twisted.

She should've expected it. Jiho had already warned her.

Alphas were territorial psychos.

But still—

"You do realize I'm a musician, right?" she pointed out. "I perform. I stream. I'm not about to wear a turtleneck just because your Alpha instincts can't handle it."

Alexander leaned forward slightly, gold eyes glinting. "Then let's compromise."

Nene folded her arms. "Oh, this I have to hear."

His gaze flickered, unreadable. "If you're inside the estate, wear what you want. If you're outside, with or without me, be mindful of what signals you send."

She raised a brow. "Signals?"

"Alphas react to challenges," he said smoothly. "And unmated females who display too much skin are seen as an invitation."

Her stomach dropped slightly.

Alexander's expression didn't change. "And you, wife, are no longer available for invitations."

Nene hated how easily he said that.

Like it was fact.

Like she wasn't supposed to fight it.

She exhaled sharply. "Fine. What are the other house rules?"

Lina smiled. "Nothing major. Mostly security policies. You'll be added to the pack network for updates. There are designated spaces for high-level meetings, and some restricted areas due to confidential business matters."

Nene scoffed. "So don't go where I'm not supposed to. Got it."

Alexander smirked. "That's the general idea."

Nene rolled her eyes. "Anything else?"

Lina hesitated.

Then, carefully, she said, "Mr. Zhao also asks that you… inform him before you leave the estate."

Nene froze.

"Inform?" she repeated. "Or ask permission?"

Alexander's smirk didn't fade. "Call it a courtesy."

Nene scowled.

She had just lost her last bit of freedom, hadn't she?