Elias's pulse pounded in his ears.
The Alpha was too close—his presence heavy, overwhelming, suffocating in a way that made Elias's breath catch. Every shift, every brush of fabric against skin, every sharp inhale between them sent a new wave of heat rolling through his veins.
But he refused to surrender.
Not to him.
Not when this was exactly what the Alpha wanted.
Elias clenched his jaw, forcing his body to stay still even as the tension coiled tighter, even as his skin burned where the Alpha's weight pinned him.
The Alpha noticed.
Of course he did.
A smirk curled at his lips, slow and knowing, his golden eyes gleaming with wicked amusement.
"Ah, Elias," he murmured, tilting his head, his fingers trailing down Elias's arm with deliberate slowness. "You're trying so hard to resist."
Elias hated that voice.
Low. Amused.
Like he had already won.
"Shut up," Elias bit out, his breath unsteady, his body betraying him despite his resolve.
The Alpha only chuckled.
"Why should I?" he mused, his fingers ghosting over Elias's wrist, his grip firm—possessive. "You're the one who pulled me closer, little one."
Elias hated that he was right.
Hated that he had made the first move.
Hated that his body was still reacting, still trembling with the heat surging through him.
Damn that drug.
Damn him.
Elias sucked in a sharp breath, trying to push down the hunger clawing at his insides, the need pressing against his ribs.
He needed to think.
He needed to get out of this—
"Ah—!"
Elias stiffened as the Alpha suddenly moved—his breath warm against Elias's throat, his weight shifting just enough to send another shock of sensation through his body.
Elias shuddered.
The Alpha noticed.
And smirked.
"Look at you," the Alpha murmured, his voice thick with satisfaction. "So eager and yet still fighting."
Elias hated how his body reacted to those words.
Hated the way his skin burned under the Alpha's touch.
Hated the way his body wanted.
"Let go, Elias," the Alpha whispered, his lips grazing the shell of his ear, his voice laced with something dark and irresistible. "Just once."
Elias's breath hitched.
For a second—just a second—he almost did.
Almost let go.
Almost gave in.
But then—
No.
No, he wouldn't.
With every ounce of willpower he had left, Elias clenched his jaw, his fingers curling into the sheets.
"Never."
The Alpha stilled.
Then—
He laughed.
Low. Deep. Thrilled.
"Oh, Elias," he murmured, his voice like silk and steel. "Then I suppose I'll just have to make you."
And with that—
The game truly began.