Ian sat in the car with Rayson Vandal. Because of that despicable alpha’s pheromones earlier, his body felt sluggish. Rayson Vandal had supported him until they reached the car.

“What were you doing here?” Rayson Vandal asked without looking at Ian.

“I-I wanted to talk to you about something. I first went to your company but your receptionist kicked me out.” He grumbled. “So, I waited outside.”

“You should have called me.”

“Don’t have your number.”

“Your father has.”

“…”

He turned his head, looking at the bare slender pale neck of omega. “Where is your protective-collar?”

“I don’t wear it.” Seeing the alpha narrow his eyes in displeasure, Ian added, “I don’t like it.”

“You don’t have any precautionary sense, do you? No wonder, you were about to be taken advantage of. If I hadn’t come, my fiancé would have been defiled by another alpha. And this would have made me really angry. And you don’t want to see me angry, Ian.” He calmly said in that deep voice of his while looking at the little omega beside him.

And whose fault do you think it is? Yours! You’re such a bad luck!

“This never happened before.” Ian defended in a small voice, fidgeting. Even though this alpha looked calm; he felt way more intimidating than his father! His bearing and presence were imposing than other alphas; clearly indicating that he was used to being in control and ordering other people around.

Thinking he probably had scared his little fiancé, Rayson Vandal turned his head, looking ahead, “Nick, to the collar shop.” He told his driver.

“Yes, Sir.”

And just like that, a collar was bought for Ian but not given to him right away. Why is he not giving it to me? Ian thought in his heart, perplexed.

Ring! Ring!

That’s when his phone started to ring. Ian looked at his mobile phone which now sported two beautiful cracks because the mobile had slipped from his hand earlier when that rude alpha pissed him off.

It was Sean’s call; his friend. After not replying to me, he’s calling now, hah! He directly pressed the hang up button. The phone started to ring again. But he hung up again.

“Who is it?” The alpha sitting beside asked.

“Just my classmate.” Ian nonchalantly replied as he opened his messaging app.

“Omega?”

“No. Alpha.” He casually said while typing a message. ‘Don’t call. Now, I am busy!’

This time his friend replied quickly. ‘Haha! Angry chicken! Okay then, listen. I just read your msg. Don’t be stupid enough to tell your stupid ploy to him.’

Ian furrowed his brow. ‘Why?’

‘Call me when you’re free. And I’ll tell you.’

Ian decided to call his friend after reaching home. Putting his phone away, he looked out of the car window for a moment. Then with a start, asked, “Where are we going?” This wasn't his way home!

“My home.”

“What? Why?” Alarmed, Ian looked at the alpha.

The alpha looked back at him, narrowed his eyes and said in a displeased and dangerous tone, “You reek of another alpha’s pheromones. Wash it away before you go home. Unless you want your parents to think you had a fun-night with someone.”

Ah, no! They would kill me! Even if they believed me, there would still be hell to pay!

So, he silently acquiesced.

***

“Bathroom’s over there. Your clothes will arrive shortly. If you need anything, ask Malina.” Malina was a middle-aged beta maid who had welcomed them as they entered Rayson Vandal’s home. “I apologize, I won’t be able to accompany you for dinner.” Rayson said as he looked at his wrist watch. “I’m getting late for flight.” He was about to turn and walk away but then stopped. “Ah, yes, you wanted to discuss something, right?” He got out a business card from his wallet, handing it over to Ian. “Call me later if it’s something really important. And, stay the night; the driver will drop you off tomorrow. I'll let your parents know.” He said before walking towards the door and Ian unconsciously followed.

“Where are you going?”

“On a small business trip. I’ll be back before our wedding.” He smirked, but Ian missed it since he was behind him. The alpha stopped then, turned around and ruffled Ian’s hair. “Wear the collar I bought for you otherwise...you won’t be able to leave this place.” He added with a gentle smile which didn’t reach his eyes before turning back, opening the door and leaving just like that.

Rooted on the spot in a daze, Ian touched his hair.

What the hell!

***

Ian stayed the night. Who wouldn't want to when you had such a luxurious house all to yourself. He had a lavish dinner, lavish bath, lavish sleep and lavish breakfast the next day, feeling like a rich young master and gloating inside. He totally forgot to call back his friend. But all his good mood changed when he tried to leave the house.

When Rayson Vandal said Ian wouldn't be able to leave without wearing a collar; he wasn’t joking.

The door had a security lock which won’t open without a code. And Ian didn’t know the code. Malina won’t tell him either no matter how many times he asked. She just stood there holding a protective-collar which was bought by the alpha yesterday, in her hands urging him to wear it and then he could leave.

Finally deciding he’d just wear it for now then remove it after going home, Ian begrudgingly wore it. The collar was black, surface smooth and shiny, reflecting the light beautifully. Ian didn’t know the material, but it was really nice to touch and slightly cool.

“Where’s its key?”

“Key…this collar doesn’t have a key. It’s electronic.” Malina replied with a gentle smile.

“Electronic? Then how do I open it?” Ian asked as he ran his fingers around it on his neck. He couldn’t find any keyhole and cussed at his hastiness in his heart.

“This…I don’t know. You can ask the master.” She replied with a suspicious-looking smile.

Ian looked at her; his heart feeling not good.