Nash trailed behind Andrius, his senses on high alert as he stepped into the restaurant. His nose wrinkled at the pungent scent that assaulted him. 

It was a greasy, sickly sweet smell that made his stomach churn. He had never felt so sick from an alpha's pheromones before, and it took him a moment to realize that it was coming from the alpha awaiting them. 

Nash tried to keep his composure, but as he got closer to the table, he was desperately controlling himself not to vomit. 

Nash had always prided himself on his ability to control his omega instincts - an ability he ruthlessly trained - as he knew all too well the dangers of losing control in the face of such powerful stimuli, especially as an omega from the slums where such lack of control could mean the difference between life and death. However, he had never smelled such a powerful and stinky smell as that of this alpha.

Andrius's face remained expressionless as if he didn't smell anything out of usual. Nash couldn't help but admire him. He wondered if Andrius also received professional training to resist pheromone influence.

'I guess he should have' he thought 'He knows how to control his pherormones too well. I barely smell any scent from him. '

 

Nash could see the alpha's eyes light up as he spotted Andrius. The alpha stood up, flashing  a charming smile to the Yaskov heir.

"Ah, Andrius, you look as stunning as ever," Drake said, taking the blonde man's hand and kissing it.

Andrius pulled his hand away, trying to remain calm and collected.

"Thank you, Mr. Blackwood, but please, let's keep things professional."

"Oh, just Drake, please."

Andrius didn't respond.

Nash slightly widened his eyes. If he wasn't wrong, Drake should be the heir to the Blackwood conglomerate. A business that could almost rival that of the Yaskovs. It was also rumored that he was the strongest candidate to marry Andrius.

So this was the fly Andrius was talking about?

Drake gestured for them to take a seat. 

"Please have a seat. I've ordered some appetizers for us to share."

As they settled in, Nash took note of Drake's body language. The alpha was sitting way too close to his employer and kept leaning in toward him. Andrius, on the other hand, was slowly moving away from Drake.

"So, Andrius, I couldn't help but notice how lovely you look today. This suit fits you like a glove," Drake said, his tone laced with flirtatiousness.

Andrius' eyes narrowed slightly. "Thank you, Mr. Blackwood. But let's not waste time on pleasantries. We have a business to discuss."

Drake chuckled as if he heard a joke. "Of course, of course. But a man can appreciate beauty, can't he?"

Andrius ignored him and started talking about some business matters. They delved into the details of the business deal. Nash listened attentively but kept his eyes on Drake. The alpha seemed to be looking for any opportunity to make a move on Andrius.

When they started to discuss signing a contract, Drake seemed to finally have his chance. The alpha sighed dramatically, but his eyes were filled with maliciousness.

"I tell you what, Andrius. If you agree to go on a date with me, I will sign the contract right here and now."

Andrius glared at him, his voice low and dangerous. 

"Please don't joke with me, Mr. Blackwood."

Drake leaned in closer, his eyes sparkling with a mischievous glint. 

" Why do you think I'm joking? I'm dead serious. You know, Andrius, I've always admired you. It's a shame that such a gorgeous omega like you doesn't have an alpha protector."

Andrius resisted the urge to roll his eyes. 

"Don't you see my bodyguard over there? I have Nash here to protect me. I don't need anyone else." He replied firmly.

Drake chuckled. 

"Come on, Andrius. You can't tell me you feel safe with an omega protecting you. I'm all for diversity, but in my experience, omegas aren't exactly the best at handling high-demand situations."

The Yaskov heir's expression turned colder as he spoke. "Mr Blackwood, this kind of talk is unacceptable. Nash has proven himself to be an excellent bodyguard, and his omega status has nothing to do with his abilities."

Drake smirks. 

" Suit yourself. But I hope you know what you're doing. You can never be too careful when it comes to your safety."

Andrius replied icily.

" I am well aware of the risks. And I trust Nash with my life."

Nash felt touched by Andrius' words. That was the first time someone had ever trusted him so much. Even he sometimes wondered if he was strong and capable enough, even after he had proved himself time and time again. He knew that he was an omega, and he knew that some people saw omegas as weaker and less capable. It wasn't just Drake; there were many people out there who shared his views. Nash had heard the whispers and seen the looks of disdain directed at him 

He couldn't help but feel a renewed sense of determination to protect Andrius with his life. He would become the best damn bodyguard Andrius had ever had, and he would never let him down.

After that, the two businessmen kept talking about the contract. Or, at least, Andrius was trying. Mr. Blackwood seemed more interested in making some uncomfortable jokes. Finally, the alpha seemed to notice that Andrius' patience was at its limit and he stood up, signaling the end of the meeting. 

"Well, it's been a pleasure as always, Andrius. I do hope we can continue this conversation over dinner sometime soon."

Andrius stood up too, but his expression was icy.

"Thank you for your time, Mr. Blackwood. I'll have my assistant send over the contract for you to sign."

Drake flashed Andrius one last charming smile before turning to Nash. 

"And you, my dear, make sure you take good care of Andrius. He's such a precious gem, and we can't have anything happening to him now, can we?"

Nash's fists clenched under the table, but he forced himself to keep his composure. 

"I assure you, Mr. Blackwood, that Mr. Yaskov's safety is my top priority. I will do everything in my power to keep him safe."

Drake nodded slowly, but he didn't seem entirely convinced by Nash's words.

"Good. I'll hold you to that". He said before turning and walking away. 

Andrius let out a sigh of relief as soon as Drake was out of sight. "Thank God that's over," he muttered. 

Nash chuckled. 

"He seemed quite taken with you, sir."

 Andrius rolled his eyes. 

"I don't have time for his nonsense. I just want to get this deal done and move on to the next one." 

Nash nodded in agreement and helped Andrius take the paperwork he brought away.  As they gathered their things and headed towards the exit, Drake called out to them from across the restaurant. 

"Andrius, one last thing before you go. I hope you'll reconsider my offer. A beautiful omega like you deserves to be taken care of by a strong alpha like myself." 

Andrius stopped in his tracks and turned to face Drake, his expression colder than ever. 

"I've already told you, Mr. Blackwood. I have no interest in dating you. Now if you'll excuse us, we have work to do." Drake's smile faltered for a moment before he regained his composure. 

"Very well, Andrius. But the offer still stands if you ever change your mind." Andrius didn't respond, instead walking out of the restaurant with Nash by his side. 

Drake twirled the ruby liquid in his glass, savoring every second of Andrius and Nash's departure. A sick smirk graced his lips. 

"Oh, Andrius. You're going to be mine one day, whether you like it or not."