— Oh? — Etienne replied with feigned surprise, —But at night, one should sleep, burying one's face in a pillow.

Etienne's mood was already subterranean, and now there was this omega with whom he had to deal.

Ovgust was taken aback; had he just received a gentle, yet firm rejection? It was time to act more decisively:

— Would you like to come to my room? Or... perhaps I could come to yours.

Ovgust blushed at his own direct proposition. Etienne remained silent, observing the reddening young man. Indeed, he was attractive, and a brief dalliance might have been tempting, but... no more than that.

— I'm not in the mood today, — he declared firmly, not even attempting to soften his tone, - I respect passion, but I also honor tradition. Please, do not wander the manor after midnight.

— But... — the bewildered omega stammered, feeling a plane to warmer climes taking off without him, - how then...

— Do as I say, — Etienne commanded with an authoritative voice and tone that was impossible to resist. Ovgust nodded submissively, feeling a thrilling shiver in his knees.

Etienne charmingly smiled at the guests:

— Thank you, friends! Please forgive me, but I am too exhausted to continue this evening. I wish to rest, and I very much hope that no one will disturb me tonight.

He emphasized the last sentence, ensuring that the doubtful boys, who had been eyeing him with obvious interest for the past couple of hours, would curb their enthusiasm and seek entertainment elsewhere. Etienne, like any true alpha, had no doubt that his words would duly influence the omegas and betas, and that other alphas would not dare approach his bed, even at the risk of death.

Etienne emerged from the foyer, swiftly ascending the staircase. It was imperative for him to inspect the entire mansion before retiring for the night. It was inconceivable that the scent of his chosen fragrance could dissipate so rapidly. Upon the staircase, he collided with a diminutive beta who was zealously spraying the corridor.

— Oh, Mr. Etienne! — the young boy greeted with a vivacious grin, though he appeared quite weary. It was a testament to the affection his subordinates held for the second son of the Rutias family, despite his capricious nature.

— Hello, — Etienne responded courteously, his expression one of perplexity, — what are you doing?

— What am I doing? I'm eliminating the odors, — the beta replied, puzzled by the question, — it's quite overwhelming, and they've even used chemicals... Do not worry, we've already treated most of the house, only this staircase and the foyer remain...

— What? — Etienne's voice faltered, his mood plummeting to subterranean depths, — the foyer and staircase? What about the rest...?

— The work has been carried out successfully! — the beta cheerfully reported, straightening up. At that moment, the alpha wished to strangle him for his zealous execution of duties. And now how can he track the scent of his chosen one?!...

— Tomorrow, I want all surveillance footage from every post on my desk. No one is to leave the house, understood? — he spoke in a tone that brooked no argument, addressing one of the security chiefs.

Finally reaching his room, he quickly showered and collapsed onto his large bed, burying his face in the pillow, just as he had advised Omega. His heart ached within his chest.