CEDRIC POV
I was the last to react.
My skin prickled, a wave of heat crashing over me, followed by a cold rush that left me trembling.
My muscles tensed, my jaw clenched tight, every part of me straining toward him as if pulled by an invisible force. It was magnetic, unstoppable—a gravitational pull that demanded I close the distance between us, touch him, take him.
Claim him.
Keir.
His scent was a heady mix of honey, leather, and cedarwood, with a tantalizing hint of vanilla that sent a shiver down my spine.
It was intoxicating, maddening, a scent that seemed to seep into my skin, into my very bones.
I inhaled deeply, filling my lungs with it, even as I fought to maintain control.
No matter how much I wanted to, I couldn't tear my gaze away.
Why now?
Why him?
The questions crashed through my mind, jagged and chaotic, cutting through the haze of instinct and need.
I hadn't felt anything this sharp, this consuming, not even when—
I shoved the thought away, gritting my teeth, but Keir's scent lingered, clinging to the air like a forbidden whisper, like a promise I wasn't ready to hear.
He was more than lovely.
He was ethereal.
Something about him called to a part of me I had long buried.
I didn't want this.
I didn't need this.
And yet, I couldn't stop looking.
Keir stood like a sliver of moonlight in a room shrouded in shadows, his silver garments catching the dim light and throwing it back in soft, shimmering waves. The paleness of his hair only added to his otherworldly aura, tempting me with a dangerous promise of something—someone—who could shatter my carefully constructed walls.
Keir.
I could feel the name settle in my mouth.
Taste it on my tongue—
—a bitter, tempting flavor.
Keir neither smiled nor frowned, his expression a mask of mild curiosity as a faint smile played on his lips.
"Loxley was right. He's... captivating."
I could hear the awe in Eamon's voice and see how his lips curled into a slow, appreciative smile that twisted something deep in my gut.
My fingers dug into my palms, nails biting into flesh.
I knew that smile, knew it all too well. I had seen it countless times whenever Eamon set his sights on someone he wanted.
A low growl rumbled in my chest, too quiet for anyone else to hear, but it vibrated through me, a wave of possessive rage that took me by surprise.
I wanted to knock that smile off Eamon's face.
"He'll be the talk of the season, mark my words," He murmured, his eyes still locked on the omega. "Every Alpha in this room will want a chance to claim his attention."
I forced myself to look away from Keir and surveyed the room. Eamon was right—every gaze, every whisper, every subtle nod seemed directed toward Keir.
"Look at them," Eamon chuckled, amused. "They're practically tripping over themselves. You'd think they'd never seen an Omega before."
"Not like him, they haven't," Gareth piped up, his voice soft but clear, betraying his fascination. "He's... different."
I turned sharply to Gareth, my jaw tightening. "Don't be ridiculous," I snapped, harsher than intended. "He's just a man. Stop acting like he's more special than anyone else in this room."
Eamon snorted softly, giving me a sidelong glance. "Seems to me, Cedric, you're the one acting like he's special. If I didn't know better, I'd say you're jealous."
"Of what? A room full of fools with their tongues hanging out?"
Eamon eyed me carefully, his gaze sharp and assessing. "There's nothing wrong if you want to pursue the Omega, Cedric," he said slowly, his tone almost too casual, too neutral. "Everyone else seems to be lining up for their chance. Why not you?"
"I'm not interested," I bit out. "I've got no desire to pursue anyone."
Eamon's lips twitched. ""As you wish. That’s one less bloke to contend with."
I shot him a glare, my jaw clenching so tight I could feel the strain in my neck.
Gareth shifted beside me, clearly caught up in his thoughts, his eyes still fixed on Keir with wide-eyed curiosity. "I wonder how I could get an introduction."
"You forget who your brother is," Eamon said, glancing at me with a knowing look. "I'm sure we could find someone to introduce us."
But before he could finish his sentence, Gareth was already moving, his curiosity getting the better of him. He spun on his heels, making a beeline straight for Keir.
"Damn it, Gareth," I hissed under my breath.
"Your brother is far too impulsive."
I grunted in response.
"Oh, God," Eamon whispered, his eyes widening as he watched Gareth stumble right into the path of the Duke and Duchess of Everly.
My first instinct was to rush over and drag him back before he embarrassed himself further.
But then Keir stepped in.
I watched as Keir smoothly pulled Gareth to his side, positioning him perfectly to greet the Duke and Duchess of Everly. It was as if he was saying to everyone watching, 'See? We're close friends. Everything's fine.'
Beside me, I felt the tension drain from Eamon's body, his muscles loosening as he relaxed. "Well, would you look at that?" he murmured, a hint of relief softening his voice, his eyes still fixed on the scene unfolding before us.
I let out a small huff, crossing my arms as I continued to watch Keir——and Gareth.
"I think I might be in love."
I rolled my eyes. "Is that the third time this season?"
"What can I say, Cedric? I have a lot of love to give."
I grunted again, less in response to his words and more to mask the uncomfortable churn of emotions tightening in my chest.
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