Vincent was taken aback by Elliot’s cockiness, and while he was distracted, his grip loosened on Elliot’s shoulder. In that instant, Elliot turned and ran out of the room.

Vincent, dumbfounded by Elliot’s sudden action, stared after him. Then, as the realization dawned on him, he laughed—his voice echoing down the hallway where Elliot was fleeing. He really shouldn’t have underestimated him.

Elliot smirked to himself as he escaped. Vincent had thought he could easily control him, but he was wrong. Outside the manor, he asked one of the servants to prepare a carriage. Since Vincent was clearly suffering from his rut, Elliot figured it was the perfect time to visit his family. It hadn’t even been a week, but he already missed them.

When he arrived at the Leighton estate, the servants were shocked to see him, but they greeted him warmly. He made a beeline for his father’s study—he knew Apollo was usually buried deep in his books.

“Father!” Elliot called, excitement in his voice.

Apollo was surprised to hear Elliot, turning from his desk and standing up. He greeted his son with warmth. “Elliot! What brings you here? Is Vincent with you?” Apollo glanced behind Elliot, as if expecting Vincent to appear.

“No, I’m alone,” Elliot replied, crossing his arms. “Things happened, so I came here.”

Worry flashed across his father’s face. “Did he hurt you?” Apollo checked Elliot over, eyes scanning his son for any signs of injury.

“I’m fine. I just don’t want to spend time with him right now.” Elliot huffed and took a seat in one of the empty chairs around the room.

Apollo’s expression grew more concerned. “People might start questioning why you left. They could start doubting your marriage to him.”

“I’m sure everyone is already questioning it,” Elliot replied flatly. “It’s not hard to put the clues together.”

“We don’t want to give the queen another reason to meddle,” Apollo said sternly.

“She should focus on keeping the kingdom stable, not on matchmaking,” Elliot retorted bitterly.

Apollo sighed. “Come on now, Elliot. She’s just doing what she thinks is best for Gaea. We need to fulfill our duties.”

“My duty is not to become an obedient omega,” Elliot replied, exhaustion in his voice. “I want to be like you. I want to show her that I can be a good diplomat.”

His siblings had chosen not to follow in their father’s footsteps; instead, they handled trade around the kingdom. Elliot had always expected that when his father retired, the role of Leighton diplomat would fall to him. He had been looking forward to it, studying diligently to follow in his father’s example. However, because of his omega status, people believed he would not be capable of holding such a position. It always made him bitter.

“No one is forcing you to be an obedient omega.” Apollo assured him, “And I’m sure your talent will be recognized by the queen.”

Elliot sank into his chair. “Where’s Mother?” He wanted to talk about something other than his biology.

Apollo thought for a moment. “Perhaps she’s in the gazebo in the gardens.”

Elliot stood up. “I’ll go greet her.”

He bid his father farewell.

His mother, Lady Carmilla Leighton, was arranging flowers in the gazebo. She didn’t notice Elliot at first, too absorbed in her work.

Elliot cleared his throat, and Carmilla looked up, her face lighting up at the sight of him.

“Elliot! How long have you been standing there?” she exclaimed, standing to embrace him in a tight hug.

Elliot patted her back and replied, “Not long. I didn’t want to disturb you.”

“What brings you here?” Carmilla asked, gesturing for him to sit beside her.

“Marriage troubles,” Elliot joked.

“Well, that was fast,” Carmilla giggled. “I expected you to come crawling back after at least a week.”

“Not a huge fan of alphas,” Elliot replied. “Vincent is in a rut, and I don’t want to be within his line of sight.” He could be more open with his mother about these things than with his father.

Carmilla raised an eyebrow. “He didn’t attack you, did he?”

Elliot shook his head. “No, he just spouted nonsense—how we need to mate as soon as possible because our rut and heat will be miserable with the two of us living together.”

Carmilla thought for a moment before replying. “He has a point. I’m neither an omega nor an alpha, but after having you, I informed myself. The presence of an unmated alpha or omega weakens the effect of suppressants.” She stared at Elliot. “But you’re not forced to mate with him, Elliot. We’ll have your doctor give you a stronger suppressant, and tell Vincent to do the same.”

Elliot nodded, grateful for his mother’s response. “Thank you, Mother.” He extended his arms and hugged her tightly. “Your overbearingness helps,” he joked.

Carmilla lightly hit him and laughed. “I was worried, sending you off to live with practically a stranger.” She pulled away from the hug and stared at her hands. “But I know you’re strong.” She smiled at him. “I know you hate being underestimated.”

Elliot grinned, grateful for his mother’s trust. “Damn right,” he replied, then added, “Can I stay for the night?”

“Of course!” Carmilla replied. “Your father and I would be happy. Just send a letter to Vincent to let him know you’ll be staying.”

Elliot rolled his eyes. It’s not like Vincent would care to know where he was right now.

As if on cue, Elliot spotted Vincent marching toward him and his mother. His face was calm, a stark contrast to when Elliot had left him. He looked extremely good with the Leighton gardens as his backdrop. Elliot hadn’t noticed how handsome Vincent was before; he’d been too busy judging him as a Whitehall rather than as an individual.

“Oh, speak of the devil,” his mother exclaimed.

“Greetings, Lady Leighton,” Vincent bowed. “I’m here to pick up my runaway husband.”

Elliot stood up. “Can I not visit my family?”

Vincent raised an eyebrow. “You left without saying anything. I got worried.”

Vincent seemed to be back to his usual self, his previous aggression gone. The suppressant had probably finally kicked in and was calming his symptoms.

“Well, isn’t he charming?” His mother commented toward Elliot.

Elliot rolled his eyes. “I guess I’m going back.”

“Why not stay for lunch?” Carmilla offered, a glint in her eyes.

Elliot knew it wasn’t a question, but a demand.

Vincent nodded and replied, “Certainly.”