🤴 Deux's POV 🤴

"Champ Clan? Ha!" I uttered in disbelief while shaking my head.

Right now, I'm at the gym, trying to burn off the stress gnawing at my mind.

But fate has a cruel sense of humor.

Because in this very place lurks the one person who won't stop plaguing my thoughts.

I stay hidden, watching, listening. Their conversation is clear as day to me, and I can't help but scoff at the words spilling from their mouths. What exactly is Champ planning?

"Protect the Omegas?" I murmur under my breath. "And what does he gain from that? Is he just saying this to earn their trust? To manipulate them? To claim them as his own? Is that your game, Champ? You little cheater with all your scheme."

If so, then he has no idea what he's up against. Because I will be the one to stand in his way. I will dismantle every single one of his plans, piece by piece, until I uncover the truth behind who he really is.

As I continue watching from the shadows, I notice Champ's nose twitching. He's catching a scent.

My scent.

I grit my teeth. Of course, he would notice it—it's too strong to ignore. Among Alpha males, my scent is more potent, more commanding. Unlike the others, I don't just own my space—I dominate it.

Champ is restless now, his body tense as he searches the room. If he catches on, it won't take long before he finds me.

That's my cue to leave.

If I stay, I might make a mistake. Worse, I might lose control.

And if I lose control... there's no telling what might happen.

By the time I stepped out of the gym, I already had my phone pressed to my ear.

I called my subordinates—Beta males and a few Alphas under my command.

I need order. Control. I need to be sure that everything is in its rightful place.

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That evening.

Dinner is served.

Across from me sits my father—the Alpha King. The prime minister of our world. The man who rules over us all.

Around us, Beta females dressed in pristine uniforms stand in waiting, ready to serve at a moment's notice.

We eat in silence until my father finally speaks.

"I heard you've expanded your territory, Deux," he says, his deep voice laced with amusement. "Word has reached me that you took down five Alpha clans today. What exactly are you trying to prove?"

I set my fork down and meet his gaze, unwavering.

"I just wanted to show you what kind of son you raised," I say coolly. "To prove that I am someone you can be proud of. That I will be the one to follow in your footsteps."

A slow, knowing smile spreads across my father's lips.

"Good," he says, nodding approvingly. "Show them your strength, my son. Prove that our power is absolute. When the time comes, you will take my place. But until then, you still have much to learn."

I bow my head slightly. "Understood, Father. I will do whatever it takes to maintain your rule over this world."

My father is pleased. He watches me with pride, believing I am walking the path he has set before me.

But deep inside, I am conflicted.

I should feel satisfied after taking down those five Alpha clans today. But instead... something is missing.

Something I can't explain.

Among all the Alpha leaders I faced, not a single one made me feel what I felt around Champ.

What does he have that they don't?

Why is he the only one who unsettles me?

I made it clear to everyone that I have no mercy. That no Alpha is above me. That I can crush them all if I so choose.

And yet... I can't seem to bring myself to crush him.

What is this feeling?

Confusion churns inside me, an unfamiliar unease creeping into my bones.

Should I tell my father about this? Would he have the answers I seek?

I take a deep breath and steel myself. Then, I look him in the eye.

"Father," I say. "There's something I need to tell you."

The weight of my secret and the complexity of my emotions hang in the air as I await his response, my heart pounding with the intensity of the moment.

End of Chapter 5