Despite all the mysteries unfolding before him, Alden’s attention remained elsewhere, distant, unfocused. He didn’t fully grasp the weight of Akalon’s words… or perhaps he simply didn’t care to.

“Akalon!” Alden exclaimed, his tone filled with teasing. “You! And my big brother!” He pointed at both of them in turn and smirked, as though mocking them for something. Kieran’s face flushed red when he realized what his brother was implying, while Akalon tried to hide his blush.

Both of them expected Alden to be angry, but the question he asked next stunned everyone.

“So, who’s the top?” Alden asked, excitement gleaming in his eyes.

The question made Zarion’s chest tighten with jealousy. He was already feeling possessive about Alden, but hearing him take an interest in someone else’s love life before they'd even started their own made his blood boil. His own body had been throbbing with desire since the beginning of the concert, and now, his patience was wearing thin.

Determined to regain some control over the situation, Zarion shifted back into his human form. The air around them thickened with a purple fog, drawing everyone’s attention, and in moments, Zarion was standing before them, fully human once more.

No words escaped Alden's lips as shock took hold of him. His eyes widened while he marveled at Zarion's well-defined physique.

As the fog cleared, he couldn’t help but stare at the flawless lines of muscle, the way Zarion’s abs tensed with each breath, his thighs thick and strong, sculpted perfectly from years of physical grace. His chest was broad, firm, and dusted with just a hint of dark hair.

And then his gaze shifted lower, where the absence of clothing left nothing to the imagination. Zarion’s physique was not just muscular but almost otherworldly, defined in a way that was both intimidating and incredibly alluring. The sight of him standing there, completely exposed after his shift, made Alden’s heart race, and for a moment, he forgot to breathe. 

Others quickly averted their eyes, but due to animal instincts stemming from being a panther, Zarion felt no shame at all.

Zarion’s hand pressed against Alden’s chest, pinning him to the wall as a playful smirk tugged at his lips.

“Focus on me, sweetheart,” he murmured, his voice low, the command clear. “Don’t make me jealous by showing interest in someone else’s love life.”

Alden’s eyes momentarily drifted over Zarion’s body, his thoughts momentarily scattered by the sight before him, yet again came back toward the membrane.

Will that monster fit inside me? This isn’t a joke, or am I dreaming? Alden wondered as he blinked twice.

Zarioun chuckled after hearing Alden's thoughts. "You are so adorable, Alden," he thought, smiling internally. The confidence that Zarion exuded only made Alden’s heart race faster.

"It's all yours," Zarion whispered, his breath warm against Alden’s ear. “You can touch it if you want.”

The words sank into Alden's chest like a weight, his breath hitching, his face flushed with a deep shade of pink.

He quickly turned his head, desperate to avert his eyes, and tried to find something, anything, to focus on other than the overwhelming size of Zarion's membrane.

“I didn't intend to make you jealous... but when did they start dating?” His voice trailed off, barely audible as his focus remained on the struggle to regain control.

"Yes! Yes!" Alaric exclaimed loudly, snapping everyone's attention back to him as he approached Zarion with a thin shawl.

"Get yourselves a room," he teased, tossing the shawl over them.

Alden’s cheeks flushed deeply, his body responding to the words even though a part of him wanted to push Zarion away. The contrast of desire and hesitation caused turmoil inside him, but when Zarion stepped back and wrapped the shawl around himself, a low, sharp whine slipped from Alden’s lips. He quickly pressed his lips together, his ears turning red with embarrassment.

Zarion chuckled, amused by the sight, his heart lighting as a soft smile curled at his lips. At that moment, everything felt peaceful and content.

On the other hand, Kieran’s mind was consumed with thoughts, missing all the drama between his little brother and his mate.

You messed up, Kieran. You idiot, he chastised himself silently, realizing the weight of what he’d just done, confessing his love to his brother’s best friend in the most unexpected way.

Akalon noticed Kieran's sudden silence.

It seemed Kieran didn't like the idea of us being shipped together romantically, Akalon thought. His heart felt as if it were being stabbed with millions of needles. With a heavy heart, he decided to speak up, trying to ease the tension.

"Alden, I know he was just kidding," Akalon said with a calm smile. "We’re not even dating, so don’t worry about us."

The words caused a deep blush to flush both brothers' faces, but Alden, with a quiet intensity, could read his brother like an open book. He noticed the subtle hurt in Kieran’s eyes, a sting of emotion masked by his calm expression.

Alden knew, just as well as Kieran did, that the lines between friendship and something deeper had already been blurred.

"Zarion, as your manager and bodyguard, tell me if you are going to stay here or if we are going back to the hotel", Kieran asked him with a straight face and hurt look which was evident in his eyes, making Akalon more confused about the situation. Zarion didn't say a word as he was confused.

Zarion couldn’t help but wonder, What’s his deal? Why is he calling himself my bodyguard? But he quickly pushed the thought aside, deciding now wasn’t the right time to ask.

"Akalon, do you have an extra bathrobe?" Zarion asked, ignoring Kieran's earlier question.

Akalon raised an eyebrow in confusion but responded anyway. "Oh, yes, follow me!" he said, leading the way toward the bathroom.

He handed Zarion a fresh bathrobe, and Zarion slipped it on before emerging moments later. Despite the gesture, Zarion didn't thank Akalon, as if he were still the brat he used to be.

He approached Alden, eyes locked on his, a teasing smile tugging at his lips. Without a second thought, he slid his hand around Alden’s waist, pulling him closer with a possessive grip.

"You are coming with me, right? Or does Kieran have to overwork himself to get the security check?" Zarion asked.

Alden’s legs felt like they were going to give out as Zarion's words hit him. His heartbeat quickened, and he couldn’t deny the rush of heat coursing through him. His body reacted before he could think, as his membrane twitched painfully in his pants, which he couldn't able to ignore.

His attention, however, kept flickering back to his brother. Kieran stood a little straighter, but there was something about the way his posture had stiffened that made it clear he was hurt, something Alden couldn't quite ignore.

Alden’s gaze softened, and he nodded shyly, his lips curling into a tiny, almost imperceptible pout. He didn’t want to hurt his brother, but at the same time, the pull of Zarion’s words was too strong. His heart ached, but he followed Zarion’s lead, knowing there was no easy way out of this.

“Our driver is waiting downstairs. If everyone is okay with it, we should head out,” Alaric suggested, his voice carrying a hint of exhaustion. “Akalon and Kaelith must be tired too. We all need some rest.”

The ride was quiet, each person lost in their thoughts. The cold air coming through the rolled-down window was soothing, a welcome relief for those with minds burning with questions. But for two others, it was something entirely different, a sensation that fanned the flames of passion, lust, and hunger, intensifying the tension that simmered just beneath the surface.

Alden stepped into Zarion's hotel room as soon as they arrived. Alaric had gone to his room, but Kieran remained silent, watching with a quiet intensity.

Zarion followed Alden, his gaze drifting between the younger boy and the ground, unsure whether to confront him or retreat into himself. He was fighting the urge to pull Alden close, to envelop him in an embrace that could calm the restlessness swirling within him.

“Zari!” Alden called, but there was no response.

“Zari!” Alden raised his voice this time, frustration threading through his words as he turned to face the older boy.

Zarion paused, his breath caught for a moment, before slowly turning around. “Did you call me?” His voice was softer than usual, betraying the conflict in his eyes.

“Yes! What’s wrong with you? You’re... distracted.” Alden’s concern was unmistakable, though it was laced with a touch of impatience. His gaze softened when he saw the look in Zarion's eyes, a mix of something unreadable and something far too familiar. He couldn’t quite place it.

Zarion stood still, caught between wanting to embrace the younger and getting intimidated, and forcing himself to stay silent. His emotions, always so carefully controlled, threatened to spill over in the presence of Alden’s unwavering concern.

Of course, I’m distracted. Your scent makes me lose control, yet something is distressing in your scent. The confession remained unspoken, a secret locked deep within him as he kept his composure. He forced his mind to focus, trying not to let Alden sense the turmoil stirring inside him.

Alden, oblivious to the storm inside Zarion, pressed on without giving him a chance to respond.

“But you know I’m angry with you for making that song... and also for making my big brother your bodyguard.” His voice had an edge, sharp with frustration, but also laced with something deeper, something unspoken.

Zarion opened his mouth to speak, to defend himself, but Alden wasn’t finished.

“I can see his luggage here. Do you two stay together?” Alden’s gaze flicked toward the bag sitting at the foot of Zarion’s bed, and his next words hit with surprising bluntness. “If that’s the case, why didn’t he come inside?”

"Damn this angry box," Zarion thought, his frustration growing as Alden’s relentless questions piled up. He couldn’t take it anymore. In one swift motion, Zarion pinned Alden harshly against the bedroom wall, his body pressing into him.

"Listen, sweetheart," Zarion growled, his voice dripping with both love and lust, the weight of his words sinking into the younger boy’s chest. "If you’re gonna ask me questions, then let me answer them too." His eyes darkened, a storm of emotions swirling in them as he spoke, unable to hide the passion bubbling up beneath the surface.

"First," Zarion continued, his voice more controlled now, though still thick with desire, "I was thinking about whether I should even approach you or not. Second, Kieran lives with me, yes, but I wasn’t the one who hired him as my bodyguard or manager. And most importantly," Zarion paused, leaning in closer, "I didn’t even know he was my bodyguard. As far as I know, he is my manager."

Before another question could escape Alden's lips, Zarion moved quickly, capturing those soft, plum lips in a kiss that stole the words right from his mouth.

The kiss wasn’t hot, not in the way one might expect—it was more like a fleeting peak, a soft brush of lips that left Alden’s stomach swirling with butterflies.

Zarion pulled back just slightly, his eyes dark with longing, waiting for Alden to make the next move, to let him in. His gaze was intense, full of love and a deeper hunger, but it was controlled, like a flame burning just beneath the surface.

Alden closed his eyes, the soft brush of Zarion’s lips still lingering, the taste of him searing into his memory. Pleasure washed over him, and the desire for more curled in his chest. He didn’t know if he wanted to speak or just let the silence hang between them, both of them suspended in that moment.

Before either of them could move closer, a sharp knock at the door sliced through the tension, breaking the fragile silence and pulling their attention away from each other.

"Zarion! It’s me, Kieran!" Kieran’s voice cut through the thick air, making Zarion growl in annoyance. He’d been so close to capturing Alden’s lips again, the unspoken desire hanging between them like a thin thread.

"Brother, you’re butting in!" Zarion snapped, frustration lacing his voice. He could see the "I want more" expression on Alden’s face, and it only fueled his impatience.

Kieran didn’t flinch. "Don’t make him pregnant yet," he said dryly, his tone as emotionless as ever. "And I’m leaving. My boss asked me to visit him since I’m here for work." His words were flat, distant, as though he couldn’t care less about Zarion’s predicament.

Zarion’s eyes flashed, irritation boiling over. "Big Brother!" He yanked the door open abruptly, his voice loud and unapologetic. "He’s mine! I can..."

Kieran cut him off with an almost bored look. "Of course, he’s yours," he said, a smirk tugging at the corners of his lips. "But he’s my kid brother, and I don’t want him getting pregnant before marriage." He glanced at Alden, who was now visibly embarrassed, a blush creeping up his neck.

With a final, dismissive look, Kieran started to walk away, his footsteps echoing down the hallway.

“I got it, Brother-in-law. I’ll take care of your kid brother,” Zarion muttered with a wide, almost triumphant smile, a wave of satisfaction washing over him. The unspoken approval from Alden’s only family felt like a victory, and his heart swelled with contentment as he closed the door behind him.

As the sound of the door clicking shut echoed in the room, Zarion turned back toward Alden. But Alden, who had been listening intently from behind the door, stood frozen, his cheeks flushed a deep red. Tears welled up in his eyes, shimmering with a mix of shyness and something far more painful: sadness, regret.