Josh was surprised and ecstatic. He smelled tobacco smoke late. Maybe he'd gone out to smoke. Isaac and Henry must be close by, somewhere. Josh thought and quickly looked around, but Chase was the only one he could see.
Are they hiding? Chase gets irritated when they follow him. So, of course, they hide and protect. Anyway, it was difficult to follow him in this situation.
If I stay behind him, he might catch me, and if I run forward, he might throw my cell phone at my head like he did to Henry.
Josh's only option was to retreat in the opposite direction. He made up his mind and backed off. But he wasn't very lucky. Suddenly, Chase turned his head and immediately locked eyes with Josh. At that moment, Josh froze. Although he had successfully avoided him, he had no chance to run away after facing him in this situation. Josh looked at him, inwardly annoyed.
The silence of the peaceful garden was particularly strong. The noise of the mansion in the middle of the party and the screams from outside felt very far away. Between Josh and Chase, the cool wind swept the leaves, their rustling much more audible. Oh. The tip of his nose was filled with a sweet fragrance. It was the scent of Chase's pheromones. When he realized it, his heart suddenly pounded, yet strangely, his mind calmed. Chase was eerily silent. He didn't throw anything, he didn't bother, he didn't even curse.
Josh suddenly felt exhausted. I don't think he ran away from the party, did he?
The pale face illuminated by the garden lamp was simply gloomy. The moment he saw that face, his heartbeat frantically.
Why does the wind have to blow right now?
Chase's hair tousled, and his drooping lashes cast a long shadow. Instantly, Josh's face reddened, and he unknowingly covered his mouth with one hand. When he managed to swallow the sound of harsh breathing in his throat, Chase turned his head as if he had heard it. Immediately, their eyes met again.
Chase's gaze narrowed, and Josh stopped breathing. Chase pressed a cigarette between his lips. A long puff of smoke released a red flame. Slowly exhaling, he brushed his tousled hair back with his long fingers as he held the cigarette. Suddenly, the slight trembling of his fingers came into view.
"Ah…" Josh sighed.
I should step back and walk away like I don't know. He regretted lingering, but now that he had seen that face, he couldn't back down. He knew Chase was a complete jerk—that he would swing his fist, hurl all kinds of offensive words, and make him feel terrible the moment he opened his mouth. However, Josh couldn't leave. Chase broke out into a smile. At the same time, Josh's heart seemed to explode. Chase parted his lips and whispered in a voice that tickled his ears.
"Why are you here, motherfucker?"
At that moment, Josh quickly held back, his pounding heart ceased, and instead, he began to get angry. Is there no one in the world who isn't treated like shit by this man?
Josh replied coldly, "Because it's my job to protect you."
When he recited what he had reasoned himself, Chase laughed unexpectedly.
"You look like a dog," he muttered as if speaking to himself, but Josh managed to hear it and opened his mouth without thinking.
"You don't like dogs, so… shouldn't you be talking about a cat?"
Chase immediately frowned and looked at him. Josh smiled quickly.
"I'm kidding."
"…"
Of course, jokes don't work on him.
Chase's cold gaze was evidence. Josh turned away, pretending not to notice.
"…"
The screams of the people mixed, but they were far from enough to break the silence between them.
Woo.
Chase, inhaling smoke once more, dropped his finished cigarette to the ground.
Josh watched silently as he smothered the embers with the soles of his shoes. Chase, who had pulled a cigarette case from his pocket, skillfully took one and placed it between his lips. When Josh saw that he was offered one, he shook his head.
"Oh, I'm fine."
Chase withdrew his hand, took out the lighter, and lit it.
"Why? You smoked before," Chase asked, causing flames to flicker as he sucked in the smoke.
Josh replied casually, "Yes, I did. But now I've quit…"
For a moment, he stopped speaking in surprise. Chase's face entered his wide field of vision. With a peculiar smile, his narrowed eyes looked up at him.
"…"
"…"
Josh lost his words for a moment and stared at Chase's face. It was the first time his head had felt so empty. Does he remember? Does this guy remember me? It was incredible, and Josh didn't know how to take those words. Slowly, Chase raised the cigarette to his mouth. As he blew out a long stream of smoke, he kept his eyes still fixed on Josh.
"…How do you know?"
Josh stuttered as he asked, but Chase looked at him with a slight smile, as if enjoying himself.
When Chase saw Josh's face, laden with shame, he felt deep satisfaction. Have I ever been so excited?
Chase asked, "Is that important?"
"…"
Josh closed his mouth. He's right. It didn't matter when or how he knew, but he was still curious. Why does he remember?
A strange aroma mixed with the smell of cigarettes brought him back to reality. The familiar scent of Chase's pheromones blended with other Omega pheromone scents.
For a moment, a corner of his heart went cold. Has he been playing with someone at the party?
Remembering the turbulent private lives of the ruling Alphas, Chase Miller was no exception. Josh had seen him go to the party with his own eyes. He thought he had made a reasonable inference. Ignoring him, Josh tried to leave. Unfortunately, luck was not on his side. Chase's gaze, which had been on Josh the entire time, began to blur. He frowned and groaned. Josh blinked in surprise.
"Mr. Miller?"
He called urgently, but there was no answer.
However, it was unusual to see him crouched in the middle, his head in his hands. Yet his posture remained the same.
What's wrong with him?
The cigarette he was smoking burned out and fell to the ground. Chase must have dropped it. Josh hurried over to him.
"Mr. Miller, are you okay?"
Ha ha.
Chase's heavy breathing broke the silence of the tranquil garden, ringing out exceptionally loud.
✤✤✤✤✤✤
The noise from the mansion, filled with the sounds of the party and distant screams, felt far away. Between the two of them, there was only silence—deep and uncertain. The constant rustling of leaves in the empty space was unnervingly loud. Chase's pale face, illuminated by the garden lamp, looked wistful in the moonlight as he groaned and clung to Josh. But tonight, he didn't seem as helpless as before. He just looked… exhausted. As if all the strength had drained from his body.
Josh's heart pounded. Chase's black-dyed hair fell over his pale face, casting shadows over his features, yet he made no effort to brush it away. Without thinking, Josh instinctively raised his hand but suddenly snapped back to his senses. He needed to get out of this situation. Isaac and Henry could be close by.
If they saw him like this, how strange and ridiculous would it look?
Before Josh could come up with an excuse, Chase turned away, and as he left, Josh felt an unexpected sense of relief—though he knew he couldn't allow himself to dwell on that feeling.
Then, suddenly—
"Uh?"
Chase staggered. Though he quickly regained his balance, something felt off. Josh, startled, stepped toward him.
"Mr. Miller, are you okay?"
Damn it. He hadn't meant to ask, but it was too late. His voice had already left his mouth. Josh quickly looked around—no signs of anyone.
I hope Isaac and Henry aren't nearby.
"Mr. Miller."
He called Chase's name again, an ominous feeling creeping over him. There was no response. Chase's face grew even paler as he took a slow breath.
"Mr. Miller."
Josh called out again, but his voice sounded distant—at least, to Chase. Even though Josh was right beside him, it felt like he was miles away. His mouth was dry, and the sound of his own heartbeat thundered in his ears. Dizziness and a pounding headache overlapped. Chase groaned and closed his eyes.
"Mr. Miller!"
Josh called his name once more. Chase barely managed to open his eyes, and when he did, Josh was watching him with deep concern. Then, in an instant, Chase collapsed.
"Get off."
Chase violently shook off Josh's hand as he tried to steady him. Josh immediately backed away. Chase glared at him and forced himself upright—but it was a mistake. A powerful wave of dizziness overtook him, his vision went black, and he lost his balance.
"Mr. Miller!"
For a second, Chase thought he was about to slam face-first into the ground. Even through the haze of his dizziness, his mind was occupied with whether or not he should try to shield his face. But soon, he realized it was a pointless worry.
When he opened his eyes again, he wasn't on the ground. Instead, he was in Josh's arms.
"Mr. Miller, should I call an ambulance? Are you okay?" Josh asked urgently.
Chase blinked sluggishly. It was only then that he noticed he was half-lying down, resting against Josh's lap. But he didn't even think to push himself away. All he could do was part his lips.
"No."
"What?"
Josh leaned in to hear his fading voice. His soft blond hair brushed against Chase's nose, tickling it. Chase barely managed to whisper, mocking him in his breathless state.
"It's… fine."
Josh frowned. Chase stared at his face, dazed. His expression was unreadable, but Josh could sense something was wrong. He quickly scanned the surroundings—still no one in sight. He reached for his communicator to contact Isaac or Henry, but neither of them answered.
They're both out at the same time? Are they crazy?
Josh rarely got mad at his teammates, but this was an exception. He called Mark instead.
"Mark, can you hear me? It's Josh. Mark!"
"…Uh…So…"
The signal was weak. Josh swallowed his frustration, left a message instead, and turned back to Chase.
Ha… ha… ha…
His breathing had become more labored.
The scent of pheromones filling the air had also thickened. Josh hadn't realized it at first, but that uneasy feeling earlier—he had been right. Chase was going into rut. His slightly flushed cheeks, the cold sweat on his temples, the ragged breathing… it was all undeniable.
Josh clenched his jaw. He had to do something before things got worse. But before he could think, his eyes trailed downward. And just as he expected—Chase was hard, the outline of his erection pressing against his pants.
If he leaves it like that, it'll be painful.
Chase weakly pushed Josh away, but his movements were uncoordinated.
Josh hesitated, then held his shoulder to keep him steady.
"Mr. Miller."
He spoke in a calm, even tone, trying to soothe him. But Chase wasn't having it.
"Ugh… Get off, you son of a bitch."
Josh flinched at the venom in Chase's voice. Chase was trembling, his body fighting against itself. He lifted a hand and struck Josh across the face. A sharp crack echoed through the garden.
Josh barely reacted.
"Mr. Miller!"
He grabbed Chase's shoulders, steadying him before he could fall again. Chase nearly slipped, almost hitting his head, but Josh caught him just in time. Chase's body slumped forward, his face pressing against Josh's firm shoulder.
The pain barely registered. His whole body was burning up. His nerves were on fire. Every cell in his body was screaming for relief.
The scent of pheromones filled his lungs, clouding his mind.
This can't be happening.
Through the dizziness, Chase thought desperately. The scent shouldn't last this long. Why does it still smell like pheromones?
It was turning his brain into a mess. It didn't make sense. There were only two people here, and Josh was definitely a Beta.
And yet…
The smell persisted.
Chase clenched his teeth, his jaw tightening with frustration. Even though he knew logically there was no reason for it, his body refused to believe it. His instincts were raging, overriding his rational thoughts.
I'll kill you, you fucking Omega.
The sound of his own teeth grinding filled the silence.
Josh, however, wasn't intimidated. He barely reacted to Chase's trembling body against his shoulder. Instead, a strange sense of pity flickered through him. How often did dominant Alphas show such a vulnerable side?
Maybe it was just because this man was Chase Miller.
"Mr. Miller."
Josh shook his head, forcing himself to stay focused. He refused to let the pheromones cloud his mind. Keeping his voice as composed as possible, he spoke.
"I think you need to release some pheromones. We don't have time to call for help right now. Do you want me to assist you?"
"You… help?" Chase scoffed between ragged breaths.
Josh hesitated, then made up his mind.
"Here."
Without hesitation, he reached down and firmly grabbed Chase's cock.
Chase's breath hitched. His entire body tensed, his fists clenching. Even in this state, his reflexes were sharp.
But this time—
Josh was faster.
"Oops," he murmured.He couldn't keep Chase from falling back to the ground this time, but he managed to keep him from hitting his head. Josh quickly reached out with his other hand, holding Chase's head as he laid his body on the ground to prevent his head from touching the surface. The problem was that Chase hit him with another fist right after that. This time, Josh easily dodged it. Chase's angry eyes glared at him. A chill ran down Josh's spine, making him tremble. He managed to suppress the harshness of his breathing, his body filled with adrenaline.
"Are you okay?"
He felt Chase tremble slightly at his question. Unable to contain his anger, Chase opened his mouth.
"Motherfucker. How dare you…?"
"Yes, I dared to touch my client's penis. I'm sorry."
But Josh wasn't sorry at all, especially for using informal words. Not that it mattered to him now. He was more focused on calming Chase down.
Chase was now as shaky as his voice. Unable to bear the emotion, he took a deep breath and shook himself. A groan of anguish escaped from the depths of his throat. Josh approached him again, but Chase shook him off.
"Don't touch me, you fucking… idiot. I'm… going to kill you… you know. I'LL KILL YOU!"
Now he couldn't even speak properly, but he persisted in trying. Josh tried to reassure him, but Chase was stubborn.
"Get out of here! Didn't you hear me, you fucking asshole? I'll beat you to death!"
Chase screamed and tried to get up, but his body wouldn't obey him. He clutched his chest and took a deep breath. He truly felt like he was going to die at this rate. His stubbornness in refusing to acknowledge it eventually made Josh impatient.
"What if the pheromones build up and you lose consciousness?"
The reaction was immediate. Josh had never seen Chase's face look so rigid. Oh, was this the second time?
Josh suddenly remembered. When Chase spoke in his dreams, in agony that day. His face now strangely overlapped with that expression. Josh hid his bitter feelings as he watched Chase gasping for air and shaking slightly, then spoke coldly.
"I don't know what happened, but it won't last long. If you don't want me to help you… why don't we find the person you were with before? I don't know if it's possible in time."
That was all he could suggest. If the scent of the Omega still remained, it meant Chase had been with them for a while, so they would be easy to find. Persuasion shouldn't have been difficult, and he thought it would be simple, but Chase's reaction was completely different from what he expected. Chase couldn't speak, his pale face biting his lip. His gaze was still fixed on Josh, but instead of sharp hostility, his trembling eyes revealed something closer to fear.
"Mr. Miller?"
His voice was wary. Chase flinched, as if reason had suddenly returned.
Josh wanted to wait for his decision, but he didn't think he could give him more time. The strong scent of pheromones surrounding them was also jeopardizing his own self-control.
As he inadvertently frowned, Chase gritted his teeth and covered his eyes with his hands.
"Moron…!"
He muttered a stream of curses through clenched teeth.
Josh watched Chase lying on the grass for a moment before speaking again.
"Can I help?"
Chase didn't respond, his lips parted slightly as he bit down on them. Josh wanted to press his chin to release him, but he held back. There was no time to think about anything else. After checking that no one was around, Josh looked away.
He swallowed once, then brought his hand to Chase's lower body. With one hand, he still held Chase's head as he lay there, biting his lip.
Are you used to being served like this? I guess so.
A feeling that was difficult to describe ran through Josh's mind. He immediately ignored it and felt for Chase's belt with one hand. The sound of the iron buckle was particularly loud in the quiet night. Deliberately pushing his nerves aside, he loosened it roughly. Chase's heavy breathing halted. Seeing him shaking slightly and breathless was pitiful, but at the same time, it made Josh very aware of his own excitement. Realizing his hand was trembling for reasons beyond Chase's condition, he hastily clenched and unclenched his fist. Control yourself. Control yourself!
He was about to undo the button and unzip Chase's pants, but the swollen front of his boxers stopped him. Josh, pausing for a moment, zipped them up with an expressionless face and pulled them all the way down.
"…!"
A sharp breath came from above. It was Chase's voice.
Josh had unintentionally brushed against him while unzipping. It was unavoidable, so instead of apologizing, he spoke in a dry tone.
"I'll take care of it."
His tone was as if he were retrieving muffins from a fridge, though the reality was far different. A heavy silence settled between them, punctuated only by the sound of their breathing.
It's not even cut.
For a moment, Josh stiffened. How painful it must have been to have such an erection. As he sympathized with Chase's suffering, his heart also grew cold thinking that it had entered his body. But there was no time for much hesitation. The hot object caught in his hand looked like it would explode soon.
Josh's hand was quite large, but Chase's cock was thick enough to barely hold. His face turned red. The heart, which had grown cold, was surprisingly warm. He wanted to take out a candy and eat it, but he had no hands left. Inevitably, he tried to absorb as little pheromone aroma as possible and began to rub gently. Chase breathed in so hard that he held back a cry. Josh was surprised too and looked at him reflexively.
"Ugh, ugh, ugh…"
There was a stream of suppressed moans that spilled out between clenched teeth.
Josh felt like he was bothering him, but there was no guilt. Rather, the sadistic desire to push Chase further grew, and Josh felt embarrassed. He barely stifled the urge and slowly began to stare at Chase's cock. Chase's suppressed moans flowed from inside his throat.
"Oh, hey… Ugh. Ah, ah."
A harsh breath shook him slightly all over. Even though he didn't have to do anything because his eyes were covered anyway, Josh turned around and focused only on his hand. The hot penis pounded under his slim palm, and he could feel its pulse. It was that penis that had rubbed Josh's insides mercilessly. He stroked the thick texture skillfully as if it were his own. The heavy penis further increased in weight and swelled strongly in his hand. Chase's pink ears turned as red as his face. Josh wiggled his fingers and rubbed his thumb across the split tip.
"Uh…!"
Chase sucked in his breath like a scream and grabbed Josh's arm. But he couldn't push him away. Josh moved his hand, leaving Chase's trembling hand there. As he held the penis and continued to touch the tip with his finger, he encountered a clear bodily fluid. Deep in Chase's throat came a mixture of suppressed breathing and groans.
Twisting at his waist, Chase urgently grabbed Josh's arm, released him, and then grabbed him again several times. The shiny glans became wet with bodily fluids and turned sticky. He looked like he would ejaculate soon.
"Ah, ha, ha."
Josh's breathing also hitched.
Josh's insides were throbbing and slowly getting wet. Years had passed, but his body seemed to remember what had happened that night. Josh was shocked by his body's response—preparing to accept Chase, regardless of his intentions.
I used to masturbate from time to time, but never imagined that I could jerk off another man.
Josh had never imagined himself with a man in the first place. However, Chase's harsh moans and ragged breaths made it unbearable. The pheromones were driving him crazy, and this guy had tried to kill him. If he wanted, he could reach out the hand that was holding Chase's head and rub his own as well. No, that was not enough. If Chase's genitals and his own could press together in friction… Imagination alone made his brain twitch. Josh reached out from under Chase's head and brought it to his cock, his hands moving urgently. Let's get this over with. Otherwise, he didn't know what he might do.
Yes, we should sing. "Oh, you can see through the sunrise…" He thought about the song he had sung so much in the military, but unfortunately, the lyrics didn't come out right. Oh shit! Josh's hand accelerated. Chase moaned almost in a cry, his breath ragged with pleasure.
"Uh, ugh … Ah, I … Yes, ahh!"
Josh's hands were unexpectedly drenched in a sudden whitish substance. He realized that he had stopped squeezing Chase so violently.
He was about to say, "I'm sorry," but he stopped. Chase was blinking, his arms no longer covering his face and hanging weakly on the ground. His shoulders moved up and down with heavy breathing, and his heart beat fast. He didn't seem to realize what had happened just now. Drenched in post-orgasm exhaustion, Chase kept his eyes unfocused in the distance, only breathing heavily. The cum had spilled into Chase's mouth. Not only there, but all over his body, covering him in bodily fluids. Josh thought about cleaning him up but hesitated.
If I could, I would take this man to bed like this—to kiss him and fuck him all night. The temptation was so strong that he almost acted on it.
Chase's furious eyes were vaguely wet. He was clearly anxious. He had just ejaculated in front of Josh, lying in the garden. His distorted face clearly showed a sense of self-hatred. His breathing was heavy, and his lips were half-bitten as his eyes remained closed. Josh held back his burning desire and instead leaned over him in an extremely gentlemanly manner. He brushed his lips over Chase's cheek—not on the lips, of course. Josh, kissing his cheek gently, as he did with Emma or Peter, smiled fondly at Chase, who blinked in confusion.
"Everything is fine."
In a silent whisper, Chase simply stared at him blankly. Josh kissed his cheek once more.
It had a slightly unfamiliar taste. Although it wasn't his intention, he realized Chase's semen had seeped onto his lips, at least in part. But it was a ridiculously small amount to determine the taste. Feeling strangely sorry, Josh smiled at Chase again. Chase simply blinked, showing no reaction. He might have another panic attack. Josh forced himself back to reality and got up to do what he had to do. He pulled out a handkerchief from his pocket and began to wipe the cum off Chase's face. It was fortunate that he had made a habit of carrying one while raising Peter.
Josh carefully wiped Chase's face with a clean cloth. Chase didn't move from where he was, as if frozen in place. Josh continued his work in silence. When he brusquely wiped the semen that had spilled onto his clothes, Chase's still-erect penis came into view. So, one time wasn't enough.
"Okay," Chase said when Josh tried to touch him again.
His usual sharp voice was now hoarse. His erection remained, but the crisis seemed to have passed. Given time, it would subside on its own as long as nothing stimulated him further. Josh replied calmly,
"I'm just trying to clean up for you. You'll have to get dressed."
And with a professional touch, he handled the situation. No tenderness, no hesitation. He simply wiped him off and moved on.
Josh lay back on the grass next to Chase. Chase, who had kept his eyes closed for a while, finally raised his lids. Slowly, he turned his head, and their gazes met. Neither moved.
Purple eyes, dark as the night sky, gazed at him in the dim starlight. Then the sharp curve of his nose and his wide red lips came into focus. Josh suddenly thought, How could he not kiss that pretty face?
He raised his hand. He brushed Chase's cheek, but Chase didn't move. Keeping his eyes locked on Chase's, Josh lifted his upper body. His intention was obvious. Chase could have stopped him at any moment—he had plenty of time to shove him away, curse at him, or punch him, as usual. But he didn't. He simply watched as Josh leaned in closer.
Josh's eyelids lowered slowly. Gold-colored eyelashes, matching his hair, flickered in his vision. He wanted to kiss those closed eyelids. His breath ghosted over Chase's lips—
Then, the sudden sound of footsteps shattered the moment. Josh immediately stood up, his heart pounding. The astonishing reflections puzzled Chase. Leaving him alone, Josh looked toward the source of the sound and soon shouted:
"What's going on, Mark?"
A welcoming voice followed.
"Oh, Josh. You were here? I've been looking for you! Really. Where did you go? What about Isaac and Henry?"
At the urgent question, Josh stepped closer, making sure his gaze wouldn't catch Chase.
"I didn't see them. What's going on?"
"I lost C. Didn't you see him?"
"Oh." Josh nodded. "Don't worry, he went out for a smoke. I've been keeping my distance because he told me not to come near."
"Oh, now I see. Why didn't you contact me earlier?"
"For a moment, I had a question, but I already solved it. Doesn't matter."
The lie slipped out effortlessly.
Mark easily believed him and nodded.
"They're saying something happened to Mr. Pittman, and he's gone. The rest of the guests have been told to enjoy themselves. What should we do? Can you ask C?"
There was an unmistakable eagerness in his voice. Josh nodded immediately.
"I'll check and get back to you right away."
Instead of telling him to leave, Mark slid his hand out, beckoning him. Soon after, Mark disappeared from the scene.
Josh remained there for a moment, glancing around before finally relaxing his shoulders with a sigh. As he turned back, he hesitated. He stood frozen in place, unwilling to move.
Josh regretted what had happened.
If I could kiss those lips again… But Chase, unfortunately, didn't give him the chance.
Suddenly, Chase stood up as if jolted back to reality. He stepped past Josh without a word.
Running a hand through his hair and casually adjusting his clothes, Chase showed no sign of emotion. Josh, on the other hand, was left feeling embarrassed and uncertain. It was a miracle Chase hadn't hit him at the time. He had done something without permission—something Chase could have easily been furious about.
Now that he realized Chase had let him attempt to kiss him, a shiver ran down Josh's spine.
I was almost dead.
A sudden chill swept over him as the realization hit—Chase had been on the verge of murdering him.
Even so, even after coming back to reality, Josh couldn't take his eyes off him. His cheeks were still flushed. The dazed, post-release expression on Chase's face was enough to drive Josh insane.
A reaction stirred in his lower body, barely subdued. Flustered, Josh took a deep breath and forced himself to look away.
Just as he exhaled, Chase suddenly turned his head. Their eyes met, and Josh froze, his heart nearly stopping.
Fortunately, there was no need for CPR—Chase turned away and walked off. Josh hurriedly followed, only then remembering something.
"If you're heading back now, I'll prepare your car."
"Ah."
That was all Chase said, throwing out the word carelessly.
Josh immediately contacted Mark. After delivering the message, he trailed behind Chase, feeling as if everything that had happened had been a dream.
But it was real.
As proof, his pocket held a handkerchief stained with Chase's release. It had already hardened somewhat, its stiffness evident.
Without thinking, Josh reached for it and slowly unfolded it.
Maybe this is what I wanted all along.
Had he lied to Chase with convincing words just because he desired this?
Chase never once looked back, continuing to walk. His side profile—now cold and indifferent—was completely different from the expression he had worn earlier, when he had been overcome with emotion.
"Oh, Mr. Miller."
Before Josh realized it, they had arrived back at the mansion.
Chase didn't stop.
Pittman's butler greeted him, but Chase strode past, moving quickly like a charging rhino.
"Mr. Miller, wait a minute!" Josh called out, hurrying in front of him. "Wait until the car is ready. It won't take long."
Chase stopped, his breathing still uneven.
"Wait? Fucking idiot."
Chase gritted his teeth.
Josh quickly added, "They're preparing it now, so we just need to make sure everything's set. Can you wait?"
"Ah, ah."
Even though Chase covered his mouth with one hand, his labored breathing remained noticeable.
Watching his unsettled expression, Josh pressed on, "I'll get back to you as soon as it's ready. In the meantime, you can catch your breath."
Chase frowned. His excitement hadn't fully subsided, and yet Josh's voice cut through the haze in his mind.
Who the hell does this guy think he is?
Josh, encouraged by the reaction, reached out and grabbed Chase's arm before quickly letting go.
"Listen! Son of a bitch, don't touch me…!"
Chase snarled, gritting his teeth, but took a step back.
Josh was already contacting Mark to update him.
When the call ended, he turned back to Chase.
"Okay, let's go."
Chase hesitated, taking a step back.
Josh tilted his head in confusion.
Even Chase didn't understand why he hesitated. His body felt weak, his mind clouded. Running a shaking hand through his hair, he thought: If I don't leave now, I don't know what might happen.
"Is something wrong again, Mr. Miller?" Josh asked, studying him with genuine concern.
But Chase had no intention of answering.
Instead, he spat out a curse, rubbing his temples.
"You're loud. Just guide me. Can you do something right, idiot?"
"…Got it."
Josh took the lead, walking down the long hall without asking anything else.
Chase clenched his fists, forcing himself to steady his breath as he followed with long strides.
Finally, stepping out of the grand mansion, he thought he was free of this damn place.
But then—an unexpected sound made him stop in his tracks. His body tensed.
"Mr. Miller?"
Josh called his name again.
But Chase heard something different.
No way. No.
Frozen, he stood there, cold sweat forming on his back. His ears rang with a familiar sound.
A sharp bark.
"…!"
Chase's entire body stiffened.
For several seconds, he couldn't breathe. His restless, anxious eyes filled with undeniable fear.
"Oh, I'm sorry. Did I startle you?" Pittman's bodyguard approached apologetically. "I released some watchdogs for the party. It's a precaution against paparazzi and unwanted guests. But don't worry, they're well-trained. They won't attack unless provoked. Mr. Miller? Are you okay?"
Snapping out of it, Chase looked around, his hands trembling.
Another bark echoed in the distance, but the dog itself was nowhere in sight.
Raking his fingers through his hair, Chase exhaled shakily. He felt lightheaded. Closing his eyes, he bowed his head slightly, waiting for the dizziness to pass.
Josh, who had already opened the back door of the waiting car, hesitated as he watched Chase lean against the window, eyes shut.
Josh studied him for a long moment.
Then, Chase gasped, his pale cheeks flushing red once again.
Josh's brow furrowed.
"Mr. Miller, are you okay?"
But really, now wasn't the time to be worrying about someone else.
✤✤✤✤✤✤
Chase was suffocating under the weight of his own pheromones.
He needed to leave, but Isaac and Henry were still missing. Frustrated, he yanked at his bow tie, loosening it.
The moment Josh saw him undo a button on his shirt, he scrambled out of the car.
Chase ignored him, heading straight for the minibar.
Rummaging through a small medicine cabinet, Chase grabbed a vial and swallowed its contents with a gulp of water.
A familiar voice cut through the air.
"What happened, you bastards?"
Mark arrived, looking irritated.
Josh quickly turned away from Chase, held his breath, and chewed on a piece of candy—two at a time.
Isaac asked:
"They look like C's pheromones … I smell a lot on you. Did something happen while you were away?"
His voice was full of anxiety. Josh got nervous and gave a forceful answer:
"You shouldn't have left if you were going to be so worried."
Isaac hesitated. Josh had no intention of apologizing because he was telling the truth. Instead, when he opened the car window, a strong wind blew in. The scent of pheromones seemed to come off a bit from his body. Isaac, who seemed to be dying for a while, opened his mouth.
"I was about to go back, but … I'm sorry."
"…"
"I didn't know you would meet C."
This time, unable to understand the meaning of his words, Josh replied dryly:
"I was just keeping watch around me."
"… Smells like C's pheromones everywhere."
Isaac muttered again. Josh still spoke insignificantly.
"I'll go wash up."
The car in front drove so slowly it made Josh nervous. It felt unnatural to hold back his finger from hitting the steering wheel. On the surface, he pretended to be as calm as possible, though inside, Josh was only thinking frantically about the inhibitors he had hidden. There was an awkward silence. Josh tapped his finger on the steering wheel for fear of getting caught up in his nervousness.
"You'll both get very scolded by Mark."
"Yes," Isaac replied. "I'm sure," he added, but he was still serious.
Josh's head soon filled with nothing but inhibitors. He hadn't said a word since, and neither had Isaac.
✤✤✤✤✤✤
As soon as he got out of the car, Mark took Isaac and Henry as well. Seth, who guarded the mansion at the party, looked at Josh as if asking what had happened, but there was no time to explain.
Josh didn't remember how he got back to the room. Somehow, he was holding on, but now he had reached his limit. As soon as he closed the door behind him, he felt suffocated, and heat rushed through his body. Soon, he rummaged through his luggage, pulled out the medicine he had hidden in the deepest place, and ran to the adjoining bathroom. Every time he breathed in, he felt Chase's pheromones stick to his skin and enter his body. With each passing moment, reason was slipping away quickly, and the inside of his mouth was going dry.
The sink was rushed open. He placed the cold water in his mouth without the possibility of holding it in his hand. He swallowed the water, but the heat did not diminish. Josh swallowed the medicine from his hand. When was the last cycle? His temples pounded over and over. He searched through his vague memories but couldn't think properly. If Chase's pheromones accelerated his stimulation, it would be a big problem. Just like it happened that day. He hadn't realized he was suddenly expelling pheromones.
Hoping the medicine would take effect quickly, he stripped off his clothes at high speed. Pheromones from his body had to be removed quickly. Otherwise, he would end up going out immediately in search of someone to spend the night with. Of course, this was never supposed to happen.
Josh turned on the shower faucet and sat on the floor. As the cold water poured down his body, he felt a slight chill, but it made him feel better. When reason returned for a moment and he sighed shakily, he suddenly realized that there was someone else besides him.
"…?"
Slowly, he stopped. A man with shocked eyes was watching him through the open door. It was Seth.
"…"
For a while, the two of them said nothing. Josh gasped and just looked at him. It seemed like a lot of words floated through his head, all kinds of words wandering aimlessly, and nothing was particularly useful.
It was Seth who came to his senses first. Having blinked several times, he opened his mouth, but it took him longer to make a clear sound.
"Oh well … I mean, I wanted to ask you what happened at the party …"
No matter how great the event had been, it wouldn't be as surprising as this right now. His expression said it all. Josh managed to swallow the lump in his throat. An unusually loud voice rang out through the awkward silence. Seth, who cleared his voice, finally mentioned a few words:
"You good? Should I tell Mark that you are not feeling well and that you are resting in the room?"
"Why? It's just a headache."
Josh was trying to put on a sullen look.
His voice had become abnormally quiet, so he felt a prick inside. But Seth answered as seriously as usual.
"Now you smell a lot of pheromones."
Josh froze. Looking at his hardened face, Seth continued casually:
"What happened? This usually doesn't happen to you. Did you miss the medicine, or did you get a cycle? If the cycle is here, I can't help you, so I'd better sleep somewhere else."
He was so indifferent in his countermeasures. Josh, who blinked in embarrassment, swallowed again. This time, there was nothing dry inside his mouth. Seth opened his mouth instead of Josh, whose head was tangled.
"I saw the medicine in your bag once."
"… When?"
Seth scowled at Josh, who barely made a sound, as if he had remembered something.
"Three or four years ago?"
So long ago? At that moment, Josh was dumbfounded and opened his mouth. Seth continued, watching him as he blinked blankly.
"You don't have to tell me. You know I am an Alpha."
He was a bit more talkative than usual. Of course, it was true, but that did not mean the impact had disappeared. Trying to calm himself somehow, Josh opened his mouth.
"Who else knows, besides you?"
Maybe he had just made a futile effort. I hope not everyone knows. If so, how ridiculous have I been? While lost in thought, Seth replied:
"It's just me, so don't worry."
"How can you be sure?"
Seth calmly answered his doubtful question.
"If Mark had known, he wouldn't have brought you here. The request was very demanding regarding the characteristics. Isaac is clumsy, so of course, he doesn't know. And Henry…" Seth shrugged. "… He's not interested in others."
Everything he said was correct, making Josh speechless. Seth quickly suggested a solution to Josh, who was keeping quiet.
"You better not go out today. I'll also sleep in another empty room. I'll tell Mark you have a cold, so he knows. Agree?"
Josh nodded, still stunned.
Seth, who was about to leave after nodding his head, suddenly said:
"Oh, I'm sorry," as if something had just come to mind. "How long is your cycle? Should I take my luggage?"
"No, it's okay," Josh replied, barely conscious. "It's not because of the cycle, it's because of C's pheromones. I took the medicine, so I'll be fine if I wash and rest."
"Yes, thank God."
He was about to leave when Josh hesitated and opened his mouth again.
"Seth."
Seth turned to the call and blinked. Josh spoke with difficulty:
"Are you okay with me being an Omega?"
Seth cocked his head. "Does it matter?"
"So… well."
Josh scratched his head. "Generally, this industry is averse to Omegas, so—"
"But you're you."
"So… well." Josh scratched his head. "This industry is generally averse to Omegas, so I guess that's why this is happening to me now…"
"That's true," Seth said, his voice as clear as always. "But you're you." He spoke casually, leaving Josh puzzled.
"Are there any members as strong as you? Mark has to oversee everything, so when something happens, he takes a step back first. Isaac is sincere but struggles with improvisation, and Henry… well, he's too unpredictable. Not easy to control." Seth frowned slightly before continuing, "You're quick to judge, you're much calmer than the others, you're a great shot, and you're skilled in combat."
"Uh… thanks."
Josh flushed with embarrassment.
Noticing this, Seth added, "It's also convenient when you're on the hunt… or flirting."
"…"
"After this job, let's stop in Miami and have some fun. It's been a while—you need to show me your skills again."
With a short laugh, he turned to leave.
Josh asked casually, "What about your girlfriend in Boston?"
Seth paused for a moment, then replied without looking back, "Over."
He walked away before Josh could respond.
Left alone, Josh slumped down, blinking in confusion. His body was still overheated, but it didn't feel as unbearable as before—perhaps the medicine had finally started to work. He staggered to his feet, taking a shaky breath. That had been close.
How lucky am I that the one who found me was Seth?
He silently thanked God for that.
Under the cold shower, Josh scrubbed himself more thoroughly than usual, lathering up over and over again to make sure no trace of pheromones remained. By the time he was done, he actually felt like he had caught a cold.
He rummaged through the cupboard, grabbed some cold medicine, and swallowed it. The exhaustion hit him suddenly, and as soon as he lay down on the bed, he was out.