Xander Alekto was a force of nature; all sharp angles, piercing eyes, and a presence that demanded submission. But Valeria Castellanos never believed in submission. She stood before him, heels clicking against the marble floors of The Seraphine Lounge, the city’s most exclusive rooftop bar. The skyline glittered behind her, but Xander's gaze stayed locked on the woman who dared to challenge him. Tonight, the air buzzed with the kind of tension that made onlookers hold their breath, sensing that between them, power was more than a game.

Valeria lifted her glass, swirling the dark wine as if it held secrets only she could unravel. "You didn’t even use punctuation in your birthday message," she said, her tone soft but laced with razor-sharp amusement. Xander leaned back against the velvet booth, his jaw tightening. She always had a way of making him feel like a schoolboy caught red-handed; and he hated how much he liked it.

The lounge was a study in dark elegance, with low lighting casting shadows across the sleek black tables and crystal chandeliers reflecting the city lights. Jazz music floated through the air, smooth and sultry, like the tension simmering between them. Xander exhaled slowly, eyes narrowing.

"You’re still hung up on that?"

His voice was low, rough, but Valeria only arched a perfect brow, her silence louder than any reprimand.

He shifted closer, the scent of his cologne wrapping around her like smoke; dark, intoxicating.

"You think you can tame me, Val?"

he murmured, voice dipping into a dangerous whisper. Her lips curved into the slightest smirk, the kind that could unmake a man.

"Tame you?"

she echoed, setting her glass down with a quiet clink.

"No, Xander. I’m here to make you better. Whether you like it or not."

Outside, the city stretched endlessly, lights bleeding into the horizon as the night deepened. The wind whispered secrets across the rooftop, cold against the warmth of their proximity. For a heartbeat, the world felt like it held its breath; just them, the quiet hum of music, and the promise of something dangerous unraveling between them. And as Xander's hand brushed against hers, the weight of his touch searing through her skin, Valeria knew one thing: this was only the beginning.

The city lights sprawled beneath them, glittering like fallen stars. From their corner booth at The Seraphine Lounge, the world felt distant, quiet; but the tension between Valeria and Xander hummed like a live wire. Valeria swirled her wine, watching the crimson liquid catch the low light. Her gaze flicked to Xander, who sat across from her, arms folded over his broad chest, his jaw tight. She allowed herself a moment of satisfaction. At least he remembered. March 27th. Late, yes; but the message had come. She should be pleased. Should.

"And that’s all you have to say?"

Valeria finally broke the silence, her voice calm, almost too calm. Xander’s brow furrowed.

"I said happy birthday."

His tone was defensive, like he didn’t understand why they were still having this conversation. Valeria’s lips parted in disbelief, her head tilting ever so slightly.

"Yes, Xander. 'Happy birthday.' No punctuation. No apology. Just two words tossed into my messages like… like a grocery list."

Xander scoffed, running a hand through his dark hair.

"You’re upset about punctuation now?"

He leaned forward, his piercing eyes narrowing.

"I remembered, didn’t I? It’s not like I forgot."

The heat in his voice made nearby guests glance their way, but Valeria only raised her brow; that quiet, lethal arch that made even this Alpha hesitate.

"Yes, you remembered. After the clock struck midnight."

Valeria’s voice was smooth, but her words cut sharper than glass.

"Do you think being handsome excuses everything? News flash, Alekto; it doesn’t."

She leaned back, arms crossing elegantly over her chest.

"An apology wouldn’t kill you. Or are you too Alpha for that?"

Xander’s jaw tensed, his pride prickling under her cool scrutiny. He exhaled slowly, fingers tightening around his glass. For a moment, he said nothing; just stared at her, as if daring her to push him further. The air between them grew heavy, electric, until finally, he leaned in, his breath warm against her ear.

"I’m not apologizing over a text message."

His voice was a low rumble, dark and dangerous.

"But if you want me to make it up to you… I have other ways."

Valeria met his gaze, unflinching.

"Try starting with 'I’m sorry.' Then we’ll see if you survive the rest."

Xander shifted in his seat, fingers curling around his glass as if it were the only thing keeping him grounded. The weight of Valeria's stare made the air feel thick, heavy with unspoken expectations. He wasn't used to this; the pressure to apologize, to admit fault. His pride warred with the quiet guilt simmering beneath his skin. For a moment, his lips parted, but no words came. Instead, he exhaled sharply, pushing himself to his feet with a grace that belied the turmoil inside him. Valeria arched a brow, watching him carefully as he paced toward the edge of the rooftop, the city lights casting sharp angles across his face.

He stood there, jaw tight, fists clenched at his sides. Apologies weren't his thing; they never had been. But this wasn’t about the birthday message anymore. It was about her. Valeria, with her unyielding gaze and quiet strength, had a way of stripping him bare without ever lifting a finger. She wasn’t asking for much. Just a few words. An admission. Yet even now, with the weight of her expectation pressing against his spine, he couldn’t force them out. Instead, he turned, crossing the room in long, purposeful strides, his eyes dark with intent.

Without a word, he reached into his coat pocket and pulled out a small, velvet box. Valeria’s breath caught, her eyes narrowing in suspicion as he dropped it onto the table between them.

"Consider this my apology,"

he said, voice low and rough, though his gaze never wavered. The box sat there, innocent and unassuming, but the weight of what it held was palpable. Valeria eyed it warily, then flicked her gaze back to him.

"You think you can trade apologies for gifts?"

she asked, her tone smooth, laced with amusement and something sharper.

"Typical."

Xander said nothing. Instead, he leaned down, bracing his hands on either side of her chair, caging her in.

"No,"

he murmured, his breath ghosting over her skin.

"But I’m not good with words, Val. I show things. I prove them."

His eyes dropped to her lips, dark lashes shadowing his gaze. Slowly, deliberately, he cupped her chin, tilting her face up to meet his.

"I may not say sorry the way you want me to… but I can promise you this."

Then he kissed her. Slow and deep, pouring everything he couldn’t say into the touch; his pride, his guilt, his unspoken devotion. When he pulled back, breathless, he rested his forehead against hers, voice barely more than a whisper. "Happy birthday, Valeria." He pulled back just enough to smirk, a flicker of that Alpha arrogance returning.

"Next time, I’ll remember the punctuation."

Valeria stared at him for a long moment, her heart racing, her mind spinning. And then she laughed softly, shaking her head.

"You’re impossible,"

she muttered, but there was no heat in her words; only warmth, affection, and the faintest glimmer of satisfaction. Maybe she didn't need to tame him. Maybe she just needed to show him how to be the kind of Alpha who could be both strong and sweet, dominant yet devoted. And judging by the way Xander watched her now; dark eyes softening, a rare tenderness slipping through the cracks of his pride; she knew she was already halfway there.

Xander turned on his heel, the polished soles of his shoes clicking against the sleek marble floor of The Seraphine Lounge. The city lights spilled through the glass walls, casting a soft glow on his sharp profile; the chiseled jaw, the perfect slope of his nose, and the faint smirk tugging at his lips. Every step he took radiated power and grace, his tailored suit draping effortlessly over broad shoulders, exuding the kind of quiet arrogance that made people stop and stare. Even walking away, he commanded attention.

Valeria watched him, her wine glass poised delicately between her fingers. Her gaze lingered on the way his muscles shifted beneath the expensive fabric, the slow, deliberate stride that screamed dominance. She let out a soft hum, eyes glinting with mischief.

"Show-off,"

she muttered, though the corners of her lips curled in amusement. Then, as if sensing her stare, Xander glanced over his shoulder, their eyes locking across the dimly lit lounge.

For four long seconds, the world seemed to still. Xander's dark gaze held hers, curiosity flickering behind those stormy eyes. Valeria’s expression didn’t waver. She merely raised her glass, a silent toast, her lips curling into a knowing smirk. Xander frowned, something unsettling pricking at the back of his mind; but before he could move, a sudden wave of dizziness crashed over him. His vision blurred, knees buckling.

The glass slipped from Valeria’s fingers, shattering against the floor as Xander collapsed. Gasps echoed around the lounge, the soft murmur of conversation shifting into hushed panic. Valeria remained calm, rising slowly from her seat, her heels tapping a measured rhythm across the marble as she approached his unconscious form. Her people moved swiftly, shadows slipping through the crowd, and within moments, Xander’s wrists were bound in sleek crown cuffs; restraints made to subdue even the strongest of Alphas.

She knelt beside him, brushing a lock of dark hair from his forehead, a quiet satisfaction gleaming in her eyes.

"Tsk, tsk,"

she whispered softly, leaning closer.

"You’re handsome, love… but still so predictable."

Standing tall, she dusted off her hands and turned to her team with a flick of her wrist.

"Take him. He needs… discipline."

As they carried him away, the city lights shimmered behind her; and in the heart of The Seraphine Lounge, Valeria’s game had only just begun.

Xander's head lolled to the side, the cool leather of Valeria’s car seat pressing against his cheek. The soft hum of the engine mixed with the distant sound of tires crunching over rocky terrain. The road twisted along a steep cliff, moonlight slashing through the trees, casting shadows across his face. His wrists burned slightly from the crown cuffs, locked behind his back, keeping him restrained. When he finally stirred, the first thing he felt was the soft pinch of fingers on his cheek.

“Rise and shine, Alpha.”

Valeria’s voice was smooth, teasing, laced with quiet amusement. Xander blinked, his dark lashes fluttering open to meet her smirking face. Her fingers drifted from his cheek to his lips, tracing them softly. The warmth of her touch sent a shiver down his spine, but the pressure against his wrists quickly reminded him of his predicament. He tugged against the cuffs, muscles flexing, but they held firm.

“What the hell, Valeria?”

His voice was rough, still thick from sleep. He shifted in his seat, broad shoulders rolling as he tried to sit up properly, but the cuffs forced him to lean back. His legs sprawled wide, thighs tense as the car jolted over another bump.

“Is this your idea of a joke?”

His eyes narrowed, sharp and accusing.

Valeria only hummed, reaching down to the velvet box he’d dropped earlier at the lounge. She flipped it open with delicate fingers, her breath catching softly when she saw what lay inside. “Well, well,” she murmured, holding up the gift for a better look. Nestled in soft black velvet was a breathtaking terrarium; but not just any terrarium. It was a masterpiece of glass and gold, cradling a single blooming lotus suspended in pristine water, its petals soft as moonlight. The craftsmanship was exquisite, the glass etched with delicate patterns that shimmered under the dim light.

Xander shifted, watching her carefully.

“I was going to give it to you properly,”

he muttered, jaw tight.

“Before you decided to kidnap me.”

Valeria chuckled softly, turning the terrarium in her hands, the light catching on its edges.

“How romantic,”

she mused, her voice softening for a moment.

“An expensive lotus terrarium… You do have taste, I’ll give you that.”

She set it carefully on the seat between them before turning back to him, eyes glinting with mischief. Her hand reached out again, this time tracing the bridge of his nose, soft and teasing.

“But you’re still not off the hook.”

Xander inhaled sharply, trying to ignore the way her touch sent sparks dancing across his skin.

“You’re insane.”

His voice was low, dangerous, but there was no real heat behind the words. The car jolted again, the rocky road twisting higher into the forested hills. Xander braced himself, legs spreading wider to keep steady as the vehicle swayed. Valeria only smiled, unbothered, leaning back against her seat with an air of satisfaction.

“Maybe,”

she murmured, watching the shadows play across his face.

“But I’m not the one in cuffs.”

The smirk that tugged at her lips was pure wickedness. As the car climbed higher into the night, Xander’s glare burned into her; but beneath that simmering frustration, something else flickered. Submission wasn’t in his nature… but Valeria? She might just be the one to change that.

Xander remained quiet, his body shifting with each jolt of the car as it rumbled over the rocky forest road. The dark trees stretched endlessly outside the window, moonlight slipping through the canopy in fractured beams. Every bump made his broad frame sway slightly, but he stayed composed; at least on the surface. His wrists tugged subtly against the crown cuffs, the cool metal biting into his skin, a constant reminder of his current predicament. He shifted again, exhaling slowly through his nose. His sharp eyes slid to Valeria, who lounged with infuriating ease beside him.

"So,"

she began, voice smooth as silk,

"this is where your disciplinary journey starts." Valeria’s gaze lingered on his bound wrists, her lips curling into a slow smirk.

"You might be the Alpha, but tonight? You’ll learn that even the strongest need a little… guidance."

Xander scoffed, leaning back against the leather seat, his muscles flexing beneath his suit. "Guidance, huh?" he muttered, tipping his head back against the headrest.

"You’re really enjoying this, aren’t you?"

She tilted her head, watching him carefully. "Of course. Someone has to keep you in line."

For a moment, he stayed silent. The car hit another bump, making him rock forward slightly, his body naturally falling into the rhythm of the winding road. Then, with a slow breath, Xander shifted closer, his movements graceful despite the restraints. Without a word, he let his head rest against her shoulder, the weight solid and familiar. Valeria stiffened slightly, caught off guard, but his eyes were already closed, lashes dark against his cheekbones.

Her lips parted, ready to say something clever, but instead, she let out a soft, incredulous laugh.

"Seriously?"

She glanced down at him, the sharp angles of his face softened by sleep. "Is this your idea of submission?"

Xander shifted slightly, making a quiet sound in his throat, but didn’t answer. The warmth of his breath brushed against her neck, steady and calm. Valeria’s gaze traveled to his arms, where the crown cuffs glinted faintly in the dark. The way his wrists rested behind his back formed a perfect triangle with the broad lines of his shoulders, his entire posture radiating quiet defiance; even now.

She shook her head, amusement dancing in her eyes.

"You’re impossible."

Still, she didn’t push him off. Instead, she let him sleep, the sound of the engine and the sway of the road carrying them deeper into the night.

The car rumbled to a stop in front of the mansion, its sleek frame cutting a dark silhouette against the towering trees. The forest stretched endlessly around them, moonlight dripping through the canopy, casting eerie shadows across the stone driveway. The grand mansion stood proud and silent, its dark windows glimmering faintly under the starlight, like a predator watching its prey.

Valeria slid out of the car first, her heels clicking against the stone as she stretched, savoring the cool night air. She glanced over her shoulder, expecting to see Xander still slumped in the backseat. The car door swung open behind her, and for a moment, everything was quiet. Too quiet.

Then she heard it; the sharp sound of footsteps against gravel.

Valeria’s head snapped around just in time to see a dark figure bolt from the other side of the car. Xander. His broad frame moved with deadly grace, even with the crown cuffs biting into his wrists, keeping his arms locked behind his back. He sprinted toward the dark line of trees, muscles flexing beneath his suit, his long legs eating up the distance as if the cuffs were nothing more than an inconvenience.

"Are you serious?"

Valeria hissed, her eyes narrowing.

"He’s running."

"Catch him."

Her voice was calm, almost bored, but the command snapped through the air like a whip. Instantly, her guards sprang into action, their dark suits blending with the night as they darted after him.

Xander barely glanced back, his body low and quick as he weaved through the trees. The rocky terrain did little to slow him down, his instincts sharp, every muscle tuned for the chase. He leaped over a fallen log, skidding slightly as the loose earth slid beneath his expensive shoes. Even cuffed, even outnumbered, he was faster; more dangerous.

The forest whispered around him, branches clawing at his suit as the distant shouts of Valeria's people echoed behind him. He could hear them gaining ground, but his mind was razor-sharp, calculating every step. He smirked to himself. They’d underestimated him. Let them chase. He’d show them what a cornered Alpha could do.

Back at the car, Valeria leaned casually against the hood, arms crossed, watching the chase with cool amusement.

"Oh, Xander,"

she murmured, tilting her head.

"You can run all you want… but you’re mine."

The night air carried her words into the dark, a quiet promise that hung in the silence. The hunt had only just begun.

Xander skidded to a halt, chest heaving as he stared up at the towering iron fence blocking his path. The moonlight glinted off the cold metal, its height stretching impossibly high, spikes at the top like silent sentinels warning him against even trying. He turned sharply, eyes darting along the perimeter, searching for another way out; but there was none. His wrists strained against the crown cuffs behind his back, muscles flexing uselessly. No leverage. No escape.

The sound of footsteps crunching through the underbrush made his jaw clench. He pivoted just in time to see Valeria's guards emerging from the shadows, their movements sharp and efficient, each step echoing in the silence. The lead guard, a tall man with a cold expression, gave a low chuckle.

"Oh… an escape trial?"

The man's voice dripped with amusement, the words slicing through the darkness like a blade. Xander gritted his teeth, shooting the guard a glare that could've burned through steel.

Without another word, the guards closed in, one of them gripping Xander’s arm firmly while another nudged him forward. Xander’s jaw tightened, but he didn’t resist. Not yet. He let them guide him back toward the mansion, each step heavy against the uneven ground. The forest stretched endlessly behind him, dark and silent, as if mocking his failed attempt.

They reached the mansion’s grand entrance, the heavy doors creaking open as the guards led him inside. The air changed instantly; the cold bite of the night replaced by a quiet, suffocating warmth. The interior was vast and dark, lit only by the soft flicker of sconces lining the stone walls. Each flame cast long shadows that danced across the high ceilings and arched corridors.

Xander's sharp gaze swept over the surroundings, memorizing every detail: the ornate columns rising toward the heavens, the polished marble floors glimmering beneath his feet, the heavy velvet drapes framing the tall windows. The place felt ancient, regal; a castle disguised as a mansion. And every step deeper into the shadows made the weight of the cuffs dig harder into his skin.

They moved down a long aisle, their footsteps echoing in the silence. Xander glanced over his shoulder, catching a glimpse of Valeria trailing behind, her pace leisurely, her eyes sharp. She walked with a quiet power that made the guards seem like shadows in her wake.

Finally, they reached the end of the corridor, where a heavy iron gate loomed before them. The guards shoved it open with a low groan, revealing a darkened cell beyond. The cold air seeped into Xander's skin as he stepped inside, the walls closing in like a predator's jaws. He stood still, his breath steady, but the sharp bob of his Adam's apple betrayed the flicker of unease beneath his calm exterior.

Turning slowly, he met Valeria’s gaze, eyes dark with questions.

"Care to explain this?"

His voice was low, quiet; the kind of quiet that promised a storm.

Valeria stepped forward, her heels clicking against the stone. She stopped just outside the gate, tilting her head as a slow smile curved across her lips.

"Discipline, darling," she whispered, voice soft and sweet, like venom dipped in honey.

"Lesson one… submission."

Xander’s pulse thrummed in his ears, his body tense as the gate swung shut behind him with a deafening clang. The sound echoed through the corridor, sealing his fate. For now.

This that Alpha male; Xander stepped into the cold confinement of the cell, his sharp eyes scanning the dim space before him. To him, this was imprisonment. But to Valeria? This was discipline. A necessary correction for an Alpha too used to getting his way. The heavy iron gate groaned as it locked behind him, sealing his fate for the night. His jaw tightened, his pride warring with the weight of the crown cuffs still binding his wrists behind his back.

“Uncuff me. Now.”

His voice was rough, commanding, the deep timbre echoing against the stone walls.

Valeria stepped closer, just beyond the iron bars, tilting her head as if considering it. Then, a soft chuckle escaped her lips.

“Oh, darling. Of course not. You’ll be disciplined while cuffed.”

Xander's muscles tensed, his frustration spilling over.

“I beg you, Valeria,”

he growled, his tone slipping into something dangerously close to desperation.

“I won’t be late next time. I swear. I’ll send the perfect birthday message. Just let me go.”

Valeria smirked, savoring his rare plea.

“Daaaa~”

she cooed, dragging out the syllable in a singsong tone, taunting him with that infuriatingly sweet voice.

Then; CRACK.

The sharp sound of a whip cut through the air, striking across Xander’s skin. His body jerked, muscles tightening against the sting, but he didn’t make a sound. Not yet. The iron bars rattled as he pushed against them, his strength enough to make the metal groan under pressure.

“Uncuff me,”

he demanded again, his voice lower this time, rougher, thick with restrained fury.

Valeria only smiled. CRACK. Another sharp lash, another test of his endurance.

The bars shuddered from his force. His breath came hard and fast. But then; silence.

The fight drained from his body as the night lingered, his Alpha presence shrinking under the weight of discipline. Outside the cell, Valeria crossed her arms, listening. The only sounds left were his ragged breaths, the echo of restraint, and the slow, steady taming of an untouchable man.

By morning, the storm inside Xander would break. And Valeria? She would savor her victory.

The golden morning light streamed through the tall, barred window, illuminating the cold stone floor where Xander sat. His broad shoulders, usually tense with defiance, now seemed more resigned; though not entirely broken. The iron cuffs still circled his wrists, a quiet reminder of last night’s discipline.

Slowly, he shifted forward, pressing his head through the gaps between the iron bars. His dark hair fell messily over his forehead, and his piercing eyes, which once burned with rebellion, now held something softer; submission, or perhaps the quiet calculation of a man who had learned his place… for now.

The soft sound of heels clicking against the marble floor made him lift his gaze. There she was. Valeria. Standing at the threshold of his confinement, bathed in morning light like a victorious queen. He remembered her words from the night before, her teasing challenge laced with authority. "If you want kindness in the morning, you’ll have to ask for it, my dear Alpha."

Xander swallowed his pride, tilting his head just slightly; a silent offering. His voice was husky from the night’s silence, but steady when he finally spoke.

“Valeria.”

He exhaled, eyes locked onto hers.

“Pet me.”

A slow smirk curved on her lips. She took a step closer, the warmth of her presence making his pulse quicken. Her fingers, cool and delicate, traced his jaw before sliding into his hair, gripping just enough to remind him who was in control. Xander closed his eyes, exhaling softly as she ran her fingers through his thick locks.

“Good boy,”

she whispered, her voice filled with amusement and something dangerously sweet.

Xander shivered. Whether from satisfaction or the knowledge that she still held all the power;he wasn’t sure. But one thing was certain. The Alpha had been tamed, if only for this moment.

The air inside the prison cell was thick with something unspoken; tension, submission, or perhaps a new kind of intimacy. Xander, once the defiant Alpha, now sat on his knees, his wrists still bound behind his back in those cursed crown cuffs. His sharp eyes flicked up to Valeria, who stood before him like a goddess of discipline, draped in a silk robe that shimmered under the morning light.

He knew what she wanted. If he wanted his freedom, he had to prove himself. And so, he obeyed.

“Sit properly.”

Xander adjusted his posture, straightening his broad back, spreading his legs slightly apart as she liked; like a statue carved for her pleasure.

“Lower your head.”

His chin dipped, baring his throat in an unspoken gesture of trust. A smirk played on Valeria’s lips as she traced a single finger down his exposed skin.

“Kiss my hand.”

He pressed his lips to her palm without hesitation, slow, deliberate; lingering just enough to make her shiver.

“Say my name sweetly.”

“Valeria,”

he murmured, voice deep, reverent, with a hint of something pleading. She hummed in approval.

“Tell me how much you adore me.”

Xander exhaled.

“You are everything.” His voice was steady.

“Every breath, every thought, every goddamn heartbeat; only for you.”

Valeria arched a brow, pleased but not yet satisfied.

“Touch your forehead to my knee.”

He leaned forward, resting his head lightly against her, his warmth seeping through the silk fabric. She caressed his hair, savoring his submission. “Beg properly to be uncuffed.”

“Please, Valeria,”

he whispered, eyes burning into hers.

“Let me touch you, serve you; let me be yours, completely.”

She let the silence stretch, enjoying his desperation before continuing.

“Tell me you belong to me.”

“I am yours. Mind, body, soul.”

His jaw clenched, his pride straining, but his submission was absolute.

“Stay still while I touch you.”

Her fingers traced his lips, his sharp jawline, down his throat; pausing at his chest where his heartbeat thundered beneath her palm. He did not move. Did not even breathe.

“Now… Ask one more time.”

He lifted his gaze, dark and feverish.

“Valeria. Uncuff me.”

A slow, victorious smile curled her lips. With a delicate motion, she produced the key, the tiny click echoing like a reward. The crown cuffs loosened, sliding from his wrists.

Xander flexed his hands, expecting freedom; only to realize the cold metal was still locked around him. His expression shifted. A flicker of disbelief crossed his sharp features before it turned into something darker. His gaze snapped up to Valeria, jaw tightening, muscles tensing.

"You tricked me,"

he accused, voice low with rising frustration.

"I did everything. Every damn thing you asked." His wrists tugged against the cuffs again, testing, but the unyielding bind remained.

Valeria only smiled, tilting her head with quiet amusement.

"Did I say I would set you free?"

Xander’s nostrils flared. His patience, his submission, all of it; had been played with. He had lowered his head, kissed her hand, begged like a loyal dog, and yet here he was, still bound. The weight of realization settled over him like chains heavier than the cuffs themselves.

His lips parted, a protest forming, but Valeria merely leaned in, brushing her fingers down his cheek before whispering against his ear,

“Good boy.”

The words sent a shudder through him, not of pleasure; but of frustration. He had been fooled. And she knew it.

Valeria's POV:

Golden lights touch his skin,

Valeria moved her eyes, and sees how handsome her boyfriend...

A tamed Alpha male...

Xander flexed his fingers, expecting the familiar weight of restraint to vanish, but the cold metal of the crown cuffs still pressed against his skin. His sharp eyes snapped to Valeria, realization dawning. He had been fooled.

"You—" He bit back a curse, his jaw clenching as he tugged at the cuffs. "You never planned to free me, did you?"

Valeria only smiled, tilting her head in amusement. "Did I ever say I would?" Her tone was maddeningly sweet, like she wasn’t holding him captive in the most elegant way possible.

Xander scoffed, his patience fraying. "You made me obey every damn command, and for what? A trick?" His voice was low, dangerous, but there was no true malice—only the tension of a man who was both frustrated and irrevocably drawn to the woman before him.

Valeria took a slow step closer, letting her fingertips trail along the edge of his collar. "Poor Alpha," she cooed. "So strong, so dominant… yet still bound."

Xander’s Adam’s apple bobbed as he swallowed hard. "Valeria," he warned, but the way his breath hitched when she leaned in betrayed him.

"Yes?" she whispered, her lips barely a breath away from his.

"You love pushing me, don’t you?" His voice had dropped to something darker, rougher. "Testing how far I’ll bend before I break."

Valeria chuckled, tracing a single finger down his throat, feeling the tension coiled in him. "And yet," she murmured, pressing a lingering kiss just beneath his jaw, "you never break."

Xander exhaled sharply, his frustration melting into something else entirely. His body, though restrained, moved instinctively toward her. "Let me touch you," he muttered, voice thick with longing.

Valeria hummed, pretending to consider.

"And if I don’t?"

Xander smirked, even in his disadvantage.

"Then I’ll just have to make you regret it the moment I get free."

She laughed, a sound both teasing and affectionate.

"Such confidence,"

she mused, pressing her lips to his ear.

"We’ll see who wins this little game."

Xander’s eyes darkened with challenge.

"Oh, sweetheart,"

he murmured, leaning impossibly close, "I already have."

And just like that, the tension broke; morphing into something softer as Valeria let her fingers weave into his hair, and Xander, despite his restraints, let himself fall into the kiss she finally granted him.

The warmth of Valeria’s lips still lingered on Xander’s, a sensation that sent a shiver down his spine. He didn’t fight the cuffs anymore. He didn’t pull or wince, nor did he demand freedom. Instead, he let himself surrender; not as a prisoner, but as something else entirely.

“I won’t fool you again,”

he murmured, his voice steady.

“Even if you uncuff me… I won’t discipline my own girlfriend.”

Valeria tilted her head, amusement dancing in her eyes.

“Such a well-behaved Alpha,”

she teased, stepping closer, her fingers grazing his jaw.

“How charming.”

Xander smirked, but there was no defiance left in it; only a quiet acceptance, laced with something deeper. Valeria leaned in just a little, her lips curving into a knowing smile before she winked.

It was too sweet. Too effortless. Too dangerous.

And Xander knew; he was already hers, with or without the cuffs.

The metal clicked softly as Valeria finally uncuffed him. Xander rolled his wrists, the skin slightly reddened from being restrained for so long. He glanced at the crown cuffs in his hands for a brief moment, then; without hesitation; tucked them into the pocket of Valeria’s trousers.

Right on her hip.

Valeria’s eyes narrowed.

“Ah, bad guy!”

she huffed, placing her hands on her waist, assuming he had done it just to touch her.

But Xander only smiled, slow and easy, as if savoring her reaction.

“No revenge,”

he murmured, his voice deep yet calm. His hands remained where she could see them, making it clear he wasn’t planning anything else.

“Now… will you release me from this prison, too?”

Valeria tilted her head, pretending to consider his request. Then, without a word, she stepped back and exited the cell.

Xander’s gaze followed her, amusement flickering in his sharp eyes. But instead of unlocking his cage, Valeria simply grabbed the iron bar door and pulled it shut behind her with a casual click.

“Stay there,”

she ordered playfully, a smirk tugging at her lips.

Xander smirked back. He lifted a hand and lazily pushed the prison door; it creaked open immediately.

It wasn’t locked.

He leaned against the bars, swaying the door back and forth with a knowing look.

“Valeria,”

he called, his tone dripping with amusement.

She didn’t turn back.

Xander chuckled under his breath.

"Fine."

The heavy iron door clanked shut with a finality that echoed through the dimly lit space. Valeria stood just beyond the bars, arms crossed, a triumphant smirk tugging at her lips.

Xander, still wearing that infuriatingly charming smile, leaned forward, his fingers wrapping loosely around the bars. He gave the door a teasing push, letting it sway slightly, testing her resolve.

"Oh? You’re really locking me in, twice?" His voice was low, velvety, filled with unbothered amusement.

"Of course. You think I'd let you go after all your tricks?" Valeria glimpse and speak with her soft voice.

She tilted her chin, eyes gleaming with challenge.

Xander chuckled, the sound deep and smooth. "You wound me. I already promised not to fool you again." He let his golden eyes scan her face before sighing dramatically. "But I see how it is. My own girlfriend, abandoning me in a cell."

Valeria rolled her eyes.

"Oh, don't be so dramatic. You'll be fine."

But when she turned to leave, Xander pushed the door again, this time with a little more force, making it creak open slightly before stopping it with his hand. He smirked.

"You didn’t even lock it properly."

She spun back, caught between irritation and amusement. "Bad guy!"

Xander leaned against the bars, tilting his head. "You like bad guys, Valeria. You wouldn’t have kissed me otherwise."

Her breath hitched at his words. He was too much. Too smug. Too... him.

She stepped forward, placing her hands over his where they gripped the bars.

"Maybe I do," she admitted, voice softer now.

"But that doesn’t mean I’ll let you walk free so easily."

Xander exhaled a laugh, his thumb brushing over her fingers.

"Then tell me, Valeria... what must I do to earn my release?"

She leaned in, lips just a whisper away from his.

"Be patient."

With that, she pulled away, stepping back with a victorious smile. And before Xander could react, she reached for the iron door; this time locking it properly with a sharp click.

Xander blinked, then threw his head back in laughter. "You really are dangerous."

Valeria winked.

"I learned from the best."

And with that, she walked away, leaving Xander behind the bars; smirking, swaying the door slightly, already plotting his next move.

The iron door was locked this time; firmly. No more teasing gaps, no easy escapes. Valeria stood just outside, her arms still crossed, watching Xander with a mixture of amusement and satisfaction.

Xander, unfazed, leaned against the bars, his fingers lazily gripping the cold metal. The dim lighting cast soft shadows over his sharp features, making his smirk look even more devilish.

Xander: "So, what now, jailer? Will you come visit me every day?"

Valeria: "You wish. I think a little solitude will do you good."

He chuckled, pushing the door just enough to hear the soft clink of the lock. "You really locked me in this time. Cold, Valeria. Very cold."

She shrugged. "You deserved it."

Xander exhaled a dramatic sigh, running a hand through his dark waves before flicking his gaze back to her. "At least leave me with a parting gift."

Valeria arched an eyebrow. "Oh? Like what? A blanket? A book?"

He leaned in, his voice dipping lower. "A kiss."

She scoffed, though her pulse quickened. "You’re impossible."

Xander grinned. "And yet, you’re still standing here."

She should have left by now. But something about the way he looked at her; like she was the most fascinating thing in his world; kept her rooted to the spot.

Valeria: "You’re trying to sweet-talk your way out of this cell, aren’t you?"

Xander: "If I was, would it be working?"

She tilted her head, pretending to consider. "Hmm. Not really. But I do enjoy watching you try."

His chuckle was warm, rich, wrapping around her like a velvet ribbon.

"Then I’ll keep trying, cara mia. Because I never get tired of looking at you."

Her heart betrayed her with a flutter. She rolled her eyes to mask it.

"Flattery won’t save you, Xander."

He sighed, feigning disappointment.

"And here I thought I was making progress."

She smirked, stepping closer; just enough for him to reach through the bars if he wanted to. "Maybe next time, handsome."

Xander's smirk deepened as he lifted a hand, brushing his knuckles lightly against her cheek through the cold metal.

"Then you better come back soon."

Valeria hesitated just a second too long before stepping away.

"Don't count on it."

But even as she turned to leave, she knew she would.

Xander gripped the iron bars, his dark eyes locked onto Valeria, who stood just beyond his reach. The golden light filtering through the prison cell made him look even more infuriatingly handsome, his suit still pristine despite his current predicament.

He sighed, tilting his head slightly.

“Valeria, prison is for prisoners.”

She crossed her arms, smirking.

“Exactly.”

Xander raised a brow, amusement flickering in his gaze.

“And do I look like a criminal to you?”

Valeria took a slow step closer, pretending to examine him.

“Well… you do have that dangerously charming vibe. And let’s not forget the mischief in those eyes.”

He exhaled a dramatic sigh.

“Ah, so I’m guilty of being attractive and mischievous? Harsh sentencing.”

Valeria shrugged. “Justice must be served.”

Xander leaned forward slightly, his fingers curling around the bars.

“Then I appeal my case. On the grounds that keeping me locked up is cruel and unusual punishment.”

Valeria smirked.

“For who? You or me?”

His lips curved into a slow smile.

“Both.”

She laughed, shaking her head.

“Nice try, but you’re staying put.”

Xander’s smirk deepened.

“Then at least do me the courtesy of visiting often, jailer.”

Valeria turned away, heading for the door.

“We’ll see if you behave.”

As she exited, Xander watched her go, his fingers lightly drumming against the iron bars.

“The door isn’t even locked,”

he muttered, swaying it slightly. Then, with a smirk, he leaned back against the cold metal, perfectly content to play prisoner a little longer; if it meant keeping Valeria entertained.

Day one; handsome prisoner

07:00 AM – Wake-Up Call

Xander stretched against the hard prison bench, the golden morning light seeping through the narrow window. His suit remained immaculate, his tie still knotted to perfection; because even in captivity, he refused to look anything less than devastatingly handsome.

He blinked lazily at the iron bars. He could open them anytime. But why would he? Being her prisoner felt oddly fitting, as if this confinement only magnified his existence. He smirked to himself. A prisoner of beauty, held captive by a woman who thought she had control.

08:00 AM – Morning Leisure

Leaning against the bars, he absently swayed the door back and forth with his fingertips, creating a soft, rhythmic creak. It was amusing how easily he could escape; yet chose not to.

“Are you entertaining yourself?” Valeria’s voice interrupted his musings.

Xander turned, his smirk deepening. “You locked me up, yet you’re the first to check on me. Missing me already?”

She rolled her eyes. “I was just making sure you hadn’t done anything stupid.”

He let out a mock sigh. “I’m wounded. Do I look like the kind of man who causes trouble?”

Valeria crossed her arms. “Yes.”

09:00 AM – Breakfast, Prison-Style

She brought a tray, sliding it through the bars. Xander glanced down at the meal; plain toast and black coffee.

He lifted a brow. “What, no silver platter? No wine pairing?”

Valeria smirked. “You want wine? Get arrested somewhere fancier.”

Xander took a slow bite, keeping his gaze locked on hers. “Ah, so you plan to keep me here long enough for me to demand a menu change?”

Valeria didn’t answer. She simply watched as he ate, her eyes narrowing slightly as if debating something.

10:00 AM – Boredom (or Something Like It)

Xander leaned his back against the cold wall, his hands lazily tucked in his pockets. “You know, most prisoners yell for freedom,” he mused.

Valeria scoffed. “Then why aren’t you?”

He tilted his head, his smirk playing at the edges of his lips. “Because I like being your prisoner.”

She stiffened for half a second—just enough for him to notice. But before he could revel in it, she turned on her heel and walked away.

Xander chuckled under his breath. Interesting.

12:00 PM – Nap or Daydreaming?

He lay back on the bench, arms folded behind his head, staring at the ceiling. If he listened closely, he could hear the soft sounds of Valeria moving around outside.

He closed his eyes, smirking to himself. She thought she was in control. But wasn’t she the one constantly coming to check on him?

02:00 PM – Distraction

Xander sat up at the sound of approaching footsteps. Valeria stood outside the bars, holding a book.

“I figured you’d get bored,” she said, tossing it toward him.

He caught it effortlessly. “Ah, so you do care.”

“Just don’t lose your mind in there.”

He flipped through the pages, amusement flickering in his eyes. “Don’t worry. I’ve survived worse fates.”

Valeria hesitated for a moment before walking away.

Xander smirked. She’s fun.

04:00 PM – Evening Exercise?

Standing, he stretched, then paced the small space. Not out of restlessness; just for the effect.

He gripped the bars, testing their weight. The door swayed slightly under his touch. He could walk out at any time. But he didn’t.

Instead, he leaned his forehead against the cold metal, exhaling softly. This game was far more entertaining.

06:00 PM – Dinner & Unexpected Affection

Valeria returned, this time carrying a slightly better meal; grilled chicken, rice, and vegetables. She hesitated before sliding the tray through.

Xander smiled. “Improving my conditions already?”

She huffed. “I just don’t want you dying in there.”

He took the tray but didn’t eat immediately. Instead, he looked at her with something softer in his gaze.

“You don’t have to be so tough, Valeria.”

She frowned. “I’m not—”

Before she could finish, he reached through the bars, his fingers brushing against hers. For the first time all day, she didn’t immediately pull away.

08:00 PM – The Late-Night Game

As the night deepened, Xander remained by the bars, watching the dimly lit space beyond.

Valeria returned one last time, standing just beyond his reach.

“You’re not going to escape?” she asked.

He chuckled. “Why would I? Being locked up makes me look even more intriguing, don’t you think?”

She rolled her eyes but smirked. “You’re impossible.”

“And yet, you keep coming back.”

She didn’t deny it. Instead, she turned, walking away without another word.

Xander smirked to himself, resting his hand against the iron bars. Day one as her prisoner, and she was already slipping.

Day Two: The Handsome Prisoner’s Routine Evolves

07:00 AM – Waking Up in Style

Xander woke up to the sound of footsteps approaching his cell. He stretched lazily, his black vest slightly undone, giving him an effortlessly disheveled yet still devastatingly handsome look. He ran a hand through his dark hair, tousling it just enough to appear like he’d just survived a romantic war with sleep.

Valeria stopped outside the bars, arms crossed. “Still here?”

Xander smirked, voice husky from sleep. “You sound surprised.”

“I thought maybe you’d get bored of playing prisoner.”

Xander chuckled. “Oh, but the company’s too entertaining to leave.”

She rolled her eyes and tossed a fresh set of clothes through the bars. “At least change. You may be a fake prisoner, but you don’t have to look like one.”

He caught the fabric with ease, his lips quirking. “Ah, so you do care.”

She didn’t respond; just turned on her heel and walked away.

Interesting.

08:00 AM – Breakfast & A New Game

The tray slid through the bars again; this time with a slight improvement: eggs, toast, and coffee.

Xander picked up the fork, inspecting it as if it were a rare artifact. “Hmm. First better food, now real cutlery? You’re getting soft, Valeria.”

She shot him a glare. “I just figured starving you wasn’t worth the headache.”

He took a slow bite, watching her. “Or maybe you like keeping me around.”

She didn’t reply, just shifted her weight slightly, which was answer enough.

10:00 AM – The Art of Doing Nothing

Xander leaned against the bars, spinning the fork between his fingers.

“You know, you could at least give me something to do,” he mused. “Perhaps a puzzle, a deck of cards… or are you afraid I’d outsmart you?”

Valeria, sitting at a nearby desk, barely looked up from her paperwork. “I’m not worried about that.”

Xander chuckled. “Then entertain me.”

“Entertain yourself.”

He exhaled dramatically. “Ah, how cruel. Caged like a beast, left to languish in solitude…”

“Xander.”

“Yes?”

“Shut up.”

He smirked.

12:00 PM – Midday Observations

He studied the way Valeria moved; her focus, her occasional glances toward him when she thought he wasn’t looking.

She was careful. Composed. But cracks were beginning to show.

“Are you always this serious?” he asked.

She sighed. “Are you always this talkative?”

“When I have an audience.”

Valeria finally looked up. “This isn’t a show.”

Xander’s lips curled. “Isn’t it? You keep coming back.”

She stared at him for a beat too long before shaking her head and returning to work.

He was getting to her.

02:00 PM – The Escape That Never Happens

Xander stood, walking to the cell door. He ran his fingers over the lock, testing it with ease. With the right pressure, he could slip free.

He didn’t.

Instead, he leaned against the bars and exhaled. He wanted to see how long she would keep him.

04:00 PM – A New Dynamic

Valeria returned with a book.

“You looked like you were going insane,” she muttered, tossing it through.

Xander caught it midair. “Ah, literature. A sign of affection.”

“Don’t push it.”

He flipped it open, noting the title. “The Psychology of Captivity? How fitting.”

Valeria smirked. “Thought you’d appreciate the irony.”

Xander chuckled. She was playing along now.

06:00 PM – Dinner & An Unspoken Truth

The meal was warm again. Better than the first day.

“Do you regret locking me up yet?” he asked between bites.

Valeria didn’t answer immediately.

Then, quietly: “Not yet.”

That intrigued him.

08:00 PM – Nighttime Conversations

As the world outside grew darker, Xander remained by the bars, watching Valeria as she lingered.

“You don’t have to stay,” he murmured.

She hesitated. “And leave you unsupervised?”

Xander smirked. “Or maybe you just enjoy my company.”

Silence stretched between them.

Then, in a barely audible voice; so soft he almost missed it; she muttered:

“…Maybe.”

Xander smiled.

Day two, and she was slipping even further.

Day Three: The World Thinks He’s Dead

07:00 AM – A Death Without a Body

Xander woke up to the sound of hurried footsteps. The air felt different—tense, urgent. He sat up, stretching, his muscles rippling under the thin fabric of his shirt. His cell door remained locked, yet something had shifted.

Valeria stood outside his bars, arms crossed, gaze unreadable.

“You died,” she said simply.

Xander raised a brow, amused. “I don’t recall that happening.”

“The world does.” She slid a newspaper through the bars.

He picked it up, scanning the headline:

XANDER ALEKTO—PRESUMED DEAD IN EXPLOSION

A smirk tugged at his lips. “Dramatic.”

Valeria didn’t look impressed. “It means no one’s looking for you anymore.”

He met her eyes, tilting his head slightly. “Then why are you still keeping me?”

She didn’t answer.

09:00 AM – Handcuffed

Xander had barely finished his morning routine when the clinking of metal filled the air.

Cool steel snapped around his wrists.

He lifted his hands slightly, testing the weight of the cuffs. “I see you’ve grown fond of me,” he mused.

Valeria tightened them, her fingers brushing against his skin for a second too long. “I’m not taking chances.”

“You’re afraid I’ll leave?” His voice was smooth, teasing.

She met his gaze, unwavering. “I just want you to remember who’s in control.”

Xander chuckled. “Oh, I never forget.”

12:00 PM – The Irony of Captivity

He sat on the cot, handcuffed yet entirely at ease. Valeria watched him from her chair, flipping through her reports.

“Tell me,” he started, shifting slightly, “do you feel safer with me like this?”

She didn’t answer.

Instead, she tossed a bottle of water toward him. He caught it effortlessly, despite the restraints.

“You’re enjoying this,” she muttered.

Xander grinned. “Am I?”

She rolled her eyes and turned away.

He watched her closely. She was starting to realize that keeping him here might be more dangerous than letting him go.

03:00 PM – A Whispered Confession

The handcuffs were tight, but not unbearable. He leaned back against the wall, eyes half-lidded.

“You should’ve let me die with my reputation,” he murmured.

Valeria paused. “Why?”

Xander exhaled. “Now I’m just a ghost in a cage.”

For the first time, her expression softened.

“…You’re not dead to me.”

Xander stilled.

Her words lingered in the air, more binding than any chain.

06:00 PM – The Weight of an Unspoken Truth

Dinner arrived. He ate slowly, methodically, the cuffs making every movement deliberate.

Valeria remained by the door, arms crossed.

“You’re keeping me because you don’t know what to do with me, aren’t you?” he asked, voice lower now.

She didn’t deny it.

Instead, she turned away and said, “Get some rest.”

But Xander didn’t sleep.

Not that night.

Because, for the first time, he realized; he wasn’t the only one trapped in this game.

Day Four: Bound Like a King in a Cage

07:00 AM – The Crowned Chains

Xander stood in the dimly lit cell, his hands now bound by something new.

Crown cuffs.

Gold-plated restraints, intricately designed like a monarch’s final shackle. They weren’t just handcuffs anymore—they were a statement.

He tilted his wrists slightly, feeling the weight of the metal. A smirk ghosted his lips.

“You’re getting creative, Valeria.”

Outside the bars, Valeria remained silent. Her gaze was unreadable, but something flickered in her eyes.

Xander chuckled softly. “You know, if you wanted me to feel special, a throne would’ve sufficed.”

She didn’t react.

Only after a moment, she said, “You don’t deserve a throne.”

His smirk widened. “Yet, you crown me anyway.”

09:00 AM – The Silent Watcher

He moved carefully, testing his range of motion. The cuffs weren’t just for restraint—they were meant to remind him of something.

Something he hadn’t quite figured out yet.

Valeria watched from her chair outside his cell, sipping coffee. She hadn’t left his side since morning.

“You’re watching me a lot today,” Xander mused.

She took another sip. “I don’t trust you.”

He exhaled, tilting his head. “And yet, you make me look like royalty.”

Her fingers tightened around the mug. Maybe she hadn’t realized how much power she was giving him.

12:00 PM – A King’s Meal

Lunch arrived—steak, potatoes, a perfectly plated dish.

He raised a brow. “Are we celebrating something?”

Valeria didn’t answer.

He took a bite, savoring the taste. “This is hardly prison food.”

Silence.

He let the moment stretch before speaking again. “Valeria…” He leaned against the bars, voice lower now. “What am I to you?”

She froze.

Then, with careful precision, she replied, “My prisoner.”

But the way she said it—it sounded more like a confession than a statement.

03:00 PM – The Weight of Gold

The cuffs began to feel heavier as the day stretched on. Xander knew this wasn’t just about keeping him still.

It was about reminding him who held the key.

Valeria didn’t speak much, but her presence alone was enough.

He exhaled slowly, glancing at her. “You’re afraid of something.”

She didn’t deny it.

Instead, she reached into her pocket and pulled out the key.

Dangling it in front of him, she said, “And you should be, too.”

06:00 PM – A Prisoner by Choice

The sun dipped below the horizon. Xander remained standing, cuffs glinting under the last traces of light.

Valeria hadn’t left.

Neither had he.

He could’ve escaped days ago. The door was never truly locked for him.

But the truth was, he wasn’t sure what would happen if he left.

So he stayed.

Bound. Crowned. And waiting.

Day Six: The Weight of Silence

06:00 AM – The Awakening

Xander stirred before the first light touched his cell. The crown cuffs were still there—tight, unforgiving. They left faint imprints on his wrists, a constant reminder that he was here because she wanted him to be.

Or maybe because he wanted to be.

08:00 AM – The Visitor

Valeria entered without a word. She carried a tray—a silver one this time.

“Something new today?” Xander asked, voice smooth despite the stiffness in his body.

Valeria set the tray down on the small table just outside the bars. She didn’t answer.

He smirked. “Silent treatment now? I almost miss the threats.”

She finally spoke, eyes locked on him. “Eat.”

He tilted his head. A command.

He didn’t mind those.

He took his time reaching for the plate, his movements deliberate, watching for any flicker of emotion on her face. But Valeria remained impassive. Composed.

As if she wasn’t the one keeping him caged.

As if she wasn’t the reason he stayed.

12:00 PM – The Chains Tighten

The cuffs were adjusted.

She did it herself.

Fingers grazing his skin as she secured the locks. The metal was colder today—or maybe that was just his imagination.

She never lingered. Never let her hands tremble.

But Xander noticed the way her breath caught for half a second when her fingers brushed his pulse.

He let her think he didn’t.

03:00 PM – The Echo of a Name

The world outside believed he was dead.

The newspapers said so.

Valeria handed him a folded clipping from the morning edition.

XANDER ALEKTO: CONFIRMED DECEASED IN TRAGIC INCIDENT.

Xander’s lips twitched. “A bit dramatic, don’t you think?”

Valeria’s voice was quiet. “Now you don’t exist.”

He lifted his gaze to hers.

“Then why am I still here?”

She didn’t answer.

Maybe because they both already knew.

07:00 PM – The Finality of Chains

He leaned against the cold bars, watching the way Valeria hesitated by the door.

“Tomorrow,” she murmured, as if speaking to herself.

Xander raised a brow. “Tomorrow?”

She met his gaze.

“I move you somewhere else.”

His smirk faded, but only slightly. “And if I refuse?”

Valeria exhaled, eyes unreadable.

“You won’t.”

And the worst part?

She was right.