Virendra’s claim had been bold. Too bold.
But my rejection had been louder.
For the rest of the evening, I pretended not to notice how his presence burned into me from across the hall. How the muscles in his jaw tensed whenever I entertained another suitor’s conversation. How his fingers clenched when I let Raja Udayveer pour me another goblet of wine.
If he thought he could rattle me, he was wrong.
And so, I played my part flawlessly.
......................
The next morning, I summoned my suitors to the royal gardens.
The sun cast warm golden hues over the lush greenery as noble Alphas gathered, all eager for my attention. Including Raja Udayveer, who had been particularly attentive.
But it was not his interest I wanted.
It was Virendra’s fury.
As I walked through the gardens, I let my hand linger on Udayveer’s arm. Let my laughter spill just a little too easily. Let my voice drop into a softer tone when I spoke to him.
I did not have to look to know Virendra was watching.
He had not been invited. But that had never stopped him before.
And sure enough, he came.
The moment he stepped into the gardens, the atmosphere shifted.
Alphas tensed. Some exchanged wary glances. Even Udayveer paused.
But I did not.
I smiled at Virendra as if his presence meant nothing. "Lord Virendra, I was unaware you wished to join my suitors."
A sharp silence followed.
He met my gaze, eyes dark and unreadable. "I was unaware you wished for weak men who could never match you."
Udayveer stiffened beside me. "Mind your tongue, mercenary."
Virendra’s smirk returned. "Or what?" He stepped forward, ignoring the glares from the other Alphas. "Will you challenge me, old man?"
Udayveer’s grip on his sword tightened.
I placed a hand on his arm. "Ignore him," I said softly, but loud enough for Virendra to hear. "He is only desperate for my attention."
Something flickered in Virendra’s expression—a spark of something dangerous.
I turned back to my suitors, continuing as if he did not exist.
But then—a sharp tug.
Before I could react, Virendra had grabbed my wrist.
Gasps echoed. Udayveer moved, but Virendra’s next words stopped everyone.
"You want to provoke me?" he murmured, low enough for only me to hear. "Fine. But remember, Jayant—you were mine first."
Heat rushed through me, but I forced my voice to remain calm. "And yet, I am not yours now."
His grip tightened for a fraction of a second—then, he let go.
And just before he turned to leave, he smirked.
"Not yet."
......................
Virendra had been patient. He had watched. He had waited.
But Jayant had pushed him too far.
The moment the Omega had dared to let another Alpha touch him—laugh with him, smile for him, look at him the way he once looked at Virendra—the last thread of his restraint had snapped.
He would not allow it.
If Jayant wanted a war, Virendra would give him one.
......................
The palace corridors were quiet that night, bathed in the dim glow of flickering torches.
Jayant had retired to his chambers hours ago, no doubt satisfied with his little victory.
He would not be so pleased when he woke.
Because tonight, Virendra would remind him who he truly belonged to.
With silent steps, he moved through the hall, nodding at the guards stationed outside Jayant’s door. They hesitated only a moment before stepping aside.
Of course, they did.
Virendra was not just a guest. He was a warrior. A legend. A man who commanded fear and respect.
And now, he would reclaim what was his.
Jayant stirred as the door clicked shut.
He didn’t have time to react.
In a swift motion, Virendra grabbed his wrist, pulling him upright.
A sharp gasp left the Omega’s lips, his eyes flying open, meeting Virendra’s gaze in the dark.
"What—"
"You’ve had your fun," Virendra murmured, his voice dangerously low. "Now, it’s my turn."
Jayant struggled against his hold, but Virendra didn’t let go.
"Let me go," the Omega hissed.
Virendra only tightened his grip. Not painfully. Just enough to remind him.
"Do you think this is a game?" he murmured, his voice a slow burn of anger and something darker. "Letting them touch you? Letting them think they have a chance?"
Jayant’s breath hitched, but his glare did not waver. "And what does it matter to you?"
Virendra leaned in, his scent thick, heavy, intoxicating.
"You know exactly what it matters," he whispered.
Silence. A battle of wills.
Jayant’s pulse pounded beneath Virendra’s fingers. Not just with anger. With something else.
Something he was trying to suppress.
Virendra smirked. Good.
"You can keep pretending," he murmured, his thumb brushing over the Omega’s pulse point. "You can let them chase you, let them dance around you like fools."
He leaned closer, his breath ghosting over Jayant’s lips.
"But in the end," he whispered, "you will never let another Alpha touch you the way I have."
Jayant inhaled sharply. His fingers trembled—just for a second.
And Virendra knew.
He had won this round.
Satisfied, he released Jayant’s wrist and stepped back.
"Sleep well, my prince," he said, smirking. "Tomorrow, the real game begins."
Then, he was gone—leaving behind a furious, breathless Omega who, no matter how much he denied it, still burned for him.
...****************...
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