Taming the fire

Adrian Kane had spent his entire life fighting for control—over his company, over his reputation, over himself. As one of the strongest alphas in the city, he had never once entertained the idea of submitting to anyone. But now, standing in front of a gilded altar, dressed in a tailored black suit, he was about to be bound to someone he had never even met.

An arranged marriage.

It was outdated, archaic, and yet, when his father had ordered it, Adrian hadn’t had a choice. The Kane family needed this alliance. The Monroes were powerful, influential, and stubbornly traditional. And to make things worse, his so-called fiancé was another alpha.

Ridiculous.

Adrian had fought the decision, of course. He had thrown every argument he could think of at his father. Marriages between alphas weren’t unheard of, but they were rare. Two dominant forces clashing—it would never work. But his father had been unmoved.

“You don’t have a choice in this, Adrian,” he had said, his voice cold and absolute. “The Monroes are old money, and their support will solidify our future. You will marry Elias Monroe, and you will not embarrass this family.”

Adrian had stormed out, slamming doors on his way. But it hadn’t changed anything. Now, he stood beneath the high, arched ceilings of the grand hall, his fists clenched at his sides as he waited for the man who was about to become his husband.

A hush fell over the gathered elites as the heavy double doors swung open.

Elias Monroe stepped inside.

Adrian’s breath caught for just a moment, his sharp blue eyes locking onto the man approaching him. He had expected someone insufferable—some arrogant, overconfident bastard looking to dominate him. But Elias… he was different.

Tall—perhaps an inch or two taller than Adrian—he had the kind of presence that turned heads without effort. He wore a deep navy suit that fit his broad frame perfectly, his dark eyes unreadable as they scanned the room. Unlike Adrian’s barely concealed irritation, Elias’ expression remained calm, composed, as if he wasn’t walking into a forced marriage with a complete stranger.

Adrian braced himself for whatever attitude this man would bring. But as Elias approached, something shifted in the air.

A scent.

Rich, warm, and unmistakably familiar.

Adrian’s pulse jumped. His breath caught in his throat. No—this couldn’t be.

Elias paused a few steps away, his deep gaze locking onto Adrian’s with unnerving certainty. He inhaled, subtly but deliberately, and the tension between them sharpened.

And then he spoke.

“We’re fated mates.”

It wasn’t a question.

Adrian’s jaw tightened. He knew it was true the second he’d caught Elias’ scent. A bond deeper than logic, deeper than blood, was already weaving itself between them. His instincts screamed at him to accept it, to let it take over.

But Adrian Kane didn’t believe in fate.

“I don’t believe in that bullshit,” Adrian muttered, forcing himself to stand his ground.

Elias studied him for a moment, then gave a small, almost knowing smile. “Believe it or not, it’s real.” His voice was low, smooth, with a patience that grated against Adrian’s nerves.

He hated patience. He hated the way Elias was looking at him, like he already knew how this would end.

“This changes nothing,” Adrian snapped. “I’m only here because our families forced this.”

Elias tilted his head slightly. “So am I.”

That should have made Adrian feel better. It didn’t.

He wanted Elias to be angry, to fight him on this. He wanted an excuse to push back. Instead, Elias was frustratingly composed, as if he had already accepted their situation.

The officiant cleared his throat, signaling for them to step forward. Adrian forced himself to move, his muscles coiled tight as he took his place beside Elias.

The ceremony was brief. Too brief.

With every word spoken, the bond between them grew heavier, more suffocating. Adrian could feel it wrapping around his chest, binding him to this man he barely knew. His wolf stirred beneath his skin, restless, recognizing what Adrian refused to acknowledge.

He’s yours.

No.

When it came time for the vows, Elias turned to face Adrian fully. His dark gaze was steady, unwavering. “I, Elias Monroe, take you, Adrian Kane, as my husband.” His voice was deep, sincere, carrying an unspoken promise. “I will stand by you, protect you, and honor our bond.”

Adrian swallowed hard, his heart pounding against his ribs. He didn’t want this. He didn’t want to be tied to someone—especially not someone like Elias.

And yet, when it was his turn to speak, the words left his mouth before he could think twice.

“I, Adrian Kane, take you, Elias Monroe, as my husband.” The words burned, but he forced them out. “I will stand by you.”

The officiant smiled, announcing the completion of their vows. The words echoed in Adrian’s mind. Husband. Mate. Bound.

Then, the final command: “You may now kiss.”

Adrian barely had time to react before Elias stepped closer, his warmth pressing against him.

Elias didn’t rush. He didn’t take control. Instead, he reached up, his fingers grazing Adrian’s jaw in a touch that was far too gentle. The heat of his skin sent an unwanted shiver through Adrian’s body.

For a moment, Adrian expected dominance—expected Elias to stake his claim with force.

Instead, Elias whispered, just for him to hear:

“I won’t hurt you.”

Then he kissed him passionately

Their lips joined together

Soft. Slow. Patient.

Adrian’s breath hitched, his body stiffening. He had prepared for a fight. He hadn’t prepared for tenderness.

And that terrified him more than anything else.

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