The Breaking point

The tension in the penthouse had reached its peak.

Adrian had never been the type to run from his problems. He faced challenges head-on, crushed obstacles beneath his heel, and made sure no one ever saw his weaknesses.

But Elias?

Elias was a different kind of challenge. He didn’t fight with aggression or force. He didn’t demand or push.

He simply waited.

And it was driving Adrian insane.

—

Few days later

Adrian sat in his office, fingers tapping against his desk, the glow of his laptop screen casting sharp shadows on his face. Work was supposed to be his escape.

His assistant, Marcus, had just finished briefing him on the latest deals. Normally, Adrian would’ve been focused, asking sharp questions, dissecting contracts.

But today, he barely heard a word.

Because Elias was in the building.

Not just in the penthouse. Not just in his thoughts.

No, Elias had actually come to his company.

Adrian had nearly lost his temper when Marcus casually mentioned that Elias was in the executive lounge, sipping coffee like he belonged there.

And the worst part?

The employees were already whispering about their marriage. About how Elias, the famous heir of the Laurent Pack, had married Adrian Blackwood, the ruthless CEO.

Adrian pushed back from his desk, his jaw tightening.

“Marcus,” he said abruptly.

His assistant straightened. “Yes, sir?”

Adrian’s voice was sharp. “Clear my schedule for the next thirty minutes.”

Marcus blinked but nodded. “Understood.”

Adrian didn’t wait. He was already stalking out of his office, heading straight for the lounge.

—

The Executive Lounge

Elias was far too comfortable.

He sat on the sleek leather couch, one leg crossed over the other, a cup of coffee in hand. His expression was calm, as if he hadn’t just invaded Adrian’s territory.

Adrian clenched his jaw, walking straight up to him.

“What the hell are you doing here?”

Elias looked up, unbothered. “Drinking coffee.”

Adrian’s patience snapped. “Don’t play games with me.”

Elias took a slow sip before setting his cup down. “I had a meeting nearby. Thought I’d stop by.”

Adrian narrowed his eyes. “You expect me to believe that?”

Elias tilted his head. “Does it matter?”

Adrian hated this—this casual, effortless confidence. Elias knew he was getting under his skin, and he was enjoying it.

Adrian took a step closer, lowering his voice. “I don’t need you here.”

Elias met his gaze without flinching. “Then why do you look so affected?”

Adrian’s breath hitched.

Because he was affected.

Because Elias wasn’t just in his space—he was inside his head, his scent clinging to everything, his presence a constant reminder that Adrian was not in control of this bond.

His wolf was restless, wanting.

Elias sighed, standing up slowly, closing the distance between them. He was taller by an inch, and that fact infuriated Adrian.

“You can keep pretending all you want, Adrian,” Elias murmured, voice smooth as silk. “But you’re not unaffected.”

Adrian’s pulse spiked.

For one dangerous moment, Elias’ gaze dropped—to his lips.

The air between them crackled.

Adrian wanted to shove him away. To say something cutting. To deny whatever was pulling him closer.

But his wolf…

His wolf wanted to submit.

Adrian’s breath hitched—just enough for Elias to notice.

Elias smirked. “I’ll see you at home.”

Then, just like that, he turned and walked away, leaving Adrian standing there, furious—not at Elias.

At himself.

—

That Night – The Penthouse

Adrian didn’t go home right away.

He stayed out late, went to a high-end bar, nursed a whiskey alone in a dimly lit corner. Anything to avoid going back to the bonded tension waiting for him in the penthouse.

But when he finally walked through the door past midnight, Elias was awake.

Not reading. Not lounging.

Just standing there, watching him.

Adrian sighed, already exhausted. “What now?”

Elias studied him. “You smell like whiskey.”

Adrian rolled his eyes. “Congratulations. You have a nose.”

Elias didn’t rise to the bait. Instead, he walked closer, his expression unreadable.

“Why are you fighting this so hard?” he asked quietly.

Adrian’s shoulders tensed. “Because I never wanted this.”

Elias was silent for a long moment. Then he nodded. “I understand.”

Adrian scoffed. “Do you?”

Elias’ gaze softened—just a little. “More than you think.”

Adrian clenched his jaw, turning away. “I don’t want to talk about it.”

Elias didn’t stop him. But before Adrian could disappear into his room, he said,

“You can hate me all you want, Adrian. But you can’t hate the bond.”

Adrian’s fingers tightened around the doorknob.

For a second, just a second, he thought about turning back.

But instead, he walked into his room and slammed the door behind him.

—

The Breaking Point

Sleep was impossible.

Adrian tossed and turned, his body restless, the bond pulling at him. It was too strong now. Too loud.

His wolf wanted his mate.

It wanted Elias.

Adrian gritted his teeth, trying to suppress it, trying to push it down—

Then his door opened.

He sat up immediately, eyes narrowing.

Elias stood in the doorway, his expression unreadable. “I can feel it too.”

Adrian’s heart thundered.

He wanted to snap, to tell Elias to get out—

But he couldn’t.

Because Elias was right.

The bond had reached its limit.

Elias stepped forward, closing the door behind him. “You can’t fight it forever, Adrian.”

Adrian’s breath was uneven.

Elias stopped just beside the bed, watching him carefully. “You’re struggling because you’re denying what your wolf already knows.”

Adrian’s hands clenched into fists. “And what’s that?”

Elias’ gaze darkened. “That you’re mine.”

The air thickened.

Adrian’s wolf reacted instantly, a deep growl rumbling in his chest.

Elias smirked. “See?”

Adrian snapped.

One second, he was sitting. The next, he had pinned Elias against the wall, hands gripping his collar, breaths ragged.

Elias didn’t flinch. Didn’t even seem surprised.

He just looked at him.

Steady. Unshaken.

Adrian’s breath was labored. “You think you can just waltz in here and claim me?”

Elias’ smirk widened just slightly. “I don’t need to claim you.”

His voice dropped lower, huskier.

“You’re already mine.”

Adrian froze.

His wolf shuddered.

Something inside him cracked open.

The bond surged between them, demanding.

Adrian’s grip loosened—but before he could pull away, Elias moved.

In a blink, he flipped their positions, pinning Adrian against the wall instead.

Adrian growled, trying to resist—

But then Elias’ lips were right there, so close, his breath warm against Adrian’s skin.

Adrian hated how his body reacted.

Hated how desperately he wanted more.

Elias’ voice was soft, teasing. “Still going to fight me?”

Adrian’s resolve shattered.

With a low snarl, he gave in.

—

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