Chapter 15: The Claim

Shin watched Xander from the shadows, a silent guardian, a possessive shadow. He’d told himself he was doing the right thing, that choosing Kenji was the only way. The only way to keep him safe…from Kenji…from me. But seeing Xander like this, so vulnerable, so clearly hurting, shattered the carefully constructed facade of indifference he’d been wearing. He’s hurting…and it’s my fault.

He’d seen the flirting, the way those guys had circled Xander like vultures, their intentions clear. He’d watched for two nights in a row, his jealousy growing with each passing moment, a cold, hard knot tightening in his stomach. He’d told himself it was just Xander trying to forget, trying to numb the pain. He’s trying to replace me…he can’t. But deep down, he knew. He knew that Xander was hurting, that he was lost, and that he needed help. He needs me.

And Shin knew, with a certainty that resonated deep within his soul, that he was the one who was supposed to give it to him. He couldn’t deny it any longer. He loved Xander. He loved him fiercely, possessively, completely. He’s mine. He’s always been mine. And he couldn’t stand to see him with anyone else. No one touches him but me.

Enough was enough. He couldn’t watch anymore. He couldn’t stand by and let those guys take advantage of Xander’s vulnerability. He’s mine. They can’t have him. He’d made a mistake, a terrible mistake, and he had to fix it. I’ll fix it…for him…for me.

He pushed through the crowd, his eyes fixed on Xander. He was sitting at the bar, his head slumped, his eyes closed. One of the guys was leaning close, whispering something in his ear. Xander didn’t respond. He’s drugged…they’re drugging him…I’ll kill them.

Shin reached the bar and grabbed Xander’s arm, pulling him up from his stool. Xander’s eyes fluttered open, his gaze unfocused. He blinked, trying to make sense of who was in front of him.

“Shin?” he mumbled, his voice slurred.

Shin didn’t say anything. He just pulled Xander towards the exit, ignoring the protests of the guy who’d been talking to him. Get your hands off him.

“Hey! What are you doing?” the guy called out, but Shin ignored him. He’d deal with them later. They’ll pay for this.

He got Xander out of the bar and into a nearby alleyway. Xander stumbled, his movements unsteady. He was clearly very drunk.

“Shin, what’s going on?” he asked, his voice confused. “Where are we going?”

Shin leaned Xander against the wall, his gaze searching his face. “You’re coming with me,” he said, his voice firm, possessive.

“Why?” Xander asked, his eyes filled with a mixture of confusion and hurt. “Are you going to take me back to Kenji?”

Shin’s jaw tightened. Kenji…he’ll regret what he’s done. “No,” he said, his voice low, dangerous. “I’m not taking you back to Kenji. I’m taking you home. My home.”

He reached out and gently brushed a stray lock of hair from Xander’s forehead. Mine. “You’re not safe here,” he said softly. “You’re not safe with those guys. You need someone to take care of you. Me.”

Xander looked at Shin, his eyes searching his. “Why are you doing this?” he asked, his voice barely a whisper.

Shin hesitated for a moment, then he took a deep breath. He needs to know…he needs to understand. “Because I love you,” he said, the words finally tumbling out, raw and honest. “I’ve always loved you. And you’re mine.”

Xander’s eyes widened in surprise. He stared at Shin, his expression unreadable.

Shin didn’t wait for a response. He gently took Xander’s hand and started walking down the alleyway. He had to get him away from there. He had to protect him. And then…then I’ll deal with Kenji. He didn’t know what the future held. He didn’t know if Xander would ever forgive him. But he knew one thing for sure. He wasn’t going to let him go. Not again. Xander is mine. And I’m going to make sure he knows it.

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