Bond by His Scent "The Contract"

(10:00 AM | Reiss Corp – CEO Office, Skyline Tower)

(text - Aiden ---> Julian)

Aiden Reiss

You're late.

(waiting for the elevator)

Julian Hale

Didn’t realize punctuality mattered in arranged marriages.

Aiden Reiss

It does when the press is watching. And when my board expects an obedient omega on my arm.

Julian Hale

(muttering to himself) Then maybe you should've married a lapdog instead of me. Too bad I'm the one your company needed.

Aiden Reiss

We both signed the contract. You play the doting husband in public. I handle the rest. Simple.

Julian Hale

(Stepping onto the executive floor) Right. No touching. No marking. No feelings. Just appearances.

Aiden Reiss

Unless you’re asking to be marked.

Julian Hale

You’d like that, wouldn’t you? Put your little company logo on me.

Aiden Reiss

(Smirking faintly) Careful, Julian. You smell like you want a fight.

Julian Hale

Then maybe stop breathing down my neck like a wolf in heat.

Aiden Reiss

We’ll be photographed together at the gala tonight. Wear something red. It distracts from the resentment in your eyes.

Julian Hale

(Entering the office without knocking) Then wear black. It suits your soul.

(Reiss Corp – CEO Office) Aiden doesn’t even look up when Julian enters. He’s pouring whiskey.

Julian Hale

"Drinking this early? How very alpha of you."

Aiden Reiss

(quietly) "Celebrating my marriage. Isn’t that what people do?"

Julian Hale

"To someone they actually want. Not a contract they’re shackled to."

(Aiden finally looks at him—long, unreadable gaze. He steps closer, barely an inch between them.)

Aiden Reiss

"You’re wrong. I always get what I want."

Julian Hale

"And yet here I am, standing in your office, entirely unmarked."

(Julian turns and leaves, but not before Aiden’s eyes darken—predatory.)

(10:15 AM | Julian’s apartment – curled up on his bed)