“First Crack in the Alpha”
(Aiden’s Penthouse – Late Night)
Julian steps into the penthouse living room after the gala. He’s kicked off his shoes and tossed his blazer onto the couch. His scent—warm, laced with frustration and something sweeter—is thick in the air.
Aiden Reiss
(voice low from the kitchen island) “Is that what you were aiming for? Turning every head in that ballroom?”
Julian Hale
(pulling open the fridge)
“Mission accomplished then. I didn't do it for you.”
Aiden Reiss
(walking toward him)
No. You did it to me.
Julian Hale
(grabbing a water bottle, smirking) Didn’t realize you were so easily distracted, CEO Reiss.
Aiden steps closer, closing the fridge door himself. Their faces are inches apart now. Julian's breath hitches—just slightly. The alpha’s presence is overwhelming this close, scent dominance crackling like static.
Aiden Reiss
You wore that scent on purpose.
Julian Hale
And you held yourself back. I’m impressed.
(A beat of silence. Aiden’s eyes search his.)
Aiden Reiss
You really want to play with instincts, Julian?”
Julian Hale
(voice soft but sharp)
No. I want to remind you that you don’t control mine.
Aiden doesn’t reply. His jaw tightens. The tension is a drawstring—taut, trembling.
Flashback (Aiden’s Memory – Age 15, Reiss Manor – His Father’s Office)
Aiden's Father
Alphas don’t beg. They don’t cry. And they never love without power.
Young Aiden
But she left because you never—
Aiden's Father
(backhanding the desk)
She left because she was weak. You will not be.
(Back in the present, Aiden flinches slightly, stepping away from Julian.)
(Later that Night - 12:14 AM | Guest bedroom)
Julian Hale
Are you always this emotionally constipated, or is it just with me?
Aiden Reiss
(downstairs, alone in the study) You’re not the only one fighting yourself.
Julian Hale
Then stop looking at me like you’re starving.
Aiden Reiss
You smell like something I’ve waited for.
That’s not hunger.
It’s recognition.
Julian Hale
(typing) .......
(Penthouse Kitchen – Next Morning)
Julian walks in wearing Aiden’s oversized shirt. The scent clings to him. Aiden, already making coffee, glances up—and falters.
Julian Hale
You left it on my door. Thought I’d complete the married look.
Aiden Reiss
(quietly) You look better in it than I do.
Julian Hale
Careful. That almost sounded like a compliment.
Aiden Reiss
(watching him sit across the counter) Maybe I’m warming up to the idea of you being here.
Julian Hale
And maybe I’m still deciding if I want to stay.
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