Chapter 4: Web of Lies and Desire**

The city of **Aeloria** never truly slept, and neither could Ricky. He paced the length of his small apartment, nerves frayed, mind racing with conflicting thoughts. The heat of the previous night still lingered in his body, a constant reminder of Xavier’s claim, yet the shadow of danger hovered close.

The knock came at noon—louder this time, more insistent. Ricky’s heart leapt. He knew who it would be before opening the door. And sure enough, Lorenzo stood there, polished, calm, dangerous. But this time, his charm carried an edge—a subtle threat.

“Ricky,” Lorenzo said smoothly, eyes glinting. “I think we need to talk… away from here.”

Ricky’s pulse spiked. “I… I can’t. Xavier—”

“Xavier isn’t invincible,” Lorenzo interrupted, stepping closer. “You should know that, little omega. Allies can turn into enemies faster than you think.”

The words hit Ricky like a blade. Confusion and fear surged, mingling with the remnants of desire still thrumming through him from last night. Was Xavier’s dominance protective—or a dangerous obsession? Was he truly safe here?

Before Ricky could respond, a sudden commotion in the streets drew their attention. Black-clad figures—enforcers of the **Crimson Fangs**—were attacking a nearby merchant, sending screams echoing through the alleyways. Instinctively, Ricky’s eyes darted to Xavier.

The alpha appeared as if from nowhere, muscles tensed, eyes blazing silver. Within moments, he had neutralized the threat with precise, terrifying efficiency. Ricky’s chest heaved, awe and desire mixing with fear. The man before him was dangerous, powerful… and utterly his.

But the sight of Lorenzo watching from the shadows, smirk still in place, planted a seed of mistrust. Ricky felt torn—loyalty to Xavier, instincts screaming for caution, and the confusing allure of Lorenzo’s charm.

Xavier returned to Ricky’s side, hands firm on his shoulders. “You’re safe,” he said, voice low, almost possessive. “For now. But the world outside… it won’t wait. And neither will the forces who want to control you.”

Ricky trembled, body leaning instinctively into Xavier’s warmth. “I… I don’t know what to do,” he admitted, voice small. “Everyone… it’s all so confusing.”

“You’re mine,” Xavier whispered, lips brushing the sensitive skin of Ricky’s neck. “And that… that will never change.”

The possessive heat of the alpha was a balm and a spark all at once, washing away some fear while igniting desire anew. Ricky let himself melt against Xavier, the pull between them unbreakable even as shadows of betrayal and arranged marriage pressures loomed.

Later that evening, Xavier guided Ricky through the dimly lit streets to a safe house, the air thick with tension. “You’ll need to learn,” Xavier murmured, “to trust instincts, not appearances. Not everyone is what they seem.”

Ricky’s mind spun. Lorenzo. The mafia. The whispers of arranged marriages. And yet, the bond with Xavier—soft, firm, possessive, tender—was undeniable. Even in the chaos, desire burned hot and unrelenting.

As Xavier pressed him against the cold stone wall, hands sliding possessively along his sides, Ricky’s body responded instinctively. Heat pooled, pulse racing, shivering with a mixture of fear, need, and submission.

“Do you feel it?” Xavier murmured, voice rough with desire. “The hunger… the bond… the pull between us?”

Ricky gasped, nodding, unable to form words. “Yes… I… I can’t fight it,” he whispered.

“Good,” Xavier breathed, pressing lips to neck, shoulder, chest—possessing him softly but insistently. “Because you won’t have to. You’re mine. Only mine. And no one—no mafia, no schemer, no arranged marriage—will take that from you.”

Outside, the city buzzed with danger and deception. Inside, the alpha and omega clung to each other, desire flaring, passion igniting, trust forming—fragile yet unbreakable, ready to face the storms ahead.

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