The moment I stepped out of Dad's office, my chest felt tight. I didn't even wait for the elevator to close before exhaling.
He mutters under his breath: Damn it… Dad will investigate Erven. I can't let this get out of hand.
Lucas dials his brother's number.
Lucas: Hello, Paul, where are you right now?
Paul: I'm at home… why? Did something happen?
Lucas: Can we meet? It's important… serious.
There's a pause.
Paul: Serious? Okay where do you want to meet?
Lucas: Come to my penthouse around 2 p.m. I'll explain everything.
Paul: Alright, I'll be there.
Lucas ends the call but keeps his phone in hand, thinking.
Lucas mutters: I can't let Dad touch him. I'll need Paul's help if I'm sent overseas again.
At the penthouse, Lucas steps out of the car.
Lucas: Keep an eye out. If Paul arrives, call me before letting him in.
Bodyguard: Yes, boss.
Soft footsteps run down the stairs.
Erven: Where did you go today?
Lucas: To the office, baby.
Erven blushes.
Lucas: You didn't take a bath yet, did you?
Erven: N-no! Don't sniff me! It tickles!
Lucas: Come here—let me see properly.
Erven giggles as Lucas guides him lightly around the living room. Lucas cups his face gently.
Lucas: Paul is coming later. Stay in the bedroom until I call you, okay?
Erven: Your brother… Paul?
Lucas: Yes. He's a beta. Works in Dad's company.
Erven: Wow… he must be smart.
Lucas: You're polite and considerate.
Lucas kisses Erven's forehead
At 2 p.m., Paul arrives. Lucas waits in the private office.
Paul: Alright, I'm here. So… what's this big problem?
Lucas: I need to tell you something. I found my fated omega. I've already imprinted him.
Paul: Wait—seriously? Then what about Nathan?
Lucas: I don't love Nathan. I never did. You know how I react around other omegas… except him.
Paul: So… who is it? Is he an omega too?
Lucas: Wait here. I'll bring him.
Lucas heads to the master bedroom, heart pounding.
Erven: Are you done talking?
Lucas: Not yet. Get dressed properly. I'm going to introduce you to Paul.
Erven: Wh–what? Why do you need to introduce me?
Lucas: I already told him about us, about the imprint. You're my partner now.
Erven: W-what should I wear?
Lucas picks a shirt with a slightly wide neckline to show the imprint.
Erven: But… it's showing…
Lucas: Good. I want Paul to see. You're mine. No one else can take you.
He kisses Erven softly and guides him to the office.
Lucas: Sorry for the wait. Paul, this is Seo Erven.
Erven: Hi…
Paul: Hi, I'm Paul, Lucas' younger brother.
Erven sits nervously beside Lucas. Lucas rests a hand lightly on his thigh.
Lucas: He's a recessive omega. His scent isn't strong. Sometimes he could pass as a beta, but he's still an omega.
Paul: He's… beautiful. You've got good taste, brother.
Paul hides a faint envy and refocuses.
Paul: Alright, what do you need from me?
Lucas: If I'm sent overseas again, I need you to protect Erven. I'm worried Dad might investigate him… maybe worse.
Paul: I'll do it. Don't worry, brother.
Erven: I'm… sorry. Because of me you both have to worry.
Paul: Don't apologize. You're my brother's partner. I'll treat you like family.
Lucas: I'm serious about him. I want to marry him properly.
Erven: Thank you… both of you.
Evening, 7 p.m.
Paul: I should go. It's late, and Dad already called me. If I don't go now, he'll notice...
Lucas: Thank you, Paul… for today. And for helping with Erven.
Paul: Always, brother.
Paul leaves in his BMW. Lucas closes the door and exhales.
Lucas: I don't care what Dad thinks… I'll protect you.
Erven: And I'l
l stay beside you… no matter what happens.
Lucas kisses the imprint on Erven's neck softly. Erven isn't just part of his life he's its center.