Bound To An Alpha

As usual, whenever we found ourselves alone, making love became an irresistible urge. But the consequence of overdoing it was that I often ended up with a fever. And here I was again, feeling the familiar heat creeping through my body.

At two in the morning, we finally drove back home, and Lukas had already called the family doctor. I wanted to protest, to tell him that he didn't need to call that damn doctor, but the dizziness clouding my thoughts made it impossible to form the words. I could already imagine Max's annoying grin when he found out I was sick again because I had pushed myself too far.

However when we arrived, he checked my condition with a quiet professionalism, likely aware of the tension in the room with Lukas hovering protectively beside me. But when Lukas' phone rang, he excused himself to take the call, leaving me alone with Max.

The moment Lukas stepped out, Max's expression shifted to one of mischief, a smile spreading across his face like a clown.

"What?" I snapped, irritation bubbling up inside me.

"Have you forgotten what I said to you?" he teased, his laughter echoing in the small room.

I turned my gaze away, unwilling to engage.

"Don't overexert yourself..." he continued, chuckling as he dodged the pillow I threw at him, which he caught effortlessly.

"By the way, I have some important news to tell you," he said, his tone suddenly serious.

"What?" I asked, curiosity piqued despite my annoyance.

"There have been breakthroughs in medical research that will finally allow for a cure to legally wash away a mark," he announced, his eyes gleaming with excitement.

I stared at him, my heart racing.

"The mark that Lukas gave you will be permanently removed, and your ties with each other will finally be cut," he continued.

Stunned, I felt a wave of emotions crash over me. Instead of feeling happy, a deep-seated fear gripped my heart. "Does... Lukas know this?" I managed to ask, my voice barely above a whisper.

"He knows," Max replied, his expression serious. "In fact, he's the most important investor in this medical research."

"When did this research start?" I asked, my curiosity piqued despite the heaviness in my chest.

Max furrowed his brow, trying to recall the timeline. "I think it began about seven or eight years ago. When the research was first introduced, a lot of Alphas were against it. They thought it was impossible. You see, most Alphas have possessive desires that are stronger than those of ordinary people, and they often view their Omegas as possessions. The idea of letting go, of allowing their Omegas to break free from their control, was something they simply couldn't accept."

I listened intently, the weight of his words sinking in.

"This research was doomed to fail after countless attempts," he continued, shaking his head. "The bond created by the mark is incredibly complicated. But Lukas... he refused to give up. He continued to invest in this research, believing that it could lead to something groundbreaking. It was only recently, about six months ago, that it finally came to fruition."

Half a year... That was when Lukas had pushed himself to the brink, working tirelessly and going home late. 

I turned my attention back to Max as he began speaking again. "I think I've already sent an official document here? Haven't you received it yet?"

"I..." I hesitated, about to say no, but then I remembered the document I had personally delivered to Lukas' company. Why hadn't he mentioned it? "I—I received it..." I managed to say, even though I don't know what's inside it. 

Max studied me for a moment, his expression softening. He reached out and patted my head gently. "Don't worry about a thing. Although I can't say much from my standpoint, I think Lukas is doing this for you."

His words hung in the air, and I found myself at a loss for what to say. The weight of his statement settled heavily on my heart, mixing with the confusion swirling in my mind.

"Rest up," he said, his tone reassuring. "You'll be fine after a good night's sleep."

I nodded, feeling the exhaustion wash over me as I laid down blankly on the bed. I heard his footsteps retreating, the soft click of my door closing behind him. Outside, I could make out the muffled voices of Lukas and Max, their conversation a distant hum that faded into the background as I closed my eyes. My thoughts, however, were a chaotic storm.

I had always believed that the feelings between us could endure, and I was beginning to embrace this life we had built together. I thought that since we were bound for life, all I needed to do was wait for Lukas to truly accept me. But now, it seemed he was preparing to return to our old lives, leaving me behind.

Was that why he maintained this ambiguous relationship with me? Why he never responded when I hoped he would treat my home as his? Perhaps he viewed our trip to my hometown as nothing more than a final memory, a fleeting moment before moving on.

Just then, I heard the door open, and I immediately recognized Lukas' presence. He approached, his hand reaching out as if to touch my forehead, but I turned away, my back facing him. "I'm fine," I insisted, trying to mask the turmoil inside.

"You're not looking fine to me," he replied, concern lacing his voice.

"Lukas..." I finally found the courage to ask, my heart racing. "I heard from the doctor about a medicine that can erase the mark... Do you... want me to... take the medicine?"

He paused, looking at me with an intensity that made my heart race. "If that's what you want, then I'll accept your decision."

His words struck me like a cold wave, washing over me and leaving me feeling numb. 

~~~ ~~~ ~~~ ~~~ ~~~ ~~~ ~~~

We were back to being strangers again—two people sharing space but not lives. 

After hearing his answer—so calmly accepting the possibility of our separation—my facade remained intact. I smiled when expected, spoke when spoken to, but a quiet distance settled between us. But as days passed, I began to question my own resistance.

If our time together was truly finite—if Lukas could face this ending with such detached resolve—why couldn't I? Why waste these dwindling days in silent resentment when we could weave happy memories that are worth keeping?

The next morning, I woke up early as I made my way to the kitchen. I prepared breakfast with care, the aroma of sizzling eggs and freshly brewed coffee filling the air. When Lukas joined me at the table, we ate silently but at ease.

After breakfast, I stood at the door, watching him as he prepared to leave. I waved goodbye, and I can see that he looked surprised since he paused but then I noticed a flicker of happiness lighting up his features. 

But then it was my turn to be surprised when he returned to me, standing just a breath away. He seemed to be waiting for something, and in that instant, I remembered our routine—the way I used to kiss him goodbye before he left for work. But it had been so long since we had shared any kind of intimacy, and a wave of uncertainty washed over me.

As he bent down to kiss me, I instinctively turned my head, my lips brushing against his cheek instead. Before he could reach for me, I took a quick step back, my voice steady but my heart racing. "Bye now, you might be late to your work," I said as I closed the door between us.

I leaned against the door, my heart pounding. 

Meanwhile on the other side of the door. 

Lukas stood frozen, his outstretched hand hovering in the air where Stella had been just moments before. The warmth of her lips still lingered on his cheek, His fingers twitched, grasping at the empty space before falling limp at his side.

Alone again.

The thought slithered through him like cold water. He stared at the closed door, their morning ritual fractured. No teasing remark about his tardiness. No last-minute coffee stain she'd dab at with her thumb. Just silence.