[EDITING] ALPHA UNIVERSE #5: DESIROUS

CHAPTER 2

Jeno slammed his workroom door a bit too hard, his anger—bubbling since the day began—finally boiling over.

He unbuttoned the top three buttons of his black shirt, brushing his hand through his hair before dropping into the swivel chair in front of his desk.

The air conditioning's cool breeze did little to calm his mind. He slumped back, his head resting against the chair, lost in thought.

Soft knocks broke the silence a moment later, and he frowned, wondering who'd be asking for him this early. Before he could answer, the door opened, and a bright-eyed omega stepped in, smiling with a familiar warmth that softened the edges of his scowl.

"Is that stress I see?" The male omega, Jaemin, wrinkled his nose as he closed the door. "Tone down your scent, Nono."

"What do you want, Jaemin?" Jeno sighed, trying and failing to rein in his simmering pheromones.

Jaemin pouted, then crossed the room, stopping right in front of Jeno. He positioned himself between Jeno's legs, offering a gentle presence amidst the frustration.

"A drunk alpha bumped my car on the way here," Jeno muttered, finally sharing the source of his irritation as he rubbed his temples. "That was maddening enough, and then there's this girl..."

Jeno paused, swallowing down the urge to vent further. Jaemin just smiled warmly before settling onto Jeno's lap, massaging his temples like it was the most natural thing in the world.

"It's okay, you can tell me."

Jeno hummed with relief at the soothing touch of Jaemin's fingers.

"A female alpha tested my patience," he scoffed. "She's a real handful. It's my first time seeing her, but I can already tell there won't be a moment without tension between us."

"Oh?" Jaemin's eyes lit up. "Was she in all black, with a cap and a black bag?"

Jeno frowned. "You know her?"

"She's Rian, the new choreographer. We rode the stairs up together and had a nice little chat. She did have a strong alpha presence, but that's normal, right?"

"Not if she's challenging purebloods like that. I'd have put her in her place if I hadn't held back."

"Easy there, big guy. Remember, I'm still an omega here, and your pheromones are overwhelming."

Jeno groaned, leaning back into his chair as Jaemin chuckled, slipping off his lap.

"She must be quite the brave alpha, making you mad like this. Interesting."

"It's far from interesting, Nana." Jeno grabbed Jaemin's hand before he could move away. "Got a bit of time to spare?"

Jaemin gave a soft smile. "I do, but not for what you're suggesting."

"Just this once, bunny," Jeno coaxed. "I'm really stressed."

"A no is a no, Jen."

Jeno scoffed. "Ever since you started your own channel, you always say no to me."