[EDITING] ALPHA UNIVERSE #5: DESIROUS

CHAPTER 8

That scent. That voice.

Jeno's mind drifted to it again, no matter how he tried to resist. It was faint, like a ghost lingering at the edge of his senses, yet so powerful it distracted him completely.

Nectarine blossoms and honey. Fresh, sweet, yet with an alluring strength that gripped him, seductive and unforgettable. The scent was unlike anything he had encountered before. It felt too distinctive, almost as if someone had crafted it precisely for her.

And her voice—firm, commanding. Jeno clenched his jaw. He was used to being the one in control, to others cowering under his own dominance. But this voice? It challenged him, riled him up. It had taunted him in a way no one dared, yet left him speechless, a sensation he found infuriating.

"What's wrong?" the omega beneath him asked, his voice tinged with worry as Jeno stilled. "Jeno, did I do something wrong?"

"No," Jeno replied flatly.

"Then... please, continue?" Renjun's voice held a hint of pleading.

Jeno sighed, slowly pulling away, ignoring the omega's whimper at the loss of warmth.

"Why are you stopping?" Renjun's round, glossy eyes searched his, a mixture of confusion and hurt etched on his face.

Jeno looked away, shaking his head. "We're done, Ren."

"But why?" Renjun's voice cracked, watching in disbelief as Jeno rose from the bed, gathering his clothes. "Did I do something wrong? Am I not good enough?"

Jeno shook his head. "It's not you, Renjun. My mind's... elsewhere. I can't give you the attention you deserve right now."

"Then let me help you forget," Renjun pleaded, his voice desperate. "I'll ride. I know what you like; I can make it good for us both."

"You should head back to the company," Jeno said with finality, slipping into his clothes. "Don't you have a live scheduled with Jisung?"

"Jisung can wait!"

"No, he's as impatient as I am," Jeno replied, shutting himself in the bathroom before Renjun could protest further.

The guilt gnawed at him. He knew Renjun deserved better, but his mind was tangled, unable to settle. The distraction gnawed at him, and the usual release that could clear his head seemed out of reach tonight.

In the shower, Jeno hissed in frustration, his hand reaching to ease the tension that coiled within him. He clenched his jaw, focusing on anything that could drive the need away, but his thoughts drifted right back to her.

Kwon Harin.

Goddammit. It was her. It had to be her. That night—he could still recall the way their scents had collided, her anger simmering under the surface. That scent, that unforgettable fragrance of nectarine blossoms and honey, wafting through the break room like a taunt. He could still feel the warmth of her hand beneath his grip, the sharpness of her voice that refused to yield.

"Fuck," he muttered, his body reacting instinctively, his hand moving faster, the frustration building as he strained to find release.