[EDITING] ALPHA UNIVERSE #5: DESIROUS

CHAPTER 15

Over the next four days, Harin and Jeno's interactions were anything but harmonious. Their occasional exchanges were tainted with negativity, filled with snide remarks and biting sarcasm.

It wasn't a proper interaction—far from it. It was childish and wildly immature, especially for two people of their stature and positions.

Jeno had a knack for leaving subtle traces of his scent on Harin whenever they happened to occupy the same space. This seemingly innocuous act wasn't without consequences. It caused a stir among those who noticed the lingering traces, leading to whispered misunderstandings about the female alpha being involved with a pureblood.

If Jeno's tactics revolved around dominance and feigned ownership, Harin countered with her sharp wit and an even sharper tongue.

She always managed to win their verbal sparring matches, twisting his words and throwing them back at him with a mischievous grin. Whether it was a pointless argument or a battle of flirtation laced with double meanings, she never failed to rile him up. By the end of each exchange, it was Harin who walked away victorious, grinning, while Jeno glared at her in frustration.

Jeno struggled to maintain his composure. There were moments when he was so close to losing control, and the temptation to shut her up with a kiss hovered dangerously close. But he knew better—at least for now.

"Finally, I've got you two in one place," Jaemin announced, plopping down into a chair with an exasperated sigh. Before him sat the two people responsible for his mounting stress, sitting with a deliberate distance between them.

"If you're not bickering with words, you're doing it with your eyes. And if not that, then you"—he pointed at Jeno—"are scenting her just to tease. And you"—he turned to Harin—"are doing everything in your power to piss him off. Jeno, do you know that scenting someone is an act of ownership?"

Jeno shrugged nonchalantly. "It's just teasing."

Jaemin's gaze darkened as he turned to Harin. "And you, Harin, if you don't filter your words, someone's bound to snap."

Harin merely rolled her eyes, her disinterest in his scolding clear.

Jaemin groaned at their lack of remorse. "What the hell is wrong with you two!?"

"Tone down your scent," Harin and Jeno said in perfect unison, their simultaneous annoyance directed at the omega.

Jaemin blinked, momentarily thrown off. He huffed, grabbed his water bottle, and gulped down half its contents. After calming himself, he pointed at both of them. "You're in my territory. I have the authority here, so listen up."

Jeno raised an eyebrow, smirking. "And what is it you really want, Nana? Want me to make amends with her?" He jabbed a finger in Harin's direction.

Jaemin gasped in mock horror, slapping Jeno's hand away. "Don't point! That's rude! And it's not just about amends—I want you two to treat each other fairly!"

"That's impossible, Nana," Harin said with a small chuckle. "We can't even share a room without wanting to rip each other's throats out."

Jaemin's glare deepened as he stood and crossed his arms. "No. It's either you fix this childish feud, or I'm done with both of you."