ALPHA UNIVERSE #6: CRAVING YOU

CHAPTER 20

It was no surprise when the alpha knocked on the door, his face tight with worry and an overwhelming sense of responsibility.

Irene hesitated before opening it fully, her gaze searching Mark's face. A sigh escaped her lips—because as much as she wanted to say no, she knew she couldn't.

She knew Mark. He was Giselle's brother, her daughter's classmate for four years, someone she had seen around often. He had always been kind, respectful, and considerate.

And yet, this was different.

Danielle was in heat. Mark was an alpha. Who knew what would happen next?

"Mark..." Irene finally spoke, voice laced with uncertainty.

The young man straightened, bowing slightly in respect. "Mrs. Yoon."

"I don't know..." she faltered, struggling to put her thoughts into words. "Elle... she's..."

She wasn't sure how much she wanted to know about what was going on between them. If she found out they had been messing around for a while now, she didn't even want to imagine how complicated this situation would become.

Still, one thing was clear—her daughter had called for an alpha for the first time in her life. And it was Mark.

"Just be extra careful, okay?" Irene finally said, looking up at the young man who, despite his gentle demeanor, still carried the natural dominance of his kind.

Mark nodded firmly. "I will, Mrs. Yoon."

She studied him for a moment longer before sighing. "I could ask what's going on between you two, but I think I'll figure it out soon enough. Elle has never called for an alpha before, so... this means something. Mark, I trust you. Don't break it."

Mark swallowed, his hands curling into fists at his sides. "We've gotten closer recently," he admitted, though he didn't elaborate.

Irene nodded, accepting the vague response. She didn't press for details—this wasn't the time.

Just then, Mark stiffened. His heightened senses picked up another presence—another alpha. His gaze snapped toward the direction of the unfamiliar scent, his brows furrowing in irritation as his eyes landed on someone he did recognize.

Jaehyun.

Mark's scowl deepened.

Irene noticed his shift in demeanor and quickly intervened. "Jaehyun, this is Mark. Mark, Jaehyun. While I call Elle down, why don't you two introduce yourselves?"

Neither man moved.

Jaehyun, dressed casually in a fitted shirt that did little to hide his broad frame, eyed Mark with mild curiosity. He's sure why the younger alpha was here, but judging by his stiff posture and darkening expression, he could tell Mark wasn't pleased by his presence.

For Mark, the model was a direct threat.

He had been living under the same roof as Danielle for weeks, growing close to her and her family. It irritated Mark to no end. What if Jaehyun was a potential mate? The thought made something ugly coil in his chest.

He wasn't ready to confess to Danielle yet, but he was selfish enough to want her for himself.

The heavy tension in the air only lifted when the scent of Danielle's heat grew stronger, cutting through Mark's thoughts like a sharp blade. He instinctively looked up just as Irene and Danielle descended the stairs.