ALPHA UNIVERSE #6: CRAVING YOU

CHAPTER 22

Mark was sure his pheromones had just released on their own, a physical manifestation of the frustration surging through him when he saw Jaehyun emerging from the gate.

He clenched the steering wheel tighter, his jaw locking as his eyes followed the alpha model's every move. It wasn't supposed to be like this. Mark was the one who had offered Danielle a ride home tonight. Per her mother's instructions, she was heading back, and her place was in the complete opposite direction of the university dorms.

Yet here Jaehyun was, securely wrapping his arm around Danielle's waist, steadying her as she walked.

It was a simple act, one that could easily be dismissed as gentlemanly, considering Danielle had trouble keeping her balance. But to Mark, it was more than that—it was an invasion of space, a claim being laid on something that wasn't his to take.

Mark scowled.

He knew he was being ridiculous, overdramatic, even, but the jealousy gnawed at him regardless.

"What's with that model?" he muttered, unable to stop himself from voicing his frustration.

His sudden outburst startled Giselle, who glanced at him through the rearview mirror, her brow arching in amusement.

"What?"

"Is he that close with Elle?"

"Probably," she answered nonchalantly. "They've known each other for weeks."

Mark's frown deepened. "And Auntie Irene is okay with that?"

"Considering Jaehyun is still there, it's clearly okay with her," Giselle replied, now visibly entertained by his irritation.

"I don't get it. She just lets a stranger live with them?"

"Jaehyun is not a stranger! He's working with Auntie," Giselle said, exasperated. "And what's with this whole conversation, Mark? You're so confusing."

Mark merely rolled his eyes, gripping the wheel tighter.

"Do you really like Elle that much?"

The question hit him like a freight train. His hands momentarily tensed before he forced himself to relax.

Mark nearly slammed on the brakes, his eyes widening at her words. He struggled to keep his expression neutral, but the telltale stiffness in his posture gave him away. His grip on the wheel tightened before he sighed, trying to suppress the sudden dizziness that overcame him.

Giselle noticed, locking her phone and giving him her full attention.

"You've been different around her lately. It's obvious. Like, painfully obvious," she continued. "And you're so jealous it's almost funny."

"They're not just close," Mark argued, voice taut with frustration. "In every way possible, they're practically living together!"

"Why are you yelling at me? I'm not the one who put them in the same house!"

The air inside the car grew thick, their pheromones clashing in an invisible battle of dominance. The tension was suffocating, and Mark, realizing this, hastily rolled down the windows, allowing the cool night air to sweep through and dissipate the suffocating presence.