Shoji felt dwarfed by the sheer size of the city, its vastness making him feel even smaller than he already was. He kept close to Xanthos as they stepped into the massive skyscraper. The building loomed above them, disappearing into the clouds, and Shoji had never felt so tiny. The city was overwhelming, but something about being near Xanthos, as intimidating as he was, made him feel protected.
Xanthos moved with purpose, his expression cool and unreadable. His large hand, firm but not unkind, guided Shoji through the grand lobby. Everything about the place screamed power and wealth—the polished marble floors, the intricate chandeliers casting soft light, and the quiet, efficient staff who nodded respectfully as they passed. Shoji felt a knot of anxiety in his stomach. This was a world he didn’t understand, a world he wasn’t sure he belonged in.
Xanthos didn’t bother with reassurances. Instead, he merely kept his hand on Shoji’s back, steering him towards a private elevator. “This way,” he said, his voice low and commanding. It wasn’t a request; it was a directive.
Shoji nodded, swallowing hard, and followed. He could feel the strength in Xanthos’ touch, a silent promise of protection, even if his demeanor was distant. Inside the elevator, the atmosphere was tense, filled with unspoken words. Shoji sneaked a glance at Xanthos, whose eyes were fixed straight ahead, his jaw set in a firm line.
The elevator doors opened to a luxurious penthouse, and Shoji’s breath caught in his throat. The view was astounding—an endless stretch of city lights glittering against the night sky. The room was spacious, elegantly furnished, but there was a coldness to it, a reflection of its owner.
“Make yourself comfortable,” Xanthos said curtly, gesturing to a large sofa. He walked over to a bar in the corner of the room, his movements precise and controlled, pouring two glasses of dark amber liquid.
Shoji sat down tentatively, feeling the coolness of the leather beneath him. His gaze flicked to Xanthos, who was approaching with the drinks. He accepted the glass with both hands, feeling a bit lost in the vastness of the room and the man before him.
Xanthos sat beside him, his presence commanding even in silence. “Drink,” he said, not unkindly, but with an edge that brooked no argument.
Shoji took a cautious sip, the warmth of the liquid spreading through him. He could feel Xanthos watching him, his intense gaze studying every movement. It was both unsettling and strangely comforting, knowing that Xanthos was so aware of him.
“You’re not used to this,” Xanthos observed bluntly. There was no judgment in his tone, just a simple statement of fact.
Shoji nodded, feeling a bit exposed under Xanthos’ scrutiny. “No,” he admitted softly, “I’m not.”
Xanthos leaned back, his expression inscrutable. “You’ll get used to it,” he said, his tone flat. “This city, this life—it’s not easy. But you’re here now, with me. That’s all that matters.”
There was something in Xanthos’ words that made Shoji’s heart skip a beat. He knew Xanthos wasn’t the type to coddle or soothe with sweet words. His care was shown in different ways—through protection, through his presence, through the cold but unwavering attention he gave to Shoji.
Shoji looked down at his glass, feeling the weight of Xanthos’ words. Despite the alpha’s aloofness, Shoji could sense the underlying care, the unspoken promise that he wouldn’t let anything happen to him.
“I… appreciate it,” Shoji whispered, his voice barely above a whisper.
Xanthos didn’t respond, but his hand moved to rest on Shoji’s knee, firm and steady. It wasn’t a tender touch, but it was grounding, reassuring in its own way. “You’re safe here,” he said finally, his voice softer, though still edged with that characteristic coolness. “As long as you’re with me, you’ll always be safe.”
