Unlikely Mates

6

**Chapter Six: Clash of Desires**

Max’s day had dragged on in an unremarkable haze. Each class seemed to blend into the next, with his mind stubbornly replaying the confrontation with Bradley. The tension from earlier had followed him through his day, refusing to be shaken off no matter how hard he tried to focus on his work.

By the time he walked into his final class of the day—an advanced seminar on business ethics—Max was exhausted, his mind preoccupied with thoughts of Bradley. It didn’t help that the alpha had a way of popping up in his life at the worst possible times, like an uninvited guest who refused to leave.

He settled into his usual seat near the back of the seminar room, hoping to go unnoticed. The room was already filled with students, engaged in quiet conversations as they waited for the professor to arrive. Max pulled out his notebook and began scribbling down thoughts for an upcoming project, trying to ignore the uneasy feeling in the pit of his stomach.

As if summoned by Max’s thoughts, Bradley strolled into the room just moments before the professor did. The alpha’s presence seemed to draw the attention of everyone in the room, like a magnet. Max’s gaze shot up, locking onto Bradley as he casually took a seat in the row directly in front of him.

Bradley’s scent—cedarwood and leather—drifted back to Max, a reminder of their earlier encounter. Max’s heart quickened, and he forced himself to look away, focusing intently on his notes. He could feel Bradley’s eyes on him, though, and it was all too clear that the alpha was just as interested in their interaction as Max was.

The seminar began, with the professor diving into a complex discussion about corporate ethics and social responsibility. Max tried to stay engaged, his pen moving furiously across the page as he jotted down key points. But every few moments, he could feel Bradley’s gaze lingering on him, a constant distraction that was impossible to ignore.

Finally, the professor opened the floor for discussion, and Bradley’s hand shot up almost immediately. Max rolled his eyes. Of course. The alpha was always eager to make his opinions known.

Bradley’s voice cut through the room with effortless confidence. “I think it’s important to consider the long-term implications of corporate decisions, not just the immediate impact. Ethical practices aren’t just about appearances—they’re about creating sustainable change.”

The discussion quickly shifted to focus on Bradley’s points. Max tried to follow along, but his irritation was mounting. He hated how easily Bradley commanded the room, how everyone seemed to hang on his every word. It wasn’t just arrogance; it was something deeper, a magnetic pull that drew people in, and Max was no exception.

When it was Max’s turn to speak, he couldn’t help but let his frustration show. “With all due respect, Bradley, it’s not just about creating change. It’s about being accountable for the consequences of your actions. You can’t just sweep ethical concerns under the rug because they’re inconvenient.”

Bradley turned around slowly, his gaze meeting Max’s with a mixture of surprise and amusement. “Oh? And here I thought you were too busy trying to avoid me to care about corporate ethics.”

Max’s face flushed with a mix of anger and embarrassment. “Maybe I care more than you think. Or maybe I just don’t appreciate being dismissed because of who I am.”

Bradley’s smirk widened. “You’re certainly making your presence known today, Goof. But don’t mistake my interest for dismissal.”

Max’s eyes narrowed. “Why do you even care what I think? You’ve made it clear you don’t have any respect for omegas who don’t fit your ideal image.”