💘ENTWINED DESTINIES 💘

BETWEEN US

💗CH -8💗

Izzy walks beside Magnus, guiding him through the spacious, lavish hallways of Alejandro's grand house. She can sense the tension in Magnus, the way he holds himself so tightly, as if bracing for a blow that never comes. Life here is a far cry from what he has known, a world where alphas like Ethan rule and omegas like him struggle to find their place.

Alejandro’s office is at the end of the hall, a large door standing between them and whatever new demands will be placed on Magnus today. As they approach, Magnus hesitates for just a moment, his eyes flickering to Izzy, but she offers a reassuring nod. He knows he has no choice but to adapt, even if everything inside him screams against it.

When they enter, Alejandro is already seated behind his desk, the very image of control. His dark eyes immediately land on Magnus, softening for a moment before they harden again. Alejandro’s gaze lingers on him, the omega who has caught his attention in more ways than one. Magnus feels it, the weight of his stare, and it makes his skin prickle.

"Magnus," Alejandro says, his deep voice filling the room. "Come in. Sit."

Magnus hesitates, glancing at Izzy for support. She nods again, and he takes a seat across from Alejandro, his posture stiff, his hands clenched in his lap. He hates feeling this vulnerable, hates that no matter where he goes, the torment he has endured still clings to him like a shadow.

Alejandro : "You’ve been here for some time now, Magnus. I know this isn’t easy for you, but I want to help you. You don’t need to carry this burden alone." (Alejandro leans back in his chair, studying Magnus with a look of intrigue.)

Magnus lowers his gaze, his heart pounding. He has heard these words before, promises of help, of care, but they have always come with a price. He is tired, so tired of hoping that things might be different.

"You’re strong," Alejandro continues, his voice softening. "You’ve survived so much already. But I want you to do more than survive here, Magnus. I want you to thrive."

Magnus doesn’t respond. He has learned to keep his emotions hidden, to protect himself from the constant weight of others’ expectations. He glances around the room, the symbols of wealth and power surrounding him, so different from the jungle world he once called home. Alejandro, an alpha in every sense of the word, represents a world of dominance and control.

But there is something different about Alejandro, something that makes Magnus pause. He has seen the way Alejandro treats those in his house—Alexander, his twin brother, and Izzy, Jace. They live under his roof, but Alejandro does not rule them with cruelty. There is respect, a kind of twisted care.

"I don’t need your help," Magnus says quietly, though his voice lacks the sharpness he intended.

Alejandro chuckles softly. "You may not need it, but I’m offering it anyway." He leans forward, his gaze locking onto Magnus's. "You’re part of this household now. I take care of my own."

Magnus flinches inwardly at the word "household." It feels like a cage, another place where he is trapped. Yet he knows there is no escaping it. His twin, Alexander, is here, as are Izzy and Jace. They all live under this roof, under each other’s watchful eye.

Alejandro stands, moving around the desk to stand in front of Magnus. He places a hand on Magnus’s shoulder, the touch surprisingly gentle for someone so powerful. Magnus stiffens but does not pull away.

"You don’t have to hide from me," Alejandro says, his voice soft now, almost soothing. "I know what you’ve been through, Magnus. I know it hasn’t been easy. But you’re safe here."