Cracks in the Mask

Evan knew something was wrong the moment he woke up.

His body felt heavy.

Warm.

Too warm.

Sunlight filtered through the curtains, but instead of comfort, it made his skin prickle. His breath came shallow as he sat up slowly, fingers trembling as they pressed against his chest.

No…

His suppressants hadn’t failed. They couldn’t have.

And yet his omega stirred beneath the surface—uneasy, sensitive, alert.

A warning.

Evan swallowed hard.

“This isn’t happening,” he whispered.

But his body didn’t listen.

By afternoon, Evan was standing in the lobby of Hale Group, struggling to keep his expression cold and controlled.

Every sound felt louder.

Every scent sharper.

He could feel his pheromones pressing against the walls he’d built around them, restless and unstable.

Just get through today.

The elevator doors slid open.

And there he was.

Lucas Reed stepped inside, calm as ever, dark eyes flicking toward Evan before politely looking away.

Evan’s heart skipped.

Too close.

The space suddenly felt too small.

Lucas frowned slightly—noticing Evan’s pale face, the tension in his shoulders.

“Mr. Hale,” he said softly. “Are you sure you’re alright?”

“I told you already,” Evan snapped, gripping the railing. “I’m fine.”

But his voice wavered.

Just barely.

Lucas caught it.

His alpha stirred—low, controlled, but alert.

Something’s wrong.

The elevator stopped.

Evan swayed.

Just for a second.

Lucas moved without thinking.

His hand hovered near Evan’s elbow—not touching, but ready.

“Careful,” Lucas murmured.

The word was gentle.

Protective.

And it shattered Evan’s fragile balance.

A rush of warmth surged through him, sharp and dizzying. His suppressants burned painfully under his skin.

Near-heat.

Evan’s breath caught.

Not here. Not now.

He pulled away sharply, panic flashing in his eyes.

“Don’t—” he whispered.

Lucas immediately stepped back, hands raised slightly, respect clear in his posture.

“I won’t touch you,” he said quietly. “I promise.”

The sincerity in his voice made Evan’s chest ache.

Why was this alpha different?

Why wasn’t he pushing?

The elevator doors opened.

Evan rushed out, barely holding himself together.

Lucas watched him go, jaw tightening.

“…Damn it,” Lucas muttered.

Evan locked himself inside his office, sliding down the door until he was sitting on the floor.

His body trembled.

His omega was crying out—not for dominance, but for safety.

For calm.

For him.

Evan pressed his forehead to his knees.

“I hate this,” he whispered.

He hated being weak.

Hated losing control.

Hated that the only alpha who made him feel safe was the one he should fear most.

Outside the office, Lucas stood silently in the hallway.

He didn’t knock.

Didn’t push.

But he stayed.

Just in case.

His alpha instincts hummed—not possessive, not aggressive.

Protective.

Patient.

Whatever Evan Hale was hiding…

Lucas knew one thing for certain now.

He wasn’t a threat.

He was fragile.

And somehow—

Lucas found himself wanting to be the one who didn’t break him.

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