The sleek black Maserati waited just outside the auction house, its engine purring like a beast on a leash. Night had fallen, and the warm haze of streetlamps flickered through the tinted windows.
Alessio opened the back door with a click, stepping aside. "Get in."
Noah stared at him, lips pressed into a thin, angry line. He was still draped in Alessio's expensive coat, which swallowed his smaller frame. The silk auction robe clung to his damp skin underneath, and his bare legs gleamed under the streetlight.
"I'm not your pet," Noah muttered under his breath, brushing past him as he slid into the car with a huff of defiance.
Alessio smiled darkly and followed, slamming the door behind him.
Inside, the air was thick. The scent of leather, rich cologne, and tension.
Enzo was in the front seat with Theo, stealing glances through the rearview mirror.
"I swear to God, Alessio, if you pounce on him in the backseat, we're pulling over," Theo muttered.
"Shut up," Alessio said smoothly, never looking away from Noah.
The omega kept his eyes forward, but his fingers were tight in his lap. The coat had slipped slightly, revealing the soft curve of his collarbone.
"So," Alessio said, voice low. "You're not scared of me?"
Noah turned to him slowly, gaze sharp. "No."
"That's new."
"What do you want me to say?" Noah snapped. "That I'm grateful? That I want to throw myself at you because you threw some money around?"
Alessio tilted his head, smiling like he had all night to play this game. "Wouldn't mind."
Noah's eyes flashed. "I'd rather die."
"You're not dying. You're coming home with me."
Noah leaned closer, ignoring how their thighs brushed. "Then kill that thought now. I won't sleep with you. I won't obey you. And I sure as hell won't wear your name."
Alessio's hand moved lightning-fast, gripping Noah's jaw—not hard, not bruising, but firm enough to make him gasp softly. "Funny," he murmured. "Because the more you say no, the more I want to hear you moan yes."
Noah's heart thudded. "Get your hands off me."
Alessio released him—but not before dragging his thumb slowly across Noah's bottom lip. "So soft," he murmured. "You act like you're made of steel, but I wonder what sound you make when I break that little act of yours."
Noah pushed him again, hard this time. "Touch me again and I'll bite."
Alessio grinned. "Careful. I like bite marks."
"Bro," Enzo called from the front, half-turning. "Seriously, you're acting unhinged."
Theo sighed. "I told you not to sit in the back with him."
"I'm not doing anything," Alessio said, voice cool. "Just getting to know my property."
"I'm not your property," Noah hissed.
Alessio leaned back, spreading his arms across the leather seat. His thigh brushed against Noah's again, intentionally now. "You're mine," he said, voice low. "The moment I raised that bid, you became mine."
Noah whipped toward him. "I am not an object you can own—"
"But I paid for you," Alessio interrupted. "I chose you. Out of a hundred scared little things parading like broken dolls, you were the only one who didn't flinch. Who looked me in the eyes like you wanted to set me on fire."
Noah blinked. His breath caught in his throat.
"You saw me," Alessio whispered, his voice almost reverent. "And you didn't cower. You challenged me."
Noah tried to swallow the sudden lump in his throat. "And now what? You think we're equals?"
"No," Alessio said, his eyes darkening. "I think you're mine."
The silence crackled like electricity.
Noah turned his face away, jaw tight. "You'll never have me."
"I don't need to have you tonight," Alessio said. "But you'll be in my bed. In my home. In my world. And every day, you'll feel me getting closer."
The words slithered around Noah like silk. It wasn't fear he felt—it was heat. Dangerous heat, curling low in his belly. He hated it. Hated the way this man made his body react.
"I won't break," he muttered.
"I'm not asking you to," Alessio whispered. "I want you whole. I want you fighting. I want you clawing at me when I pin you down."
Noah glared. "You think this is sexy?"
"I think you're sexy."
Theo groaned. "We need a divider in this damn car."
The rest of the ride was quiet, but charged. Alessio didn't touch him again. He didn't need to.
Noah stared out the window, his fingers still clinging to the coat on his shoulders. Every cell in his body was aware of the man beside him—of his heat, his gaze, his dangerous patience.
And for the first time, he wondered if he hadn't been bought.
But hunted.
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