Boris returned to the building, a hotel owned by the Hanover family, where he was supposed to meet his mate and formally sever the bond.
"Young Omega Langston," an old man greeted him at the entrance. "You didn't come yesterday, and now you return so early this morning?"
"I had an unexpected duty," Boris replied softly. "I'm sure you've heard about the fight between Western Wind Pack and Crescent Fall Pack."
His eyes were bloodshot, his voice weary. The exhaustion clung to him like a second skin.
The old omega, Solomon, studied him for a moment but didn't press further. "Room 67 is ready for you, as Alpha Malakai ordered."
Even better. He couldn't bear facing his mother's sharp eyes, she would instantly detect he'd been… penetrated. Nor could he stay in the same house as his father, not until he severed this shameful bond with someone like Alpha Malakai Hanover. So as not to disgrace the Alpha.
He located the room, swiped the keycard, and walked in. The moment the door clicked shut, he headed straight for the bathroom.
Soon, he was soaking in the hot tub, steam rising around his bare shoulders. His cheeks burned as memories from the night before played behind his closed eyes. He buried his face in his arms, groaning quietly.
His emotions were tangled and raw.
He had given himself to a man he barely knew.
Worse still, he had a mate.
But despite all of it… he liked it. He even wanted it again.
After washing up, he dressed quickly and headed out the door.
Old Solomon spotted him leaving and hurried over. "Leaving already? Shouldn't you wait for Alpha Malakai's command? Why not have breakfast while you wait?"
Boris checked the time on his phone and shook his head. "I'm a healer. Without me, werewolves die. Alpha Malakai has never had to grasp how precious time is to someone in my duty or that I am duty bound."
Solomon, nodding with understanding, didn't argue. He disappeared briefly and returned with a bottle of warm milk and a neatly packed breakfast. "Try to eat more than just a bite when you get to the hospital. And drink the milk while it's still warm, it's better that way."
Boris was touched. He looked down, voice soft. "Thank you."
"Oh, it's nothing," Solomon said with a warm smile. His round face radiated kindness. "Until you're no longer Alpha Malakai's mate, I'm obligated to care for you."
Boris accepted the food, then stepped out into the morning.
But he didn't head straight to the hospital. His early departure had a different reason—he needed to visit someone at the border. A friend who supplied him with heat suppressant pills. This time, the friend had something better: a liquid version that could be injected.
This was his shot at that big promotion. With it, he'd finally have access to the General Healing House for supernaturals—both inside and outside the Southside Forest, and not just for werewolves.
He reached the border and found the guy waiting. He wore all black, face hidden behind a mask.
"Oi, my man! Boris!" the guy called out.
Boris smiled when he saw the familiar medical case in his hand. "Jace."
Jace handed over the box. "No need for money. My brother already wired me your payment. I'm glad he supports you, and I do too."
He genuinely liked Boris and that's why he would do anything for Boris. Boris didn't look older too and Jace felt they both would one day hit it off.
Boris nodded. Jace's brother was a werewolf, though Jace had no idea. All he believed was that his brother, Axel, was studying medicine abroad, and Boris served as a bridge between them.
In truth, Axel had been bitten—turned into what Jace couldn't even fathom. He lived in the werewolf world now, hiding to protect Jace. As for Boris, his omega scent made him blend in with humans so well that Jace had never once suspected the truth.
"I'll send your greetings to Axel…" Boris started, but his phone buzzed and vibrated in his pocket. He checked the screen and glanced at Jace. "It's Axel."
"Oh!" Jace's eyes lit up. "Can I talk to him?"
Boris smiled faintly and answered, putting the call on speaker.
From the other end came Axel's voice:
"Boris, return. Now."