Champ's POV

  "You're spouting nonsense! Me? Kiss you? Are you out of your mind?!" Deux practically shrieked, looking horrified, as if the mere thought of it was the most revolting thing in existence.

  Excuse me? I am not a revolting creature!

  "Fine, fine! You're so paranoid! What I said wasn't true," I huffed, rolling my eyes.

  I was all set to tease him some more—after all, annoying Deux was my newfound favorite hobby—but he was clearly more short-tempered than I expected.

  "Ooh, careful! You might end up crying and running to your daddy!" I taunted with a smug grin.

  "You never say anything sensible!" he shot back, voice rising.

  "Alright, alright! Enough yelling! It's too early for this." I straightened up, pretending to be the reasonable one.

  He stood there, gring at me, while I gave him a knowing look.

  "What?" Deux asked suspiciously. "What are you trying to say now with that stupid expression of yours?"

  "Oh, nothing." I smirked. "Just wondering what happened to 'I'll just grab my coat and leave'? Huh? And yet, here you are—staying over, sleeping in my house like you own the pce."

  Deux swallowed, looking guilty.

  Aha! Out of excuses, are we?

  "Big talk for someone who practically took over my bed st night!" I scoffed.

  "As if that's my fault! Maybe you spiked my drink and food, knocked me out, and pnned to take advantage of me in my sleep!" he shot back, crossing his arms.

  I nearly choked. "You're insane, you know that?"

  "Whatever. I'm leaving now! Don't worry!" he huffed, turning on his heel—until we both heard it.

  (GRRRRRR.)

  A stomach-growling kind of loud.

  Silence.

  Deux stiffened, eyes darting anywhere but me.

  But of course, he still had the audacity to act like he wasn't embarrassed.

  He took another step toward the door, but I grabbed his arm.

  "Hold on, hold on..." I sighed in exasperation.

  "Now what? I'm already leaving your stupid territory, aren't I? What else do you want? You've already humiliated me, and I tolerated it because it's just the two of us here! What more do you want? Is this not enough?!"

  I raised an eyebrow. "Wow, Deux. Dramatic much? Honestly, you're worse than me!"

  "Just say whatever you're going to say!" he huffed.

  "You're not leaving."

  "Why not?!" His arms filed as he gred at me. "First, you want me to leave, now you don't? Champ, is your brain malfunctioning?"

  I sighed, shaking my head. "Deux, no one leaves my house hungry."

  He blinked. "Huh?"

  "You heard me."

  "Why do you care if I'm hungry?" he scoffed.

  "Oh, I don't. I just don't want your dad storming in here, scolding me for not feeding his precious little baby brute before throwing him out into the cruel world." I smirked.

  His eye twitched. "You're exhausting."

  He raised his fist as if to punch me, but I simply stood there, smiling.

  "Go ahead. Do it," I said calmly.

  He froze, fist still in the air, before he gave up on his own temper.

  Ha!

  With a defeated sigh, he stomped off to the kitchen and plopped into a chair.

  "Well? Serve me. Now." he ordered, like the spoiled Alpha prince he was.

  I gaped at him. "Wow. You really are something else."

  "Less talking, more cooking. You were the one who insisted, so get to it." He waved me off like I was a servant.

  I took a deep breath, resisting the urge to strangle him.

  In my mind, I had already squeezed him like an orange.

  "Could you hurry up? Instead of thinking about strangling me, how about you actually start cooking?" he grumbled.

  I narrowed my eyes. "How did you know I was thinking about strangling you?"

  He smirked. "Because it's you."

  Unbelievable.

  Shaking my head, I put on my apron.

  Deux stared at me, horrified.

  "What?" I asked.

  "Why is your apron pink with some flower shit design? That's not Alpha enough!"

  "Oh my God! Are you seriously criticizing my apron now?"

  He just sighed like he had given up on life.

  Honestly, living with this Alpha prince for even a day was a challenge.

  Thank goodness he's leaving after this meal.

  "Anyway, I'm hungry. Get to it." He leaned back, waiting.

  "What do you even want to eat? You're so picky."

  "Anything. Your cooking isn't good anyway. I just need something to keep me from starving."

  I clenched my jaw. Maybe I should feed him insects.

  But fine, I started preparing breakfast. I took out some eggs and the leftover meat from st night's party, figuring I should make something hearty since Deux looked half-dead from hunger.

  "Ehem."

  Oh, now what?

  I ignored him, determined not to fall into his trap.

  "Since when did you learn how to cook?" he finally asked.

  "I taught myself. Watched a few videos. Turns out it's easy. Even you could learn."

  I fshed him a grin, but he just scowled.

  "Alphas like me don't cook or serve other Alphas. I'm allowing you to do this because you're beneath me. Naturally, you should be serving me."

  I smiled sweetly. "Oh, thank you, Your Majesty. I'm honored."

  In my head, I was already hitting him with a dle and stabbing him with a fork.

  "Who even told you to learn how to cook?" he demanded. "That's Beta and Omega work!"

  "And where exactly is that written in the Alpha rulebook?" I shot back.

  He hmphed and looked away.

  Aha!

  "No rule, huh? Then shut up and let me cook. You should be grateful I'm feeding you."

  He scowled. "I don't get it. How do you always act like you're better than me? You're the only person who ever treats me like I'm beneath you!"

  I smirked. "Because it's fun watching you get mad. You look like a kid throwing a tantrum."

  "Tsk!" He stood up abruptly.

  I pointed at the chair. "Sit. I am not in the mood to wrestle with you. You sit there and eat what I cook, or I kick you out hungry."

  He narrowed his eyes at me, but then...

  He sat.

  Ha!

  That's another win for me!

  Prince Deux, zero.

  Champ, a million!

  He crossed his arms. "Is it done yet? I'm starving."

  "Almost. Be patient, Alpha Prince."

  As I continued cooking, I noticed something odd.

  It was... too quiet.

  Suspiciously quiet.

  I turned around.

  Deux was just... watching me, chin resting on his hand.

  I narrowed my eyes. "Why'd you stop talking? You pnning something?"

  He raised an eyebrow. "You're paranoid."

  "Well, you're usually loud and obnoxious. Why so quiet?"

  He just shook his head, smirking.

  I grinned.

  Oh, he knew he couldn't win in a battle of wits with me!

  "Breakfast is almost ready, Deux," I said with a triumphant smile, cracking another egg into the pan.

  ...

  ...

  ...

  Deux's POV

  "It's almost done, Deux." Champ grinned at me as he began cooking the eggs.

  I froze.

  For some reason, my mind decided to betray me at that very moment.

  Watching him cook... smiling like that...

  He looked like a loving spouse preparing breakfast for his husband.

  I could already see it—the two of us, living together, Champ taking care of me, making sure I was fed and comfortable—

  Wait a damn minute.

  What the hell am I thinking?!

  I spped myself. Hard.

  A crime had been committed inside my own mind, and I was the guilty party!

  Did I really just imagine us as a married couple?!

  Alphas doesn't even get married!

  Ugh!

  Deux, what the hell is wrong with you?!

  Grrr!

  (Sniff.)

  The smell of his cooking mixed with his vender scent, and suddenly, I found myself... torn.

  What was making me hungrier? The food or him?

  Wait, wait, wait!

  Deux, you are spiraling again!

  I shook my head violently, forcing myself to focus.

  Though, if I really thought about it, Champ was incredibly responsible.

  The house was an absolute mess st night after the party, but when I woke up, everything was spotless. He must have cleaned it all up. Not only that, but he was making sure everyone was okay—including me.

  And now, here he was, cooking for me like it was his life's mission.

  "Champ?"

  "Hmm?"

  "Are you sure you're an Alpha?" I asked, narrowing my eyes.

  His head snapped up so fast I thought it might fall off.

  "Are you out of your damn mind?!" he shouted. "Of course I'm an Alpha!"

  I just shook my head.

  Because honestly, I still wasn't convinced.

  Everything about him—his scent, his mannerisms, even his face—screamed Omega.

  Unlike most Alphas I knew, who carried themselves with an intimidating aura, Champ... didn't.

  Sure, he was physically built, but he cked that overwhelming, dominant presence that most Alphas had.

  And right now, watching him prepare breakfast so diligently, I just couldn't shake the thought that he was nothing like the Alphas I grew up with.

  I gnced around his house.

  Spotless. Organized. Warm.

  This wasn't an Alpha's house.

  Back home, my father and I never cleaned—because why would we? That was the Beta maids' job. They did the cooking, cleaning, and everything in between.

  "Why are you so quiet, Deux? I'm not used to it," Champ suddenly said, snapping me out of my thoughts.

  "Are you insane? Now that I'm quiet, you want me to talk?" I huffed, shaking my head.

  But what baffled me the most was...

  Even though Champ and I argued constantly, I never felt the urge to actually get mad at him.

  Sure, he annoyed the hell out of me, but not once did I feel the need to punch him senseless.

  In fact... I kind of enjoyed it.

  Bantering with him felt fun.

  Unlike with my family or even Silver, who always irritated me beyond belief, I could argue with Champ for hours and not feel drained.

  "La ~" he hummed softly as he continued cooking, completely unbothered.

  I stared at him.

  ...And then my mind betrayed me again.

  I had this sudden, overwhelming urge to hug him from behind.

  Maybe kiss his neck... trail my lips down his back... lower and lower—

  ARGHHH!

  WHAT THE HELL, DEUX?!

  WAS THIS A SIDE EFFECT OF THE ALCOHOL FROM LAST NIGHT?!

  Did Champ put a love potion in my drink?!

  "Do you want it mildly spicy or bzing hot?" Champ suddenly asked, turning to me with a pyful smile.

  And at that moment—

  I forgot how to breathe.

  He looked like an angel. A miracle. A perfectly sculpted masterpiece—fwless in every way.

  His smooth and pale arms, his broad spotless shoulders... I wanted to trap him in my embrace and never let go—

  "Deux? Well? This is about to burn, and you're still not answering! Why are you just staring off into space?"

  His voice snapped me out of my ridiculous daydream, and I quickly shook my head.

  "I want it spicy enough to breathe fire!" I blurted out.

  "There we go! See? That wasn't so hard!" he teased before turning back around.

  I clenched my fists.

  I needed to see a doctor. Immediately.

  Dr. Henry needs to diagnose me with whatever this is before I completely lose my mind.

  Yes, that's it! After breakfast, I am going straight to the clinic!

  But before that...

  My eyes unintentionally drifted downward as I watched Champ move around the kitchen.

  Down...

  And down...

  And down...

  Until I found myself staring at his round, and undeniably squeezable bubble butt...

  Dear. God.

  What the hell was I doing?!

  ACCCHHHK!

  I SLAMMED my hand against the table and shot up from my seat.

  Champ turned around, raising an eyebrow. "Uh... you good?"

  "Y-yes!" I forced myself to sit back down, crossing my arms and refusing to look at him.

  I needed to stop staring at him before I did something insanely un-Alpha-like!

  I needed medicine.

  I needed help.

  I needed—

  "Food is ready!" Champ announced as he pced the dishes on the table.

  I blinked in surprise.

  Everything looked... good.

  Simple, but delicious.

  Honestly, it looked better than what the Beta maids at home usually made.

  And st night's Honey Soy Garlic Beef Noodles? That was out of this world!

  I would have admitted it... but I didn't want to infte his ego.

  "This must be so underwhelming for someone like you," Champ teased. "Your family probably eats grand feasts every morning, huh?"

  He served me rice, topped it with fried eggs, crispy onions, and garlic, soup with some herbs in it, then handed me a gss of cold apple juice.

  "No! This is fine!" I mumbled, suddenly feeling shy for no reason.

  Champ squinted at me. "Wait. Are you blushing, Deux?"

  "TSK!"

  Why the hell was I blushing?!

  That was not Alpha behavior!

  I quickly shook my head, trying to erase all thoughts of Champ being a perfect spouse.

  I grabbed my spoon, ready to eat—until I noticed that he wasn't eating yet.

  "Hmm? Why aren't you eating?" I asked.

  "Isn't there an Alpha rule?" he said smugly.

  I frowned. "What rule?"

  "Whoever's higher rank eats first." He grinned. "And since we're both Alphas—but you're the Alpha Prince—you should eat first."

  I scowled. "Eat with me."

  "But I wanna see your reaction first," he teased.

  I clicked my tongue. "I don't even care about the food. I just need to eat something."

  He smiled. "Anyway, drink the soup first. It'll help with your hangover. If you still need anything, just let me know."

  "Don't worry about me!" I snapped.

  But deep down...

  No one had ever worried about me before.

  No one.

  Not even my father.

  Only this freakin' hell of an Alpha guy, Champ!

  It was... a strange feeling.

  Annoying, because it warmed my chest. But also... not Alpha-like at all.

  Champ, why do you keep messing with my head?!

  "What's taking you so long? Do you want me to feed you myself?" he teased.

  "SHUT UP!" I growled and quickly took a sip.

  The moment the soup hit my tongue—

  I froze.

  It was the best of all the soup I have ever tasted!

  Warm. Comforting. Delicious.

  I looked at Champ, completely stunned.

  "You liked it?" he asked, smiling sweetly.

  And before I could stop myself—

  I devoured everything.

  ...

  By the time I finished eating, I leaned back in my chair, letting out a contented sigh.

  Champ, of course, had something to say.

  "I take it you didn't enjoy the food?" he said, sarcastically. "I mean, you only practically licked the ptes clean!" he teased.

  I scoffed. "I already told you—I had to eat. I was starving, and I needed to fill my stomach."

  "Oh, really?" He smirked. "Because from what I saw, you looked desperate. Are you sure your people actually feed you at home?"

  I rolled my eyes, but before I could stop myself, I blurted out the absolute worst thing possible.

  "To be honest, this isn't what I'm used to. I normally eat expensive, extravagant meals every day. But... what you made was unbeatable. It was delicious—better than anything I've ever had before."

  The moment those words left my mouth, my eyes widened in horror.

  Damn it!

  Champ grinned.

  Oh no.

  He knew he had won this round... again!

  I had just willingly handed him a victory.

  "Well, well, well," he hummed, crossing his arms. "Looks like the truth finally came out."

  I scowled. "Forget what I said! It wasn't good!"

  Champ ughed, shaking his head. "Deux, you know, it won't kill you to be honest with your feelings once in a while. Your pride isn't going to crumble just because you admit you like something." He tilted his head, giving me that infuriatingly soft smile. "When you're with me, you can be yourself. And if you're ever hungry again, just come over. I'll cook for you anytime."

  I swallowed hard, my gaze shifting to the side.

  Something inside me twisted. A sensation in my stomach that felt like—like something was trying to break free.

  I had never felt this before.

  What the hell was happening to me?

  Champ suddenly burst into ughter.

  "And there it is—the shy Alpha Prince!" he teased.

  I scowled, turning to gre at him. "None of this leaves this house. Promise me."

  His amber-gold eyes gleamed with amusement. "Rex. No one else will ever get to see this side of you. It's just our little secret."

  With that, he stood up and began clearing the dishes.

  I raised an eyebrow. "You're washing them, too?"

  "Who else would do it? You?"

  "Absolutely not. I don't wash dishes."

  "Then why did you even ask?" he shot back, rolling his eyes before turning on the sink.

  I crossed my arms, grumbling under my breath.

  Once he was done, we both moved back to the living room.

  We stood there, facing each other, barely an arm's length apart.

  Too close.

  Too dangerously close.

  "You're leaving now?" Champ asked, his voice softer this time.

  His eyes said something different.

  They were telling me not to go.

  Begging me to stay.

  Champ, stop looking at me like that!

  Because if he kept looking at me like that—

  I swear, I'd just stay here forever.

  But I had to go. I had to return to my reality.

  To my life as the Alpha Prince.

  To a world that was anything but safe.

  "I have to leave," I said firmly. "My father is probably looking for me by now."

  Champ sighed, but nodded. "Okay."

  For a split second, I had this insane urge to hug him.

  My arms even twitched, already preparing to reach out—

  But he noticed, blinking in confusion as he took a small step back.

  I immediately retracted my hands, cursing myself, and turned away.

  "Make sure you stay safe if you're really determined to join the Alpha Territory Treasure Hunt competition," I said seriously. "Don't make me worry too much."

  Champ grinned. "Oh, don't worry! We've got this! And I'm definitely going to beat you!"

  I kept my back turned, not letting him see my expression.

  But... I was smiling.

  Just a little.

  I started to walk away when—

  "Deux, your coat!" he called. "Aren't you taking it with you? You forgot it."

  I hesitated.

  And then, without thinking, I said—

  "I'm leaving it here."

  Because this was my excuse.

  My reason to come back.

  The only excuse I had to see Champ again, in his home, just the two of us.

  I wanted to come back again even if he annoys the hell out of me, and it is driving me insane why!

  And also, if any Alpha even dares to come near him here, they'll catch my scent and instinctively back off. It will protect him.

  Champ blinked. "What? I don't get you! Yesterday, you said you were just here to grab your coat and leave. Now you're leaving it behind again?! You're so confusing!"

  I smirked, shaking my head.

  Without another word, I raised a hand in farewell and finally walked out of his house.

  The house where I had experienced something... different.

  Something lighter.

  Something that made my heart feel... warm.

  But now, it was time to head to my next destination.

  To Dr. Henry.

  Because I needed answers.

  I had to know what kind of severe medical condition I was suffering from whenever I was around Champ.

  Why couldn't you have just been an Omega female, Champ?

  Then this wouldn't have been so damn complicated!

  Or at the very least—why couldn't you have been any kind of Omega?

  Even if you were male, even if it is impossible for an omega to be a male, I wouldn't care!

  Because then, I could just—

  Mark you.

  And I could've impregnated you.

  ...

  WAIT, WAIT, WAIT!

  WHAT THE HELL AM I THINKING?!

  I nearly tripped over my own feet.

  This was getting worse.

  Much worse.

  I need a medicine!

  My mind is weird.

  ...

  ...

  ...