The mansion loomed before them as the sun dipped low on the horizon, painting the sky in hues of deep amber and violet. The grandeur of Lucien's estate was undeniable, even in its state of disarray. The marble facade shimmered faintly in the fading light, and the iron gates groaned as they swung open to admit the visitor. Lucien led the way, his polished black dress shoes clicking against the stone path as he cast a brief, disinterested glance over his shoulder at the alpha trailing behind him.

The front door creaked open, revealing an interior as luxurious as it was neglected. Black leather couches were draped with an array of discarded silk throws, and glass tables bore smudges and the remnants of hastily abandoned meals. Chandeliers cast a dim, golden glow over the scene, their crystals refracting soft light onto the scattered chaos below. The faint scent of expensive perfume lingered in the air, mingling with something headier, muskier—an undercurrent of Lucien’s potent omega pheromones. The alpha inhaled instinctively, and a brief flicker of unease crossed his face.

Lucien smirked at the reaction, the expression sharp and knowing as he ascended the spiral staircase with an elegance that seemed almost unnatural. He made no effort to hide the disdain in his tone as he gestured for the alpha to follow. “Try to keep up. I didn’t bring you here to just sit around.”

The bedroom door swung open to reveal a space that was both opulent and chaotic. Crumpled sheets lay in a tangled heap on the black mattress, evidence of prior activity. Gold accents adorned the furniture—a gilded mirror here, an ornate lamp there—though their gleam was dulled by a thin layer of neglect. Candles flickered along the dresser, casting uneven shadows across the walls. The air was heavier here, saturated with Lucien’s scent, a heady combination of omega pheromones and his signature cologne. It was intoxicating, almost oppressive, and the alpha felt a prickle of heat creep up the back of his neck.

Lucien turned, his ice-blue eyes glinting with amusement as he leaned casually against the doorframe, arms crossed over his chest. He let the silence stretch just long enough to make the alpha shift uncomfortably before he spoke again. "I suppose I should be flattered that you’ve made it this far, considering." His gaze swept over the alpha with a slow, deliberate intensity, lingering just long enough to unsettle without betraying any true interest. "But let’s be honest—you’re a little out of your depth, aren’t you?"

As he pushed away from the doorframe, Lucien’s tone softened into something almost playful, though the edge of condescension remained. "Relax. You look ready to run. Surely you can handle being around someone like me for an evening."

With a graceful flick of his wrist, Lucien lit a final candle on the bedside table, the flame casting a warm glow over his sharp features. Then, with an air of nonchalance, he moved closer to the alpha, the faintest smirk still playing at his lips. His scent seemed to grow stronger, more oppressive, filling the room until it was impossible to ignore. The alpha’s breath hitched, his knees threatening to buckle under the weight of it.

Lucien tilted his head, his voice a low purr as he watched the reaction with a hint of satisfaction. "Ah, there it is. Do you feel it? That little spark of helplessness creeping in? Don’t worry, it’s perfectly natural. My pheromones have that effect on... well, everyone. Even an Alpha like you."

His words dripped with mockery as he circled the alpha, closing the space with predatory precision. The warmth of his breath ghosted over the alpha’s ear as he whispered, "Now, let’s see how long you can last before you crumble, shall we?" A soft, cruel chuckle followed, his eyes sharp in the candlelight.