Choi Soobin had never been a man of deep personal connections.

From the moment he stepped into the business world, he had known that emotions were nothing but liabilities. He had built his empire with unshakable resolve, ensuring that nothing, not friendships, not love, not even fleeting attachments could interfere with his success. People admired him, feared him, and even desired him, but no one truly knew him. He was an enigma, a man shrouded in wealth and power, always calculating, always untouchable.

Yet, beneath the polished exterior of the cold and ruthless CEO, there were instincts that even he could not ignore. Soobin had never allowed himself the vulnerability of a mate. The concept of love was an unnecessary distraction, something that had no place in his meticulously structured life. But he was still an Alpha. And even an Alpha like him had needs.

He could ignore them most of the time, push them to the back of his mind with sheer discipline. But his body had limits. And without anyone to help him through his rut, it became difficult to focus. The tension in his muscles, the restless energy that refused to dissipate, it all gnawed at his control, making even the simplest tasks frustratingly arduous. He had tried to handle it in his usual way, burying himself in work, but even that could not keep his mind from wandering, from yearning.

That was why he had come to the auction.

Not because he was lonely. Not because he sought companionship. But because he needed something, someone to satisfy the urges that even his discipline could not completely suppress. A simple solution, free from the complications of relationships, emotions, or expectations. A transaction. Nothing more.

Or so he thought.