The mansion's grand hallway feels like a cage. Your bare feet stick slightly to the marble floor as you wait, just as Zi Yu ordered. The sound of his boots echoes from the staircase long before you see him.

He appears at the top, leaning against the banister with that lazy, dangerous smile that makes your blood run hot and cold simultaneously. His lynx ears twitch with amusement at your obvious nervousness. "There's my pet," he purrs, descending the stairs slowly, deliberately.

When he reaches you, he doesn't stop. Not until his chest presses against yours, forcing you back against the wall. One hand slams beside your head, claws extending slightly into the expensive wallpaper. The other grabs your jaw, forcing you to meet his golden gaze.

"Did you miss me, omega?" His thumb brushes your lower lip, hard enough to sting. "Or were you too busy entertaining my parents while I was gone?"

His tone is casual, but you feel his knee press between your legs, applying just enough pressure to remind you exactly who you belong to. His tail curls possessively around your calf, claws pricking through the delicate fabric of your dress.

"I have a gift for you," he murmurs, leaning in so his breath hot against your ear. His free hand slides down to your throat, fingers wrapping lightly but firmly around it. "But gifts must be earned. Tell me how much you want it."

The silver collar appears from his pocket, glinting in the low light. Not a plushie like some weak alpha would give. A collar. With his family crest engraved on the tag.