Chapter 22: Like Foolish Teenagers

Then I straighten back with a satisfied smile.

“Kidding.”

Deniz immediately looks away, fingers reaching for his tie as if it might anchor him back to reality. He adjusts it unnecessarily, jaw tight, refusing to meet my eyes.

…..Cute

I glance at Deniz again. His eyes are fixed outside the car window, tracing the night, distant and unreadable.

“Deniz.”

He turns to me, startled, but only just. “Yes?”

A slow, warm smile curls on my lips. “You asked me a question earlier, and I answered honestly. Now… it’s my turn.”

He blinks, confusion softening the sharp lines of his face. After a pause, he nods. “What do you want to ask?”

My smile curved into something warmer, playful — dangerous in its gentleness.

“Why do you blush when I inhaled your scent?”

His gaze drops instantly, eyes widening as if caught red-handed. I follow, leaning closer still, voice soft, intimate. “Did I make you uncomfortable?”

He looks up quickly — panic and hesitation “It’s not…”

The words hang between us.

Our lips are barely half an inch apart. Breaths mingle, almost tasting each other. Faint warmth brushing warmth.

The air between us tightens. Eyes lock and I feel the heat racing from my cheeks to my neck.

Then he jerked back, too fast.

My own cheeks flared hot, warmth rushing up my neck. I turned my face away at the same time he looked down, both of us suddenly silent — awkward, flustered, like foolish teenagers who had crossed an invisible line without meaning to.

The car slows.

Before I could say anything, Deniz opened the door and stepped out.

“Thank you for the ride,” he said quickly, closing it behind him.

I watch him go. Cheeks bright red, posture stiff.

The car starts moving again. I lean back, fingers brushing lightly over my lips. If we’d been just an inch closer… I could have felt more. Almost kissed.

I let a soft, shy smile spread across my lips, closing my eyes to savor it. My future wife — nervous, flustered, unbearably cute — and his burning red face is burned into my memory.

Fingers still lightly resting on my lips, I inhale, tasting the memory of him.

And then —

My own scent surges. Strong, sharp, undeniable.

I snap my eyes open, looking down. Oh no…

My chest tightens. My cheeks flare.

Heat spreads. My fingers tighten across my face.

Just thinking about his red, flustered face sets me on fire.

Neon… shameless.

I drag a hand down my face, forcing calm. Breathe. Relax. Control yourself. Think about food… not Deniz.

Definitely not about how red he got.

The car glides into Kael Mansion. Servants open the door. I step out, the cold night biting my skin. Coat snug around me, I lift a wrist subtly — phromense is under control. Thank God.

I’ve read in novels that when an Alpha or Omega gets excited, they release their pheromones without even realizing it.

Neon, learn to master yourself.

The hallway stretches before me, polished marble gleaming under the soft chandelier lights. A maid bows gracefully and says, “Young master, Master Zyke and his wife are waiting for you at the dining table.”

I nod. After this morning’s punch from Zyke… I really don’t want to see that insane, pathetic S-class alpha. But… I have no choice.

The dining room doors slide open. Zyke and Shine sit calmly at the table. Shine’s eyes lift to me first.

“Good evening, Sister in law.”

He smiles, warmth in his eyes. “Good evening Zyren.”

“Did I make you wait?” I ask, keeping my tone light.

Shine shakes his head. “No, you came on time.”

I take my seat at the far end of the long table. Shine’s smile fades slightly as he observes me, distanced again.

“Zyren… is your pheromone still unstable?” he asks softly.

I offer a small, calm smile. “No, sister-in-law.

I lift my hand, inhaling my wrist briefly. “They’re under control. But… they’ve been a little stronger lately. I don’t want to trouble you.”

Concern flashes across his features. “You should visit the hospital.”

I smile and nod. Zyke’s eyes fix on me, sharp and cold. I meet his gaze for a moment, silently cursing that pathetic Alpha, then look away. I lift my glass of water and sip slowly, trying to calm the tension.

The servants begin serving dinner. My eyes shift toward Shine again. He smiles at me, then suddenly falters mid-word. “Zyren, I want—” His words die on his lips, and his smile fades. He stares at me in silence, concern written across his features.

I raise an eyebrow, curious. “Sister-in-law, what’s wrong?”

Shine’s gaze sweeps over my face, eyes scanning carefully. He exhales softly and asks, worry lacing his voice, “Zyren… what happened to your face?”

I touch my lips slowly, a soft smile spreading across my face. “Sister-in-law, it’s nothing,” I say lightly.

Shine’s eyes narrow slightly, worry etched into his delicate features. “It looks like someone hit you…hard,” he murmurs, his gaze lingering on my lips.

My eyes flick to Zyke. He’s staring down at his plate, a self-satisfied smile curling his lips as if nothing happened. My jaw tightens. Zyke…

I turn back to Shine, forcing a gentle smile. “Yes, sister-in-law,” I say softly. “A pathetic Alpha decided to punch me without reason.”

Zyke’s head snaps up, his eyes locking on me like daggers. I smile again, brighter this time, almost teasing. Shine’s concern doesn’t waver as he studies me.

“You know,” I continue, keeping my tone light, “the Alpha who did this clearly lost his mind. Honestly, he belongs in a mental hospital. I don’t understand how he walks freely outside—he should be locked up.”

Shine nods slowly, understanding in his eyes. “You’re right,” he murmurs. “Punching someone without reason…that’s not normal. He needs treatment.”

He shifts his gaze back to me. “You should report him to the police.”

Zyke’s satisfied expression vanishes instantly. His piercing gaze drills into me, dangerously cold. I widen my smile, letting it stretch just enough to irk him.

“Forget it, sister-in-law,” I say cheerfully, my tone casual but deliberate. “Pathetic people like him just wander around anyway. Let’s eat.”

Shine nods, though his eyes flicker toward Zyke, silently noting the tension. Zyke stays silent, still glaring, while Shine tilts his head and asks gently, “Zyke, what’s wrong?”

He shakes his head, voice curt. “Nothing.

Let’s eat.”

Shine nods, turning his attention to the meal. Zyke’s gaze shifts back to me, sharp and unreadable. I settle into my chair, lips curling into a satisfied smile, savoring the small victory. How does it feel, pathetic Alpha?

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