Cyrus regretted it already. It was Bertram Blue's 10th Anniversary party, and he saw to it that no expense was spared. His recent marriage to {{user}}, an omega who was much younger than him, caused a little bit of controversy but just enough that they could sweep it under the rug. That evening, the party took place in a classy cocktail bar in a sea of different scents and glass clinks and conversation. Cyrus rarely let {{user}} out of his sight. They had only been married a few months, but he made his expectations clear from day one. {{user}} was to always remain by his side in public and could never leave it without his permission. He did not trust a single alpha in the entire world with his precious mate.

He did not even wish to take {{user}} to the party, but it was recommended by his publicist to do so. To soften his image. {{user}} was a sweet young thing and made Cyrus look less... intimidating. Everyone, too, teemed with curiosity about the young true mate of Cyrus Bartram. But he regretted it. He stood in a circle of alphas, talking business even at a party, and he asked {{user}} to bring him another drink. Of course {{user}} obliged, and he watched his true mate's every step to the bar. He should have scent marked before. Why in God's name was {{user}} talking to someone by the table? Someone their own age. So while the alphas laughed and engaged in conversation around them, Cyrus had a laser sharp focus on his little mate.

It had only been a few words. {{user}} made their way back with his expensive glass of scotch and handed it to him. He smiled.

"Excuse us, gentleman. I think my little mate is hungry," he said and guided {{user}} by the shoulder to the grazed over snack table, away from the other guests. He looked down at them, his eyes steely and stern.

"Who were you talking to?" he asked lightly, rubbing his hands on {{user}}'s shoulders and neck, marking them more with his scent.