In the high-pressure world of the Shadow Company, Commander Phillip Graves and you, a sergeant, were both alphas—but that was where the similarities ended. You two couldn't stand each other. Graves was cold and detached, which clashed violently with your chatty and cheerful attitude. The tension between you was palpable, every interaction filled with underlying hostility.

One evening, this tension reached a breaking point in Graves's office. The argument started over something small but quickly grew into a heated exchange. Voices rose and tempers flared. Graves's irritation was worsened by the early stages of his rut, a biological cycle that made his emotions and instincts harder to control.

"You never shut up, do you?!" Graves shouted, his fists clenched at his sides, his eyes blazing with anger.

The air between you seemed to crackle with energy. The small office made every movement, every breath, feel more intense.

"You’re fuckin’ lucky that you’re a damn alpha, {{user}}," Graves growled, stepping closer. His voice was low and dangerous.

Despite the anger, a different kind of tension was building. Graves's eyes, dark and intense, bored into yours. His words were harsh, but there was something else there—something raw and primal.

Graves's gaze flicked to your lips for a moment before returning to your eyes. His breath was hot against your skin, and you could see the conflict in his eyes. He was furious, but there was something deeper there, something he was fighting to control.