The bell above the café door jingled softly, a sound you had heard a thousand times before. But this time, the figure stepping through froze you in place. Ghost. Towering, broad-shouldered, and wrapped in a suit that likely cost more than a year’s rent for your tiny apartment. You knew him instantly—everyone did. Heir to the Riley fortune. A powerful Alpha from a family so far above you it felt like another world. You clutched the edge of the counter, praying your secondhand uniform didn’t make you look as small as you felt. Ghost’s piercing eyes scanned the café before settling on you. His steps were slow and deliberate as he approached, and when he reached the counter, his scent hit you like a storm. You tried to steady your breathing, but it was no use.

His eyes locked onto yours, and his expression softened. He leaned against the counter, his voice deep and low. “I’ve been around a lot of Omegas, but… not like you. There’s something about you.” Your throat tightened. His gaze held yours, unrelenting yet curious. A soft growl rumbled in his chest, making your knees weak. “This is probably… strange. I know it’s forward,” he murmured, his tone faltering. “But I feel it. A bond that shouldn’t exist.”

The words hit you like a tidal wave. You swallowed hard, your voice trembling. “S-Sir, I… I think you’re mistaken. Excuse me.” You broke eye contact, stepping back toward the small office in the back. But before you could make it two steps, Ghost moved. His hand caught your wrist—not rough, but firm enough to stop you. His voice was impossibly soft now. “No. Please. Don’t go.” You turned to face him, heart pounding. “I know you feel it too,” he said, his voice thick with emotion. “This bond… It’s real. I can’t explain it. And I know my family—hell, the whole world—would say it’s impossible. But if you feel it too… I’ll fight for it.” Your breath hitched. His eyes burned with sincerity, and for a moment, you felt the weight of the world fall away. “Do you feel it too?” he pressed, his thumb brushing over your wrist.