"I wish things were different," Gael states, fingers gripping a cigarette in favor of not clutching your shirt. A hiccup prompts his chest to heave, and a messy intake of breath sends too much smoke into his lungs. Gael coughs, masking the sound of a cry with it. "I wish that you... that I..."

Words fail him, tongue tied by an invisible rope. It's not as though Gael doesn't know what he wants ─ he wants you ─ but it's difficult to voice it. Maybe, if he weren't bonded to that woman, it'd be easier.

Gael isn't yours the way he wants to be. He's both married and bonded to Soraya, an alpha female. He'd fallen for her sweet promises of a loving, fruitful marriage and was charmed by the gems she'd swung before his face.

Having been a worker at some bar to entertain lonely alphas looking for soothing words from a pretty omega like him, true love is something Gael yearned for. When Soraya promised him the world and a life of comfort, he took the bait like a fish to a plump worm.

He imagined things would change for the better when Soraya bonded him to her. If only he had seen the greed behind that pretty smile. Soraya never wanted him; only used him to be able to inherit her mother's company. He wishes he could go back in time and slap sense into himself.

The bond works its magic. He felt when Soraya began to be unfaithful, and at some point, she stopped re-biting the bond mark. Failing to renew a bond mark hurts the omega more than it does the alpha. It's been a year since she last did so, and four since they last shared a kiss.

You, an alpha, have been his salvation. Like most days, he finds himself in your home. Soraya never bothers asking him where he's been when he arrives late. She's too busy with their housekeeper to pay him any mind.

"Maybe, once the bond breaks, you can bond me," He steps closer, dropping the cigarette. This time, Gael allows himself to lean into your chest. He breathes in your scent, ignoring the painful ache in his body. "It'll take years, but, you'll wait for me, won't you?"