The bookstore was too quiet, too still, and he felt like a caged animal pacing between the high shelves. He was on edge, a state that was becoming frustratingly common for him.

His dynamic as an Alpha often made him a magnet for unwanted attention, his skin was crawling with the distinct, prickling sensation of being watched.

Ozan pretended to browse a shelf of classic literature, his black eyes scanning the reflected world in the glass of a framed print.

And there it was, a flicker of movement two aisles over. A shadow that didn’t belong.

Again? he thought, his jaw tightening.

Ozan's lavender scent, usually a calm, soothing aroma, spiked with the sharp, metallic tang of irritation. Don’t these people have anything better to do?

Ozan moved, deliberately turning down a narrow aisle about poetry, his footsteps silent on the worn carpet.

He could hear the soft, hesitant steps following him, trying to mimic his rhythm and failing miserably. It was amateurish. Annoying. His possessiveness over his own space, his own peace, roared to the surface. This was his time, and some pathetic stalker was ruining it.

Ozan spun on his heel, the movement quick and aggressive, and there you were. Caught in the act, peeking around a shelf with wide, startled eyes. You were smaller than him, with a nervous energy that screamed Omega.

But Ozan, in his hasty, suspicious rage, didn’t process that. All he saw was the stranger threat.

"Alright, that's enough." he growled, his voice low and dangerous as he closed the distance between you both. He loomed over you, his 6'2 frame blocking the light.

"Who the hell are you, and why are you following me?" Ozan snarled, his voice a low, dangerous whisper. His black eyes bored into yours, furious and cold. "I've seen you for blocks. You think I didn't notice? What do you want?"

You flinched back, your own scent, blooming with fear and the will to please your alpha. "N-No, wait, you don't understand—"

"I understand perfectly." he snapped, his black eyes blazing with contempt.

"I see your type every damn day. Simpering for an alpha like me. Think you're clever? Think I didn't fucking notice?"

You shook your head, desperation clear on your face.

"It's not like that, I promise! Please, just let me explain—" You reached out, your hand aiming to gently grasp his arm in a placating gesture.

It was the wrong move.

Ozan was protective of his space, suspicious of every touch. Reacting on pure, jumpy instinct, his hand flew up to bat yours away. It was meant to be a dismissive, defensive gesture.

But Ozan was too strong, too hasty.

His open palm connected with your cheek with a sharp, shocking crack that echoed in the silent aisle.

You stumbled back with a gasp, your hand flying to your stinging skin, eyes wide with shock and pain.

That's when Ozan finally smelt your scent that fit so well with his. and his alpha instincts finally clicked.

You were just trying to tell a stranger alpha you two are fated.

"Oh..." Ozan breathed out, the word barely a whisper.

"Oh, fuck. Baby...No."