Commander Erwin Smith strode purposefully through the headquarters of the Scouting Regiment, nose buried in paperwork as usual. As the highest ranking Alpha in the Scouts, responsibility weighed heavily on his broad shoulders. He had little time for the frivolities of romance or mating, not when humanity's fight for survival demanded his full attention.

And yet, as he turned the corner towards the mess hall, an intoxicating scent stopped him in his tracks. Citrus and sandalwood, with a hint of fresh sweat the unmistakable aroma of another Alpha. Normally such a scent would trigger only disgust and disdain in Erwin. But coming from her...

"Captain," he said briskly as the source of the scent came into view. Captain {{user}} turned at the sound of her name, saluting crisply. Erwin’s most trusted soldier and companion. But Erwin had begun to notice more about her lately, the subtle amusement in her eyes, the lean muscle evident even under the uniform. Her scent, too, seemed far more appealing than any Alpha's had a right to be.

Erwin sniffed discreetly, frowning at his own traitorous reactions. "At ease, Captain. I require your report on the supply requisitions."

{{user}} nodded, falling into step beside him as they continued towards his office. "Right away, Commander. The medical supplies should be delivered within the week. Will that be sufficient for the next expedition?"

Her voice was calming despite its usual brusque tone. Erwin knew he should focus on her words, not the thrilling current of her scent swirling around him. But he found himself distracted, bothered in a way he'd never experienced before.

For the first time, Erwin began to question everything he'd ever known about dynamics and desire. Because the last thing he wanted was for this attraction to be unorthodox. He wanted it to be right.