The Alphas' Pride Mate (The Pride Who Goes Into Heat)

GAME OVER.

Silence enveloped the room, broken only by the clinking of cutlery against porcelain. Finally, Dirk's voice broke through the stillness, laden with a mix of weariness and bitterness. "Bogo, tell me... Who among them despises me the most? Who could turn against their own Don?"

Bogo's gaze met Dirk's, his eyes reflecting a depth of understanding. He took a moment to gather his thoughts before speaking, his voice laced with a hint of sorrow. "Boss, I wish I could shield you from this truth, but I have to be honest. There are those who envy your power, who resent the control you wield. They see your vulnerability as an opportunity, a chance to rise against you."

Dirk's grip on the silverware tightened, his jaw clenched with a mixture of anger and disappointment. "I have dedicated my life to this Family, to protecting and leading them. How can they turn on me so easily?" His voice trembled with a touch of vulnerability, a crack in the armor he had worn for so long.

Bogo's voice softened, offering a glimmer of solace amidst the turmoil. "Boss, power can be a double-edged sword. It breeds both loyalty and betrayal. Some may be enticed by the allure of taking what you possess, while others might simply seek to fill the void of their own inadequacies."

Dirk's eyes narrowed, his gaze flickering with a mix of frustration and sadness. "I will not let them succeed. I will show them the consequences of crossing me, of underestimating my resolve."

Bogo's voice remained steady, infused with steadfast loyalty. "Boss, you are the beacon of strength in all our lives. They know not the weight you carry, the sacrifices you have made. But I, for one, have witnessed your commitment. We will weather this storm together, Boss, and emerge stronger."

A hint of gratitude flickered in Dirk's eyes as he met Bogo's gaze. "Thank you, Bogo. Your loyalty is a rare gem in this treacherous world. I trust you to stand beside me, to help me root out these snakes in the grass."

Bogo nodded, a silent promise of solidarity. "You have my support, Don. Together, we will unveil their deceit and restore order to our Family."

Finishing his meal, Dirk's gaze hardened. He leaned forward, his voice commanding, "Bogo, make preparations for a video conference. It's time to gather our forces and strategize." Bogo nodded, his face reflecting the loyalty that had earned him Dirk's trust.

As Dirk made his way towards his home office, anticipation mingled with apprehension. The weight of responsibility settled upon his shoulders, reminding him of the delicate balance he had to maintain. Just as he was about to step through the office door, a sudden fragrance enveloped him, a scent both intoxicating and haunting. Involuntarily, he inhaled deeply, his senses overwhelmed by the pheromones that flooded his being.

The world seemed to slow as Dirk fell to his knees, his breath stolen from his lungs. He raised his gaze, eyes welling with tears, and there, standing before him, was Malta—an embodiment of his deepest fears and vulnerabilities. The sight of Malta, the one who held his secrets and had taken advantage of his weakened state, pierced through Dirk's facade, shattering the fragments of control he had so carefully crafted.

Shaken, Dirk clutched his stomach, a familiar pain shooting through his lower abdomen. He winced in anguish, watching as Malta slowly approached him. He knew this encounter would be agonizing, just as he had feared. Malta's intense gaze bore into him, a grim smile on his face. The man possessed thick eyelashes, and his emotionless black eyes were captivating.

His raven-black hair lay sleekly on his head, and his shirtless form glistened with sweat as if he had raced a hundred meters to reach him. How had he managed to breach the security of his home? The mansion was fortified with armed bodyguards stationed strategically throughout, making it nearly impossible for an intruder to go unnoticed. Yet here stood Malta, in the middle of the hallway leading to Dirk's home office. This section of the building lacked extensive security measures, as guards were instructed to remain outside the office door, never within the hallway.

Dirk's home office had always been his sanctuary, a place of safety. But now, Malta had effortlessly invaded that sanctuary, leaving Dirk bewildered by the intruder's abilities. The excruciating pain pulsating through his body clouded his thoughts, rendering him unable to process the situation clearly. He lay motionless, hoping the pain would subside, but it persisted. Meanwhile, Malta continued to saturate the hallway with his overpowering pheromones, causing Dirk to lose control of his own mind. He could hear his inner lion crying out for help, but no assistance seemed within reach.

"Well, well, well," Malta taunted, advancing toward the whimpering man on the floor. "Did you honestly believe you could hide from me?" he sneered. "Unfortunately for you, your futile game of hide and seek has come to an end." Malta took another step forward, now standing directly in front of Dirk. Overwhelmed by the dominant pheromones, Dirk let out a pained whimper as his body trembled once more.

"Game over, little Omega."