Deux's POV
"They took everything from me. My freedom. My life. My beloved... and most of all..."
A sharp intake of breath. His frail shoulders trembled violently, his entire body racked with grief.
"...My two children."
Who was his other child?
Who was Champ's sibling?
"You will pay for this, Alpha King!" the Omega male seethed, his voice laced with unrelenting fury.
My father? What did he have to do with this?
"My children..." he whispered again, and this time, his tears fell in an unrelenting flood.
His hands, bound tightly in restraints, twitched helplessly. He couldn't even wipe away the sorrow that cascaded down his face.
A strange force had been gripping me moments ago, paralyzing me, trapping me in its suffocating hold. But now, suddenly, that grip loosened. My body was mine once more.
I swallowed hard and forced myself to stand, my legs unsteady beneath me. Slowly, cautiously, I stepped forward, reaching out toward him with my right hand.
This time, he wasn't controlling me.
Perhaps his emotions—his all-consuming grief—had weakened his hold over me. The overwhelming sorrow of losing his children had eclipsed everything else.
As I neared him, I hesitated for a brief moment before lifting my hand, intending to wipe away his tears. But just as I did, his breath hitched, and he inhaled sharply.
His eyes widened.
He sniffed.
Tears welled up once more.
"Ch-Champ..." he choked, his voice cracking under the weight of his anguish.
And in that moment, it struck me.
The Omega before me—the man who had been consumed by rage and sorrow—was Champ's true mother.
Did he recognize Champ's scent lingering on me?
How?
Was it because of our bond?
Or... was it because our bodies had already intertwined?
"I will help you reunite with Champ," I murmured, my voice calm but alert. I had to tread carefully. His emotions were volatile—unpredictable. If I pushed too hard, I could become his next target.
"Let me help you."
I met his gaze, unwavering.
"I am not your enemy."
I inched my fingers closer to his tear-streaked cheek, intending to offer comfort, when—
I froze.
A split second before I could touch him, a suffocating force slammed into me.
Again.
My body stiffened, muscles locked under his control.
His dark, hollow eyes locked onto mine as he tilted his head slightly, his expression unreadable.
"Your blood... tainted by your father's sins... it is unclean."
A shiver crawled down my spine.
"What do you mean?" I asked, my voice strained, desperate for answers. "Tell me, because I have just as many questions as you do!"
His lips curled in fury, his breathing ragged.
"Your father is the reason I have suffered!"
And then—his sorrow ignited into pure, unrelenting wrath.
"I curse your bloodline! A life for a life! You will feel my vengeance!"
My hands moved against my will.
My own fingers wrapped around my throat.
The air in my lungs thinned. My vision blurred.
He was forcing me to strangle myself again.
This time, his control was absolute.
I struggled, gasping as my own grip tightened, my strength betraying me. Darkness crept at the edges of my sight.
(Click!)
A sharp sound echoed.
The door burst open.
"Alaric! Let go of Deux!"
My father's voice rang through the room, frantic and desperate.
"F-Father..." I rasped, barely able to speak. My strength was slipping.
But Alaric's fury burned hotter.
"Theron!" he spat, his voice venomous. "I will never forgive what you did to me! And now, your son will be the one to pay the price!"
The last thing I saw was my father's face—a rare look of fear painted across it—as my vision finally faded to black.
And then—silence.
...
...
...
Third Person POV
The Alpha King caught Deux just before his body hit the cold ground, his unconscious form limp in his arms.
A dark scowl twisted across the king's face as his gaze snapped toward Alaric—the Omega mother of Champ.
"I will not let you kill Deux." His voice was a low, menacing growl.
Alaric remained still, his fury palpable, yet restrained. He knew—deep down—he could end the Alpha King's life if he truly desired.
But there was one reason he couldn't.
The Alpha King smirked, sensing Alaric's hesitation.
"Make no mistake, Alaric... I wouldn't hesitate to kill your precious child in return while you are here and cannot do anything about it." The king's voice was laced with deadly amusement. "I am the one who rules this world. I do as I please."
A muscle in Alaric's jaw twitched.
"You're a cunning bastard, Theron!"
"Call it what you will." The Alpha King shrugged. "But this is the only way to keep you from killing me." He leaned in closer, his voice dropping to a whisper. "And if you had only obeyed me from the start, you wouldn't be suffering like this."
Alaric spat on the ground, his eyes blazing with defiance.
"I would rather rot in this cell than submit to you, Theron!"
The Alpha King exhaled sharply, as if disappointed, before lowering Deux's unconscious body to the floor. Then, he turned, his piercing gaze locking onto Alaric's.
Without warning, he grabbed Alaric by the chin, forcing him to look directly at him.
"If you let me claim you—if you bear my child—you will be free," he murmured, his grip tightening. "Give me your body, your mind, your soul. Submit to me."
His fingers trailed down, brushing against Alaric's lips.
A slow smirk formed on his face as he took in the Omega's beauty.
He leaned in, pressing his nose against Alaric's neck, inhaling deeply.
The intoxicating scent made his pupils dilate.
"Your scent... it hasn't faded one bit. So sweet. So alluring. Absolutely irresistible," he whispered. "Lavender..."
His tongue darted out, ready to taste the skin of Alaric's neck—
Until—
"Keep your filthy face away from me!"
Alaric's voice roared through the chamber, and with it, an invisible force seized the Alpha King's body, paralyzing him in place.
He couldn't move.
Couldn't breathe.
Alaric's power restrained him completely.
The Alpha King's smirk returned, albeit strained.
"Your blood, Alaric... it is the purest of all Omegas. You are one of the last of your kind in this generation. With my blood, If you bear my child, that child will be stronger than any being in existence." His voice darkened. "And when that day comes, I will no longer need Deux. I can just kill him right away and your offspring will be my new successor."
Alaric's lips curled in disgust.
"My blood, my body, my soul—" he hissed, "—belong to only one Alpha. To Voder."
The room grew silent.
Alaric's gaze remained unwavering.
The Alpha King exhaled through his nose, shaking his head.
"If only you weren't so powerful, so untouchable... I would have taken what I wanted by now," he muttered. "But because you are stubborn, you will rot in this cell for the rest of your miserable life."
A sinister smirk stretched across his lips.
"And I will ensure that you never lay eyes on your child again."
Despite his words, the truth was bitter.
The Alpha King had no idea who Alaric's children were.
No idea that Alaric has two children.
Not yet.
But he would find them.
It was all a bluff. A carefully woven lie.
For years, he had been searching, scouring every corner of his kingdom for any trace of Alaric's bloodline. He needed that child—because through them, he could break Alaric completely.
Yet, no matter how much he dug, how many lives he destroyed, the truth remained elusive.
But Alaric didn't need to know that.
"Until the day you change your mind, Alaric..." The Alpha King sneered, lifting Deux's unconscious form once more. "You will remain here."
With that, he turned and strode toward the door.
The heavy steel bars slammed shut behind him, sealing Alaric in darkness.
—
Outside, a Beta scientist approached, his face pale with unease.
"W-what now, Alpha King?" The Beta stammered.
"The Omega stays in his prison," the Alpha King said coldly. "And this one..." He motioned to Deux.
"What about him, my king?"
The Alpha King smirked.
"Take him to the containment cell. I want him locked away until I have dealt with all the obstacles standing in my way."
"Understood, Alpha King."
The guards obeyed, dragging Deux's body toward an isolated chamber.
The Alpha King's gaze darkened.
"Anyone who dares defy me... will be eliminated." His voice was low, dangerous. "All of them."
His fingers curled into fists. His eyes gleamed with a murderous glint.
At that moment, only one thought consumed his mind—
Ultimate domination.
He would crush all opposition.
He would reshape this world into his vision.
And no one—no being—would dictate his fate.
The Alpha King would scour the entire world to find Alaric's child.
And the moment he did—he would drag them before Alaric, a blade poised at their throat, ready to strike.
He would use them as leverage, as the ultimate weapon to bend Alaric to his will.
This was the only solution he could think of—the only way to force Alaric into submission.
The only way to make him bear his child.
A child of unmatched power.
A child destined to be the strongest being in existence.
He had lost faith in Deux.
The bond he once valued had withered into disappointment. Deux was no longer the key to his vision.
But he wouldn't kill him.
Not yet.
Not until he had everything he wanted.
Not until his ultimate goal was within reach.
Time was slipping through the Alpha King's fingers.
Like grains of sand cascading through an hourglass, each second vanished into nothingness—never to return.
Slowly.
Relentlessly.
An invisible force gnawed away at his existence, coiling around his body like a serpent tightening its grip. He could feel it—deep in his bones, in the marrow of his very being. The weight of inevitability. The creeping decay that whispered of his downfall.
A sickness.
A weakness.
His greatest and most damning secret.
The only thing in this world capable of bringing him to his knees.
No one knew. No one could ever know. The mere hint of fragility would shatter the fear he had so carefully instilled in his kingdom. The moment his enemies caught the scent of blood in the water, they would descend upon him like ravenous wolves, tearing him apart.
But he wouldn't allow it.
Wouldn't allow them to see him falter.
Wouldn't allow death to claim him before he had secured his legacy.
Before he had carved his name into eternity.
Before he had created a successor—one powerful enough to eclipse even him.
And so he fought.
Desperation burned in his veins, igniting a frenzy unlike anything he had ever known. His once-unshakable confidence now teetered on the edge of obsession, his mind consumed by a singular, ruthless purpose.
He had to complete his plan.
He had to control Alaric.
He had to create the most powerful heir this world had ever seen.
Because failure was not an option.
Because if he failed—if he lost—then all his power, all his conquests, all his reign of dominance...
Would mean nothing.
And the Reaper, who had lurked in the shadows for far too long, would finally come to collect his soul.
...
...
...
Inside the containment cell...
Darkness.
Silence.
Then—
Deux's eyes fluttered open.
He groggily lifted his head, only to find his arms and legs bound in restraints so tight, they cut into his skin.
Panic surged through him.
He struggled.
Tugged.
But the restraints didn't budge.
"Let me out of here!" he shouted, his voice echoing through the chamber.
No answer.
"Champ! Champ!" His voice cracked as he called out desperately.
Nothing.
No one.
Only him.
And then—
(Zap!)
A sudden surge of electricity coursed through his body.
Pain exploded through his nerves.
His body convulsed violently before his vision turned black.
Unconsciousness swallowed him whole.
—
The Alpha King stood outside the cell, watching through the thick glass as Deux's body slumped against the restraints.
A satisfied smirk played on his lips.
"Suffer, Deux," he murmured, his voice laced with cruel amusement.
This was Deux's punishment.
For his defiance.
For his insolence.
For daring to stand in his way.
And now—
He was utterly powerless.
...
...
...
Meanwhile, the grand feast at the royal court was in full swing.
The tables were overflowing with lavish dishes, laughter echoed across the hall, and everyone indulged in the extravagant meal—especially Jiggs, who seemed determined to devour everything in front of him as if he were preparing for battle.
Everyone... except for one.
Champ.
Jude frowned, noticing his unease. "Why aren't you eating, Champ?"
"I'm still a bit full, Council Jude," Champ replied, avoiding his gaze.
Crest, who had been silently observing, leaned in with a sly smile. "That's a shame. My brother had all of this specially prepared for you, Champ."
Champ forced an awkward chuckle. "No worries. Jiggs is here. I'm sure he'll make sure nothing goes to waste."
Jiggs, mid-bite, gave a muffled thumbs-up, too busy stuffing his face to respond properly.
Jude smirked, then shifted the conversation. "Since you're not eating, how about you tell us more about yourself? Your family? What keeps you busy?"
Champ froze.
A lump formed in his throat as he realized everyone was staring at him.
Expecting.
Waiting.
Judging.
"Where do I even start?" he mumbled, shifting uncomfortably. "There's not much to say about me, really. Nothing special."
Crest chuckled, his eyes gleaming with amusement. "We don't believe that for a second, Champ. You are so special, so rare... we all know that."
Jude nodded. "Exactly. You might see yourself as ordinary, but your abilities prove otherwise. You're an exceptional Alpha."
Crest snorted, shaking his head in disbelief.
"Exceptional Alpha, huh?" he murmured with a smirk, making sure everyone heard him.
Jude arched a brow. "Something wrong, Crest?"
"Not at all," Crest replied smoothly, his sharp gaze locking onto Champ. "Champ is a fine Alpha, no doubt. At the very least... he's not a fraudulent one."
A suffocating tension settled over the table.
Champ swallowed hard, averting his eyes as he stabbed at his untouched food.
Crest wasn't done.
"What about your family, Champ? Are your parents still alive?" Jude asked, trying to shift the conversation.
Champ exhaled softly. "My Alpha father passed away. As for my Omega mother... I don't know where she is."
Crest's smirk deepened.
"She must be beautiful, considering how you turned out," he mused. "Actually, you don't look much like an Alpha at all."
Silence.
Champ's grip on his fork tightened.
Crest was enjoying this—baiting him, cornering him, testing how far he could push before Champ snapped.
Jude tilted his head thoughtfully. "Now that you mention it... Champ does have a softer face for an Alpha."
The surrounding council members nodded in agreement.
Jiggs, sensing where this was going, suddenly slammed his fist on the table.
"Don't let his face fool you!" he declared, mouth still half-full. "Champ is ruthless! When he becomes your leader, you'll be crying under his strict rules!"
Jude chuckled. "Sounds like you've been through a lot under Champ's leadership, Jiggs."
"You have no idea." Jiggs rolled his eyes dramatically, and even the four beta males are nodding none stop with him, earning a round of laughter from the others.
Then, Jude leaned forward, his tone shifting slightly. "More importantly, Champ... what do you plan to do about Veydith? Are you ready to claim its treasures?"
Champ blinked.
"Treasures?"
Jude nodded. "Veydith is known for its historical wealth—hidden artifacts, legendary relics, fortunes buried long before our time. The previous rulers sought them out, but none ever succeeded."
Jiggs snorted. "Maybe they've all rotted away by now."
More laughter erupted around the table, the mood lightening once more. It was obvious Jiggs was trying to steer the topic away from Champ, and for that, Champ was grateful.
"Not likely," Jude continued, smirking. "Legends say these treasures are well-preserved and even contain knowledge lost to time. Many have tried to unearth them, but Veydith is vast—it would take lifetimes to search every inch of it."
"Well, I'd be long dead before that happened." Jiggs leaned back, shaking his head. "Oh! Speaking of marking territory—did I tell you what I told Champ after he won his first competition?"
Champ's stomach dropped.
Jiggs grinned mischievously.
"I told him he should pee around his new territory so other Alphas could smell his scent!"
A moment of silence—then uproarious laughter.
Even the council members, who had been so serious moments ago, burst into laughter.
Champ forced a chuckle, playing along, though a part of him desperately wanted to vanish.
He needed an out.
"Umm... speaking of peeing... I actually need to use the restroom," Champ said quickly, standing up before anyone could stop him.
Jude waved a hand dismissively. "Of course, take your time."
Without waiting, Champ all but bolted from the table, making a beeline for the bathroom.
As soon as he was out of sight, he exhaled sharply, pressing his back against the wall.
Finally.
A moment to breathe.
Away from the suffocating banquet.
...
...
...
Champ stood before the mirror, his reflection staring back at him with unease. No matter how many times he exhaled, no matter how many times he tried to shake off the nerves, he couldn't erase the tension crawling up his spine.
"If it weren't for Jiggs, I don't know what I would've done. At least he's keeping the guests distracted," he muttered under his breath.
Shaking his head, he turned on the faucet, deciding to wash his face and collect himself.
The cool water cascaded through his fingers as he cupped it, preparing to splash it onto his skin. But just as he leaned forward—
A scent.
An Alpha's scent.
Champ froze.
His body stiffened as he slowly straightened up, his gaze flickering to the mirror.
And there, in the reflection—
Someone else had entered the bathroom.
"Champ..."
A voice as smooth as silk.
A smirk, sharp and knowing.
Crest.
Champ spun around so fast he nearly stumbled. Instinctively, his hands clenched behind his back as if shielding himself from something unseen.
His throat went dry.
Something in Crest's eyes made his skin crawl.
"I was just checking on you. You seemed restless back at the feast," Crest mused, taking a slow, measured step forward. "Was it because of me?"
That smile.
That damn smile that carried an edge—one that unsettled him even more than Crest's piercing stare.
"N-no, that's not it." Champ's voice wavered slightly.
But Crest was already closing in.
Step by step.
And with each step forward, Champ took one back—until his spine met the cold, unyielding wall.
Cornered.
Champ's breathing hitched as Crest loomed over him. He averted his gaze, trying to suppress the shiver crawling up his neck.
But Crest wasn't one to be ignored.
With a firm grip, he caught Champ's chin and tilted his face upward, forcing their eyes to meet.
"Don't hide such a beautiful face from me..." Crest murmured, his tone soft yet laced with something dangerous.
Champ clenched his jaw, his body rigid under Crest's touch. The height difference was undeniable—Crest towered over him, exuding dominance with every breath.
Then, Crest's gaze flickered downward.
To the scarf wrapped around Champ's neck.
(Sniff.)
Crest's smirk widened.
"Interesting... I can smell Deux's scent on this scarf."
Champ's heart pounded.
He instantly clutched the fabric, shielding the hidden mark underneath.
"I—I borrowed it from him, that's all!" he blurted out.
Crest chuckled.
"Oh really, Champ? Or could it be..."
(Snap!)
In one swift motion, Crest ripped the scarf away.
And there it was.
A fresh, deep-red mark on Champ's neck.
An Alpha's mark.
Deux's mark.
Crest's eyes gleamed with satisfaction.
"I knew it."
Champ's breath came out in short, panicked gasps. His fingers twitched at his sides, itching to grab the scarf back, to hide.
But there was no hiding now.
Crest leaned in, his lips just beside Champ's ear, his breath hot against his skin.
"So, Deux finally claimed you... How fascinating. A special Omega like you, bound to an Alpha like him. My brother's bloodline is secured now because of you."
His fingers ghosted over the mark, tracing it with a touch so light it sent involuntary shivers down Champ's spine.
Then—
His grip tightened.
A choking sound escaped Champ as Crest's hand wrapped around his throat, pressing just enough to restrict his air.
"Crest!" Champ gasped, hands clawing at Crest's wrist, trying to pry him off.
Crest only smiled.
"I want a taste too, Champ..." he whispered, his tone dark, possessive. "Don't worry—I'll mark you as well. And unlike Deux, I won't just mark you..."
A pause.
A wicked grin.
"I'll make sure you carry my child... right now."
Panic.
"No one can stop me. I'll be the most powerful being in existence."
Fear.
It paralyzed Champ's limbs, yet his instincts screamed at him to fight.
He struggled, desperate to break free.
Crest was stronger.
Much stronger.
With one hand, he forced Champ's arms above his head, pinning them against the wall. With his legs, he trapped Champ's own, keeping him completely helpless.
Champ's breathing quickened. His mind raced.
Crest's face drew closer, his fangs grazing the skin of Champ's neck—
In Champ's mind, he begged his ability to awaken. Command him. Control him. Stop him.
But nothing happened.
His power refused to obey.
He felt Crest's fangs pressing in—
(Smack!)
A loud, brutal thud.
A heavy body collapsed onto the floor.
Crest lay motionless.
And standing behind him, gripping a baseball bat, his eyes wide with shock—
Jiggs.
"Jiggs!" Champ wheezed, still gasping for air.
Jiggs swallowed hard, staring at what he had just done. "I—uh—are you okay, Champ?"
Champ coughed, still struggling to catch his breath. His eyes darted to Crest's unconscious body sprawled on the ground.
"You... You actually knocked him out..."
"Good thing I followed you, huh? And good thing I came prepared." Jiggs muttered, shifting uncomfortably. "Had a bad feeling about that snake."
Then, his gaze landed on Champ's exposed mark.
Champ immediately slapped a hand over his neck, flustered.
"Jiggs, I can explain—"
Jiggs raised a hand.
"You don't have to." He smirked.
Champ frowned. "What do you mean?"
Jiggs sighed dramatically. "I was just waiting for you to admit it yourself. But hey, the evidence presented itself, so... yeah, I've known for a while now that you are indeed a rare Omega male."
"Jiggs... for how long have you known?"
"Eh... it doesn't matter. That's why I always cover for you, dummy." Jiggs lightly punched Champ's shoulder. "You think I'd do all that without a reason and just messing with you?"
Champ stared.
Then—slowly, hesitantly—he smiled.
Jiggs grinned back and held up his fist.
Champ returned the fist-bump.
But then—
A groan.
Crest began to stir.
"Let's go before this bastard wakes up!" Champ hissed, grabbing Jiggs' wrist.
Jiggs, however, didn't move.
"Wait, hold on—"
(Smack!)
Jiggs slammed the bat again.
Champ gawked. "JIGGS?!"
Jiggs shrugged. "Just making sure."
Champ groaned. "We don't have time for this!"
The two finally dashed out of the bathroom, but—
Just as they reached the door—
Champ stumbled, gripping his head.
"Champ?" Jiggs stopped, eyes wide with concern.
"I suddenly felt dizzy..."
"Don't tell me? You are pregnant!"
"Jiggs, it's not time for your jokes."
Champ's vision wavered for a moment.
A voice.
Distant but clear.
"Champ!"
His eyes snapped open.
Deux.
He heard Deux's voice in his mind.
He could feel it—the distress, the fear.
"Jiggs..." Champ whispered, his breath shaky. "Deux is in danger. He was calling my name."
Jiggs hesitated.
"How can you be sure?"
Champ lifted his gaze, his expression resolute. "I bear his mark. Our bond is connected now. I can feel it."
Jiggs groaned, rubbing his temples. "Crap, crap, crap—who do I even listen to?! If I follow you, Deux kills me. If I follow Deux, you kill me! Should I just kill myself?!"
Champ rolled his eyes. "What the hell are you even saying?!"
"Why?! Why do I keep getting dragged into your ridiculous love story?!" Jiggs groaned dramatically, throwing his hands in the air. "Listen! It was the middle of the night, and Deux suddenly showed up at my house! At first, I thought—just maybe—he secretly had feelings for me, and wanted to impregnate me—"
"JIGGS! Focus!" Champ snapped.
Jiggs pouted but quickly stiffened when he noticed Crest's fingers twitching.
(Smack!)
Another brutal hit with the baseball bat.
"This guy just doesn't stay down! Why does he wake up so fast?!" Jiggs huffed.
"Just finish your story!" Champ urged.
"Okay, okay! So Deux shows up and hands me a Roman numeral code, asking me to decipher it. I remember exactly what it was. I asked him what it meant, but he wouldn't say. He just told me to let you know that he's fine and that you shouldn't worry. Oh, and he also made me promise to protect you while he was gone."
Champ's brows furrowed. "Where did he go?"
Jiggs inhaled deeply before launching into another explanation.
"That same night, I was working on a prototype tracker device—a tiny sticker that lets me track someone's location. I was originally going to test it on you to figure out where you and Deux keep sneaking off to—"
"JIGGS! Seriously?!"
"I'm sorry! But here's the good part!"
"This better be good, Jiggs!"
"Instead of using it on you, I decided to stick it on Deux—just in case something happened to him. I managed to attach the tracker without him noticing and followed his movements. And now..."
Jiggs pulled out his phone and displayed a blinking red dot on the map.
"Boom. Here he is."
Champ leaned in. "Where is this?"
"I don't know, but it's a completely isolated area. No buildings, no landmarks, nothing." Jiggs frowned. "Wait, wait... what if Deux actually did go off to mate with an Omega female, like Council Jude said? Maybe he went so far away so you wouldn't catch him and get jealous—"
"JIGGS! There is nothing serious that comes out of your damn mouth!" Champ smacked him upside the head. "The important thing is that we have Deux's location! But the real issue is... how do we get there?"
Jiggs fell silent.
Both of them stared at the map, gears turning in their heads.
Then—
Jiggs grinned.
"Champ, we have only one option." His voice turned serious. "I have a plan. I'd say there's about a... 70% chance it'll work."
Champ's eyes darkened with determination. "I'll accept anything. As long as we can get to Deux and save him."
Jiggs nodded.
But first—
"Help me stuff this idiot into the bathroom stall!"
Together, they dragged Crest's unconscious body across the floor, grunting under his weight. Jiggs lifted his arms while Champ grabbed his legs.
Once inside the stall, they carefully propped him up against the toilet.
"This way, if anyone finds him, they'll just assume he passed out from excessive diarrhea!" Jiggs declared triumphantly.
Champ gave him an unimpressed look. "You are completely insane."
Jiggs dusted off his hands. "Genius, you mean."
With their cover story set, they hurried back to the dining hall.
—
Back at the Banquet...
Jude raised a brow as Champ and Jiggs returned.
"Champ, you were gone for quite some time. Did something happen?"
Jiggs discreetly elbowed Champ in the side.
Champ caught on immediately, clutching his stomach with an exaggerated grimace.
"I... I think I ate something bad, Jude." He groaned. "I feel terrible. I might have to leave early—I don't want to ruin the night for everyone with my..." He leaned in and whispered, "unfortunate digestive emergency."
Jude's lips twitched in amusement. "Ah. I see. That's...unfortunate."
"Very. Extremely. Catastrophic, even," Champ nodded solemnly.
Jude chuckled. "I understand. I'll arrange for an escort to take you and your group home safely."
"YES!" Jiggs whispered under his breath. "Almost 70% of my plan is working..."
Phase one of his brilliant plan was working.
But then—
"By the way, where's Crest? You should at least say goodbye before you leave." Jude mused.
Champ and Jiggs froze.
They exchanged a glance.
Sweat formed on the back of their necks.
Champ cleared his throat.
"Uhh... we actually ran into him in the bathroom. I already said goodbye," he lied smoothly.
Jiggs nodded rapidly. "Yeah! Crest isn't feeling well either. He's locked himself in the stall. It's, uh, bad. Real bad."
Jude hummed thoughtfully. "Hmm. Maybe the food quality wasn't as good as I thought. First you, now Crest... Strange."
Champ and Jiggs internally sighed in relief.
"Well then, Champ," Jude continued, extending a hand. "It was a pleasure meeting you. Until we meet again."
Champ shook his hand, forcing a polite smile, all while itching to get the hell out of there.
...
...
...
Once inside the transport vehicle, Champ sat in the back with his Beta clan members—Marsh, Gem, Daryl, and Martin—while Jiggs sat beside the Beta driver assigned to take them home.
"I'll drop you off at the university, Alpha Champ," the driver said.
But before Champ could reply—
Jiggs grinned.
"Actually, that won't be necessary."
His hand slipped into his pocket.
(Zap!)
A TASER.
The driver convulsed for half a second before collapsing over the steering wheel.
Champ's soul left his body.
"JIGGS! WHAT THE HELL?!"
Jiggs shrugged. "Sorry. Had to do it."
Marsh, Gem, Daryl, and Martin stared in absolute horror.
"DID YOU JUST KILL HIM?!" Daryl choked.
"WHAT KIND OF MISSION IS THIS?!" Gem panicked.
Jiggs waved them off. "Relax, he's just unconscious! Tie him up before he wakes up."
Marsh groaned. "Are we criminals now?"
"No, but we might be soon!" Jiggs laughed.
Champ buried his face in his hands.
"I don't know whether to thank you or punch you in the face."
"Thank me later. We're not done yet!"
Once the Beta driver was securely tied, Jiggs climbed into the driver's seat.
"Marsh, take the taser. If he wakes up, zap him again."
"Is this torture?!" Champ demanded.
"Slightly! Hehe!" Jiggs snickered, gripping the wheel.
Champ's blood ran cold.
"Wait... Jiggs... Don't tell me—"
Jiggs turned with an unhinged grin.
"I'm driving!"
(Vroom!)
The engine roared to life.
Champ's face drained of color.
"I DIDN'T KNOW YOU COULD DRIVE?!"
Jiggs laughed.
"I also did not know! I mean... I've played virtual car racing! That counts, right?"
Before anyone could protest—
Jiggs slammed his foot on the gas.
The car lurched forward at a terrifying speed.
"JIGGS, THIS IS SUICIDE!" Champ screamed, gripping onto the car handle for dear life.
"BUCKLE UP! THIS IS GONNA BE A WILD RIDE!" Jiggs cackled, swerving the car recklessly.
Champ squeezed his eyes shut, praying for his life.
"Deux... I don't know if we'll survive this, but I swear—no matter what—I will save you."
From the front, Jiggs whooped.
"NEW CHAMP CLAN MISSION, HERE WE COME, BABY! WOOHOO!"
"Is this the so-called plan that has a 70% success rate?!" Champ screamed, clutching onto the car handle for dear life.
"YES!" Jiggs hollered back, grinning like a madman.
"AND WHAT'S THE REMAINING 30%?!" Champ demanded, his voice on the verge of hysteria.
"THAT WE ALL DIE BECAUSE OF MY DRIVING!" Jiggs cackled, swerving the car wildly as the tires screeched against the road. "COMMENCE THE OPERATION, SAVE THE ALPHA PRINCE!"
End of Chapter 25