The café was bustling with the usual afternoon crowd, the hum of conversation blending with the clinking of cups and saucers.
Fourth sat by the window, his fingers drumming absently against the table. He glanced at the clock on his phone, waiting for Gia to finish her last lecture so they could tackle their accounts assignment.
The sunlight streaming through the glass only intensified the heat outside, making the café feel slightly stifling despite the air conditioning.
Fourth wiped a bead of sweat from his forehead, a faint uneasiness settling in his chest.
His rut wasn't due for at least another two weeks, but the oppressive temperature could easily trigger it early.
He tried to shake off the thought, taking a deep breath to calm the rising tension in his body.
However, as the minutes passed, the sensation only grew stronger. His heart raced, and his alpha pheromones began to spike uncontrollably.
The shift didn't go unnoticedâseveral omegas in the café started turning their heads toward him, their gazes filled with interest.
Fourth's discomfort skyrocketed when a bold female omega approached him. She was striking, with a predatory smirk that made his stomach churn.
Hey there, Alpha. She purred, leaning close. You seem a little... tense. Need some help ?
Her tone was sweet, but the seduction in her eyes made Fourth want to recoil.
I'm fine, thanks. He muttered, trying to lean away without causing a scene.
But she wasn't deterred. Instead, she moved closer, her hand brushing against his arm.
Come on now, don't be shy. She teased, her voice dripping with feigned innocence.
Fourth felt his body tense further, the pressure of suppressing his alpha instincts becoming unbearable. He clenched his fists, his breaths shallow, as he fought to maintain control.
Please, I said no. He managed to say, his voice strained.
The omega ignored him, her gaze challenging as she leaned in closer. Panic started to creep into Fourth's chest.
He couldn't afford to lose control, not here, not now.
Suddenly, the atmosphere in the café shifted. A wave of pure-blood alpha pheromones swept through the room, silencing the hum of conversation.
It was a commanding presence, one that made even the bold omega freeze in place.
Fourth's eyes darted toward the entrance, where Gemini stood, his expression dark and unyielding.
Gemini was there to buy a coffee before going to his company for a meeting. He was busy scrolling through his phone , when he saw the commotion an was quick in recognizing the center of the commotion.
The instinct of protecting the only thing which made his sister happy , surged in him.
His sharp eyes immediately locked onto the scene, and with deliberate steps, he approached.
The omega shrank back as Gemini's aura intensified. Without a word, he glanced at her, his silent warning clear.
She quickly muttered an excuse and scurried away, leaving Fourth trembling in his seat.
You okay ? Gemini asked, his voice low but filled with concern as he knelt by Fourth's side.
I-I don't know. Fourth stammered, his body visibly shaking.
Gemini frowned, noting the signsâFourth's pale complexion, the sweat beading on his forehead, and the way his hands gripped the edge of the table.
You're suppressing. Gemini said, his tone more certain now. Your rut's starting, isn't it ?
I think so. Fourth admitted weakly, his voice barely above a whisper.
Before Gemini could say more, Fourth's body went completely limp, his strength giving out under the immense strain.
Gemini acted quickly, catching him before he could slump to the floor.
Hang in there. Gemini muttered, effortlessly scooping Fourth into his arms.
The other patrons watched in stunned silence, too intimidated by Gemini's presence to react.
Gemini carried Fourth out of the café and into his car, his movements swift and efficient.
Knowing Fourth needed a safe, private place to ride out his rut, Gemini decided to take him to his spare condo.
As he drove, he glanced at Fourth, who was unconscious in the passenger seat, his usually lively demeanor replaced by vulnerability.
The room was dimly lit, with the faint sound of the air conditioning humming in the background. Fourth stirred under the covers, his body heavy with lingering exhaustion.
He blinked slowly, his surroundings unfamiliar.
The walls were painted a soft gray, the furniture minimal yet tasteful. A large window on the far side let in a faint glow from the streetlights outside.
He shifted slightly, feeling the warmth radiating from his own skin, his body still tense and heated.
Pulling back the duvet, he hastily glanced down at himself. Relief flooded through him when he saw that he was still fully clothed, albeit a little disheveled.
His memories were hazyâfragments of the café, the oppressive heat, and the overwhelming need to suppress his instincts flickered in his mind.
How did I get here ? Whose place is this ? Were his thoughts , as soon as he woke up.
As if on cue, the door creaked open, and Gia stepped in, a glass of water in her hand. She smiled softly when she saw him awake.
Finally ! She said, her tone light but tinged with concern. You've been out for almost three hours. How are you feeling ?
Fourth sat up slowly, wincing at the residual ache in his body.
Hot. He muttered, running a hand through his damp hair. And... confused. Where am I ? What happened ?
Gia placed the glass on the bedside table and pulled up a chair beside the bed. This is Phi Gemini's spare condo. She explained. He brought you here after you... well, after things got intense at the café.
Fourth's brow furrowed. Gemini ? How did heâ
He was at the café too. Gia interrupted gently, her gaze steady. He noticed something was wrong and stepped in before things got worse. You fainted from the stress of suppressing your rut, so he brought you here.
Fourth's cheeks flushed slightly, a mix of embarrassment and gratitude swirling within him.
I don't remember much , because of the stress and panic. He admitted, his voice quiet.
That's okay. Gia reassured him. Phi Gem called me to look after you since he had an urgent meeting to attend. He didn't want to leave you alone, in case you wake up and start to panic again because of the unfamiliar environment and I was already out of class, so here I am.
Fourth looked at her, the sincerity in her eyes easing some of his lingering discomfort. Thank you. He said softly.
Gia waved a hand dismissively, her smile widening. Don't mention it. You'd do the same for meâor anyone, for that matter.
He nodded, his lips curving into a faint smile. Still... I owe Phi Gemini. And you.
Gia stood and placed the glass of water in his hand.
Drink up. She said, her tone gently commanding. You need to stay hydrated, especially with how hot you're running.
Fourth obeyed, gulping down the cool liquid, the refreshing sensation soothing his dry throat.
As he handed the glass back to Gia, he hesitated. Was I...?
She tilted her head, waiting for him to continue.
Did Iâdid anything happen while I was out ? He asked nervously, his eyes darting to the bed and then back to her.
Gia shook her head firmly. Nothing happened, Fourth. Phi Gem made sure you were comfortable and safe. And when I got here, you were already asleep.
His shoulders relaxed, the tension slowly ebbing away. Good. He murmured. That's good.
Gia's eyes softened as she took in his vulnerable state. You should rest a bit more.
Fourth nodded, sinking back into the pillows. Thanks, Gia. For everything. Can you just drop me home , my parents might be worried.
She smiled warmly, reaching out to pat his hand. Sure and Anytime, Fourth. Just... next time, don't hesitate to call someone when you're feeling off, okay ?
He gave her a sheepish grin. I'll try.
With that, Gia left the room quietly, leaving Fourth to process everything.
As his body settled into the plush mattress, he felt an overwhelming sense of gratitudeânot just for Gemini's timely rescue but also for Gia's unwavering support.
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Update
Phi Gem to the rescue â¨ï¸
Enjoy reading cuties ð§¸