Marriage is the Only Way Out

“There is only one way,” he murmured. “I must marry the heir of the branch family.”

Following the sudden death of his father, the Count, Elwin—an omega—was stripped of all inheritance rights. With the family title and estate on the verge of slipping into the hands of the branch family, he launched a desperate marriage operation to protect his legacy.

“Beauties like you, Young Master, are exceedingly rare! Capturing a naive noble lord will be a piece of cake!”

In truth, the naive bookworm was Elwin himself. His grand scheme to seduce the heir, Dwight, during his month-long visit to the estate crumbled on the very first day.

“Welcome, Mr. Dwight. It is a pleasure to meet you.”

As the heir’s carriage rolled to a halt, a striking, dark-haired man emerged at the estate’s entrance. Before Elwin could even finish his polite bow, the stranger seized his hand and pressed a lingering kiss to his knuckles.

“The honor is entirely mine. My name is Leon.”

Pardon? Not Dwight of the branch family, but Leon? Who on earth is this man?

Though thoroughly flustered by the unprompted kiss from a total stranger, Elwin immediately noticed the mysterious alpha exuding an overwhelming confidence.

“You are quite the beauty, Young Lord, just as the rumors claimed,” Leon said.

Observing that slick, shameless smirk, the perceptive Elwin’s instincts flared. A scoundrel, he realized. A total scoundrel and a playboy!

Leon stepped closer, the air between them growing thick. “Have you truly never thought about what happened that night, my lord? I would very much like for you to consider it. And I wish for you to think more—much deeper—about me, as well.”

Elwin remained silent, unable to form a response.

“You know what I mean, don’t you?” Leon pressed softly.

“I—I don’t know,” Elwin whispered, his voice trembling on the verge of tears.

His heart pounded so frantically it left him dizzy, his wavering gaze filled with nothing but Leon’s intense presence. The moment the man’s fingertips brushed lightly against his lips, Elwin foresaw exactly what was about to happen.

“You already know,” Leon murmured. “And just for this moment, surely you realize that your honor belongs to me.”

When Elwin offered no resistance, the alpha leaned closer. “Forgive my rudeness.”

Drawn in by an irresistible pull, Elwin fluttered his eyes shut just as Leon’s lips captured his.