Revealing

Hayden sat on the edge of the bed, his mind still reeling from the events of the previous night. He had to get out of here, to think clearly away from Zenos' overpowering presence. With a deep breath, he looked up at the Enigma standing before him.

"I want to go home," Hayden said, trying to sound assertive despite the quiver in his voice.

Zenos' expression remained calm, but his eyes darkened slightly. "You are home, Hayden. With me."

Hayden's frustration bubbled over. "No, I mean my real home. I need to see my friends, my family. You can't just keep me here."

Zenos stepped closer, his gaze locking onto Hayden's. "I won't let you go, Hayden. You're mine now. I won't risk losing you."

Panic surged through Hayden as he realized how serious Zenos was. "You can't do this! My dad—he's a powerful CEO. He'll never let you get away with this."

To Hayden's surprise, Zenos chuckled, a low, rumbling sound that sent chills down his spine. "Your anger is adorable, Hayden. But you should know, your father and I are old friends. He doesn't know about this yet, but I assure you, once he does, he will understand."

Hayden's eyes widened in shock. "What are you talking about?"

Zenos leaned down, his face inches from Hayden's. "I can protect you, provide for you, in ways no one else can. You're safe with me."

Hayden's mind raced, trying to process this revelation. His father had no idea about Zenos' intentions, and it made him feel even more trapped.

"You’re lying," Hayden said, though his voice lacked conviction.

Zenos straightened, his expression softening slightly. "I understand this is a lot to take in. But trust me, Hayden. I only want what's best for you."

Hayden shook his head, trying to clear the fog of confusion and fear. "I need time to think."

Zenos nodded. "I'll give you all the time you need. But I want you to understand something, Hayden."

Hayden looked up, meeting Zenos' intense gaze.

"You can live your life as you used to," Zenos continued. "I'm not going to cage you or keep you from your friends or your dreams. You can go to university, hang out with Andy, do whatever makes you happy."

Hayden's eyes widened in surprise. "Really?"

"Yes," Zenos said firmly. "But you are mine, Hayden. Forever. No one else can touch you or have you. You're mine, and I won't let anyone take you away from me."

The weight of Zenos' words settled over Hayden, making him feel both trapped and protected. He still needed time to think, to process everything that had happened, but a small part of him felt a strange comfort in Zenos' unwavering claim.

"Okay," Hayden said finally, his voice barely above a whisper. "But I need to go home. I need to talk to Andy, to figure things out."

Zenos nodded. "I'll take you. But remember, Hayden—you are mine. And no one else can have you."

Hayden felt a shiver run down his spine at Zenos' words. Despite his fear and confusion, he couldn't deny the pull he felt toward the Enigma. Maybe, just maybe, there was something real between them.

Zenos escorted Hayden to the door, his hand lingering on Hayden's back as they walked. "I'll always be here for you, Hayden. No matter what."

Hayden gave a small nod, feeling a mixture of emotions he couldn't quite decipher. As he stepped outside and into the waiting car, he looked back, his mind racing with thoughts of the Enigma who had claimed him so completely. The road ahead was uncertain, but one thing was clear: Zenos had changed his life forever.

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