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Fated Error: Kissed My Archrival by Mistake (Or Not?)

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Chapter 3: —“Pheromone Detention”

By the time I got to chemistry class, I was praying to every higher power that the rumors would die down.

They didn’t.

Whispers hit me like flying daggers the moment I walked through the door.

“Is that the one who triggered the Alpha heat alert?”

“He kissed Caspian right on the mouth.”

“He fainted after. So dramatic.”

“Honestly, same. I’d pass out too if Caspian looked at me like that.”

I clenched my jaw and dropped into my seat, hoodie up, head down, trying to disappear. But it was no use. This class had pheromone-sensitive sensors installed for “safety reasons.”

The second I got near my lab station, the sensor beeped.

[Alert: Unstable Alpha pheromone levels detected.]

[Subject: Easton Virel.]

[Immediate regulation recommended.]

Half the class turned. The other half straight-up gasped.

I wanted to throw myself into the nearest vat of acid.

“Mr. Virel,” the professor called, clearly annoyed but trying to stay professional. “Please report to Pheromone Regulation. Now.”

“I’m fine,” I muttered, glaring at the blinking sensor.

“I don’t care. Go.”

Great. Just great.

⸻

The Pheromone Regulation Room was on the lower floor—white walls, dim lighting, a long recliner chair, and pheromone suppressors embedded in the ceiling.

The nurse, an older Beta with a permanent scowl, greeted me with zero sympathy.

“Lay down,” she said. “The suppressor will scan and reset your levels. Should take thirty minutes unless you’re resisting regulation.”

“I’m not resisting,” I muttered, sliding into the chair.

“Good. Stay still. Don’t talk. Don’t move.”

I closed my eyes and exhaled.

Finally, peace.

Until the door opened.

Footsteps. Slow. Confident.

I opened one eye and almost leapt off the table.

Caspian.

“What the hell are you doing here?” I hissed.

The nurse didn’t even blink. “Volunteer regulator.”

“What? No. No! I didn’t ask for him—”

“You didn’t have a choice,” Caspian cut in smoothly, taking the seat beside me. “As your temporary bonded match, I was notified the second your heat spiked.”

“Temporary WHAT?!”

“It’s a system link. You triggered it when you kissed me. Congratulations.”

I looked at the nurse for help. She was flipping through a clipboard like this was completely normal.

“You can regulate him, Mr. Emry,” she said, standing. “No touching below the waist. I’ll be back in twenty minutes.”

“Wait—NO, I DIDN’T CONSENT TO—”

The door closed.

Silence.

Caspian turned to me with that slow, dangerous smile. “So… how do you want to do this?”

“By dying. Immediately. Right here.”

“Can’t. I won’t allow it.”

He reached out, fingers brushing the side of my neck.

My breath hitched. My skin buzzed where he touched. His fingertips circled my scent gland—just once. I felt it, deep and low in my stomach.

“I can smell it,” he said softly. “You’re holding back. Let it flow. Let me balance it.”

“You are NOT regulating me.”

“I am. System registered it. I’m the only one who can keep your scent from leaking again.”

“You did this on purpose.”

“Maybe,” he said, leaning closer, “but maybe you want it too.”

I opened my mouth to deny it—but the words never came out.

His hand slid to my collarbone, warm, careful, steady. My scent calmed down almost immediately, like my instincts recognized his touch. My heart was still racing, but my body was melting into the chair like a traitor.

“How long have you known I was your match?” I asked quietly.

He didn’t hesitate. “Since sophomore year.”

“That long?”

“I didn’t say anything,” he murmured, “because I knew you weren’t ready.”

“And now?”

“I’m done waiting.”

I turned my face away, trying to ignore the way my pulse fluttered against his fingers.

“This doesn’t mean anything.”

“It will.”

The monitor above us let out a soft ding.

[Alpha regulation successful. Levels stable.]

I sighed with relief.