Chapter 38

<My co-star is Chase Miller. Is it okay if I devour him?>

When Naomi was set to film a movie with Chase, Greyson's younger brother, she jokingly asked that. Of course, she had no real intention of seducing him. She was already quite satisfied with just Greyson.

<Please do.>

But Greyson's response was unexpected. Greyson laughed with genuine amusement. Hearing his answer, Naomi was puzzled. Does this man not have any possessiveness or jealousy? As she was thinking this, Greyson added that it was fortunate she was a Beta. He also provided the reason: because it would be troublesome if she left a mark.

Naomi made a mistake at that moment.

<Why is that?>

She should not have asked that question at least. But at the time, Naomi was overflowing with affection for that trash, so she let her guard down. Even though she knew all too well that men are always looking for opportunities to stab you in the back.

Bursting into laughter, Greyson said:

<You have to distinguish between someone you have sex with and someone you marry.>

The sensation of her blood running cold then was still vivid. The meaning of Greyson's words was all too clear. Naomi was someone to have sex with, but never a woman to seriously marry. What an arrogant man. Whether the basis for his confidence was due to his noble extreme Alpha bloodline or because his family was that great, it wasn't her concern. Naomi never forgave someone who had deeply wounded her high self-esteem.

I will definitely see that bastard crying and suffering.

How many years had she spent grinding her teeth like that? Greyson had started his destiny talk again. This time he was at a fire station. That news was as joyful and exciting as being nominated for Best Actress. Naomi had eventually won that glorious award at the Oscars before. This time would be the same. Her heart raced. Could there be a more joyful prize than seeing Greyson Miller miserably hurt?

A thrilling joy swept through her entire body. She clenched both fists and trembled, then quickly fumbled with her mobile phone again. This time, it was her turn to find out where Greyson was making a fool of himself. When she pressed the speed dial, after a few rings, her secretary answered with a voice full of sleepiness.

"Yes, it's me. Sorry for the late call."

– No, what's the matter?

Her secretary responded diligently despite the late-night call. Naomi, feeling a bit sorry but unable to contain her business, spoke. The opportunity to make Greyson Miller suffer had approached right before her eyes, so she couldn't delay even for a moment.

"I need to find someone urgently. I heard he became a firefighter, but I don't know which fire station he's at. Could you find out as soon as day breaks?"

Naomi waited quietly while her secretary looked for a pen and paper. Finally, when her secretary indicated she was ready, Naomi took a deep breath and finally mentioned the name.

"Greyson Miller."

She could feel her secretary hesitate upon hearing the name. Naomi added with a bright smile.

"Yes, that's right. The second son of the Miller family, that very Greyson Miller."

Her secretary asked as Naomi nodded.

– Do you just need me to find him?

"Yes, I'll take care of the rest myself."

Naomi added a kind greeting.

"I'm sorry for always being so willful, thank you."

Don't worry, I'll claim a special bonus.

The secretary, who had spoken a joke that was actually the truth, hung up. Naomi smiled as she took out her checkbook and wrote a check for her secretary. When she finished with a flourish of her signature, her face was shining brighter than ever with anticipation for what was to come.

***

At the same time, in another place, another Miller was talking about this incident.

"A firefighter? Greyson? Your brother Greyson Miller? Became a firefighter?"

It was around that time that Joshua Bailey received a call from his partner, Chase Miller. As they were staying in different states due to work, they frequently confirmed their affection for each other through phone calls, but on this day, there was a special matter. It was news about Chase's brother, Greyson Miller.

He got a job, and at a fire station at that.

As soon as he heard Chase's words, Joshua couldn't believe it and unconsciously asked again in a raised voice several times. From the other end of the mobile phone, Chase answered in a thoroughly twisted tone.

– Yes, that bastard. What is he thinking? The most selfish person in the world taking the most altruistic job in the world, doesn't it seem crazy? Right, it must be because of the pheromones that he's lost his mind. Definitely.

While listening to the curses filled with emotion, Joshua was thinking something completely different. Of all things, a firefighter, could this be destiny?

"Do you know which fire station?"

At Joshua's question, Chase recalled what Koi had said, searching his memory. Hearing the answer, Joshua was now convinced. This must be a revelation.

And a fire station, of all places. How very appropriate, as if by fate.

"Chase."

Taking advantage of the pause in speech from the other end, he called the name and asked in a meaningful lowered voice.

"I have an interesting idea, what do you think? Want to hear it?"

– What idea?

To the still sulky voice, Joshua threw another question.

"Remember what I promised before? I said I would kidnap that bastard if you wanted."

A sudden silence fell. Joshua smiled, naturally imagining Chase holding his breath with a furrowed brow.

"Yes, that's right. The time has come."

Joshua deliberately paused before adding.

"Time to repay the debt from all this time."

The sound of a sharp intake of breath was heard from the other end. After another tense silence, Chase finally spoke.

– So, what should we do first?

Hearing the voice trembling faintly with expectation, Joshua opened his mouth with a satisfied smile.

"The first thing to do is, of course, to find an accomplice."

– An accomplice?

"Yes."

To the word Chase repeated, Joshua nodded and said.

"I know a firefighter."

* * *

The branch of a tall tree shook briefly. Dane Striker, who had slowly moved onto the ladder, immediately stopped and assessed the situation. After confirming that the tree had become quiet again, he continued forward.

At the end of the precarious branch that looked like it might break at any moment, a wounded cat, all curled up, was glaring at him with its fur standing on end. The small body trembling anxiously, the fur mottled with dust as if it had suffered outside the house, and the sharply glinting yellow eyes. All the signs the cat was showing indicated that it was full of fear and wariness.

As Dane slowly approached, the cat, firmly seated on the wobbling branch, meowed, "Meow."

"It's okay, good kitty. Come here."

For whatever reason, it had climbed up high but couldn't come back down. He could see its small chest rising and falling rapidly. Dane didn't rush. His voice persuading the cat was full of gentleness. The team members watching from below the tree opened their mouths as he approached the cat, making clicking sounds with his tongue.

"It's really amazing. Such a cynical guy is incredibly kind to animals."

Someone nodded in agreement beside the speaker.

"That bastard might hit people, but he never hits animals."

"Is that all? Last time, he nearly went to jail for beating the owner who left a dog inside and set fire to the house."

"Fortunately, he just paid a fine and that was it. If someone had left a person inside and set fire, I don't think he would have beaten them that much."

"No, he might have beaten them for causing trouble. He's that kind of guy."

"Who knows. Well... he wouldn't want to go to jail. Because of his cat."

While his colleagues were exchanging words as they pleased, Greyson stood at some distance from them, watching Dane with a frowning face.

What is that guy doing now?