Alpha's mate is a male?!?-Chapter 193: Even Now I Feel The Same.

As soon as they step into the office, Kieran wastes no time locking the door behind them with a soft click.

Before Ace can say a word, Kieran turns sharply, closing the distance between them in one swift motion. His arms wrap tightly around Ace’s body, pulling him close.

"Oh, Goddess... I really miss you, Ace," Kieran murmurs, burying his face in the crook of Ace’s neck. His deep inhale is slow and drawn out, like he’s trying to memorize Ace’s scent, to take in every bit of him.

Ace chuckles, resting his hands on Kieran’s back. "But I’m right here, and I’ve been right here," he teases, rubbing slow circles over Kieran’s back.

Kieran lifts his head slightly, his lips brushing against the side of Ace’s neck. "Yeah, I know that," he whispers. "Only... not in the way I want. Honestly, baby, this is the last time we’re running around dealing with problems. I swear, I’m going to make sure of it."

His voice carries a quiet determination, but Ace only laughs. "Oh yeah?" he smirks. "You told me the same thing when I was about to die. I thought you were just bluffing."

Kieran’s body tenses instantly. He pulls back, looking at Ace. "Bluffing? Are you being serious right now?" His eyebrows furrow, and he folds his arms across his chest. "You know what? Never mention that moment to me again," he huffs, turning away and walking toward his office chair. "I still can’t believe I literally cried like a fucking baby. It’s really embarrassing."

Ace follows him, sitting across the desk with an amused expression. "Well," he starts, his tone softer now, "I actually don’t think I ever want to see you cry again." He leans forward, resting his elbows on the desk. "Because, Kieran... watching you cry was literally killing me." His voice drops to something more intimate. "But don’t misunderstand me, okay? If you ever need to cry, then let it out. I’ll be there to wipe your tears once you’re done." He smirks slightly at the end, teasing just a bit, but his words hold sincerity.

Kieran sighs, shaking his head as he clicks the mouse, turning his attention to the monitor. "No more crying," he mutters.

Ace leans back. "Right. No more crying," he echoes. Then, his eyes flicker to the screen. "What are you doing?"

Kieran keeps his gaze on the monitor, typing a few words before replying. "Writing a report on the serial killer case. Wrapping everything up... and attaching my resignation letter."

Ace’s playful expression fades. "Wait, what?" His brows knit together as he straightens in his seat. "You’re resigning?"

Kieran nods, still typing. "Yeah. I don’t see any reason to stay in this job anymore."

Ace shakes his head. "No, come on. You’re not resigning."

"Yes I am, we both know the reason why I came here in the first place. And that reason is not there anymo..."

"And we also both know that you haven’t been doing what you’ve been doing just because you have to, seriously," Ace interrupts. "You protect people, and I know you don’t do it because you have to. You do it because you want to."

Kieran exhales slowly, turning to face him. "Okay, fine, maybe I love to protect people. But I just want to spend more time with you, with our baby." His voice softens at the end, his gaze full of longing.

Ace smiles, reaching across the desk to take Kieran’s hand. "I know," he says. "And I want to spend every second with you, too. But, babe, I’m not selfish enough to pretend that people don’t actually need you out here. You make a difference, Kieran. And I haven’t forgotten that you’re an Alpha, either. You have obligations to our pack. But I promise you, I’ll help you with that."

Kieran’s fingers tighten around Ace’s. "Ace..."

He’s about to say more when a knock comes at the door, cutting off the moment.

Kieran exhales sharply, dropping Ace’s hand as he calls out, "Come in."

The door swings open, and Lennox strolls in with his usual energy. "Well, well, well! If it isn’t my perfect-match partners!" he announces with a wide grin.

Kieran leans back in his chair, eyes narrowing slightly. "Lennox?"

"Yeah?" Lennox strides over, hands on his hips. "Actually, man, I’m impressed with how you handled things! You have no idea how relieved the city feels now that the news is out."

Kieran frowns. "News?"

Lennox nods eagerly. "Yes. Sam was at the press conference earlier. I know you don’t like dealing with the media, but someone had to do it for you. And now, everyone is singing your praises. In fact!" He claps his hands together. "I’m here to deliver some exciting news, the mayor wants to have lunch with both of you." He raises an eyebrow. "Do you know what that means?"

Before either of them can respond, Lennox’s eyes land on the computer screen. He squints at the text for a second... then his entire expression drops.

His usual enthusiasm vanishes. "No, What the hell is that?" he exclaims. He strides over, eyes widening in disbelief. "You’re resigning?! No, no, no, there’s no way I’m letting that happen." Without hesitation, he reaches for the keyboard and deletes everything Kieran had typed.

Kieran stares at him, utterly baffled. "No one..."

Lennox ignores him, spinning toward Ace. "In fact, Mr. Ace Carter, I have a brilliant idea!" He gestures dramatically. "You are now an official member of this team! I mean, come on... Kieran’s partner? Perfect! No more crime in Haven City!"

Ace blinks. "Wait, what?"

Lennox waves a hand dismissively. "Anyway! Let me know when you’re free so I can confirm with the mayor. And Ace, you’ve got a few things to sign, so drop by my office later." And just like that, he turns on his heel and strides out the door, leaving them in stunned silence.

Kieran and Ace look at each other... before bursting into laughter.

"What a guy!" Ace says, still chuckling.

Kieran turns toward him, then suddenly serious. "So?"

Ace tilts his head. "So what?"

"Are you joining in?" Kieran asks, his gaze unwavering. "I’ll take you there to sign everything."

Ace’s laughter dies instantly. "Hell no!" He shakes his head firmly. "This was never my dream job."

Kieran leans forward. "Alright then. If you’re not doing it, then neither am I." His voice is steady, his expression firm. "Stop looking at me like that, I’m serious."

Ace groans.

They go back and forth, arguing, neither wanting to back down. But after several minutes of stubborn resistance, Ace finally sighs in defeat. "Fine!"

Kieran smirks, leaning back in satisfaction. "That’s what I thought."

Ace rolls his eyes, muttering under his breath, but deep down, he knows that, despite the unexpected turn of events, this might not be such a bad thing after all.

Kieran’s eyes linger on Ace, His fingers reach out, brushing lightly along Ace’s wrist, tracing over the steady pulse as if grounding himself in the familiar rhythm.

"You know," Kieran starts softly, his voice warm with sincerity, "I only agreed to this because I know we’ll always be side by side... That way, I can protect you."

Ace raises a brow, feigning offense, though the amusement in his eyes betrays him. "Hey! What do you take me for? An egg?"

Kieran chuckles, the sound low and fond. "Of course not. More like... a rare diamond. Tough, unbreakable, but still worth protecting."

A smile ghosts Ace’s lips.

Kieran shifts closer. He tilts Ace’s chin up gently, his thumb grazing along the sharp line of his jaw. His voice drops lower, a quiet confession. "I really miss you."

Ace exhales, laughing. "Okay, that’s it. Just say it." He leans back slightly. "You keep saying you miss me even when I’m right here, and now I’m convinced you miss my body more than me. You know what I mean, so come on, speak up."

Kieran’s gaze sharpens, desire flickering in his eyes. His breath slows, his pupils dilating as he studies Ace’s face with unwavering focus.

Instead of answering, he stands, his movements deliberate, his body tense with restrained need.

He walks around the desk, each step steady, controlled, yet filled with unspoken hunger. When he reaches him, he lowers himself, crouching in front of him, his hands resting on Ace’s knees.

"You’re right," Kieran admits, his voice thick with emotion. "But not entirely. Not only ’us’ intimately, but also missing you for you." His fingers tighten slightly, his grip warm through the fabric of Ace’s pants. "You know... I wonder sometimes... Okay, this might sound perverted, but... do you ever crave me? Not just my presence, but my touch, my kisses... being with me like that... in bed."

Ace’s breath catches. His heartbeat thuds, loud and fast. His fingers twitch slightly against the chair’s armrest.

When he doesn’t respond immediately, Kieran leans in a fraction more, his voice barely above a whisper. "I crave you all the time. Every second, every minute. And most of the time, when I’m close to you, I have to act like I don’t want to pin you against the nearest surface and kiss you breathless. Like I don’t want to touch you in ways that make you forget everything else. It’s exhausting pretending I don’t feel this way. But obviously can’t do that everywhere."

Ace exhales. "Well... mine is going to sound crazier." He swallows. "Our first time, back in those woods, even when I didn’t know you, even when you barely knew me. After that moment, I craved you-- someone I didn’t even fully understand. I could say it was just the mate bond and the mating season. But even after our bond was severed... nothing changed."

Kieran’s breath hitches slightly. His hands tighten on Ace’s thighs, his control unraveling.

Ace exhales, his smirk returning. "Even now, it’s the same."

Kieran’s jaw clenches, his throat bobbing as he swallows hard. "Even right now?" His voice is hoarse, his body heating at the thought.

Ace chuckles, leaning in just enough that Kieran can feel his breath ghost against his lips. "Actually, if we weren’t in the office... your clothes would be hitting the floor right now."

Kieran’s restraint shatters.

His hands sliding to Ace’s waist, gripping, pulling, then his lips crash into Ace’s, the kiss deep, desperate, and unapologetic.

Ace exhales sharply, hands gripping at Kieran’s shirt, tugging him closer.

His fingers tangle into Kieran’s hair, anchoring himself as their lips move together in perfect sync.