Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

⋆.𐙚 Thursday afternoon ⋆.𐙚

It had been 25 days since Gao Tu resigned. Shen WenLang felt impatient, not knowing what to do. His secretary wasn't responding to his messages, and despite all his efforts to keep him close, he had ultimately resigned, leaving him behind like everyone else in his life. He had been abandoned once again.

But why did it have to be this way? Gao Tu is the only person WenLang fully trusted. He was sure that he was the only one who could put up with his personality and the only one who would always stay. He even believed that Gao Tu appreciated him in the same way.

He believed that Gao Tu was happy with his presence. After all, they had been friends for more than 10 years. Wasn't that enough to be able to tell him who that omega was?

The reason for his resignation was supposedly that his omega was pregnant. Gao Tu is stupid. The chances of a beta impregnating an omega are almost nonexistent. They are deceiving him. As a friend, I should help him, right?

Hua Yong listened with a raised eyebrow when Shen WenLang finished his monologue.

“Shen WenLang, are you sure you don't like Secretary Gao?”

“What? How did you come to that conclusion? I respect him, and he has a partner.” Shen WenLang began to think of reasons to like Gao Tu, and his brain quickly listed many: pretty lips, good personality, handsome, well-behaved, efficient, etc.

And yet, he still didn't think it was appropriate for him to like Gao Tu. Sometimes he thought that even if he did like Gao Tu, it was too late. Shen WenLang felt his anger and irritation worsening.

“I'm just worried because we've known each other for more than 10 years, it's normal... Why are you talking nonsense, Hua Yong? I'm not like you, I don't need to love or be loved.”

“Okay, it's ridiculous, he would never admit it to me” Hua Yong thought to himself.

“WenLang, from what you're telling me, I think they're deceiving Gao Tu. You should help him a little. Besides, do it urgently because there are only three days left before Secretary Gao leaves the HS group.”

“And another thing, Secretary Gao likes you too.”

“That's impossible.”

“You two... you're hopeless.”

*

*

Shen WenLang can't take it anymore, so he decides to go to the public restroom in the secretaries' office. Lately, he's noticed that Gao Tu goes there very often. His plan is to bump into him and ask him to see reason, tell him to leave that omega alone, or that if he wants, they can give her money so she can raise the child far away from Gao Tu. In the end, that omega only wants the money from the responsible beta. That will solve the whole issue.

The alpha waits for a while near the bathroom, checking emails on his cell phone, a habit of a dedicated CEO. An hour passes, it's 5 p.m., and Gao Tu never showed up. “This is ridiculous... to get to this point... I'm just going to go to his house.”

Shen WenLang returns to his office and sees Gao Tu in the distance walking toward the exit. He runs for his keys and leaves behind him. He walks quickly and catches up with him easily. “Gao Tu, do you need a ride home today? You look very pale.” WenLang rarely took Gao Tu home, but he has done so before, so it's nothing strange.

“It's not necessary, Mr. Shen. Have a good night” Gao Tu replies without looking at him.

There he is. How could Gao Tu possibly like him? The man wouldn't even agree to go home with him. Shen WenLang remembers Gao Tu's disappointed look when he told him that if an omega got pregnant with his child, he would make them have an abortion, and it hurts his heart. “He must think I'm a monster” he thought to himself.

“Listen, Gao Tu, seriously, you don't look well. Let me go with you, just this once, please.” Shen WenLang surprises himself by using a tone he has never used before. Gao Tu's rejection makes him feel weak, and he can't bear the thought of Gao Tu thinking he is a bad person.

Gao Tu, in a respectful tone, as always, only replies “Okay.” Shen WenLang walks a little ahead to open the car door for him, sits with him in the back, and tells the driver to go to the secretary's house.

*

*

Gao Tu has stopped using injected inhibitors in recent weeks for fear of hurting his baby. Now he only wears a patch on his neck to prevent his pheromones from escaping. He doesn't know why the hell he gave in to Shen WenLang's sad look, maybe it was because he really missed him, because of the tone of voice he used, because of the desperation in his eyes, or maybe it was the baby telling him that he wants his daddy close by. He doesn't know what it was, but he definitely starts to regret it.

As soon as he enters, he smells WenLang's pheromones and his body relaxes, perhaps he needed it. He lies down just a little to see the city lights and unintentionally closes his eyes, feeling so calm... it smells so good.

WenLang hasn't taken his eyes off Gao Tu since he fell asleep. His eyelashes are long, his face is small, his lips are heart-shaped, his hair looks soft and thick, his skin is clear and has its own glow. Lately, he looks cuter, he even seems to have gained a little weight. How cute he is.

This guy... how could some random omega have taken him away from him? WenLang feels the urge to hold his hand, but it's immoral, so he stops himself, accustomed to restraining himself. Instead, he takes off his jacket and slowly covers him up, afraid of waking him up.

Gao Tu seems to fall even deeper into his sleep, unconsciously hugging the jacket. Thirty minutes later, when they arrive at Gao Tu's house, the driver opens the door and jokingly suggests waking him up, but Wenlang doesn't find it funny and glares at him. Accustomed to his boss's personality, the driver simply says, “I understand, sir, excuse me” and takes a step back.

“You can go. I'll let you know later when to pick me up.”

WenLang was determined to stay with Gao Tu for at least a while that night. Seeing Gao Tu fragile and defenseless made him feel very possessive for some reason. The alpha was unconcerned about the supposed omega because Gao Tu had confirmed earlier that he did not live with her. Carefully, with Gao Tu in his arms princess-style, he climbed the stairs, somewhat proud that none of the lights were flickering, as they had been fixed on his orders.

It was the second time he had carried Gao Tu, the first time being when he fainted from the idiot Sheng Shaoyou's hormones... he still weighed nothing, was he eating properly? At least he had gained a little weight... although it wasn't even noticeable.

Shen WenLang struggled to find the keys to Gao Tu's house, searching all the pockets of his clothes, until he found them in the back pocket of his pants. Even with all that movement, his secretary showed no signs of waking up. How tired he must be, Shen WenLang thought. He entered the apartment, which was clean and tidy, as always. He headed for the only bedroom.

He put Gao Tu on the bed, thinking it would be better if he woke up and took a bath, but he was so peaceful... and he was still clinging to his jacket. He couldn't bathe him, but he could help him change his clothes, WenLang reasoned.

He took off his glasses first, placing them on the bedside table, then his shoes and socks. When he took off his pants, he turned off the lights and left only the lamp on at the dimmest possible setting. Shen WenLang saw himself as a respectful person.

Next came the shirt, which he could hardly remove because Gao Tu didn't want to let go of his jacket even for a moment. He carefully pulled it up to his neck, and Gao Tu finally let go, feeling comfortable with Shen WenLang's scent on his neck and relaxing both hands. Shen WenLang began to unbutton his shirt, and he could see a little bit of his waist. “Apart from his lips, his waist is also very cute,” he thought to himself, and remembered Hua Yong's question.

“Do you like Secretary Gao?” Now that Shen WenLang was alone, he could answer. WenLang already knew, he began to doubt it since Gao Tu resigned. Most likely he did, but it was a stupid feeling, useless, only bringing him headaches.

He looked for something resembling pajamas and found a light blue button-down shirt, which was suitable. It was two sizes larger than Gao Tu's, as if it were for Shen WenLang himself. He chose it, thinking it would be comfortable enough for him.

Then pants, also blue, and soft white socks. With little effort, he changed him, perfect. He covered him with his jacket, and Gao Tu just kept sleeping, breathing slowly, no longer looking as pale as he had before getting into his car.

When he went to put Gao Tu's clothes away in the closet, something caught his eye—there was a tie hanging in the corner of one of the drawers. He recognized it instantly; it was the tie he had worn that night when he was attacked and forced to be with a disgusting omega against his will.

Why the hell did Gao Tu have it? He felt very angry when he thought that maybe that omega was Gao Tu's and that the two of them had teamed up to deceive him. After all, he had sometimes smelled a scent similar to that of the omega from the hotel on the beta... Could it really be possible?

“No, Gao Tu would never betray me.” Even though Shen WenLang didn't doubt Gao Tu for a second, the thought wouldn't leave his head... Then he tried to remember the omega's body... Broad shoulders, small waist, similar to Gao Tu... Gao Tu? “No, he wouldn't lie.”

He actually remembered some of the words spoken by the omega, but the memory loss caused by alcohol and rut made it difficult to put them into words. And all he wanted was to forget it. Flashbacks of what he remembered about that person ran through his mind, first a “let me go” and a moment later “Mr. Shen, Mr. Shen, please, be gentle.” Shen WenLang's cheeks flushed as he imagined Gao Tu's voice begging for mercy between moans and sobs.

“I must be going crazy” Shen WenLang muttered.

He wanted it to be real, but he didn't want Gao Tu to be a liar. He trusted him. It occurred to him to go to the kitchen; if Gao Tu was an omega, there must be some proof. In the kitchen, he found suppressants and some pain medication. It still wasn't enough; they could be for Gao Tu's omega. Out of nowhere, he remembered when he once asked him about the omega and Gao Tu looked at him confused, saying, “What omega?” As if he had forgotten...

He remembered the photo Hua Yong took of the omega that night at Hotel X. He left him about 20 messages with dots telling him to send him the photo, that he suspected Gao Tu.

Hua Yong, quite surprised, sent him the photo only after reading that Shen WenLang already suspected Gao Tu. After all, the idiot really needed the help and he owed Gao Tu nothing, especially not after WenLang suspected him. It was bound to happen sooner or later.

WenLang began to tremble, sitting in the living room looking at the photo. It was Gao Tu, visibly defeated, his hair messy, his tie undone, leaning on the door to be able to walk. It couldn't be. WenLang didn't know whether to be sad or happy. Deep down, he was relieved that he hadn't spent the night with a stranger. But then, Gao Tu was a liar... and maybe he even took advantage of him.

But Gao Tu could never do that, his Gao Tu would never do anything like that, there had to be a reason. Damn it. If this was a joke by Hua Yong, he would never forgive him.

He remembered the blood on the sheets, the bed with a broken leg... he remembered how Gao Tu coincidentally disappeared three full days after that night, supposedly to accompany his “omega,” but it was probably just so his body could rest from Shen WenLang's roughness, and those hypothetical questions about pregnant omegas, and the way Gao Tu totally distanced himself from him, as if he were a plague, right after he said he would abort his own child... it seemed like a joke, what the hell. It wasn't funny.

No, no, no, if this was true, he had ruined everything. He had spent most of his life hating and insulting omegas, his disgust for them was anything but normal. He hated their sweet scents and manipulative attitudes. He had even told Gao Tu many times that the scent he smelled on him was disgusting, but it wasn't true, not really.

Shen WenLang still didn't believe it. There was only one way to confirm it. With an aura of defeat for the first time in his life, he walked slowly toward Gao Tu, tie and photo in hand, determined to check just one thing: the beta's neck.

He entered the room, turned on the lamp, approached the beta omega, knelt beside the bed, and gently turned Gao Tu, who was smiling slightly in his sleep while hugging his jacket. Shen WenLang was still trembling a little. He looked at Gao Tu's neck, and there it was, a pheromone inhibitor patch. That was why he could never smell him. Shen WenLang sat on the floor and called his driver. Damn it. He just wanted to leave. It hadn't been long, it was almost 7 p.m., and they answered him immediately.

Shen WenLang didn't dare take the jacket or tie; those clothes already belonged to Gao Tu. He left the room, walking quickly.

He felt very angry, ashamed, and his heart was sad, and if Gao Tu woke up and said, “I'm sorry,” he would get too angry. He needed to leave for a while to process everything, and he didn't want to wake Gao Tu, who looked relaxed and healthy for the first time.

No, he really couldn't stand it. He turned around, went back, turned on the lights without caring about anything, and took the jacket off Gao Tu, with some force, because the beta omega wouldn't let go of it.

“Mm... what do you want?” Gao Tu said in a confused and annoyed tone.

“Gao Tu,” said the alpha in his usual grumpy voice, furrowing his brow.

Gao Tu opened his eyes.

“Mr. Shen, what are you doing here?”

“You fell asleep and wouldn't wake up.”

The omega looked down at his legs. He was wearing different clothes. He blushed easily, but almost immediately composed himself, speaking politely. “I'm sorry for the trouble. I fell asleep. I was very tired, but you didn't have to do so much for me.”

Shen WenLang had never seen Gao Tu blush all the way to his ears. He was distracted for a moment, then remembered, feeling anger in his blood.

“Gao Tu, are you an omega?” He saw pure terror on Gao Tu's face.

“…”

“Mr. Shen... I'm sorry” the omega held his gaze for only a second. He knew the moment was coming, and although he wasn't prepared for rejection, he would endure it.

“Why have you lied to me for so long?!” Shen WenLang exploded. The omega felt fear when he heard the shouting. "I know I've said some very bad things, but, Gao Tu, do you really think I'm so bad that you´d rather hurt yourself, until you vomit and pass out every now and then?"

"How long have you known me? Ten damn years! Have I been so bad that you would leave me behind without letting me know about my own stupidity? Why didn't you even think about giving me a chance? I know I said something horrible, but, Gao Tu, when was I really bad to you? A real scenario where I was mean on purpose, please, if you explain it to me, I could understand, but I feel so betrayed, and knowing that you're hurting yourself with suppressants breaks my heart".

“You were given the option to tell me the truth, and you chose to abandon me.” Shen WenLang finished speaking with red eyes, as if he were about to cry.

Gao Tu listened to him in terror. When he finished, he touched his neck and then looked at his hands. Tears began to fall uncontrollably. He wasn't sobbing, tears just fell like an endless fountain. He was so unlucky.

Seeing this scene, Shen WenLang felt his heart break into a thousand pieces. It was the first time he had ever seen his secretary cry. Had he always been so fragile? Gao Tu didn't say a word, but his tears confirmed everything.

“You're the omega from that night at Hotel X, and I've been thinking about the possibility that you're pregnant, that's why you're distancing yourself from me, that's why you're asking those questions, that's why you're crying right now. Am I wrong?” Shen WenLang shows him the photo and asks again, with more anger in his voice. “Am I wrong?!”

Gao Tu wipes away his tears, lifts his head, takes a deep breath, accustomed to always being strong. And he responds.

“Mr. Shen, it was never my intention to deceive you. I've been hiding my omega status since the day I found out. I promised my mother I would be a beta, otherwise my father would sell me. I'm not lying to you, Mr. Shen.”

"About that night, I hid. My heat isn't regular. I have a pheromone disorder from the abuse of suppressants. I've never had a normal heat. I'm only saying this because it's the truth. I didn't want to deceive you. I hid, and you found me. I tried to run away, but I wasn't strong enough." A tear fell softly down Gao Tu's cheek, contrasting with his calm voice.

“I'm sorry, Mr. Shen. About the baby, I'm not pregnant. Please, let's just let the past be the past. It's better if we never see each other again.”

A tear fell down his other cheek, his hands trembling. Shen WenLang could sense the raw sadness in his shaky posture, but his voice was calm. Seeing Gao Tu so sad softened Shen WenLang's anger.

“Gao Tu, tell me something, did I treat you too badly?”

“No, Mr. Shen, you were always good to me. It's my fault for being an omega. Your words were part of the reason I used suppressants, but even without them, I would still do it. I don't know how to be an omega. I never knew.”

“I'm talking about that night.” Shen WenLang could only think of the blood he saw on those sheets. He would never hurt Gao Tu.

“...”

Gao Tu remembered how Shen WenLang pinned him down on the bed, tied his wrists, and kissed him everywhere.

“Gao Tu, you may not believe me, but it doesn't feel right to have treated you the way I did that night and all these years. It doesn't feel right to find out that I've been the worst and that you've been lying to me all this time, but... Gao Tu...”

“Mr. Shen, it doesn't matter anymore. I understand if you hate me and never want to see me again. Don't worry about me.”

“Gao Tu, you don't understand me... I hate omegas, it's true, but I could never hate you. Your face is the only thing I need to see every day to feel at peace. I've never thought about being with anyone but you. You're the only person I've ever wanted to be with in my whole life. That's why I was so angry when my first time was like that. Do you believe me? Could you accept me?”

“Excuse me?” Gao Tu was confused. First time? Be with me? What? But Shen WenLang hates omegas. He should be disgusted, he should distrust him and turn his back on him. He should yell more, insult him, even hit him.

“Can you forgive me for saying I would abort my child? If I think about it seriously, I would never do that, it's just that I didn't think my words would have consequences. I'm so sorry...” Shen WenLang knelt in front of Gao Tu, without touching him, his fists clenched on the sheets. “Gao Tu, I really can't stand to see you cry, can you believe me?”

Gao Tu felt so strange listening to all this. He had never seen Mr. Shen so stressed and on the verge of tears. He should be the one asking for forgiveness and kneeling down, for lying, for deceiving him, for leaving him behind with his baby in his womb.

Seeing the alpha so sad made him feel even more guilty for lying to him and making him angry. He was truly in love with Shen WenLang. He felt cornered and helpless. This was his limit. Life was never on his side.

Shen WenLang saw more tears falling down Gao Tu's face, slowly got up, and began to wipe away his tears, holding the omega's face between his two hands. Gao Tu did not pull away.

“Don't cry anymore, everything will be fine.” Shen WenLang couldn't stand watching his baby cry, so he hugged him. Gao Tu began to sob quietly, hiding in Shen WenLang's neck. The proud alpha was moved that he wasn't being pushed away and that he could comfort his omega, releasing comforting pheromones.

Gao Tu had suffered so much. He didn't understand why Shen WenLang wasn't yelling. He often dreamed that the alpha would discover his secret, and the dream always ended with the alpha finding out everything, insulting him, and leaving him behind. Shen WenLang was very kind. He didn't know what he had done to earn his trust.

“Shh, don't cry” the alpha felt happy to be useful to Gao Tu. He held him for a few minutes until his attention was drawn to his partner's neck. Shen WenLang gently touched his neck, on the inhibitor patch, “I can remove it,” he wanted to ask, but it came out as a statement.

“But you dislike my scent” Gao Tu replied between quiet sobs.

“I hate myself so much right now... I was so stupid.” “I don't dislike your scent, you actually smell very good... I said all that because I thought it was someone else's claim on your body.”

“Really?” More tears rolled down the omega's cheeks, his lips trembling slightly, it seemed that whatever the answer was, it would make him cry more and more. Right now, no matter how he looked at it, his Gao Tu was an omega.

“Yes, let me.”

Shen WenLang put his hand on the patch, waiting for a reaction from Gao Tu, but since the omega did nothing, he slowly removed it, and at last he could smell Gao Tu's essence, sage, sweet, fresh. There was the scent that had caused him so many emotions over the past few months, the scent he had hated and insulted and would now adore. His mouth began to salivate almost immediately, Shen WenLang just swallowed and avoided the urge to kiss him.

“You smell too good” he whispers in Gao Tu's ear. Gao Tu tenses up a little, remembering WenLang's tone and words that night at Hotel X.

Shen WenLang notices the sudden change, looks at Gao Tu, and realizes that his ears have turned red. Damn, how embarrassing, he said it without thinking. Pleased with the reaction and afraid of ruining the moment, he says the first thing that comes to mind.

“I'm sorry to make you think otherwise, but you owe me one for making me believe you have a partner. I was fighting with myself and losing. It's not fair.”

The omega laughs softly at the comment. He's not crying anymore. Perfect.

“What about Secretary Hua Yong?” The omega asks as he moves away from Shen WenLang a little.

Shen WenLang fell silent, and his alpha was annoyed to see his omega asking for space. He thought for a moment. Why is he asking about Hua Yong again? That psychopath can't leave him alone for a single day, he always has to show up. WenLang was starting to get angry and wanted to ask Gao Tu why he was so interested in Hua Yong, but before he could, his mind reminded him that he had to be nicer if he wanted Gao Tu to change his mind and not abandon him.

“What about Hua Yong?” Shen WenLang asks, controlling his tone.

“Mr. Shen, aren't you in a relationship with Secretary Hua?”

“What?? Never, I'd rather die than be in a relationship with that lunatic.” Gao Tu looked at him even more confused than before, his eyes begging for further explanation. Shen WenLang couldn't help but sigh.

*

*

“In short, I'm pretending to like him because I owe him money. He's an enigma pretending to be an omega to make Sheng Shaoyou fall in love with him, and I could never be interested in him. He's crazy.”

“An enigma? I never thought I'd meet one” Gao Tu muttered under his breath. “And did it work?” he asked.

“Wonderfully. They're even expecting a baby together and are going to get married.”

“That's great. I hope everything goes well for them” Gao Tu said with a genuine smile. He looked so cute.

Shen WenLang hugged him again, unable to help himself. His Gao Tu was cute, and his alpha was excited, squeezing him too tightly. And with no omegas in the way, he could make him his own. He would never let him go again.

Gao Tu felt a brief discomfort and unconsciously brought his hand to his stomach. It did not go unnoticed by Shen WenLang.

“Gao Tu... what's wrong?”

The omega stared down, tears falling again. The news that another couple was having a baby and were together made him feel a little sad. He also wanted everything to go well with his baby. He didn't understand why he was so sensitive. It was all so absurd. Mr. Shen hadn't even left his side after learning the truth, and yet Gao Tu wanted to continue lying to him. He was a horrible person. but he couldn't bear it if Mr. Shen reacted badly to hearing the truth. Then he would have no excuse to stay with him. He wouldn't forgive him for rejecting his baby.

“Gao Tu, don't cry. We've known each other for a long time. Tell me what's wrong. I'll always help you” said Shen WenLang, trying to use a soft voice so that Gao Tu would tell him the truth.

“Mr. Shen, the truth is... I'm pregnant... I'm a problem, I caused a disaster.”

After pulling it out of his chest, Gao Tu moved away from WenLang, hiding under the sheets, turning his back on him. He felt so ashamed and sad, and he was so afraid of the other's reaction. He didn't want to look at him. If Shen WenLang yelled or left, if he showed an expression of disgust, Gao Tu wouldn't be there to see it. Everything was a mess. And why the hell was he still crying? Mr. Shen hates weakness.

A heavy silence filled the room. So it was true. Shen WenLang never saw himself with children, never even thought he would have sex with someone or have a partner, but now he had all three, overnight. The strangest thing was that he felt ready to face it all as long as it was with Gao Tu.

“Gao Tu, about the baby... if it's yours, I couldn't bear to hurt it, and since it's ours, I'll do my best to make sure everything turns out okay” Shen WenLang said after a minute.

The alpha climbed completely onto the bed, and Gao Tu uncovered his face, revealing tears that continued to fall.

“Come.”

Shen WenLang hugged him again, this time more gently, stroking his hair, wiping his cheeks, and then bringing his hand to his belly.

“May I?” asked the alpha.

Gao Tu nodded while crying. Seriously, he wants to hit himself for crying so much, but he had suppressed his emotions for so long, and he is so happy to be treated with affection.

“Gao Tu, don't worry, this baby will be loved by both parents, and I will do my best to make you more comfortable during your pregnancy. You are the only thing that matters.”

It felt like a dream. Mr. Shen was much nicer and more caring than Gao Tu had imagined. He had always known that the alpha cared for what was important to him, he just hadn't thought about the possibility that he, an ordinary omega, would be one of those things. Besides, he couldn't help but think that his baby would have both parents to watch him grow up, and Gao Tu was very happy.

“Don't cry anymore” Shen WenLang said as he released comforting pheromones. Gao Tu relaxed in his embrace, hiding his face in his alpha's neck. When he felt the omega's essence completely calm down, Shen WenLang wanted to clear up the doubts he had been having for a while. He just needed confirmation so he could continue with his life as he had been planning. Next to his Gao Tu.

“Gao Tu, can I ask you something?” WenLang spoke softly, feeling nervous, unthinkable. His instincts, desires, and personality had him in a bed that wasn't his, embracing his secretary, a man he thought would never be his, and he began to feel self-conscious and nervous. He needed control. Validation. He didn't want to ruin it any further.

“You've put up with my bad attitude, now that I'm like this with you, I'm ashamed to have shown you that side of me. I didn't think we would end up like this, and recently, not so recently actually, I found myself thinking about you all the time. It frustrated me, and now I know why... This may be ridiculous, but... is there a chance that you like me too?”

Ah, how pathetic, I always talk too much, Shen WenLang thought. He looked down, searching for Gao Tu's gaze. The latter looked up, searching for him too, his eyes filled with surprise and... guilt? No, more like he had been caught. “Secretary Gao likes you too” were Hua Yong's words.

“Mr. Shen... that is” the omega blushed, too red, and turned away, giving him his back, “... appropriate” he finished stammering.

“Why did I say it like that? I'm a coward, a coward, it's proven” Gao Tu thought to himself.

“I see,” said the alpha, stifling a laugh. So it was true. Perfect. He pulled Gao Tu toward his body, put one arm under his head to use as a pillow, and held him by the waist with the other.

Shortly after, he felt his omega's hands, one grabbing the hand of the arm he was using as a pillow and the other holding his wrist. The touch was very satisfying; he hoped Gao Tu would never let go. The moment felt perfect. He wanted more. But, could he?

Chapter Text

⋆.𐙚 ̊Thursday night⋆.𐙚 ̊

Gao Tu was lying on his side with his back against Shen WenLang's chest, one hand holding the arm on which his head rested and the other holding the wrist of the arm around his waist. His alpha's skin felt warm, He couldn't help but feel shy when Shen WenLang began to caress his belly and kiss the back of his neck, his pheromone gland exposed and sensitive, being caressed for the first time.

His breathing began to quicken just a little, and his cheeks felt hot, releasing small waves of pheromones similar to those of an omega in heat. He unconsciously squeezed both of Shen WenLang's hands. The alpha's touch was firm, it felt warm, and his hands were also bigger. Everything about him was bigger and stronger, which made him feel even more shy and embarrassed. He was so aware of Mr. Shen's body, it was so inappropriate... he had to stop it.

Feeling the call of Gao Tu's pheromones, who was squeezing him tightly and trembling slightly, Shen WenLang began to salivate. He wanted to touch him more. But instead of listening to his instincts, he released comforting pheromones, using all the self-control he had in his body.

“Gao Tu? Are you afraid?”

Gao Tu shook his head as if to say no, and Shen WenLang could see that his ears were red and felt him squeeze his hand and wrist again. Having Gao Tu's body so close to his made him feel anxious, feeling the hands of the beta he had always wanted grab him tightly as if telling him not to let go made him feel excited and very sure that he wanted to continue, just a little longer. They were alone, in a bed, Gao Tu's scent was seductive, those pajamas were easy to take off. The alpha did his best not to release dominant pheromones and take him completely.

“Don't be scared, be good, okay?”
He whispered in Gao Tu's ear, trying to use a softer voice to relax his omega. Shen WenLang knew what was going to happen; for two people who liked each other, such closeness was dangerous. And he felt no desire to stop, he just wanted to do things right so as not to hurt Gao Tu.

Gao Tu trembled again, perhaps because of the alpha's soft tone or because after telling him to relax, the alpha moved the hand that was caressing his belly up to his chest, caressing him obscenely. This forced Gao Tu to let go of his wrist. Gao Tu didn't know he could feel pleasure in that area of his body, and just as he was beginning to get used to the touch, Shen WenLang moved his hand down once more, this time toward his pajama pants, which were a little loose around his waist.

Shen WenLang paused for a moment just to observe Gao Tu's reactions and give him a chance to stop him or say no, but Gao Tu just squeezed his legs together and closed his eyes. Shen WenLang smiled unconsciously, his alpha happy to see the person he likes so aware of his touch and giving him permission to touch him.

He didn't have to lift his pants, just slide his hand down, feel his hardness, and wrap his hand around it, gently stroking him, not wanting to scare him.

“No... Mr. Shen... I don't think I can...” Gao Tu was dying of embarrassment, but he squeezed Shen WenLang's hand tighter. Something Shen WenLang had already identified as “I want more.”

“I know you can, baobei, be good.”

Shen WenLang increased his pace, causing Gao Tu to squeeze his legs tighter and unconsciously move his hips back, getting much closer to Shen WenLang's lower body, which made him rub against the alpha's hardness. Shen WenLang felt a pleasure that made his blood boil, heating him up even more, squeezing Gao Tu a little tighter, and speeding up his pace, with the intention of getting Gao Tu to move his hips towards him again, which he succeeded in doing.

"Shen... Mr. Shen... hm~... no..."

Gao Tu moaned without thinking about the effect his voice had on Shen WenLang's body and mind. His alpha roared impatiently when he heard him say "no" while moving his hips toward him as if asking for more.

“Why not, my love? Hm?”

Shen WenLang finally used his other hand, freeing himself from his beta omega's grip, only to stick his thumb in his mouth. He didn't want to hear him say "no". The answer he received turned him on even more.

He felt Gao Tu's tongue first and then his teeth around his finger, which made him want to take that finger out and stick another one in. He wanted to feel the wetness of Gao Tu's mouth on each of his fingers. He needed to keep him focused on something so he wouldn't notice that he was moving his hips toward him. It felt so good... God.

Gao Tu was so overwhelmed. Sometimes he would have remembered with embarrassment the night at Hotel X when Mr. Shen completely dominated him, but having him behind him, surrounding him, with both hands playing with his body while he whispered in his ear, calling him baobei, made him feel much more ashamed and a little overwhelmed by his own desire. This felt different, he felt like a pervert, he wanted more, he wanted Mr. Shen to take off his clothes, he felt like he was going to come soon and he couldn't take it anymore.

The alpha felt Gao Tu begin to tremble and, imagining what was coming, unbuttoned his shirt and opened it to expose his chest. In this way, Gao Tu came on his own stomach.

“Mr. Shen, forgive me,” said Gao Tu, tears welling up in his eyes. He was ashamed to show that part of himself to his boss.

Shen WenLang turned to the nightstand and grabbed some wet wipes to clean Gao Tu. As he did so, he saw the tears streaming down the omega's reddened cheeks. Once he had finished cleaning him, he sat on the bed and moved closer to him, taking advantage of the fact that Gao Tu had his eyes closed to kiss him on each cheek.

“Forgive me, are you okay?”

Little by little, his omega stopped trembling and slowly opened his eyes. He didn't answer his question, just pulled him toward the bed and hid in his chest. Shen WenLang was fully dressed and felt the urge to take off his shirt just to feel the other's skin, which was exposed because his shirt was still unbuttoned.

Feeling the alpha pull away from him, Gao Tu felt quite sad. He just wanted a little comfort after showing his vulnerable side, but his trance lasted only a moment as he felt Shen WenLang's embrace almost immediately again.

The alpha pulled away only to remove his shirt, and Gao Tu was so happy that he moved even closer than before, reminding them both of Shen WenLang's terrible erection.

“Ouch,” said the alpha, feeling the brief weight of Gao Tu on his erection.

“Mr. Shen, are you okay?”

“Yes, don't worry, come here.”
Shen WenLang hugged him again to feel the contact of their naked torsos together. It felt so good, Gao Tu's low temperature cooling his blood, which was boiling from the overstimulation of seeing his omega with teary eyes, flushed cheeks, messy hair, and calling him “Mr. Shen” in that voice that surely no one had heard before, except him.

And Shen WenLang's high temperature greatly relaxed Gao Tu, who somehow always felt cold. Now everything was warm, the temperature was perfect. Shen WenLang's white hands covered Gao Tu's hands, the obvious difference in their skin tones filled him with satisfaction, and he liked knowing that his hand was bigger. He imagined touching more and more of Gao Tu's body, he wanted to see what the tone of his thighs was, of his back, he wanted it all.

Shen WenLang wasn't the only one who was overstimulated. Holding and being held like this made Gao Tu feel courageous, first kissing Shen WenLang's chin, then grabbing his face with both hands, kissing him everywhere affectionately and really slowly. Shen WenLang just let him do it, and when they looked into each other's eyes, Gao Tu saw a tender look wrapped in lust. He felt cornered.

Shen WenLang's alpha somehow got turned on just by feeling his omega's affection. He felt pride in his chest and didn't wait for approval. He directed his hands to Gao Tu's waist and, without taking his eyes off him, quickly pulled down his pants with a slightly abrupt movement. Gao Tu quickly lowered his head, looking at his now naked body, with his pants down and his shirt unbuttoned, covering only his arms, feeling Shen WenLang's chest and hands on his waist, which was completely exposed.

“Mr. Shen, what—”

When he raised his head, Shen WenLang silenced him by sealing his lips, trying to open his mouth with his tongue. Gao Tu tensed instantly, remembering the way Shen WenLang had kissed him that night at Hotel X. He was afraid of giving in. He didn't want to have painful sex again. The dominant pheromones twisted his stomach and filled him with pain.

Sensing his omega's slight fear, Shen WenLang released comforting pheromones in an attempt to calm him down. That was enough to remind Gao Tu that Shen WenLang was conscious and would never hurt him on purpose, so he slowly parted his lips.

The alpha entered his mouth, warming him, searching for his omega's tongue, who offered it hesitantly while squeezing his alpha's back. Gao Tu felt Shen WenLang get harder down there, which sent heat to his cheeks.

Feeling the wetness and warmth of Mr. Shen's mouth made him moan and tremble even though he didn't want to. Shen WenLang felt proud to see Gao Tu just melting, squeezing his legs again and pulling him closer with his hands on his back.

“You're so cute, Gao Tu.”

Shen WenLang couldn't help but give in to the urge to take off his clothes. After feeling so much love from Gao Tu, his desire, instead of calming down, was fueled. He just wanted everyone to know that Gao Tu was his. He needed to make him his before someone else actually showed up and do it.

The alpha continued kissing him urgently to distract him from his next move. He slid his hand toward Gao Tu's butt, touching him gently at first, but when he felt that he was wet enough, he slipped one of his fingers inside.

Gao Tu tensed immediately, stopping the kisses abruptly and moving his hands from Shen WenLang's back to his chest, as if to say no.

Shen WenLang didn't stop, Gao Tu's pheromones telling him that it was just embarrassment.

“Trust me, my love, I won't hurt you.”

“Just a moment...”

Shen WenLang waited a moment, Gao Tu relaxed, then the alpha slipped in another finger, Gao Tu trembled again. His hands moved from his chest to his back once more, to pull him closer. Shen WenLang smiled. He began to move a little more, already having three fingers inside. His erection was starting to hurt too much. Gao Tu was wet enough and embarrassed enough to let him do what he wanted. It was time. He couldn't help but get excited. He lost control and felt urges again.

Without warning, he changed Gao Tu's position, turning him onto his side. Gao Tu didn't protest, letting Shen WenLang do as he pleased. Shen WenLang positioned him on his hips, Gao Tu's back against his chest. Without waiting too long, he pulled down his pants and began rubbing himself against Gao Tu.

“Mr. Shen... I can't.”

Gao Tu felt Shen WenLang wet his butt with his pre-cum, making him feel very indecent. And his own liquid wet him even more. Again, he held Shen WenLang's wrist, which was holding him tightly around the waist. Mr. Shen felt hard, big, and hot back there; it was too much for Gao Tu. Shen WenLang continued to rub his erection against Gao Tu's most intimate part, moistening him and preparing him.

“Mm... Mr. Shen... mm.”

The alpha offered his fingers again, and Gao Tu bit down on them, stifling his moans, trying not to cry out. Unconsciously, he moved his hips again, helping Shen WenLang. Both of them were still wet, and Shen WenLang couldn't wait any longer. He positioned himself at Gao Tu's entrance and tried to slide into him, but it was too tight. He tried a little harder, Gao Tu pushed back a little even though it hurt, Shen WenLang got too excited.

“You're perfect, even now you're helping me,” WenLang whispered in Gao Tu's ear, his voice hoarse with desire. He pushed hard without mercy. He had only entered a little.

"Aah~ Shen...
WenLang... please."

Shen WenLang watched as Gao Tu began to tremble, turning his head as far as he could to get closer to him. The alpha helped him by getting as close as he could and kissed him gently. He stayed inside his omega for a moment without moving, letting him feel it, letting him prepare himself a little.

Shen WenLang watched as tears ran down Gao Tu's flushed cheeks. Gao Tu squeezed his wrist with one hand and clutched the sheets with the other. Gao Tu's chest rose and fell, his breathing quite agitated. That image filled him with lust. He loved seeing the omega's skin against his own; it was a perfect combination. No one else could see him like this.

When he couldn't take it anymore, he pushed a little harder, first once, then again and again, causing more tears to roll down his omega's cheeks, eliciting more muffled moans that felt like rewards for his alpha. It felt hot, wet, and very tight. It felt so good.

Shen WenLang was ecstatic at the sight, wanting more and more, making sure to pull his cock out completely and push it back in, not roughly, just so Gao Tu could feel it, watching everything clearly. Gao Tu's body was beautiful, his skin glistening with sweat, and he wanted to stain his legs with his semen. Shen WenLang didn't know he could be that kind of person. He was so infatuated, obsessed with watching his cock slide in and out, and every time he did, he could hear Gao Tu moaning softly.

Suddenly, he heard a loud moan and immediately realized that it wasn't Gao Tu but himself. Faced with the overstimulation that the sight and sensation were generating, Shen WenLang came quite quickly. It was embarrassing, but he didn't have much experience either.

He hoped his erection would subside after orgasm, but it didn't. As he came inside Gao Tu, he turned him over so he was lying normally and he was on top of his omega, his cock inside him, releasing everything. As he finished inside his omega, he could feel him squeezing him with his walls and making his erection grow again.

On top of that, the sight... Gao Tu was trembling beneath him, his lips swollen and pink, his normally deep voice sounding sweet and defeated, his unfocused eyes, which he wasn't used to seeing without glasses, were a little swollen but shining in the dim light of the lamp, and tears still fell down his cheeks, which were very red. He looked devastated, as if he wouldn't be able to endure the second round that WenLang was already imagining.

Shen WenLang gave in to an impulse for the fourth time that night. Gao Tu made him lose control. He turned him over again, this time Gao Tu was not on his side, he was face down. Shen WenLang helped him up by lifting him by the hips, and entered Gao Tu again, starting to push gently once more. Gao Tu held himself up with his knees and rested his hands on the back of the bed.

“Wenlang... too much, hm~”

“Have mercy, don't talk to me, I beg you.” WenLang felt like he wanted to go faster when he heard his name again in that voice.

“Ah~ WenLang.”

Shen WenLang felt complete at that moment. All these years, he could have heard that beautiful voice calling his name between muffled moans. He had to admit that he had once imagined Gao Tu in bed with an omega, but reality far exceeded his imagination.

With more confidence and Gao Tu much wetter than before, he did it faster and with a little more force. He could feel his omega squeezing him.

“My baby feels good, mh?”

“No... WenLang.”

“No?”

Wenlang paused for a moment, without a hint of embarrassment, definitely an S-class alpha.

“No... ah~” Gao Tu began to move his hips on his own, very slowly, using WenLang for his own pleasure, his ears and cheeks flushed, lost in his own desire. His pheromones continued to escape, with an explosive sweetness.

“Gao Tu, you're perfect.”
The alpha smiled, continuing at his slow pace, feeling victorious. He came once more, this time feeling a strong desire to knot his omega, but he was afraid of hurting him in that position, so he turned him on his side, and as he came, he released his knot inside.

“It hurts...” tears ran down Gao Tu's cheeks.

“Shh, yes, my love,” it hurt him too, but there was no turning back now.
Shen WenLang intertwined his fingers with the omega's and kissed him again, on the neck, on the shoulders, while Gao Tu trembled, more from pain than pleasure, but he wanted to be a good omega for his alpha, so he just endured it. The latter began to lick the pheromone gland on Gao Tu's neck in an attempt to calm him down.

Shen WenLang wanted to smell more of his scent, he smelled delicious, he wanted to mark him, make him his, dominate him more. His alpha bared his teeth out of pure instinct and bit, but not his neck, his shoulder, then closed his eyes in an attempt to control himself.

“Ah~” The omega felt a sharp pain in his shoulder from Shen WenLang's bite. But he forgot it instantly, because there was something between his legs that hurt much more.

“WenLang, it hurts... mm” Tears ran down his red cheeks.

Gao Tu felt too full, his face flushed from having WenLang so intimately. He could still feel WenLang coming inside him, panting close to his ear. WenLang letting him hear all that, and to think that Gao Tu was more than ready to leave this man behind. Now he never could.

Little by little, his body relaxed, the scent of sage and iris mingling in the air, smelling very sweet. Gao Tu felt very tired and began to feel sleepy. Shen WenLang's hands were still holding him, he didn't feel nauseous and even felt a little hungry, but the tiredness was greater, so he just closed his eyes.

After a few minutes, Shen WenLang was able to pull out of Gao Tu. The omega was asleep. He stroked his hair. He had dark circles under his eyes and signs of having been crying. He felt a little sad, but his mind brought up images from a moment ago, Gao Tu crying while saying his name. His face flushed, and he turned toward the nightstand, feeling somewhat nervous. He had done what he wanted, he was sane, and he had no regrets. He looked at Gao Tu's body. It was stained, his knees were red, and he had pink marks on his thighs, neck, and waist.

“Forgive me,” he whispered softly. He didn't feel guilty. On the contrary, he felt proud; what he had just done made him feel better than signing his biggest contract. He began to clean him up with wet wipes and dressed him in the same pajamas, which luckily hadn't gotten dirty.

*

*

Shen WenLang got dressed and lay down with the intention of sleeping with Gao Tu, his cheeks still hot and an erection threatening to grow again. When he closed his eyes, he remembered that he had called his driver about two hours ago. He checked his phone and saw a message from two minutes ago: “Mr. Shen, I'll wait 10 more minutes. If you don't come down, I'll go home.”

“Ah, shit, damn it,” WenLang cursed under his breath. Although he didn't want to get up, he quickly replied to wait just a moment. He got dressed in a hurry and went downstairs, “Please take me to the nearest pharmacy.”

WenLang's driver was surprised to see his boss anxious for the first time, and with a faint scent of sage covering his entire body. “Mr. Shen and Mr. Gao Tu?” the driver thought. “Ah, no, Mr. Gao is a Beta.”

“Hurry up, I don’t have time,” Shen WenLang ordered, and the car started. At the pharmacy, Shen WenLang bought some pills for himself. He still felt very hot, and it wasn't time for his rut, but he didn't want to risk losing control with Gao Tu. Not again.

“I need the best vitamins for a pregnant omega, some hydrating serums, and anything else you can offer that is useful and suitable for all omegas.”

"Sir, I recommend you visit the doctor so they can offer you more personalized options for your omega. For now, you can take these vitamins. They will strengthen your partner regardless of their condition. Take these serums to keep them hydrated. As for you, you should take one pill every 12 hours for the next three days, and to improve your omega's nausea just give him as much of your comforting pheromones as your schedule allows."

“Thank you.”
Shen WenLang left the pharmacy and went to the store next door. He felt the urge to buy a lot of food, so he bought fruits, vegetables, and meats, not too much, just enough to feel more at ease. He wanted to make sure that when dawn broke, there would be nothing missing at Gao Tu's house.

Now that he had the opportunity to touch him, he noticed that his body was in good shape, but a pregnant omega should gain more weight; Gao Tu was not allowed to remain thin.

Only 25 minutes had passed. Shen WenLang felt anxious; it had been a long time, and it would be terrible if Gao Tu woke up and didn't see him there.

“That's all, you can leave. Neither Gao Tu nor I will be available tomorrow. Please let the receptionist know, and you can take tomorrow off.”
“Thank you, Mr. Shen. Good night. I hope Mr. Gao is well,” he said with a smile.

Shen WenLang just nodded.
When he got home, he put everything in the refrigerator without taking the items out of the bags. He didn't want to waste any time before going to cuddle with Gao Tu.

He took his medicine and began to feel much better, less anxious. He went to Gao Tu's room and saw him sleeping, hugging his jacket.

He didn't want to touch Gao Tu with his street smell, so he took a quick shower, stayed in the shirt and shorts he always wore under his suit, and lay down, pulling Gao Tu close to his body and covering himself up. He released comforting pheromones.

“WenLang, I love you,” Gao Tu mumbled in his sleep. Clinging to him.

Shen WenLang had never felt so complete before. Everything he did today is what he never knew he wanted, but he has finally discovered it. Gao Tu can ask him for anything, Shen WenLang will give it to him.

ᶻ 𝘇 𐰁

Chapter Text

⋆.𐙚 ̊Friday morning⋆.𐙚 ̊

The soft rays of sunlight filtering through the curtains in Gao Tu's room disturb the omega's peaceful sleep. In response, he slowly opens his eyes, sensing the clean, undeniable scent of iris that fills the entire room, overshadowing his own scent, almost making it disappear.

He tries to move, but Shen WenLang's arms and legs prevent him from doing so. He looks for Shen WenLang with his eyes, but he is still asleep. The sunlight gives his fair skin a special glow, his eyelashes, eyebrows, and hair are perfect, he is so handsome, his lips are a little dry, Gao Tu wants to go get a glass of water, he tries to move again and WenLang wrinkles his eyebrows, as if even in his sleep he is bothered by being separated from him.

Very close to him, he finds WenLang's jacket, the object in the room that has the strongest scent of Gao Tu. The omega, very intelligent, places the jacket on Shen WenLang's chest. Shen WenLang unconsciously lets go of it and grabs the garment, still asleep.

Gao Tu finally breaks free, tries to sit up in bed and get up on the free side, his back, waist, and butt hurt... flashbacks of what happened the night before run through his mind.

“Trust me, my love, I won't hurt you.”
“Gao Tu, you're perfect.”
“My baby feels good, hm?”

Gao Tu wanted to die. How could he interact normally with Mr. Shen now? They had crossed the line, and Mr. Shen wasn't drunk at all. It must have been his pheromones. Once again, they were entangled only by instinct. Gao Tu begins to feel sad.

“Gao Tu, about the baby, if it's yours, Gao Tu, I couldn't bear to hurt it.”
“Gao Tu, you don't understand me... I hate omegas, it's true, but I could never hate you.”
“I've never thought about being with anyone but you.”

Gao Tu reviewed the words Shen WenLang said, barely processing them for real, without strong emotions getting in the way.
So, in reality, does Mr. Shen like me?

So, his irrational hatred for his supposed omega was just jealousy? But Shen WenLang liking him? He would never dare to think such a thing, but Shen WenLang himself was telling him so, and everything he did to him last night, ahhhh, Gao Tu wanted to go wash his face, it felt so hot, plus he needed to offer Shen WenLang some water, his lips...

“Ouch.” Gao Tu tried to stand up but fell back onto the bed. His body ached all over, especially his... how embarrassing.

Shen WenLang woke up with a start.
“Gao Tu, are you okay?”

“Oh, Mr. Shen, good morning.” Gao Tu blushed bright red with embarrassment.

“Good morning,” Shen WenLang smiled sweetly. “Do you need anything?”

“I was just trying to get some water,” Gao Tu replied, looking down.

“Don't move, I'll be right back.”

Shen WenLang didn't wait for a response, he got up abruptly and headed to the kitchen. When he returned, he was carrying many things in his hands.

“Drink some water and take these vitamins. They'll help you feel better. During the day, you can drink this serum. It doesn't taste bad and will help you rehydrate after vomiting. What would you like for breakfast? I can order it for you.”

“Thank you, don't worry, Mr. Shen,” Gao Tu drank the water and took the vitamins. Shen WenLang took the glass from him and placed it on the nightstand.

“WenLang”

“Excuse me?”

“Call me WenLang. It's not normal for a couple to speak so formally, and besides, you don't work for me anymore.”

“Couple?”

“What's wrong?”

“We're not a couple...” Gao Tu thought to himself.

“Mr. Shen, last night you mentioned that you wanted to be with me...” Gao Tu looked at his hands. “But I lied to you the whole time, and I'm not a cute or delicate omega, my scent isn't the best either... I don't want you to feel obligated...”

Shen WenLang was quite surprised by this side of Gao Tu. He always acted so confidently, always so correct, never hesitating when giving speeches or explaining complex issues in meetings. Now he was standing in front of him, hesitating, looking at his hands, just like last night. His alpha was a little pleased by Gao Tu's insecure attitude. Shen WenLang is not a bad person, he is sure of that, but sometimes he has twisted thoughts.

Shen WenLang took two steps and sat down on the bed, looking at Gao Tu. He was still looking down, avoiding his gaze. Shen WenLang felt that many things depended on his answer. He needed to start fixing everything so he could keep his family together. It wasn't easy for him, but it was necessary.

“Gao Tu, I grew up alone. My alpha father beat me for no reason, to the point of breaking my bones, and my omega father didn't care about me half as much as he cared for my alpha father. Then he just abandoned me. No one ever showed me unconditional love or stood by my side, except you.”
Gao Tu looked up and saw that this time it was Shen WenLang who was looking down. He continued.

"Since I was little, I had a bad image of what love is. My parents... one of them is an indifferent and cruel alpha, the other was an incredible omega, a national hero, but he was too obsessed with my alpha father, and he turned him into whatever he wanted.

My omega father begged for affection and went so far as to do something terrible out of jealousy of my alpha father. I planned to be alone my whole life before having a relationship like that or letting an omega become so obsessed with me.

When I met you, I felt the need to make you stay with me. I never wanted to get close to anyone, but with you, I couldn't help it. And then, as time went by, your presence in my life became essential to me. I believed you would never leave my side, which is why I felt so angry and acted so defensively when you quit. I told myself I didn't wanted you because I didn't have the courage to claim you.”

Shen WenLang felt Gao Tu's intense gaze and looked up curiously. Gao Tu looked a little sad. He felt the need to explain further, because it wasn't the reaction he expected. He thought about what else he could say to be understood. He ran a hand through his hair, a little nervous. He is a grown man, but this is his first confession.

“Beyond that, I like your strength and how you face everything on your own, very similar to me. Also, I really like your voice, it's deep but very soft, your thick, silky hair, and you make me smile.” Shen WenLang, who was avoiding looking Gao Tu in the eyes, looked at him again, wanting to read his expression.

Gao Tu still looked sad. Shit. Did he really not believe him? Or did Gao Tu not like him? No, that's not it... last night, last night Gao Tu never rejected him.

“Gao Tu, did you hear me?” Shen WenLang was starting to feel anxious, thinking about what else he could say, but everything he could think of would make him sound like a crazy, perverted, obsessed person. His mind began to search for something else to say, and he even began to feel annoyed, but Gao Tu's embrace stopped him in his tracks. Gao Tu grabbed him by the neck and, with all his weight, pushed Shen WenLang onto the bed, now with Gao Tu on his chest, very close.

“WenLang, I love you,” Gao Tu hugged him tightly, hiding his face.

Shen WenLang feels his heart soften and his body melt. He wraps his arms around Gao Tu's back and begins to rub it, remaining silent for a moment, simply enjoying the weight of his omega. He loves him. He truly feels in love with Gao Tu. Ugh, he hates himself so much, he could have done this all along, kept him close. He wants to hit himself for not daring to do so before.

“I love you, WenLang,” Gao Tu repeats.

Shen WenLang squeezes him, moves him easily, and sits on the bed, now with Gao Tu sitting on top of him.

“Come, look at me,” Shen WenLang orders, without a trace of authority. Gao Tu obeys, accustomed to accepting every request.

Shen WenLang is smiling, Gao Tu blushes to his ears.

“What are you laughing at?”

“My baby loves me very much, huh?”

Gao Tu taps him on the chest.

“Shut up,” he says, embarrassed.

“Wow, we've been together for one night and you're already talking to me like that, you're just like the Gao Tu I know.”

“We're not together, you haven't asked me to be your partner,” Gao Tu replies, jokingly, as they often do with each other.

“It’s true, everything has its due process, any CEO would know that, although, Gao Tu, we should have had this conversation before I put a baby in you,” Shen WenLang chuckled softly.

Gao Tu couldn't bear such embarrassment; he had no way to respond to that. He wanted to break free from Shen WenLang, but Shen WenLang grabbed his wrist, placed his arm behind his neck, and lifted him up princess-style.

“Come on, don't overexert yourself, let's go eat.”

Gao Tu held on and let himself be carried away. He would never say no to him.

“I didn't order anything ahead of time, so I'll make you something simple with fruit, okay?” Shen WenLang apologized as he helped Gao Tu sit down in the living room.

Gao Tu felt the need to get up and prepare breakfast himself, as was his custom, but Shen WenLang had never offered to make him anything before. He really wanted him to do it, but he didn't feel comfortable just sitting there. “But... I don't have the energy, and besides, it's his fault... okay, okay. Stop thinking,” the omega scolded himself.

“Gao Tu?”

“Ah, sure, don't worry about it.”
“But, Mr. Shen, I don't have any fruit.”

“Oh, no, I went out last night and bought some things.”

“Ahh, that's why the vitamins, I hadn't thought of that haha, thank you.”

Shen WenLang just nodded in response.

After preparing the meal, Shen WenLang set everything out and sat down with Gao Tu to eat. He made toast, scrambled eggs, coffee, and fruit salad.

“It's like an American breakfast,” Gao Tu chuckled softly.

“Sorry, it's the only thing I know how to make,” Shen WenLang felt a little embarrassed.

“Don't worry, I like it, thank you.”

“We'll order food for lunch, okay? After breakfast, what would you like to do? I know you need to rest, tell me what you need, it's my responsibility.”

“After eating, I'd like to take a shower and go back to bed, if you don't mind.”

“Why would I mind?”

“It's Friday, I should go to work, but...” Gao Tu blushed.

“Oh, no, I already told them that neither you nor I are going today. Besides, you already quit,” Shen WenLang explained.

“Can I take it back?”

“No, I've already accepted your resignation and you're almost done with the preparations to leave your position. The next secretary is already ready.”

Gao Tu looks distressed. It wasn't the answer he was hoping for. He continues to eat in silence.

Shen WenLang notices that Gao Tu's mood has dropped a little.
“Just so you know, as soon as you're a little stronger, you can return to work. Then I'll arrange everything so that the new secretary understands that the promotion is only temporary, okay? Don't worry, I'll make sure that person isn't affected.”

“Okay,” said Gao Tu. “Excuse me.”

The alpha simply nodded.

When they finished eating, Shen WenLang got up from the table, took the dishes to the kitchen, and began washing them. Gao Tu felt full and more stable. He stood up, leaning on the table, and felt very sore. He was grateful that Shen WenLang had been gentle with him. He preferred the normal Shen WenLang a thousand times over the Shen WenLang in rut. He remembered how the first time he had to rest for three whole days, but this time, with luck, it would only be one. Gao Tu sighed with relief.

“Gao Tu, you've already been to the doctor, right?” Shen WenLang returns and frowns when he sees Gao Tu. He is annoyed to see that he has stood up unnecessarily.

“Ahh, yes, I have my next checkup in a week.”

“You're coming with me then.”

“Uhm, Mr. Shen, but—”

“What's the problem?”

“I don't want to attract too much attention. The only one who knows I'm an omega is my doctor. I don't want anyone else to find out yet. When they see me with you going to a prenatal appointment, everyone will start talking.”

“Gao Tu, sometimes it seems like you don't like me.”

“I could say the same thing.” Gao Tu teases him. They both laugh knowingly.

“I'm going anyway,” Shen WenLang says.

“...” Gao Tu just ignores him.

Gao Tu tries to walk, Shen WenLang immediately offers him his hand, which he accepts.

“I'd like to take a shower.”

Shen WenLang leads him to the bathroom.
“Can you manage on your own?” he asks, as if asking permission to stay, while handing him a towel that was folded in one of the bathroom drawers.

“Yes, thank you,” Gao Tu takes it, not realizing that WenLang wanted to go in with him.

Shen WenLang nods disappointedly and waits outside the bathroom. Now he looks like Gao Tu's personal assistant. While he waits, he decides to get everything ready for when Gao Tu comes out, so he goes to the bedroom and finds him a change of clothes, makes the bed, and closes the curtains. In reality, Shen WenLang is used to order and control, so it comes naturally to him even though he is not in his own room.

As soon as he finishes, he stands outside the bathroom again, waiting for Gao Tu to come out. He checks his phone to see if there is anything important, but there is nothing. While looking at what he can order for lunch, he hears sudden movements in the shower, first as Gao Tu pulls back the curtains and then as he lifts the toilet seat. Then he only hears the sounds of a person vomiting or trying to vomit.

He opens the door immediately.

Gao Tu is kneeling on the floor, wrapped in a towel, vomiting, sweating cold.

He tries to touch him, but Gao Tu raises his arm, telling him not to come near. Shen WenLang respects his wishes, immediately calls the hospital, and goes to the kitchen to get some water and saline solution.

When he returns to the bathroom, Gao Tu is kneeling, staring into space. He looks dizzy, and his cheeks, once rosy, are now pale. Even though he just took a shower, he is sweating. What is happening to him is not normal; his morning sickness does not seem normal. How is it possible that he went from looking so healthy to so sick and frail? Shen WenLang offers him saline solution, but Gao Tu refuses it. He tries to give him water, but Gao Tu refuses that too.

“Mr. Shen, anything will make me vomit more. Just leave me alone for a moment,” said Gao Tu as he trembled.

Shen WenLang was very angry with himself, with Gao Tu, with the world. He hated seeing him like this, and feeling that he was partly responsible made him even angrier. Not knowing what to do and feeling very anxious, he lifted Gao Tu up without difficulty and released comforting pheromones. The omega didn't have the strength to refuse, he just closed his eyes and let himself go.

*

*

Gao Tu opened his eyes. He didn't know when he had passed out, but when he woke up, it seemed like a long time had passed. He was completely changed, wearing new pajamas and socks, and he felt much better. He had vomited everything he had eaten. What a pity. It was the first time Shen WenLang had cooked for him.

“How are you feeling?” A voice interrupted his thoughts. It was Shen WenLang, standing at the entrance to his room, as if he had entered just as he was waking up.

“I feel fine, sorry for the trouble.”

“I'm waiting to open the door for the doctor. Your nausea isn't normal. I need to know what's going on so I can fix it.”

“It's my pheromone disorder from suppressant abuse. My body is tired, my omega organs are weak. The doctor will tell me I shouldn't have my baby. I don't want to hear the same thing again. I won't see the doctor. I'd rather die than hurt my baby.”

“Gao Tu, let someone else examine you. I'm sure there's another way. I won't let anything bad happen to you.”

As soon as he finished speaking, he heard the doorbell ring. It was the doctor.

“The doctor is here. Do me this favor, Gao Tu. Let them examine you.” Shen WenLang approached his omega, took his hands in his, and kissed each one. “Please.”

Gao Tu just nodded.

“Good morning, Gao Tu.” The doctor was an omega woman. With the confidence of a doctor, she approached his bed and took his vital signs, examining him carefully. She asked him some general questions and asked for more context about his situation.

How long have you been using inhibitors? Your essence is very weak.

“Since the day I showed up, more than 10 years ago.”

The doctor sighed, hiding her annoyance.

How long have you been pregnant?

“I'm starting my seventh week, almost two months now.”

Where is the baby's father?

“That...” Gao Tu didn't want to say it in front of someone else, he hadn't even processed it himself. Until yesterday, he thought he would be the only father to his child. He would rather Shen WenLang answer that question. But he had left a while ago.

It's Mr. Shen, right?

Gao Tu looked up. How did she know? He thought.

The doctor answered him as if she could read his mind.
“You smell more like Iris than your own pheromone, Mr. Shen is a bit obvious.” Gao Tu blushed.

Now, it's a relief that the baby's father is present and willing to cooperate, but I can't help but be suspicious. Why did he let it get to this point? If you need help, tell me. I'm also an omega, I understand your feelings. If Mr. Shen—

“No, Mr. Shen is a good man. I was the one who hid my omega status. It's not his fault. He didn't know about my pregnancy either.”

“All right...” the doctor finished saying. She didn't say anything else because she sensed that her patient was starting to get stressed.

“The next step is to check your gland. It would be best if you took off your shirt.”

*

*

While they were talking, Shen WenLang went to look for the various inhibitors Gao Tu had in the kitchen to show the doctor. He needed someone to give him a quick solution to fix everything so that Gao Tu wouldn't suffer so much.

To tell the truth, Shen WenLang had no problem giving up the idea of having the baby if it really posed a serious danger to Gao Tu. But he had no right to say such a thing. Not anymore.

When he returned to the room, he sensed a lighter atmosphere; the tension from before had almost vanished.

“Doctor, these are the medications he has been using. I need you to investigate further and give me an immediate solution. If you need anything else, please let me know. This is an important matter for me.”

"Of course, Mr. Shen. After speaking with the patient and conducting a physical evaluation, I have some good news and some bad news.

The bad news is that Gao Tu's gland is deteriorating because he never used it before. It's as if his body has begun to transform into that of a beta, which is why, even without an inhibitor patch, his scent is almost imperceptible. His psychological state also had a lot to do with it. The patient rejects his omega status, and that must change.

The good news is that Gao Tu is an extremely strong omega. It is possible that he can carry his pregnancy to term. I say this based on the fact that, despite using inhibitors from the first day he presented as an omega, he was able to conceive and has already passed the 6-week threshold, which are the weeks of highest risk for omegas, especially unmarked omegas.

Now, the most effective treatment is the company of the baby's father. For unmarked omegas, treatment is done with alpha pheromone donors, but in this scenario, that option is impossible. Gao Tu's pregnancy is not a normal case."

Shen WenLang and Gao Tu listened attentively, WenLang leaning against the doorframe and the omega in bed.

“Wouldn't a mark solve his pheromone disorder?” WenLang asked.

Gao Tu clutched the blanket tighter when he heard that question. A mark was too important a decision to be considered a simple treatment.

“A mark would help him connect more with his omega instincts, and an alpha's claim would alleviate the symptoms of his pregnancy. However, it is not a viable option in this case because Gao Tu's gland is not in a condition to withstand the mark of an alpha, especially not an S-class alpha,” he said, turning his gaze to Shen WenLang.

"So, for now, I recommend that you stay close, as you are now. Gao Tu must follow his instincts as much as possible. He has to learn to be an omega and accept himself as such. You, Mr. Shen, must avoid mood swings. The pheromones that Gao Tu needs most are comforting pheromones. That's all.
In two weeks, we can meet again to see how everything is going. Under no circumstances should you mark him. You must be very careful, Mr. Shen."

Why is she looking at me as if she knows I was about to mark him last night? Women are incredible, Shen WenLang thought.

“Let's work together to make sure everything goes well,” the doctor said by way of farewell, looking at Gao Tu.

“Thank you, Doctor,” Gao Tu replied, relieved but still distant.

Shen WenLang left the room with the doctor to close the door. Then he returned and settled down next to Gao Tu.

When he felt him arrive, Gao Tu hugged him and curled up in his arms, their bodies fitting together easily, as if they were used to sharing hugs.

Shen WenLang closed his eyes and released comforting pheromones. Despite the complications and the delicacy of the situation, the last few hours had been the best of his life.

“Thank you, WenLang,” Gao Tu hid in his neck, breathing in his scent.

“Rest, baobei, we can talk more later, everything will be fine.”

*

*

Gao Tu was dreaming that WenLang was kissing him, a kiss here, another there, first on his cheeks, then his forehead. He just let himself go, the scent of his alpha's iris making him surrender. He always felt his body was heavy, as if buried in the sheets, just waiting for Shen WenLang's touch. Little by little, he opened his eyes, already with a small unconscious smile on his lips.

The first thing he saw was Shen WenLang beside him, his face very close to his, smiling, and he received another kiss on the cheek. He had never seen Shen WenLang so happy.

“Hello,” Gao Tu greeted him, smiling back.

“Hey,” Shen WenLang replied, still smiling.

“Did something happen?” The omega was curious.

“Yes, you woke up,” was his alpha's only response.

“You're unbearable,” Gao Tu said, his ears red.

“Hahahaha,” Shen WenLang laughed out loud.

“I woke you up because it's already 2 p.m., you need to eat.”

He took Gao Tu by the wrist, placing his arm behind his neck so he could hold on, then held him by the back and legs to carry him princess-style. Gao Tu didn't refuse; he never would.

Shen WenLang had ordered sushi, everything looked incredibly delicious, the food was hot, he waited for Gao Tu to start eating before he did too.

“It was delicious,” said Gao Tu.

“I'm glad,” replied Shen WenLang.

Gao Tu got up without needing to hold onto anything, took his dishes to the kitchen, followed by his alpha, who was carrying his own dishes.

“No way,” he stopped Gao Tu when he saw that he was going to wash the dishes.

“As long as I'm here, I can't let you strain yourself with trivial matters.”

“Mr. Shen, they're just dishes,” Gao Tu wanted to continue washing his plate.

“Gao Tu, be a good boy,” Shen WenLang ordered without letting go of his hand.

Gao Tu turned around and went to his room, a little annoyed. The first thing he did was look for his glasses, which he hadn't worn in a long time. Then he looked for his cell phone. He wanted to know how his sister was doing. She had undergone surgery a few days ago and would be discharged very soon.

Her last message said:
“Brother, how are you? You haven't come to see me in three days. Are you sick? I miss you.”
It was normal for his sister to be so clingy. Gao Tu was her mother figure, father figure, and also her older brother. She was used to Gao Tu visiting her every other day at most, so she was starting to miss him a lot.

“I'm fine, do you know your discharge date?”

Gao Qing replied immediately.
“Brother, it's tomorrow, don't tell me you forgot 😭, I've already packed my things, I'm so excited.”

“I'll pick you up tomorrow, behave yourself,” Gao Tu wrote with a smile, he was also excited for his sister.

“Who are you talking to?”
Shen WenLang appeared at the door, looking slightly irritated.

“Qing, she'll be discharged tomorrow.”

“Oh, perfect, I'll take you,” Shen WenLang said naturally.

Gao Tu already knew that even if he refused, it would be pointless. Shen WenLang wasn't asking him a question, he was just informing him.

“Gao Tu, will you accompany me to my house?”

“Do you need anything?”

“I need some clothes and to pick up some documents.”

“You can go by yourself, don't worry about me.”

“It's not because of you, Gao Tu, it's because of me. I can't leave without thinking about how you'll be, and it's not good for the baby for us to be apart.”
Shen WenLang used the baby as an excuse because he knew that otherwise Gao Tu would easily say no.

“Okay,” Gao Tu sighed. It's not that he doesn't want to go with Shen WenLang, it's just that everything is moving too fast. He's not used to having Mr. Shen around all the time, he feels like he needs a break. Gao Tu is actually an introvert who doesn't particularly enjoy leaving the house, especially on a day off. Besides, although he won't admit it to Shen WenLang, he still can't walk without feeling a little pain.

Shen WenLang put on the jacket that Gao Tu had been hugging the night before and smelled his omega's scent. A feeling of happiness settled in his chest. He must have done something right in his past life. The world had taken it upon itself to help him discover Gao Tu's secret and now he not only knew that his love was always reciprocated, but that the person he liked so much was carrying a baby, a baby that was his.

“Mr. Shen, the car is here.”
For some reason, it bothered him just a little that Shen WenLang had taken his own jacket. How silly, Gao Tu just smiled to himself. It wasn't his clothes, he had no reason to be upset, even though it was the most comfortable garment he had worn in years. Enough, why was he creating a monologue in his head over a simple jacket?

Seeing that Gao Tu was walking slowly, Shen WenLang stepped forward to open the door for him, then sat down with him and closed the door.

“Good afternoon, Mr. Shen, Mr. Gao,” said the driver.

“Good afternoon, to my house,” Shen WenLang ordered casually. The driver started the car without saying another word.

Once at Shen WenLang's house, Gao Tu headed for the kitchen, accustomed to making him tea. Shen WenLang, for his part, went to prepare some clothes. He had no intention of separating from his omega, but as he put his things away, he wondered where he would sleep, since Gao Tu's apartment only had one bedroom. He imagined that Qing would stay in the bedroom and his Gao Tu would sleep on the couch, but then what about him?

Shen WenLang hurried down to the living room. Seeing no one there, he headed to the kitchen, where Gao Tu was calmly serving tea, as if he were at home. He sometimes asked Gao Tu to make him tea on weekends. Why did he do that? He never knew, but now he realizes that he simply wanted to have him close to him. Any excuse would do, and Gao Tu never refused.

“Gao Tu, when Qing comes back tomorrow, where are you going to sleep? Your apartment only has one bedroom. You're not going to sleep on the couch and leave the bed for her, are you?”

“Ahh, yes, that's the idea, but it will only be for a couple of days. As soon as Qing gets back, he'll help me pack and we'll start looking for a place to live. We'll need somewhere comfortable for both of us, especially Qing, who is starting college.”

“Come live with me,” Shen WenLang said.

“No.”

“?” Shen WenLang looked at him, unable to believe how quickly he responded.

“No.”

“Why not?!”

“It's too much trouble.” Gao Tu walked into the living room carrying the tea, and WenLang followed him as he explained his point.

"You know what's too much trouble? That I want to be with you and I can't because there's nowhere to sleep. How can I help you if I have nowhere to stay with you? Think about the baby. Besides, if you stay with me, Qing can have an apartment to herself and I can assign her a driver. You know that's not a problem for me. If you stay with me, I won't force you to sleep in the same room as me, if that's what you're worried about."

“Mr. Shen, it's not that, it's just, I don't know, it's too fast. What if you change your mind? What am I going to tell Qing? I'm not used to depending on anyone, it's difficult for me.”

“How about this? We'll put the house in your name, so you don't have to worry about abandoning your original plan, because a house is better anyway.”

“Mr. Shen, please don't joke about that.”

“Gao Tu, I'm serious” Shen WenLang insisted.

“Shen WenLang, sit down for a moment” Gao Tu said as he sat down first.

Shen WenLang obeyed without complaint, sitting down next to Gao Tu. He couldn't help but obey when his omega used his name and that tone with him. He needed to be a good alpha for his omega.

“This is very serious for me. My baby and Qing are too important to me. I know your intentions are good, but I can't just depend on you because now I know you want the baby. I still have to be independent. I still have to pay for Qing's college. We're not even a couple.” Gao Tu looked down as he said the last part, as if it were the only thing he wasn't sure about.

“Gao Tu, it's not that I want the baby.”

An expression of disappointment flashed across Gao Tu's face.

“No! I didn't mean that...”
Shen WenLang wanted to hit himself.
“I just want to say that I'm not doing this for the baby, it's for you, I love you. Even without the baby, I always loved you. I told you before, I like you a lot, I want to give you everything I have.” Shen WenLang took Gao Tu's hands and brought them to his face, caressing himself.

The omega melted at such a cute gesture. Shen WenLang looked like a puppy waiting for approval. How could he keep pushing him away? His heart couldn't take it.

Gao Tu had spent the first few days of his pregnancy wondering whether to tell Shen WenLang or not, but in the end, he decided to go ahead and raise his baby alone. At this moment, he was just grateful to the world for letting him see this side of Shen WenLang. Gao Tu had always been attracted to the alpha, ever since he first saw him. He couldn't see himself with anyone else, Shen WenLang would always be the only one for him.

Quite overwhelmed, he approached Shen WenLang, asking for a hug. The alpha responded instantly, and with a natural movement, sat him on his lap. Gao Tu couldn't help but blush. He asked heaven for help to stay normal. Having the person he always wanted hugging him and giving him love made him feel very overwhelmed.

WenLang had Gao Tu sitting sideways on his lap, but he wanted him closer. He moved a little and turned his omega to face him, with his knees on either side of his body so he could feel him closer against him. Gao Tu didn't protest, he just hid in his neck, wrapping his arms around him.

WenLang breathed, continuing to caress Gao Tu's back, his alpha proud to see his omega clinging to him.

Shen WenLang imagined that if he had dared to touch him at least once, he would have realized that Gao Tu was an omega much earlier. The man who was always perfect and reserved at work trembled at the slightest touch. He loved having that power and wanted more reactions.

Shen WenLang slipped his hands under Gao Tu's shirt, felt him tense up and hug him a little tighter. He touched him from bottom to top, running his fingers over him, pressing a little, so that Gao Tu could feel the weight of his hands. He felt their temperatures mix, Gao Tu's body absorbing Shen WenLang's heat.

“Mm.”
Gao Tu was a little dizzy, enveloped in WenLang's pheromones.

In response, WenLang felt a wave of pheromones, just like last time, pheromones like those of an omega in heat, inviting him to touch more. He wanted to tease Gao Tu because his body was very honest, but he knew that if he did, his omega would probably walk away from him. Shen WenLang had been judicious with his medication, taking it every 12 hours as directed, otherwise he would have already pushed Gao Tu onto his bed and stripped him of all his clothes.

Shen WenLang released comforting pheromones and took his hands out of under Gao Tu's shirt. He couldn't allow himself to do more, and even though he had taken his medication, his breathing and the saliva in his mouth warned him that if he continued, he would end up with his omega disheveled and tears streaming down his cheeks. He sighed, abandoning the idea, and looked at Gao Tu, who was still hugging him.

“So, are the four of us going to live together?”

Gao Tu looked at him and said, “Yes.”

Shen WenLang helped him up carefully, and once they were both standing, he took his hand and said, “Come, I'll show you everything.”

*

*

After WenLang's house tour, Gao Tu realized that the house was larger than he remembered. It had four floors. Shen WenLang's room was on the third floor, the kitchen was on the second floor, the first floor was like a simple reception area, and upon entering there was an elevator, a bathroom, and a living room. The top floor was empty. It looked like a small hotel where only Shen WenLang lived. Each floor had three bedrooms. Seriously, why did he need so much space? The luxury of everything he saw no longer impressed him; he was used to seeing wealth. What he found curious was how empty the place felt despite the luxury, decorations, and furniture. It was an empty beauty.

“Mr. Shen, why do you live in such a big house all by yourself?”

“I grew up in a mansion. I'm used to empty rooms. It makes me feel more comfortable, I guess. Actually, this house is small.”

Gao Tu just shook his head. There are all kinds of people in the world.

“Would you like to have dinner?”

“Not really, I'd like to tidy up the top floor a bit. Since there are three rooms, Qing and I can stay there.”

“Nuh uh, I'll call a cleaning crew to take care of the whole house. It's not necessary.”

“Then, can we go back to my place?”

The alpha didn't want to go back to Gao Tu's place; it was far from meeting his standards of comfort, but he had decided to give him everything he asked for. After all, his partner had endured so much for him; he needed to make him feel accepted. Besides, as long as he could be alone with Gao Tu, he would go anywhere.

“Sure, but first, can I ask why you don't want to stay on the same floor as me? Each floor has three rooms. I'm not even asking you to stay in my room. You can have one for yourself.”

“I don't want to leave Qing alone.”

“Gao Tu, it's just one floor. Besides, she can stay on the same floor as us.”

“But Mr. Shen, you two don't know each other very well, it will be awkward for both of you.”

Shen WenLang crossed his arms and said nothing more. He had to correct his omega's attitude. He needed the omega to leave everything in his hands. Shen WenLang had no problem giving him everything he asked for, but this silly bunny didn't ask for anything, which was exasperating.

That night, they returned to Gao Tu's house. Shen WenLang brought some clothes to sleep in and took a bath very naturally at the omega's house, without asking permission.

He made himself comfortable and returned to bed with Gao Tu, who was already asleep, resting peacefully. He slipped under the covers and hugged his omega. Shen WenLang was once again aware of how happy he was. Normally, he comes home and goes to sleep alone, with no one to talk to or hug. He would definitely love to live with Gao Tu.

“Good night,” WenLang said, releasing comforting pheromones.

ᶻ 𝘇 𐰁

Chapter Text

⋆.𐙚 ̊Saturday morning⋆.𐙚 ̊

Gao Tu was used to getting up early. After all, sometimes morning traffic delayed him by up to an hour on his way to work, and even on weekends he woke up early.

That morning he woke up feeling as if he had slept on clouds. His head and body didn't hurt, which was strange, because he always felt pain in the mornings. The scent of irises flooded his nose as soon as he became conscious.

“Ah, it's Mr. Shen.” Last night, Gao Tu fell asleep as soon as he got home, feeling quite relaxed and sleepy. His bed smelled strongly of his alpha, so as soon as he lay down between those sheets, sleep came naturally.

Gao Tu tried to get up, but his alpha wouldn't let him go. He felt a sense of déjà vu. They weren't hugging, but Shen WenLang was holding his hand while he slept, and even though he tried to pull away, the grip was strong. This time there was nothing nearby to distract him, so he just lay back down.

He began to think about everything that had happened. Shen WenLang apologizing, Shen WenLang kneeling, Shen WenLang following him everywhere, protecting him, covering him with his essence, Shen WenLang holding his hand right now. Shen WenLang asking him to live together.

Sometimes he thought his boss was a person who didn't like physical contact, because he always kept his distance from everyone, but now he realizes that in reality, his boss is obsessed with touching him all the time.

The omega began to fantasize about what life would be like with Shen WenLang and their baby, and now Qing too. Would it be possible? Gao Tu was sure he would love Shen WenLang forever, but what if Mr. Shen found another omega he liked?

What if, in the end, Shen WenLang grew tired of his insecurity and his presence? Gao Tu couldn't bear it. He would rather have nothing from Shen WenLang so he wouldn't feel the loss.

He began to imagine a scenario where the alpha abandoned him, shouting that after being with him, he realized why he hated omegas, always needy, always weak.

“Stop thinking bad thoughts, it's bad for the baby.”

Shen WenLang's voice interrupted the fictional scenario he was imagining.

The alpha curled up next to him, hugging him.

“Good morning”

“Good morning” Gao Tu sighed.

“Why are you sighing? Does it bother you that I wake up?”

“You haven't changed” Gao Tu said, hugging him back.

“What do you mean?” Shen WenLang asked curiously, unaware of the wave of feelings inside Gao Tu.

“I want water”

Shen WenLang got up without thinking twice and headed straight for the kitchen.

Gao Tu took the opportunity to get up and follow him. It seemed he had discovered how to free himself from Shen WenLang—he just had to ask him for something.

*

*

After taking a bath, Gao Tu started making breakfast, while Shen WenLang was tidying up the room and getting ready to go out.

When WenLang finished getting ready, he went out to the kitchen and breakfast was already served.

“I told you not to do anything while I'm here.”

“It's just breakfast”

Shen WenLang didn't protest. He would rather die than reject a meal prepared by his omega.

After eating and washing the dishes, when they were about to text the driver to come pick them up, Gao Tu felt dizzy.

Accustomed to the symptoms, he headed to the bathroom. As soon as he opened the door, he felt nauseous and began to vomit everything he had eaten, as he almost always did.

After becoming pregnant, this usually happened to him after breakfast, rarely after lunch, and never after dinner because he didn't eat.

Although Gao Tu doesn't normally eat much, his pregnancy takes away his appetite because he knows that as soon as he eats, he will feel nauseous. It's inevitable. And that wouldn't change two days after receiving Shen WenLang's pheromones. His head hurt a lot.

“Gao Tu! Are you okay?!”

Shen WenLang crouched down beside the bathroom, stroking the back of his poor omega. Gao Tu wanted to push him away; he didn't like Shen WenLang watching him or coming close while he was vomiting. The alpha ignored Gao Tu's gesture telling him to move away and came closer. He began to release comforting pheromones.

Gao Tu began to feel less dizzy, and his headache became less obvious. Perhaps the pain and nausea would not disappear immediately and forever, but having Mr. Shen there made his pregnancy more bearable.

“I feel better, I'm not going to vomit anymore.”

The alpha nodded, concerned.

Shen WenLang didn't feel well. He didn't know what he could do to take away all the pain in Gao Tu's body. He couldn't mark him, and it wasn't advisable for Gao Tu to take medicine. The only thing they could do was endure until the omega's body gradually stabilized and his gland returned to its natural state.

Shen WenLang promised himself that he would mark him as soon as possible, not only because of his own desire to claim him and have him all to himself, but also so that Gao Tu would be a little stronger and suffer less. Marking is not a debatable issue for Shen WenLang; he has no doubt that Gao Tu is the only person he will ever want for the rest of his life.

“Qing, it's getting late,” Gao Tu tried to get up. Shen WenLang's hands were still around him.

“No, I'll send someone to pick her up.” Shen WenLang quickly became angry when he saw the way his omega was acting, always putting others above his own needs or ailments.

“No!” Gao Tu raised his voice slightly, which was unusual for him.

“But you're in bad shape!” The alpha shouted over him.

“I promised her I would pick her up, and it's important to both of us. She's been in the hospital for a long time.” Gao Tu looked at him defiantly, as if to say that he was no one to tell him what to do.

“I'm going to have someone pick her up, and that's final” Shen WenLang said in an authoritative tone.

“Let go of me.”
Gao Tu pushed Shen WenLang away with both hands. He was very angry. He got up using all his strength and left the bathroom.

Shen WenLang froze when he saw such a real rejection. It was as if Gao Tu had really gotten angry for the first time. A vivid fear ran through his veins, and he felt cold. He didn't like feeling abandoned, not by Gao Tu. Instinctively, he walked behind the omega, thinking of begging for forgiveness if necessary.

“Gao Tu, wait.”

Gao Tu went straight to the bedroom, slammed the door shut, and Shen WenLang managed to stop it with his hands, entering behind him and closing it properly, without violence.

“Mr. Shen, I know you're trying to help me, but you have no right to tell me what to do. It's a special day for us. You insisted on accompanying me. If you don't want to go, then just leave.” Gao Tu turned his back on him.

“It wasn't my intention to decide for you, forgive me, I'm very used to simply giving orders and being obeyed.”
“I understand now, so don't be angry with me.” “I didn't mean to raise my voice, I'm sorry.”

Gao Tu still didn't look at him.

"You can let her know that you'll be two hours late. We'll go get her when you feel better. What do you think? It's better this way. You're still pale, Gao Tu."

Gao Tu took his cell phone out of one of his pockets and quickly typed something. He sensed that his alpha was emitting anxious and insecure pheromones. Agreeing with the suggestion and accepting his apology, he simply said, “I already texted her.”

WenLang sighed. He slowly approached, took Gao Tu's hand, intending to make him look him in the eyes. He wants to see his expression. When he turns him around, he sees that his omega is not looking at him, still visibly affected.

“I'm sorry I yelled.”
Shen WenLang slowly moved his hand up Gao Tu's arm until his palm rested on the omega's cheek, releasing comforting pheromones.

The alpha lifted his omega's face by moving his hand from his cheek to his chin.
“Look at me, I'm sincere, I didn't mean to make you angry.”

When Gao Tu looks him in the eyes briefly, Shen WenLang feels a surge of tenderness. There is no longer any pain or disgust on Gao Tu's face, only a frown and a pout. His pheromones are no longer sour like they were a moment ago, but sweet, not those of an omega in heat, but from an omega who felt comfortable with his alpha.

“Are you feeling better? It would be best if you rested for a while.” Shen WenLang resisted the urge to hug him, instead releasing more comforting pheromones and guiding him toward the bed. Gao Tu let him do it, and little by little, they were lying together again.

“You smell good” Gao Tu said as he snuggled up against Shen WenLang. The latter was beginning to notice the omega's habit of changing the subject, ignoring his questions or the situation.

His beta, whom he always considered a simple person who never got angry or sad, was actually quite a troublesome omega, and he liked both versions of Gao Tu. The one he shows to the world, and the one only he can see.

With great tenderness, Shen WenLang hugged his omega, releasing comforting pheromones. Gao Tu began to feel better after 2 hours of therapy, his headache disappeared, and color returned to his cheeks.

“Can we go now?” He looked at Shen WenLang, asking for permission.

Shen WenLang just smiled, amused that he would ask him that way, as if the alpha hadn't, just a moment ago, lost all authority.

*

*

Once at the hospital, Gao Tu takes care of the necessary paperwork while Qing says goodbye to the staff, nurses, and doctors, who are all very happy to see her improving.

“Brother, thank you for coming. Did something happen?”
“Oh my God, why do you smell like that?”

“What?”

“Your scent is mixed with someone else's. Do you have a partner?”

“Calm down, not here. I can explain. Wait until we get home, okay?”

“Are you ready?”
Gao Tu, accustomed to taking care of his sister, motioned for her to hand him the suitcase she was carrying. At that moment, Shen WenLang, who had gone to pick up a bouquet of flowers at the shop next to the hospital, entered the scene, greeting Qing and handing her the bouquet of beautiful lilies.

“Congratulations on your recovery.”

“Thank you, Mr. Shen.”

After the formal greeting, WenLang went straight to Gao Tu, taking the suitcase from his hands.

“Shall we go?” He smiled at him.

Gao Tu nodded, smiling, slightly nervous about the looks around him. The interaction between the two men caught the attention of all the staff around them, as the scent that everyone had noticed clinging to the omega was clearly that of the man who had just arrived.

Qing looked at them in bewilderment. HER BROTHER HAD THE SCENT OF THE PROUD MR. SHEN ALL OVER HIS BODY. What was going on?

Qing had known Mr. Shen for a couple of years, but she didn't expect him to be the one to bring her flowers on her last day, nor did she expect to see him smile openly at her brother like that.

Besides, it was the first time she had smelled Mr. Shen's scent. Honestly, she suspected that the alpha had had a crush on Gao Tu for some time, mainly because even though her brother was only his secretary, Mr. Shen invited him to his house on weekends, with the excuse of organizing documents or making him tea.

She had often ignored these suspicions, attributing them to her own madness. But this time it was too obvious that something had happened, and she needed to know what.

As they walked toward the exit, following Mr. Shen, a very hurried alpha almost bumped into his brother, if not for Mr. Shen, who stopped him in his tracks by positioning himself right in front of Gao Tu.

The poor man was about to apologize, but Mr. Shen glared at him, causing the alpha to simply turn away, muttering apologies. At this point, Qing had no more doubts; she just wanted to get home so Gao Tu could tell her everything.

After that scene, Qing noticed that Shen WenLang, instead of continuing at his usual pace, adjusted his steps to match hers and her brother's, walking not in front of them but beside them, until they reached the car. A driver was waiting for them, who quickly helped them with their suitcase and opened the door for them.

Qing felt a little strange around these two. She sensed some discomfort on the part of her brother, who was slightly flushed, and she was a little bothered by the way Shen WenLang kept looking at Gao Tu every five minutes with a very serious expression. Seriously, what had happened between them?

“Are you hungry?” Gao Tu noticed that Qing, who was normally quite talkative, was a little quiet, so he wanted to strike up a conversation.

“Yes, I can make us something when we get there. I don't want to forget how to cook.”

“It's a special day, so let's eat and then go home, okay?” Gao Tu explained.

“Ohh, really?” Qing said excitedly.

“I know a place, shall we go?” Shen WenLang interjected, trying to ask rather than order.

Gao Tu nodded. Honestly, it crossed his mind to say no because it would probably be a very expensive place, but he didn't want to be stingy on a special day, plus he had rejected many of Shen WenLang's suggestions lately.

When they arrived, Shen WenLang led them to a table on a high floor overlooking the city. There were red carpets and pink flowers everywhere; it was a rather sophisticated restaurant.

“I'll be right back.”
After a waiter took their order, Shen WenLang got up and went to the reception desk for a moment.

“Brother, tell me, what happened? How was it?” Qing spoke excitedly as soon as Shen WenLang was a decent distance away.

Gao Tu took his hands.
“I need you to calm down. I'll explain when we get home.”

“But Gege, just tell me something. Are you two a couple?”

“No.”

“What? Brother, what's going on? If he's not your partner, why is he covering you with his essence?”

“It's complicated. I need us to be alone to explain.”

Both fell silent when they saw Shen WenLang return. Virtuous, he sat down in his chair next to Gao Tu. When the three of them were together, they had nothing to talk about, so silence reigned. Qing looked at them from time to time, somewhat disappointed.

Shortly after, the food arrived, along with a beautiful white cake decorated with red and pink flowers. In the middle it said “Happy Birthday Qing.”

Gao Tu was surprised by Shen WenLang's gesture. It didn't seem unreasonable or strange for him, as he had received cakes from him before, but he was quite moved that he had taken the trouble to order it for his sister and even have a message added.

“Aww, thank you, brother,” Qing was very touched.

“It wasn't me, Qing. Thank Mr. Shen,” Gao Tu said, unable to help feeling happy for his sister.

“Oh, thank you, Mr. Shen,” Qing said, with less enthusiasm.

Shen WenLang just nodded, satisfied with their reactions.

Qing didn't know it yet, but this was the first of many meals she would share with her new family.

*

*

When they got home, Shen WenLang took care of the suitcase, and Gao Tu carried the leftover cake from lunch.

They entered the apartment, and Gao Tu wasn't sure how to explain the whole situation to his sister.

He had told Shen WenLang that they would live together, but he was already regretting it. He didn't know how Qing would react, nor did he know if Shen WenLang wanted to be his partner. Perhaps he just wanted to fulfill his responsibility. Shen WenLang had always been an angel in Gao Tu's eyes, so it was probably just compassion.

“Qing, go to the bedroom for a moment. I need to talk to Mr. Shen about a private matter.” The young alpha obeyed.

“What's going on?” Mr. Shen gave him his full attention.

“I need some privacy with Qing. I have to explain everything to him and propose that we live together, for the sake of my pheromone therapy.”

“No problem, I'll stop by the company then. I'll get some things ready for next week. I'll be back in three hours. I can be with you anytime if you need me, just call me.”

“See you later.” Gao Tu closed the door behind WenLang and headed for his room.

“Qing, Mr. Shen is gone. We can talk now.”

"Brother, what happened? I don't understand."

Gao Tu looked down, somewhat embarrassed to reveal the truth.

“I'm pregnant.”

“What???? This is the best day of my life!” “Oh—but...”

“Mr. Shen's??? But you said you weren't a couple?? He took advantage of you?? I knew he wasn't a good man.”

“No, Qing, he's a great man, I need you to listen to me, it's complicated.”
Gao Tu was getting tired of everyone thinking Shen WenLang was a bad person when he was actually an angel. He explained everything to Qing, telling him the truth, so that Qing could understand and judge him correctly. He couldn't build his family on lies, not anymore.

“So, you lied to him about your condition all this time, and one day, by accident, due to high compatibility, you ended up making a baby? But he confessed that he likes you? And he wants us all to live together because of the pregnancy?”

Gao Tu told the story, leaving out all of Shen WenLang's hurtful words. For some reason, he couldn't speak ill of him in front of someone else.

“Yes, due to my abuse of suppressants, I have a very risky pregnancy. I need to be with the baby's father; it's the only thing that can help me.”

“I understand, brother, but do you like Mr. Shen?”

“Yes... always.”

“Why aren't you a couple if you both like each other? Hasn't he asked you?”

Gao Tu shook his head.

“Could it be that Mr. Shen thinks he shouldn't ask you anything and assumes you're together?”

“I don't think that's it. He probably doesn't want to be in an official relationship with an omega.”

“Brother, but he made you a baby.”

“Qing, don't say it like that.”

“Brother, wherever you go, I'll go, but I can't stand it if Mr. Shen doesn't take you seriously. You're one in a million. Let me talk to him.”

“Qing, please don't, I trust you, don't embarrass me.”

“How long have you been pregnant?”

“Almost two months.”

“How long has Mr. Shen known?”

Since Thursday night, about two days.

“Are you telling me that in two days he invited us to move in with him?”

“Brother, forgive me for treating you this way, but you're the weird one. Why is it so hard for you to believe that Mr. Shen is actually obsessed with you? Anyone can see it!”

“But Qing, there's nothing special about me.”

“Brother, you're a lost cause.”
“There's no omega better than you, not in all of Jianghu.”

Gao Tu sighed. His sister's admiration sometimes made no sense.

“So you don't mind us living with him?”

“No, it's best for you, and for the baby, even for me, but I still don't accept Mr. Shen. If he can't see your value and doesn't ask you to be his partner soon, I won't accept him into our family.”

“Even if he and I don't work out, you have to accept him as the baby's father, okay?”

Qing sighed. His brother was right.

*

*

That same day, when Shen WenLang returned from work, they left together for their new home.

“Qing, you can have an entire floor to yourself. It has three bedrooms. You can do whatever you want with them. If you need to remodel or get new furniture, just let me know.”

“Sure, thank you, Mr. Shen.” Qing received a nudge from Gao Tu after saying those words.

“Don't just accept it like that,” he whispered under his breath.

“And where will my brother stay?” Qing ignored him. She wasn't like Gao Tu. If life gave her advantages, she took advantage of them.

“It's better for him to be close to me because of his condition, so it will be on the third floor.”

"But Mr. Shen, wouldn't it be better for you to have more privacy? I can use one of the rooms on the same floor as Qing."

“Brother, I also think it's better if you're close to Mr. Shen, so he can feel you faster if you need help and you won't have to climb stairs every so often for pheromone therapy.”

“The room next to mine is spacious, but choose whichever one you prefer.”

After talking, Qing went to her room. With the help of a servant, she carried different sheets and moved furniture to her liking. She was very happy to be living in such a beautiful house.

She planned to use one room to rest, another to study, and another to train. She wanted to be strong so she could protect her brother and her little nephew. She felt motivated.

*

*

“Which room do you prefer?”

“The room you told me is fine.”

“Perfect, I'll help you then.”

Shen WenLang began to carry the things while Gao Tu unpacked. He didn't have much, just his clothes and shoes, a couple of books, and his suits.

There was one box in particular that he didn't want Shen WenLang to touch. It was the box where he kept his portrait with him, that drink from 10 years ago, and the tie from the night at Hotel X, the only things he had from Shen WenLang. It was better if he just put the box away without taking anything out.

“Are you done?” WenLang leaned against the door.

If Shen WenLang found out that he had always liked him, he would probably find it disgusting. Besides, it was kind of creepy to be keeping such old things; it didn't make sense, he looked like an omega.

“Gao Tu?”

“Yes?!” Gao Tu was startled, as if he had done something wrong. He took two steps back and tripped over the table where the box was, knocking it over. Shen WenLang reacted immediately, taking two strides to get to his side, but Gao Tu was fine, he wasn't going to fall.

“Why are you so easily frightened?” The alpha sighed and bent down to pick up what had fallen. In one hand he held everything, the drink, the portrait, and the tie. In the other hand he held the box. He put it on the table and began to look at the things. He didn't find anything strange, until he realized that his face was in that portrait.

“Oh, I remember this. Neither of us wanted a photo, but the teacher made us.”

“Yeah...” Gao Tu smiled with relief and a hint of sadness. Of course Shen WenLang wouldn't remember that drink.

“I didn't know you kept it.”

“We don't have many photos together, so I kept it.”

Gao Tu took the portrait from his hands and also the tie, and went to place both items on the nightstand. The drink was still on the other table. Gao Tu was the only one thinking about it.

The alpha, for his part, began to remember some things from years ago, him waiting for Gao Tu on graduation day, him waiting for Gao Tu to finish his part-time jobs, him losing contact with Gao Tu after graduation but still hoping to see him again, him... waiting, always waiting. What if Gao Tu had always been waiting for him too?

Then they were idiots.

Shen WenLang took two steps and hugged him from behind, which took the omega by surprise, who froze completely. Shen WenLang could swear that his omega's cheeks were red at that moment.

Gao Tu felt a small wave of comforting pheromones, as if WenLang was trying to console him. "Why? I haven't said anything". Cute. He couldn't help but smile.

Gao Tu turned around, returned the hug, breathed in his scent, and closed his eyes. Taking refuge in his neck. It feels good, warm and safe. "What does it matter if Shen WenLang doesn't remember the bottle? What matters is this hug" Gao Tu finished reasoning.

“Thank you for coming to live with me” was all Shen WenLang said.

Chapter Text

⋆.𐙚 Two weeks later ⋆.𐙚

Two weeks after moving to WenLang´s house, Qing and Gao Tu were already accustomed to their new life. Qing had an assigned driver and was busy starting college. She was really responsible, so she didn't cause any problems for Gao Tu or Shen WenLang.

They had a specialized cook, mainly because Gao Tu couldn't eat just anything; his stomach was very sensitive, and they needed someone who could prepare anything at any time.

Before living with WenLang, Gao Tu didn't eat dinner, but now the alpha makes them all eat dinner together, insisting that the omega must eat because he always throws up breakfast and sometimes even lunch.

The vitamins and serums haven't stopped, and Gao Tu feels very stable. He still vomits, but he feels less dizzy and has fewer headaches.

The only thing that worries him lately is the excess free time he has. He is almost always alone at home. Qing leaves in the morning and returns at dinnertime.

Shen WenLang always leaves for work after relieving his morning sickness symptoms, then returns during lunch, bathes him in his pheromones again, goes back to work, and returns for dinner.

Once again, Shen WenLang usually hugs him, shares his pheromones with him, and then they go to sleep, each in their own room.

That has been Gao Tu's routine for the past two weeks, and he has felt quite lonely. Which is strange because he has never been so accompanied before.

Shen WenLang hasn't really insisted that he move into his room or that they sleep together, and he only talks to Qing a few nights after dinner.

His life used to be all about work, nothing else. He had already saved up the money for all of Qing's tuition, but if he didn't go back to work, he wouldn't be able to give him an allowance or money for his college projects.

He wasn't used to relaxing so much or having everything at his fingertips. He wanted to go back to work, but he knew WenLang wouldn't let him return until he was cured of his nausea and pain.

Besides, it caused him a lot of panic to have to go back to the company as an omega, and as a pregnant omega on top of that. It was a nightmare. For now, he would try his best to feel better.

*

*

That same day, after dinner, when Qing had already gone to his apartment, Gao Tu was settling into bed for his pheromone therapy.

Shen WenLang came in as usual and sat down, leaning his back against the headboard.

“Come here.”

Gao Tu, being a good boy, simply obeyed. He lay down on Shen WenLang's chest. The alpha wrapped his arms around him, releasing comforting pheromones. Several times Gao Tu fell asleep in the middle of the process, and the next day he woke up alone and well covered. But today he didn't want to be alone.

“All right, you can rest now.”
Shen WenLang got up, tucking Gao Tu in before leaving, as usual.
“Good night.”

“Can you stay a little longer? ... I'm still not feeling well” said Gao Tu, holding his hand. It was a lie.

Shen WenLang looked at him and smiled.

“A little longer” said the alpha.

Shen WenLang got into bed, tucking himself in as well. They curled up together, Gao Tu resting on Shen WenLang's arm. And Shen WenLang releasing comforting pheromones.

Gao Tu placed his hand on the alpha's chest, and his natural reaction was to cover Gao Tu's hand with his own, caressing his omega's knuckles with his thumb.

WenLang opened his eyes. His omega was breathing slowly, his cheeks rosy, no trace of dark circles under his eyes, and no sign of severe pain in his body. Shen WenLang was doing things right.

When Gao Tu opened his eyes, his gaze met Shen WenLang's, who was watching him intently. The omega smiled softly. There was affection on the alpha's face. No one had ever looked at him that way before. He felt less alone.

He moved his hand toward his alpha's hair, stroking it gently. Gao Tu had received a lot of affection from Mr. Shen every day during therapy, and even though they were alone, nothing else ever happened.

Mr. Shen never escalated the situation or took advantage of having him so close. Gao Tu, deep down, and although he would never admit it, wanted him to take off his clothes, just like the day he found out he was an omega.

Shen WenLang let him do it, never taking his eyes off him. With his free hand, he touched his cheek, caressing him with his thumb. His eyes rested on the omega's neck for a moment and then on his lips. He swallowed.

He moved his hand, tracing the outline of his omega's lips, and could see his cheeks flush as he moved a little closer. The reactions made him salivate.

Gao Tu stopped stroking his alpha's hair. He brought his hand to his chest, pushing him back a little, but squeezing him. It was his automatic reaction when he felt nervous.

Shen WenLang moved a little closer, Gao Tu closed his eyes, his inner alpha smiled, victorious. He placed tender kisses on Gao Tu's closed lips. Then he licked them a little, without opening his mouth, just tasting.

Gao Tu trembled slightly, his breathing beginning to quicken. Shen WenLang sensed seductive pheromones; his Gao Tu wanted him to touch him. In response, Shen WenLang's dominant pheromones unintentionally escaped.

Gao Tu felt a brief pain in his pheromone gland and stomach; he wasn't yet ready for the dominant pheromones of an S-class alpha. But he also felt his desire increase; he really wanted WenLang to touch him.

Shen WenLang noticed and released comforting pheromones. He remembered once again the night at Hotel X. The blood. If he wanted to treat him gently, he had to concentrate, just like last time. He took a breath.

After regulating himself, he parted his omega's lips, and the latter offered his tongue without hesitation. Nothing felt better than Gao Tu's body and lips. He kissed him slowly, licking his lips, opening his mouth, exploring him.

The pheromones coming from Gao Tu were much more intense than last time, and WenLang's alpha roared, wanting to dominate him. Mine.

“Calm down,” Shen WenLang told himself internally. He closed his eyes. It was better if he stopped now, besides, they had an appointment with the doctor tomorrow.

“It's time to sleep,” Shen WenLang patted Gao Tu on the back.

When WenLang opened his eyes to look at him, the omega's eyes were unfocused, his hair, which covered his forehead a little, was tousled. His breathing was slightly agitated, and his lips were parted, asking for more.

It seemed that Gao Tu was trying to look at him too, but the exchange of pheromones made him feel dizzy. It was definitely Shen WenLang's fault for releasing dominant pheromones earlier.

Seriously, he has no idea how charming he is, and he's in danger. Any other alpha would have lost control in the face of these incredibly sweet pheromones. He himself had lost control once, but he wouldn't allow it to happen again. He needed to treat Gao Tu as he deserved.

He just hugged him, releasing comforting pheromones in large quantities, stroking his back. The omega began to calm down, closed his eyes, and fell asleep, perfect.

Shen WenLang left the room; he would have to take care of himself in the bathroom.

*

*

Gao Tu woke up early. When he looked beside him, he realized he was alone. There was no sign of Shen WenLang. Seriously, why doesn't he stay? Everything was different when they were in his apartment, although at that time there was only one bed. It's normal. Shen WenLang must prefer his own room...

He made his bed and got ready to leave. Today they had their first pheromone therapy evaluation.

When he went down to the kitchen, Shen WenLang was sitting there drinking tea, wearing a suit and black shoes, his usual ring and chain, and a bracelet. He looked handsome, attractive to anyone, alphas, betas, and especially omegas.

He, on the other hand, always wore the same jeans, sneakers, a white shirt, and a casual jacket over it. He had a blue one and a gray one. This time he was wearing the gray one. His only accessory was his glasses. The only thing he was proud of was his hair, always thick, dark, and lush.

He wasn't sure if he was attractive to others, he wasn't sure if he really attracted Shen WenLang. If he was able to be with him, it was because of their high compatibility, most likely, right? Gao Tu sighed.

“Good morning,” said WenLang.

“Good morning.”

“Sit down.”

“I don't want to eat today.”

“Why?”

“I don't want to throw up.”

“You know that even if you don't eat, you'll still feel nauseous, right?”

“I'm not going to eat.”

Shen WenLang wanted to pressure him, but he already understood that it wasn't good to try to force him.

“Let's go then,” he sighed.

*

*

When they arrived at the hospital, Shen WenLang walked at Gao Tu's pace, making sure not to leave him behind.

“Good morning,” they arrived at the reception desk.

“Good morning, we have an appointment under the name of Shen WenLang.”

“Ah, yes, sir, this way.”

They were shown into the waiting room even though the doctor hadn't arrived yet; they were VIP clients.

The beta nurse who attended to them seemed to be interested in Mr. Shen. Gao Tu was familiar with the typical attitude of people who were brave enough to flirt with Mr. Shen. He wished he could have that kind of self-confidence...

First, Gao Tu noticed that when greeting Mr. Shen, the girl's mood changed very quickly, smiling more than necessary and trying to make eye contact. Mr. Shen didn't seem to notice.

Then, while they waited, the nurse came in to offer them water and snacks, looking only at the alpha. Gao Tu wondered if the girl had no common sense—literally, an alpha had arrived with a pregnant omega for a prenatal appointment.

Did she not check the documents, or did she think it was impossible for Shen WenLang to be with him and be the baby's father? Gao Tu wished he had thrown up that morning, so he would still have Mr. Shen's scent on his body.

“Mr. Shen, I am at your service. Please don't hesitate to call me if you need anything. My name is Lin.”

“Thank you,” WenLang replied without looking at her.

The nurse left the room, still looking at Shen WenLang.

The appointment with the doctor went quite well. Apparently, his gland had improved a little, but there was still a long way to go. His pheromones needed a couple of months to return to normal levels. They estimated that in four to six months at most, Gao Tu could be cured, but only if he continued with the therapies.

However, that estimated time was only for the recovery of his gland. To regain his normal cycle, he would have to continue other treatments for at least two years. His internal system was fragile, and his pheromone levels were very unstable. It seemed that he would not be free of spontaneous heat for quite some time.

As for the baby, everything was going well; it was growing. Gao Tu felt much better after hearing the news. The doctor explained that this was possible because of their compatibility.

They both already knew because of what happened at the hotel, but after the compatibility tests, the results showed that they were 98% compatible, something very rare to see. They called it destined partner compatibility. The doctor was amazed by the discovery.

After finishing with Gao Tu, the doctor asked for some time alone with Shen WenLang, and the omega waited politely outside the door.

*

*

“Mr. Shen, I know you are not my patient and I don't normally get too involved, but because of the compatibility, I want to give you a couple of pieces of advice, as you are a crucial part of the treatment.”

“Last time, I suggested that you be careful about marking Mr. Gao because when I did his physical examination, I noticed some marks on his body, particularly the teeth marks on his shoulders.”

“I want to know how difficult it is for you to control yourself when you are around him. And if you agree, we can start a separate treatment so that you don't hurt Mr. Gao and interrupt the proper recovery of his gland.”

"It's difficult, but I've been taking pills that help me control my instincts. Thanks to that, I can act normal even when my instincts are triggered by his pheromones." Shen WenLang took his pills out of his pocket.

“These are the ones.”

“These are the ones I was going to prescribe, but it's better to stop taking one every 12 hours. Let's switch to a treatment of two pills every 12 hours. That's safer for him.”

“This may all seem exaggerated, but his gland is injured. Touching it would cause him a lot of pain and could even put the baby at risk. It's best to wait for it to heal.”

Shen WenLang frowned, concerned.

“The advice is not to stop touching him, just make sure you don't lose control. In fact, it's good for you to touch him. Mr. Gao's body needs to recognize itself as an omega. Even Mr. Gao's mind has difficulty thinking of himself as an omega, but I will be working on that issue with him. In short, it's best for you to take your medication, at least until Mr. Gao gets better.”

“Understood.”

*

*

Upon leaving the hospital, they had to sign out at the reception desk. While Gao Tu was filling out the form, he noticed that the nurse kept looking at Shen WenLang. It bothered him that the alpha didn't seem to notice. Besides, he was... he was... the father of his baby. Gao Tu finished signing and finally spoke up.

* Gao Tu cleared his throat, somewhat nervously *
“WenLang, I'm hungry now. Shall we go back and eat?” he said as he held his arm with both hands, demanding attention. His voice came out a little sweeter than usual.

Shen WenLang, very surprised to be called by his name in public, immediately paid attention to him. Taking his hand.

“Of course, whatever you say,” Shen WenLang smiled affectionately at him.

Gao Tu turned to look at the nurse, his face showing disbelief and embarrassment.

“Shall we go?” the alpha asked him.

“Yes,” replied the omega.

“Thank you,” said Gao Tu, addressing the nurse.

“Good luck...” murmured the girl under her breath, completely defeated.

*

*

“Brother! Mr. Shen, welcome. I left early today, shall we have lunch together?”

“Sure,” said the alpha.

“Hi Qing, welcome,” replied Gao Tu, still upset about the situation at the hospital. He didn't make any further conversation or ask how she had done at college, he just went to his room.

“Mr. Shen, what happened?”

“What do you mean?”

“My brother always asks me how I did or what I want to eat. Besides, he only goes to his room when he's angry or stressed.”

“But nothing happened. The treatment is progressing normally. If we are diligent, everything will turn out fine.”

“Something happened, and I'm sure it has to do with you,” Qing glared at him.

It wasn't the first time Gao Tu's sister had given him a dirty look, but this time it bothered him a little. He really hadn't done anything.

Qing went to Gao Tu's room. Shen WenLang, irritated, thought about going to ask too, but if something had happened and it had to do with him, the omega wouldn't say it in his presence. He just followed her. His habit of listening in on conversations involving Gao Tu was coming back to him.

*

*

Qing opened the door without asking; they didn't do that between themselves. When she entered, she saw Gao Tu lying on his bed, staring at the ceiling, his hands on his stomach.

“Brother, did something happen?”

“No, everything's fine.”

“Tell me, it's just you and me.”

“I'm just a little upset...”

Qing looked at him intently, concerned.

Gao Tu gave his usual fake smile, as if laughing at himself.
“It's silly, but at the hospital there was a woman who kept flirting with Mr. Shen, and he never did anything, he just treated her formally in return.”

“Oh...”

“I know Mr. Shen wouldn't be like that, but I expected him to say something... and also, it really bothered me that she did everything in front of me, as if she thought it wasn't possible that he could be my... the father of my baby.”

“Brother, it's normal, there are shameless people everywhere.”

“Brother, but hasn't Mr. Shen asked you to be his partner?” The alpha girl frowned.

“No...”

“That's it, now I'm going to talk to him.”

“Qing! I told you not to embarrass me.”

“But brother, I'm not going to accept it. If we're going to continue living here, he must recognize you as his partner.”

“Qing, please, I know we're different, but don't do that. If Mr. Shen wants to ask me, he will.” Gao Tu looked at her with pleading eyes.

Qing sighed. There was no way to say no to him.

*

*

Shen WenLang heard everything. He turned around and went to his room. He was very confused. He didn't understand why it was so important to ask Gao Tu to be his partner. He thought it had been obvious enough.

Furthermore, that night, after learning the truth, they did things that couples do. Gao Tu called him by his name and said “I love you” several times. He thought that they both felt the same way.

He remembered the conversation they had had some time ago.
“We're not together, you haven't asked me to be your partner.”
“That's true, everything has its due process, any CEO would know that, although, Gao Tu, we should have had this conversation before I put a baby in you”

Oh. So Gao Tu was serious, he's that kind of person, he didn't know. He thought his Gao Tu was much simpler.
Maybe it was obvious to Shen WenLang, but not to others.

To tell the truth, he didn't notice anything at the hospital, but that was because he was with Gao Tu. When he's with Gao Tu, he's concerned about his surroundings, not the looks of others.

He took his phone out of his pocket.
“Hua Yong, it's urgent.”

*

*

“So you assumed you were in an official relationship just because you live together and because he doesn't reject you? Shen WenLang, grow up. In normal relationships, the question must be asked. I feel sorry for Secretary Gao.”

Shen WenLang sighed. “What do I do if he says no?”

"WenLang, are you empty-headed? What person in the world would put up with your horrible personality for so many years? I don't know what he sees in you, but he's clearly madly in love. Secretary Gao doesn't know how to say no to you, and if he does, he'd be lying."

“...”
WenLang was speechless.

“Hua Yong?”
Sheng Shaoyou's voice was heard.

“MY BOYFRIEND is calling me, bye.” Hua Yong hung up abruptly.

*

*

The next day, Shen WenLang had everything ready. In the end, he ended up relying on Google. He would have to place candles throughout the house, but he had already ordered the flowers and knew how to ask. He just had to look him in the eyes, take his hand, and ask. He could do it.

That day, Gao Tu had gone shopping with Qing for some school supplies for a project. They arrived late in the evening, around 7 p.m.

They were a little tired, so they took the elevator. Gao Tu got off on the third floor. When they entered, after passing through the living room, there were candles leading to the door of the empty room next to hers and WenLang's, two rows forming a little path.

Gao Tu approached first, walking slowly, somewhat expectantly. Why had they put candles all over the house? Was it some strange hobby of Shen WenLang's?

Gao Tu continued on, and when he opened the door, Shen WenLang was sitting, but he stood up as soon as he saw him. He looked funny, dressed very formally inside the house, as if he were going to a business meeting.

“Hello, sorry I came in, it's just the candles...”

When he looked around, he saw blue and white flowers decorating the entire room. In the middle was a table set for dinner for two. With a candle in the middle. Many red petals surrounded the table and elegant chairs, also red. It was like a red dot in the middle of the blue and white.

“You're late,” said the alpha, quite seriously.

“Ah, Mr. Shen, Qing had a lot to look for.”

“May I ask what you are celebrating?”

“There is something I want to discuss with you.”

“?”

“Come.”

As he sat down, Shen WenLang helped him with his chair. He looked very handsome, and he could tell that he had put in a little more effort than usual. He looked perfect, although he almost tripped when he returned to his chair.

Shen WenLang cleared his throat.

“Let's eat,” said the alpha, nervously.

“O-okay,” replied the omega, infected by his nervousness.

By the time they finished eating, the atmosphere was more relaxed. They were both used to eating together without talking. The chef came by to clear their plates. They both nodded in thanks.

WenLang had prepared a way to ask him, and he knew it by heart.

“Gao Tu, do you think I'm a good man?”

“Excuse me?”

“Do you think I'm a good person?”

“Yes, sir, you're a great person.”

“Do you think I'm a good boss?”

“Yes, sir, the best.”

“Do you think I'd be a good father?”

"Mr. Shen... I'm sure you would, but
why are you asking all these—"

“Do you think I can be your alpha?”

“Excuse me?” The omega thought he had heard wrong.

“If I can be a good alpha.”

"Ah...
Yes, sir, if you set your mind to it."

“Gao Tu, I want to be a better person, a good boss, a good father, and I would like to be a good alpha, but only if it's for you.”

Gao Tu blinked twice.

As Gao Tu didn't respond, Shen WenLang remembered that he had to ask him, not just say it.

“Can I be your partner?” He tried to take his hand, but the omega moved it away.

“Just a moment.” Gao Tu took off his glasses and rubbed his eyes, put them back on, and looked at the alpha again.

WenLang continued to look at him with that determined but nervous gaze. He took a small box out of his pocket, with silver rings and a gold line in the middle.

Gao Tu looked toward the exit. It was the first time something like this had happened to him, and he was actually embarrassed.

“Gao Tu?”

“...” Gao Tu smiled uncomfortably, not looking him in the eye. His cheeks were crimson.

“Come.”
Shen WenLang took his left hand and placed one of the rings on his ring finger. Then he gave him the ring and held out his hand, as if asking him to put the ring on.

The omega couldn't help but laugh a little, nervously. When he was about to put the ring on, it slipped from his hands and fell onto the table, bouncing towards WenLang, who picked it up and handed it back to him.

This time, Gao Tu put it on without any problems. WenLang's hands were very beautiful, his fingers long, thick, and pale. The omega was hopelessly in love with Shen WenLang.

“So we're a couple then?”

“Yes,” confirmed the omega.

“These rings are to let others know that we're a couple. Wear it whenever we go out together, understood?”

“Yes, sir.”

“Should I hire someone to teach you to always call me ‘WenLang’? Because if you call me ‘sir’ in public, the rings will be in vain.”

“Pfft, hahaha,” Gao Tu laughed.

Shen WenLang thought that he almost never made him laugh out loud. He smiled happily.

“WenLang.”

“Gao Tu.”

“WenLang.”

“Gao Tu.”

“WenLang.”

“And now I don't know what we're doing, but we have to stop,” said the alpha.
They laughed together.

Shen WenLang and Gao Tu were very happy.

Gao Tu didn't have time to think about whether it was the right decision, whether he was suitable or not, or whether Shen WenLang was going to abandon him. His heart just told him yes, yes, and yes, he wanted to, nothing else mattered, just to reciprocate Shen WenLang.

*

*

That night, shortly after eating, Gao Tu felt nauseous, but luckily he didn't throw up anything. Shen WenLang released comforting pheromones for him while rubbing his back in the bathroom.

Then they each went to their rooms.

When Gao Tu tucked himself in, he received a message from “Wolf of Wolves.” It was WenLang.

“Good night 🤍” was the message. He couldn't help but smile.

“Good night WenLang 💙”

The exchange of emojis made Gao Tu notice the blue and white flowers Shen WenLang had given him. He reached out to his nightstand, plucked a white flower, and fell asleep with it on his chest. Mr. Shen was the best of all.

*

*

The next day, Qing went down to the kitchen only to see Shen WenLang standing there washing dishes and his brother standing next to him, just watching. When Mr. Shen finished washing, he kissed his brother on the cheek. His brother was a little surprised but kissed him back shyly.

With this response, Mr. Shen quickly dried his hands and then pulled his brother around by the waist. The other just let himself be pulled and hid in his chest.

Qing said “good morning” loudly, clearing his throat. Gao Tu looked at her, tried to pull away, but Shen WenLang held him by the waist, now with both hands. The omega was embarrassed.

“Qing... are you hungry?”

“Are we going to ignore the elephant in the room?”

“Mr. Shen, please.” Gao Tu looked up. Shen WenLang was looking at him, smiling. He released him from his grip.

The alpha walked over to Qing and showed him the ring.
“He said yes.”

“YOU’RE GETTING MARRIED!???”

“Oh, no, Qing, they're couple rings” said the omega, smiling.

“They're very cute, I love them, I knew it would happen soon, congratulations.”

“Thank you,” said Gao Tu.

“... ”
There was a (comfortable) silence between the three of them.

“By the way, can we watch a movie tonight? It's Friday.”

“Yes, anything you want to eat?” asked Shen WenLang.

“Popcorn.”

“Got it.”

“Your boyfriend is very efficient, I approve” said Qing, jokingly.

Shen WenLang couldn't help but smile. He was very happy; he finally understood why he had to ask that question. He had never thought that anyone would refer to him as a boyfriend, let alone Gao Tu’s.

Gao Tu, for his part, was beginning to realize that Mr. Shen actually smiled easily, and he was only like that with the two of them. He had to protect his new home. Shen WenLang, Qing, and their baby.

*

*

That day, Qing left and didn't return until evening. WenLang came home for lunch and then arrived at 5:30 p.m., just like Qing. Gao Tu spent his time reading advice for new parents and looking at baby products; his planning nature made him prepare for the future.

Late in the afternoon, he went down to the second floor, taking a blanket of his to cover himself later. Shen WenLang was taking a bath and would be down soon. Qing, for her part, was in the kitchen, talking to the chef, who was finishing preparing everything for them.

The TV was quite large, the furniture was also spacious, and the three of them could arrange themselves as they wished.

Gao Tu remembered when he was talking to Shen WenLang about moving into this same apartment, but the furniture was much more spacious than before. In fact, there used to be a long piece of furniture, but now there was a set of furniture suitable for a family. Shen WenLang probably had it brought in for this purpose. The thought filled him with tenderness.

“Qing, I'm ready, you can put the movie on,” Shen WenLang said as he walked through the kitchen, heading toward his omega, who was covered with a blanket.

“Are you cold?” WenLang asked.

“Yes.”
Gao Tu looked up at him, always looking at him with a sparkle in his eyes. He had a very gentle, even innocent look. And he always spoke in a moderate tone. Shen Wenlang wondered if he did it on purpose. He liked everything about him. If only he could just look at him, only him, no one else.

“I just took a shower, so I'm a little cold too.”

Gao Tu uncovered himself and gestured to Shen WenLang to make himself comfortable. The alpha sat down next to him, putting his arm around his back. The omega leaned toward him. They snuggled up close together. Then Qing arrived to put on the movie, along with popcorn and desserts.

She wrapped herself in her own blanket. That's how the night ended, with laughter and teasing, especially between the two alphas. Gao Tu wasn't very talkative, but it was easy to make him laugh. The movie was about a family going on vacation and getting into a lot of trouble, but it was a comedy, so it had a happy ending.

“Mr. Shen, thank you for the desserts and for agreeing to watch the movie.” Qing was a little sentimental about the happy ending. She, like Gao Tu and WenLang, had never had the opportunity to have nights like this with her family. So she wanted to thank him for this time.

“It's nothing, we're family, and call me WenLang.”

“WenLang-gege, thank you.”
“I'm going to my room, good night.”

“Good night,” they replied in unison.

“Did you see how easily he stopped calling me ‘Mr. Shen’? Learn a little from your sister.”

“Give me time, she hasn't been calling you the same way for years...” Gao Tu said with a smile.

Shen WenLang looked at Gao Tu, hugged him, and let himself fall onto the sofa, with the omega in his arms. They began to laugh together, they were very happy. Gao Tu rested on Shen WenLang's chest. Shen WenLang released comforting pheromones.

“You smell good” said the omega, closing his eyes.

“You too.”
Shen WenLang put his hand on Gao Tu's waist, pulling him close to his body.

The omega released sweet pheromones.

The smell and weight of his omega made him start to get hard. Shen WenLang moved a little, so that Gao Tu lay down on the sofa and only leaned on his chest, not his whole body.

Gao Tu noticed, looked at Shen WenLang with those innocent eyes, a little confused, as if asking him what was going on.

“It's so you'll be more comfortable.”

“I understand”
said Gao Tu, with his typical fake smile, looking down. He got up to sit on the furniture. With his chin resting on his knees. Visibly frustrated. Shen WenLang sensed sour pheromones. Gao Tu had felt bad.

A tantrum? WenLang thought. Gao Tu throwing a tantrum?
“Did it bother you that I moved?” Shen WenLang sat down too.

“No.”

“Then?”

“These days... when you hug me, you always stop at some point. I don't know what's going on... am I doing something wrong?”

“Oh.”
“It's not that.”

“What is it?”

“We are too compatible”

“Excuse me?”

“When you hug me, my blood heats up, I feel like touching you, the doctor... and I myself think it's dangerous, especially now, your gland wouldn't be able to handle me. Even when I release dominant pheromones, your body hurts, right?”

“Mm.”
“Is that why you don't sleep with me?”

“Huh? Ah... yes and no, it's different. I don't sleep with you to give you your space. I know it's important to you. I wouldn't want you to move to the other floor, haha. I know you'd be capable of it.”

“Can we sleep together tonight?”

Shen WenLang hesitated for a moment. It should be okay, right? Besides, Gao Tu never asked him for anything. And he wanted to give him everything, say yes to everything. It's not like he couldn't control himself, he was an S-class alpha after all, and he had the medicine. It would be fine. Right?

Chapter Text

When they entered the room, Shen WenLang closed the door. His bed was made, the sheets were silver, and the bed was dark, much wider than Gao Tu's. The wardrobe was large, as Gao Tu remembered. It looked more spacious.

“The desk from before is gone.”

“I usually work in the kitchen now, so I took it out.”

“Is the bed different too?”

“Oh yes, the other one was old, although it's not very different, just about 6 inches longer.”

“Last time I was looking for a suit, remember? I sent you a video because there were so many options, haha.”

“I think I remember.”
Shen WenLang wouldn't let Gao Tu know about his relationship with that video.

Shen WenLang got into bed. Gao Tu didn't follow him. This guy was really respectful sometimes.
“Come.”

Gao Tu crawled up and lay down next to WenLang.

“Aren't you forgetting something?”

“Hm?”

“Let me.”
Shen WenLang took off his glasses and put them in the top drawer of the nightstand. Then he turned off the lamp.

Gao Tu snuggled up against him. The alpha began to rub his back. Gao Tu cupped his face with both hands and kissed his cheeks. Shen WenLang felt loved.

“Do you like my face?”

“Yes.”

The alpha kissed him back, first on the forehead and then on the face.

The omega felt his heart swell and a slight pain in his stomach caused by embarrassment. He felt a lot of love for the man who was now his alpha. He gave him a chaste kiss on the lips.

The alpha smiled, returning the affection. Then he felt moisture on his lips. Gao Tu was licking him, asking for a real kiss. It was a poor performance. But it was enough to make WenLang start salivating. He stuck out his tongue and caught Gao Tu. Feeling the contact, the omega tensed, but opened his mouth wider.

WenLang's lips fit his perfectly. The kisses filled him with heat, and feeling the alpha's tongue made him surrender immediately. Hopefully no one else knows what it's like to kiss Mr. Shen, no one else.

WenLang began to breathe faster, Gao Tu's pheromones were becoming denser and clearly begging for an alpha. Thank God he was one. It could only be him. No one else. Only him. Gao Tu's saliva mixed with his. He wanted to wet him, open his legs, make him cry. No. Stop.

“The advice is not to stop touching him, just make sure you don't lose control,” the doctor's words appeared out of nowhere in Shen WenLang's mind. He stopped kissing Gao Tu and hugged him, the omega breathing rapidly in his arms.

What if today was the day the medicine didn't work and he lost control? What if he ruined everything again? This time it's different, it's worse. If he loses control, he wouldn't just hurt Gao Tu, but also the baby. Gao Tu would never forgive him.

Gao Tu has forgiven him a lot, he can admit that. But he wouldn't forgive him if something happened to the baby because of him. WenLang knew that. It hurts just to think about it.

“WenLang? Are you okay?”

Shen WenLang took a breath. Calm down.

“I was just thinking that I don't like you crying.”

“Why are you thinking about that?”

“It's just that...” WenLang lay down on the bed, staring at the ceiling, and Gao Tu curled up next to him.

“That day when I found out about your designation, that you were an omega and pregnant, you had tear marks in your eyes, and when we started talking, you started crying. You didn't even make a sound, you just cried.”

“...” Gao Tu turned around and looked at the ceiling too.

“It seemed like no matter what I said, anything would make you cry more. Which made me think that in those days when you quit, you must have felt a lot of sadness, probably crying after work, and all I did was accept your resignation, tell you to leave, and direct my anger at you.” WenLang didn't plan to get so depressed, but it was true, Gao Tu didn't deserve his irrational anger.

“I was thinking that you've forgiven me for many things, even though I never asked for your forgiveness, and I'm sorry for that.” “Sometimes I think about the fact that you were determined to abandon me, and it hurts.”

Gao Tu reached out his hand to WenLang, and WenLang intertwined his fingers with his. WenLang said nothing more, and Gao Tu felt it was his turn to speak.

“WenLang... you... apologized for the only thing that really mattered to me, even though I... think what you said was cruel, even if you weren't referring to me or our baby.”

“Mm,” the alpha agreed.

“I never wanted to abandon you. I just wanted to protect my baby. I feel bad too, for putting us through that situation. My heat is unpredictable, I never know when it will strike, and that's why I couldn't help it. I'm sorry I put you through that.”

“You... what are you talking about? I was the one who hurt you. When I woke up, there was blood on the sheets.”

“Actually, you... well... it's just that you...” Gao Tu blushed deeply.

“You were rough at first, but it was instinctive, and it was also my fault. We all know that omegas shouldn't turn their backs on alphas or try to run away, and I did exactly that. You weren't feeling well.” “But when you calmed down, you treated me very well, really.”

“That makes me feel better, thank you for telling me. I want you to know that I would never hurt you on purpose.”

“I know, WenLang. You're not like everyone else thinks. Despite your hatred of omegas, you're the only person who has seen me. No one else tried to see me, only you.”

“I... I hope I didn't cause you too much pain. Now I know it was your first time too. I'm sorry I complained about it. You had it worse.”

“Even if it hurts... I can always handle you” Gao Tu said solemnly. Pure.

“Huh?” Shen WenLang blushed. Why would Gao Tu say something like that?

“I understand you, WenLang. You can get angry and yell, but it's also cute that you care so much. I can put up with it” Gao Tu smiled.

“Oh no, my love, my baby, you're too cute.”

“What? Suddenly...” Gao Tu laughed softly, nervously, his cheeks pink.

“You're so good, I'll never make you cry again.” WenLang pulled him into his embrace, rubbing his cheek against his face.

“Okay,” Gao Tu smiled. WenLang had already given him more affection in a little over two weeks than he had received in his entire life. He wanted to return it.

Gao Tu hugged him around the neck with both hands and kissed him on the chin, then once on each cheek. Then he hid in his neck, breathing against his skin as if he wanted to memorize his warmth.

Shen WenLang wrapped his arms around him, trying to keep his breathing steady. It didn't help that Gao Tu smelled so good.

The alpha slid his fingers down Gao Tu's back, just a slow stroke, and the omega arched a little, seeking that touch without thinking. WenLang took a deep breath. That scent. That way of clinging to him as if everything were all right. He didn't deserve such acceptance.

“WenLang...” Gao Tu murmured, seeking his gaze. His voice sounded shaky, as if he weren't sure what he was asking for, but he wanted it anyway.

The alpha felt something inside him give way. Perhaps he had never had control to begin with.

Gao Tu held his gaze, his cheeks rosy and his lips parted, as if he wanted to say something... but didn't know how. Then, without permission, with only that sweet courage that awakened in him from time to time, he leaned in and kissed him.

A soft kiss, full of affection, but held just a second too long... long enough for WenLang to feel something ignite behind his chest.

“WenLang, I'm sorry, I like you” Gao Tu confessed, whispering into his lips. Visibly embarrassed.

And WenLang knew, with absolute clarity, that this was his limit.

Chapter Text

It was the first time Gao Tu had ever said “I like you,” and WenLang felt overwhelmed. What was he supposed to do besides kissing him?

“Mhm.”
Gao Tu let out a soft moan when Shen WenLang bit his lips.

“Bite me too.”

The omega blushed to his ears. But he bit his alpha's lips, accustomed to obeying, and then licked them. They kissed slowly and then quickly, Gao Tu running out of breath several times.

With a quick movement, Shen WenLang turned on the lamp so that it was dim. He could see Gao Tu's eyes. His hair was already messy and his lips were swollen from the bites.

Gao Tu's pupils were dilated and shining in the light. WenLang wanted to ruin him, he was already very hard. Ah, Shen WenLang felt crazy. He began to unbutton Gao Tu's pajamas. He left only his arms covered. Gao Tu watched him intently, Gao Tu had no idea.

He began to kiss his nipples. The omega wanted to push him away, putting his hands on his shoulders. With one hand, WenLang grabbed both of the omega's hands and put them on the bed above his head, leaving him helpless.

Gao Tu looked at him, blushing. His eyes were less innocent. Shen WenLang smiled. He returned to his task, licking his nipples, which were not flat but round. The omega had a great physique, what a joy.

Gao Tu began to feel different. He released pheromones without realizing it and was completely unaware of how intoxicating they were to his alpha. He felt himself getting wet. He was embarrassed. His body was strange. He felt liquid running down his legs.

Shen WenLang’s tongue made him tremble, even though he was only licking his nipples. Gao Tu’s mouth watered, and he was already wet both in front and behind. The worst part was how his ass was throbbing.

Shen WenLang returned to his mouth, filling it with his tongue. Then he bit his ear. Gao Tu's cheeks burned and he began to feel dizzy.

“Better not, WenLang.”
The omega was overwhelmed. Mr. Shen hates omegas, hates that they are weak and submissive. He doesn't hate him, but he is still an omega, it's strange. He squeezed his legs together. The alpha noticed.

“It's normal, my love, trust me.”
Shen WenLang remembered that Gao Tu didn't know how to be an omega.
He felt another wave of sweet, dense, rather seductive pheromones. Gao Tu didn't know how to be an omega, but he was very good at making him lose control.

The omega melted at those words. Mr. Shen calling him my love again. It was better than anything he had ever dreamed of. Being accepted by his alpha was the best thing that had ever happened to him. He would let Shen WenLang do anything to him.

Shen WenLang took off his shirt, rolled it up, and tied Gao Tu’s hands. He realized he was surprisingly good at tying knots, and the thought made him smile to himself.

Then he pulled down the omega’s pants, with the roughness typical of an alpha who has been holding back and can finally let his nature take over.

The cold air on his skin and the dark expression in Shen WenLang's eyes made Gao Tu very aware of his body. He closed his legs in embarrassment, unable to cover himself because his hands were tied. Very soon, the cold was replaced by absolute heat, the alpha's hands moving firmly and slowly up his legs.

And when Shen WenLang leaned down, Gao Tu felt his hot mouth on his most intimate part. The sensation sent a shiver across his skin. Gao Tu arched his back, and Shen WenLang took him whole, covering him with the heat of his mouth. Gao Tu felt like crying. How was it possible that they were doing something so indecent and so intimate when just a moment ago they were only talking?

“Mm… mm.”
Gao Tu came rather quickly, his body trembling from the orgasm, his cheeks burning and sweat gathering on his forehead. The sensation made him squeeze his eyes shut.

Shen WenLang took a pill out of his pocket and swallowed it dry. Thoughts of turning Gao Tu over and spreading his legs were already running through his mind, so he decided it was better to take another pill, even if it wasn’t time yet. Gao Tu didn’t notice a thing.

“Mr. Shen, untie me,” the omega asked, looking at him with pleading eyes.

Shen WenLang obeyed. His reward for being a good alpha was a tender hug that pushed him back onto the bed—though it was far from what his alpha really needed.

“Come on, like this.”
WenLang placed a pillow under his head and guided Gao Tu to sit on top of him. The omega was naked, while Shen WenLang still had his pajama pants on.

He held him firmly with both hands and, gripping his waist, guided him to move slowly, back and forth. Gao Tu could feel his alpha’s hardness, his ass throbbing and growing even wetter than before. WenLang was big and hard—he wanted him. But he didn’t want to want this. It felt strange, wrong. He was a pervert.

He’d never had thoughts like this before. Not even in the ten years he’d been in love with WenLang had he ever imagined something like having him inside him. It had to be the pregnancy, the lack of suppressants. It wasn’t him… it wasn’t him.

“Mr. Shen, better not,”
said Gao Tu as he leaned his hands on Shen WenLang's stomach to get up.

“Don't move, be good, my omega.”
Shen WenLang settled him back down, grabbing his buttocks. Gao Tu wondered how much more Shen WenLang was going to embarrass him.

Gao Tu swallowed hard.

Shen WenLang pulled down his pants. Now his penis was rubbing much more against Gao Tu's butt, and it was right between his buttocks. The alpha taught him how to move up and down, rubbing himself against him. He could feel his penis clearly, and everything was wet. Shen WenLang's comforting pheromones began to make him dizzy; they were very strong.

Shen WenLang couldn’t help but smile. The simple movement of Gao Tu on top of him made him feel victorious, and the omega’s hands on his chest were a sensation he wanted to memorize. He couldn’t wait any longer to sink into him—just a little more.

Gao Tu's legs trembled. He remembered how it felt to have his alpha inside him, hot. His mouth filled with saliva, liquid running down his thighs. He wanted more.

“WenLang... please,” the omega released very sweet pheromones.

Shen WenLang understood, but he continued to rub himself, paying no attention. He was smiling.

“Please,” Gao Tu begged him.

“What's wrong? Do you need something?”

"I...
I want."

“Ah~ Yes, my love, but not like this.”
WenLang knew that if he did it in this position, it would hurt him a lot.

Shen WenLang pushed him onto the bed and climbed on top of him, kissing his neck and back, leaning on the bed with one hand and wrapping the other around his omega's chest.

Gao Tu was lost, the weight of Shen WenLang and the intimacy making him feel dizzy. Shen WenLang settled into the omega's wet entrance. He tried several times but couldn't get in.

“Why... won't it go in?”
He didn't even know what he was saying anymore. Gao Tu lifted his hips a little, impatient.

“Baby, handle me, okay?”
Shen WenLang tried again, harder.

“Mhm~”
Tears began to fall onto the sheets.

“Well done, my love.”
Shen WenLang pushed until he was all the way in. He began to move slowly. Gao Tu clenched the sheets and endured. It burned. It hurt. But soon he began to feel pleasure.

The alpha increased his pace, gripping him tightly by the hips and pushing deep inside him. The sight was to die for. His omega’s waist was the star of it all—small enough for his hands to wrap around—and his back was perfectly defined. He could see his own cock sliding in and out of him. No matter what, Gao Tu had to be his.

The desire in his chest kept growing, and with every thrust he heard those soft moans. That voice was almost divine—sweet and low. Having a serious man like Gao Tu at his mercy filled him with immense pleasure.

He had already seen him laugh, cry, and get angry, and he was incredibly grateful for that. But the expression he enjoyed the most was precisely the one he knew he was making now. Shen WenLang turned him around to see his face, lifted the omega's legs, and kept pushing, deeper.

“Ugh… ah~”
Gao Tu moaned, his eyes unfocused, his lips swollen and parted, a bit of saliva at one corner. His cheeks were rosy, his brows slightly knitted with pleasure, and tears streamed down his face. He was perfect.

Shen WenLang wanted to pull him even closer. He braced himself on the bed with his arms on either side of Gao Tu.
“Come here. Hug me,” he said. Gao Tu wrapped his arms around him, clinging to his back.

WenLang kept thrusting at the same pace as before. The pleasure was overwhelming; Gao Tu was hot and incredibly tight. He felt the omega’s nails digging into his skin, but it didn’t bother him at all.

“Ahh~~ mm—”
Gao Tu felt the spasms take over him, along with Shen WenLang’s warm release filling him. The alpha gasped and buried his face in Gao Tu’s neck.

“Mm~”
The omega started moving his hips on his own, his body refusing to let Shen WenLang stop. The alpha felt his blood boil. He flipped him over effortlessly, put him face-down again, and thrust back into him. Hard and fast.

He pushed his thumb into Gao Tu’s mouth, and the omega bit down on it. Shen WenLang’s alpha smiled internally. He was obsessed.

“You handle me so well.”
Gao Tu flushed even harder when he heard that lewd voice. He lifted his hips higher, wanting to make it easier for his alpha to slide into him.

The alpha picked up the pace with no shame at all, thrusting harder, feeling himself grow even more.

“No—Ahh~”
Gao Tu felt it deep, and it was so good he almost wanted to pee. It burned, it hurt a little, but above all, it felt good. Shen WenLang pushed all the way in and filled him with his semen again. He felt hot—hotter than before.

His legs trembled; his alpha had finished again, but he didn’t want to feel empty. Not yet. Shen WenLang pushed into him again, wild and relentless, as if he could read his mind.

“Wah~ ngh—”
Gao Tu couldn’t help it—he started to wet himself on the sheets. His alpha stopped moving but didn’t pull out. Ugh… he felt strange. His whole body was shaking. The orgasm dragged on and on, only stopping once Gao Tu finished soaking the sheets.

“Ugh…” Gao Tu began to cry.
“I’m sorry.” “I don’t know why.” “Ugh…” He sat up, trying to pull the sheets off the bed.

“Shh, I’ll do it. Don’t cry.” Shen WenLang wiped his tears and kissed his cheek.

Shen WenLang’s face was full of desire and satisfaction, his eyes shining, his hair a wild mess. He looked painfully handsome.

After tossing the sheets into the basket, Shen WenLang looked back at Gao Tu. His eyes were swollen from crying, his lips bruised, his skin marked with bites, new bruises blooming around his waist, and his thighs were streaked with semen.

“There’s no way wet wipes are enough today,” WenLang said. Gao Tu didn’t answer, staring at a fixed point—defeated and sleepy.

WenLang checked his phone. It was 12 a.m. How long had they been at it? His omega needed rest.

“Gao Tu? Let’s take a shower.”
WenLang took his hand.

“I'm sleepy,” the omega looked up, returning to reality, and let out a soft chuckle.

“Me too,” WenLang laughed softly. There had always been a beautiful complicity between the two of them, but now it had grown.

Shen WenLang's bathroom was like another room. And there was a fairly large bathtub, apart from the shower.

“Come.”
Shen WenLang turned on the shower and let the water run, adjusting it so that it was lukewarm. With a small, damp towel, he cleaned his baby's body. Meanwhile, Gao Tu washed his face and hair.

Then, Shen WenLang put the towel aside and began to soap himself up. The omega stepped back and helped him soap his back while WenLang washed his face and hair. He noticed pink lines and some scratches and frowned, poor Shen WenLang.

“Mr. Shen, I'm sorry for hurting you.”

Shen WenLang smiled ironically.

“Apologizing for a few scratches? Look at yourself.”

Gao Tu looked at his body. His wrists had marks, his waist had two bruises, there were bites on his legs, and his lips felt a little sore. As he examined himself, he felt something strange on his butt. Shen WenLang's semen was still coming out. He felt his cheeks flush. How embarrassing.

“Come, let me.”

Shen WenLang slid his fingers into Gao Tu's entrance. He was still sensitive, so he instinctively leaned his hands against the wall. The alpha inserted his entire finger, trying to get the rest of the semen out.

The omega’s walls were still sensitive, and the sensation made him lift his hips just a little.

“Mm~” he moaned, squeezing his thighs together. The shower filled with sweet pheromones—a scent like flowering sage—begging for an alpha, his alpha.

“Oh my God, Gao Tu.”
The alpha took that small movement as an invitation. Completely aroused, Shen WenLang pulled his finger out, grabbed the omega by the waist, and began to sink into him. All the way in—slow at first, then fast.

“Mm~”

Gao Tu reached out and turned off the water. A burning pleasure started in his lower back and spread through his whole body. His legs were beginning to shake. Ugh…

“Wen… Lang~”
It felt too good.

“Yes, my love.”
Shen WenLang moved closer, increasing his pace. He was crazy for him. With his cock deep inside and without slowing down even once, he pressed one hand to Gao Tu’s stomach to keep him steady, while the other slid up around his neck, starting at his throat. He pulled him closer and began to lick his gland, feeling his alpha teeth instinctively prepare. He was getting rough.

Gao Tu tried to cover his nape with one hand, but the moment he lifted it from the wall he felt them both lose balance. If he let go now, WenLang’s weight would shove him straight into the tile. He immediately held on again.

The omega’s reaction—instinctively bracing them both—calmed WenLang’s instinct to dominate and replaced it with a warm, protective drive. He held him tighter.

“Don’t worry, I’ve got you.”
Shen WenLang released comforting pheromones. Gao Tu felt the alpha’s hand move to his nipples, rubbing gently. His mind was beginning to slip.

The alpha kept the same pace, relentless, while Gao Tu grew wetter, squeezing him with every thrust.

Even with all the slickness, he felt impossibly tight. It had to be the multiple orgasms. Whatever the reason, he was so tight that Shen WenLang was about to finish for the third time—hesitating, unsure whether to knot him. But in the shower it would be uncomfortable, maybe painful.

“Wah~ ah~ ah~ ugh—”
The last thrusts pushed Gao Tu into another orgasm. He hated how easily he fell apart like this, yet his body pulled Shen WenLang in tighter, closing around him, begging him not to leave.

“Ah—”
WenLang moaned softly, pulling out fully before thrusting back in, burying himself to the hilt. The sensation tipped him over the edge, his cheeks flushed and hot as he came, panting uncontrollably.

He felt his omega trembling too. Shen WenLang pulled out before the instinct to knot could win, giving Gao Tu’s shaking arms a break. He gathered him in his arms, guiding Gao Tu’s limp body against his own as he leaned back against the wall. They stayed like that until their breathing finally steadied.

Gao Tu’s pheromones were still sweet, but no longer desperate. They had softened… comforting, warm. He had finally calmed.

Shen WenLang held him tighter, careful and protective. He wanted to kiss his cheeks, to see his face, but Gao Tu was already falling asleep standing up.
“Gao Tu, don't sleep.”
He patted his cheeks.

“Hm? ... Oh... sorry,” the omega opened his eyes, sleepy.

“Let's take a bath.”
Shen WenLang thought that next time it wasn't a good idea to bathe with Gao Tu. The purpose was to clean him, but it ended up making him even dirtier. He sighed.

This time, Shen WenLang let the omega finish cleaning himself, and when Gao Tu came out, he covered him with a towel and helped him get dressed in one of his pajamas.

“Thank you.”

The alpha just nodded. He looked at the time. 1:30 a.m.

“Come on, it's not good for the baby to sleep so late.” WenLang guided him to the bed.

They curled up together, the scent of iris mixed with sage filling the room. Anyone else would have been uncomfortable with the density of the aroma, but the two of them didn't even notice it; it was natural and made them feel safe. They fell asleep in each other's arms, sleeping very contentedly.

They had no idea of the difficulties that awaited them in the days to come. But their bond only grew stronger, and they say that no matter what happens, as long as love doesn’t fall, nothing around it can fall either.

Chapter Text

⋆.𐙚 Saturday⋆.𐙚

That morning, Gao Tu woke up with silky hair, rosy cheeks, and an aching body—nothing unusual. What was strange was that he didn’t have a headache or any kind of discomfort. On top of that, he almost always woke up without an appetite, but today he actually felt hungry.

The doctors had warned him that he would need the pheromones of the baby’s father if he truly wanted to carry the pregnancy to term, but he was only now beginning to understand what that meant. His alpha’s pheromones were surprisingly effective.

The small rays of sunlight that filtered through the curtains distracted Gao Tu from his thoughts, and when he opened his eyes fully, he realized he wasn’t in his own room.

“Baby, handle me, okay?”
“Good job, my love.”

Gao Tu’s face grew hot just remembering the shameless words the alpha had whispered the night before. Seriously… Why did he talk to him like that, so sweetly, while they were doing something so… intimate? He didn’t understand it.

Gao Tu looked for Shen WenLang’s face. He was still sleeping peacefully. In pajamas, he looked soft, he didn’t look proud or dominant; he looked gentle, and his brows—usually tense—were relaxed. He looked like the same boy Gao Tu had fallen in love with ten years ago, the one he thought he would never see again.

The alpha had an arm around his waist, holding him even in his sleep. Gao Tu scooted a little closer, placed an arm over him, and hugged him tenderly.
“WenLang, I love you,” he whispered very softly. His soul felt calm.

Even after all these days, he still marveled at being able to stay by WenLang’s side after he found out he was an omega. In fact, the outcome had been absurdly unexpected. Shen WenLang didn’t even scold him for lying all those years. Was it possible to fall in love when you were already in love?

*

*

“Good morning,” Gao Tu said when he noticed WenLang starting to wake up.

“Good morning. How do you feel?” the alpha asked with a smile.

“I feel good. How about you?”

“I’m perfect.”
The alpha took the omega’s hands and brought them to his own face, rubbing against them. Gao Tu began to laugh softly, his heart beating a little faster.

They were both incredibly happy—it was the perfect morning. Except that—suddenly—someone knocked on the door.

“WenLang-ge? It’s Qing.”

Gao Tu opened the door.

“Is something wrong?”

“Gege, it’s Dad. He won’t stop calling me. He says you need to answer him.”

“Shh, let’s go upstairs.”

“What’s going on?” Shen WenLang was getting out of bed.

“It’s nothing, I’m going upstairs with Qing.”

*

*

“He’s been calling since last night.”
“I didn’t come down because I know you need to rest.”
“He says he needs to talk to you urgently, says he’s in trouble.”

“Qing, I’ll take care of Dad.”
“For now, block him.”
“Most importantly, we can’t talk about him in front of Mr. Shen. I don’t want him getting involved. He’s already done too much for us.”

“Brother, we should tell him. Dad is a burden. He only wants money, and you can’t work anymore.” Qing tried to persuade him, though she knew she wasn’t the one who made the decisions—she could only suggest.

“Qing, if Shen WenLang gives him money, Dad will never stop,” Gao Tu said, his tone firm.

“Brother… but—” she tried again.

“Qing, I’m sorry, but Dad is not a good man. The problem isn’t that Shen WenLang finds out—” Gao Tu said, eyes sharp, “the problem is that Dad will do everything he can to take advantage of him once he realizes I’m carrying his child. You understand that, right?”

“Oh… I understand.”
Qing couldn’t say anything after that. He was right.

*

*

Gao Tu returned to his room to check his phone. He had many missed calls and unread messages from his father, surely asking for more money. He hadn’t seen him in many years, but they always spoke once a month.

His father used to call to ask how he was doing, and whenever Gao Tu tried to answer, he would immediately switch the topic to money. Gao Tu had gotten used to it.

This time, he didn’t bother answering the messages or the calls. He simply sent the amount he usually sent and added a short message.

“This is the last time, Dad. I don’t have a job anymore, take care,” and then he blocked him.

The truth was, even Gao Tu knew he had already done more than enough for his father. He had been thinking about it for a while. Now, with his baby on the way, it was impossible for him to keep repairing the damages caused by an irresponsible parent. And he didn’t want his baby growing up in an environment like that.

Besides, above everything, he didn’t have a job and didn’t want Shen WenLang to find out. It would just be one more thing to feel ashamed of, one more thing making him feel inferior.

*

*

“What happened this morning?”

Shen WenLang asked casually as he served food onto his own plate, wanting to be included in whatever had happened earlier that morning.

Qing and Gao Tu looked at each other for a second and continued eating. Qing was the first to speak.

“It was something I had to tell my brother, you know, very personal… girl stuff.”

“Ah… alright,” Shen WenLang relaxed again.

After breakfast, Shen WenLang was working in the living room. Gao Tu was lying on the sofa, waiting for his usual nausea. He was reading a book about omegas, recommended by the doctor.

He was reading the section about the importance of a nest. Uhmm… nope, he definitely didn’t have one. The closest thing was when he “borrowed” (stole) Shen WenLang’s tie, but he never slept hugging it; he just kept it stored and smelled it from time to time.

In fact, when he moved out, he made sure to bring it with him. Other than that, he didn’t have anything else. And he didn’t feel any interest in building a nest either. He had always tried to be completely like a beta, so making a nest never even crossed his mind, especially since he always suppressed his instincts.

Gao Tu flipped the page to another section, reading the title: “The Alpha and His Knot.”

“Brother, can we go buy what I’m missing? It’s Saturday,” Gao Tu closed the book immediately, feeling a bit nervous.

“No, Qing, tomorrow,” Shen WenLang replied from afar.

“I’m not feeling that bad,” Gao Tu added.

“Tomorrow I can go with you both. I’m busy today, and besides, it’s better for Gao Tu to stay with me, for the baby,” Shen WenLang excused himself.

All three of them knew Gao Tu didn’t need to be with WenLang all the time, but the alpha had already become someone they trusted, someone they felt would protect them, so they both nodded.

“Alright. Then I’ll do homework today; we’ll go out tomorrow,” Qing went upstairs.

Shen WenLang didn’t want Gao Tu going out in that condition. Not after the previous night. He deserved to rest all day.

The day went by quietly. At night, after the pheromone therapy, the alpha and omega were already in their separate rooms. Gao Tu wanted to sleep with Shen WenLang again, but the alpha gave no sign, so he simply closed his eyes. His phone buzzed shortly after.

“Good night 🤍” it was Shen WenLang.

Gao Tu smiled, happy, feeling that everything was going well. He closed his eyes again and fell deeply asleep.

*

*

⋆.𐙚 3 p.m. Sunday ⋆.𐙚

Shen WenLang hurried to open the door for Qing and Gao Tu. The car was a luxury one, more than enough space for all three to sit in the back. Once the car started moving, the alpha placed his hand on Gao Tu’s thigh, and the omega held onto his arm, as if they weren’t already close enough.

Qing couldn’t help remembering the first time they rode in a car together: back then the alpha and omega looked visibly uncomfortable, but now they were too comfortable for her liking.

When they arrived downtown, they made a stop at a bookstore to buy Qing’s materials. Since it had started raining, Shen WenLang insisted that Gao Tu stay inside the car. The omega didn’t complain, used to obeying, and besides, he was starting to feel a bit cold.

Before getting out, the alpha took off his jacket and handed it to Gao Tu. WenLang and Qing got along well; sometimes he found them having conversations during breakfast, and sometimes they left the house together at the same time—this made Gao Tu feel more at ease when thinking about the future.

Gao Tu leaned back in the car, hugging his alpha’s jacket. It was the only car parked nearby. The rain lulled him; he felt extremely peaceful.

The driver was relaxed too, taking a short break, closing his eyes for a few minutes. He only opened them when he heard a small knock on the window. He immediately thought it was Mr. Shen.

But instead, he found a gun pointed directly at his face, held by a tall man dressed completely in black, motioning for him to open the door.

The driver was terrified. He thought about Mr. Gao. He didn’t know him well, only having worked there for a year, but he had always been kind to him. He wanted to protect him, so he immediately locked the back doors.

Fortunately, the windows were bulletproof, but his own window was down. He was just a driver, not a bodyguard. And the man with the gun was clearly an alpha, while he was just a beta. What could he possibly do?

The alpha gave him no time to think. He shoved his hand through the window, unlocked the door, got inside, and pressed the gun to his head, forcing him to start driving.

Gao Tu remained calm, almost dozing off in WenLang’s scent. He opened his eyes at the sudden movement of the car. The window separating passengers and driver could be lowered from both sides, so Gao Tu pressed the button.

He intended to ask what was going on, but the sight shocked him. He saw a hooded man pointing a gun directly at the driver, instructing him where to go. Gao Tu tried to close the window again to call WenLang, but the large man quickly stood up and sprayed something in his face, never lowering the gun.

“Why…” Gao Tu began to feel dizzy. He recognized the sensation. He was going to pass out soon. Why? he repeated in his mind before collapsing onto the seat, clutching WenLang’s jacket with his last bit of strength.

The driver clenched his teeth in anger and fear. He had always heard from colleagues that situations like this could happen, especially with wealthy clients like Mr. Shen, but he never thought it would happen to him.

Only about fifteen minutes passed, but his phone wouldn’t stop ringing—surely it was Mr. Shen. What a tragedy. At least no one was waiting for him at home. Maybe his mother, but they didn’t live together.

“Give it to me.”

Without a word, he handed over his cell phone.

Gao Tu’s phone was vibrating too, but no one was there to answer.

The alpha in black answered coldly.
“Yes?”

“Where is Gao Tu??” the S-class alpha roared.

“Relax.”

“Where is he? Just tell me what you want!!”

“Patience.” He hung up.

*

*

Forty minutes later, they arrived. Thirty minutes by car, ten minutes walking into the forest. It was an underground warehouse on the outskirts of the city—very few people knew of its existence. It was used to store drugs and conduct business with unmarked omegas.

They were dangerous people. They also brought there those who could no longer pay their debts, and those people never came out alive.

The entrance was a door that disappeared when closed, covered with grass on top, about a thousand meters from the road, deeper into the forest.

The A-class alpha had to carry the omega, who was completely unconscious from the drug yet still clinging tightly to the jacket scented with another alpha’s essence. An essence he could also smell on the boy’s body, like a claim. His instincts made him irritated.

The omega he carried was definitely the “beta” they were supposed to kidnap to get money from the guy at HS. And the scent he smelled on him was Iris—everyone knew that was the CEO of HS’s scent. Huh… mission accomplished.

On the way, Gao Tu’s glasses fell off, but the alpha didn’t care. He stepped back, crushed them, and continued walking.

The omega’s own essence was strange—it wasn’t easy to detect unless one focused. A rare aroma, but soft, clean, sweet, even elegant.

And despite his broad shoulders and fit body, he wasn’t heavy. He could carry him easily. He had noticed when lifting him that he was slender and had a beautiful face.

This guy was a perfect product—and he was an omega. Even if he was the wrong target, it was still a success. If money wasn’t needed so urgently, he might have kept him for himself.

“Walk,” he said, kicking the driver while still pointing the gun. He had blindfolded him to prevent him from learning how to open the door.

Inside the warehouse, a man in a red suit with gold chains was drinking whiskey while checking his phone.

“Finally.”

“It worked out better than expected.”

“Explain.”

“The beta turned out to be an omega. Pretty face, rare essence, and unmarked. Good product,” he said as he sat Gao Tu on a wooden chair. He tried to remove the jacket, but the omega clung to it with fingers turning white.

“This idiot, what a bother.” The alpha stopped trying and tied him to the chair without removing the garment. Then he taped his mouth.

“And why did you bring that other one?” the man in red asked, annoyed. He was also an A-class alpha.

“This one is unfortunately a beta. I had to bring him so he wouldn’t make a scene. He would’ve exposed me instantly, and that S-class alpha would probably kill me.”

“And what are we going to do with him?”

“That’s your decision—either make him disappear or sell him. As for the omega, we can get rid of Gao Ming and sell him as a new product. That would make more money than asking for ransom from the guy at HS.” The alpha in black began tying the driver to another wooden chair and taped his mouth. The driver didn’t resist.

“These are their phones. They’re already turned off.” The man in red received them.

“You saved the number we need, right?”

“Yes.”

“Good. Let’s talk to Gao Ming one last time,” the man in red concluded.

*

*

⋆.𐙚 Two days earlier ⋆.𐙚

⋆.𐙚 Friday night ⋆.𐙚

“Old Gao, you still owe us 200,000 dollars. It’s been two months without a payment. We’ve known you for a long time, but you know we don’t give a shit how—you’re paying us our money,” the alpha in black said.

“It’s simple. You pay, or you don’t leave,” added the alpha in red.

Gao Ming tried to laugh, but his lungs hurt. He struggled to look up.

“If I had the damn money, I wouldn’t be here, right?” he managed to reply.

The alpha in black smirked and then expertly kicked the chair, sending the old man crashing to the ground.

“Remember your place. You know how this business works—it’s your turn to pay,” the red alpha explained. “If it’s not money, you offer something or someone. Everyone has something valuable, even scum like you.”

“My son… Gao Tu, his boss is an S-class alpha, he’s very rich,” Gao Ming felt like his head would split open, but he forced himself to speak.

“And what the hell are we supposed to do with that information?” the alpha in black snapped.

“If you let me go I can ask him for the money, with my son’s help, I swear.”

“Do you think we’re idiots? What kind of boss solves his subordinate’s problems?”

“I swear, that guy is obsessed with him. He even invites him to his house on weekends and pays for my daughter’s surgeries just because she’s his sister. I swear.”

The two alphas looked at each other. It could be true.

“If he does that, it means he has plenty of money. Give us the name.”

“Shen WenLang, from HS,” Gao Ming said.

“You fucking liar.” The alpha in red lost his patience, and Gao Ming knew he was more violent than the alpha in black.

“It’s true, I swear!” Gao Ming shouted. But he only received another kick.

The floor turned warm beneath him, sticky with his own blood. Through the blur, he saw the two alphas step aside, whispering. He couldn’t make out the words, just fragments: “verify,” “bring him,” “if it works.” Then a dry laugh, brief, as if they had made a decision they wouldn’t bother explaining.

When they lifted him again by his collar, neither seemed in a hurry to hit him—and coming from them, that was the clearest sign of all.

They were considering his offer.

*

*

⋆.𐙚 Two days later — present ⋆.𐙚
⋆.𐙚 Sunday afternoon ⋆.𐙚

The single lightbulb in the room swung slowly, making a dull sound, making the atmosphere even more sinister. Gao Ming spat blood again. He had never felt so filthy in his life. Two days had passed since they locked him here.

They had given him a chance to call someone, and his only option—his useless son—didn’t even bother to answer. Of course, he begged for more time, but all he got were beatings and threats.

He was exhausted. The only thing he had eaten in the last two nights was his own blood. Even he wasn’t sure the boss of HS would be willing to bail him out for his son, but an option was an option, and he would say anything to get out of there.

*

*

The silence of the place changed before the door opened. First, a loud thud against the hallway wall. Then dragging feet, the sound of chairs moving, hurried voices. Gao Ming lifted his head as much as he could to try to listen. Something heavy was pushed—or maybe someone. He didn’t understand, but a cold thread ran down his neck. Those kinds of sounds only appeared when the alphas brought material for negotiations… or when they decided it was time for something worse.

He sharpened his senses as much as he could. He was terrified.

The scent arrived before the words. A faint fragrance, almost imperceptible, that didn’t belong to any of his captors. It smelled nice but didn’t stir anything in him. A sweet, strange smell he couldn’t place. The scent confused him so much that for a second he thought he was hallucinating.

The door slammed open.

“It was hard to find the right moment, but we brought him. He’s not a beta, he’s an omega. No need to lie anymore; even if the scent is weak, it’s not like we can’t smell it. Are you stupid?”

That scent. Gao Ming felt his spine freeze. Omega? Who… who did they bring?

Was Gao Tu an omega? So that’s why his boss treated him so nicely—he probably spread his legs for him. An omega… suddenly everything made sense. His damn wife must have known and kept it from him on purpose, he was sure. Gao Ming connected the dots almost instantly.

“I didn’t know, but that explains why that alpha treats him well. Let me work with you. If we play this right, we can ask for a million dollars. That’s nothing for someone like him.”

Gao Ming felt a clumsy spark of energy saying those words. It would work. It had to work. Omega. Gao Tu. His son. His son, an omega. An omega could be worth more. Much more. Fear mixed with a miserable kind of thrill—there was hope.

“A million… are you sure he’ll have that kind of money?” said the red alpha.

“I’m sure. If he doesn’t, you can do whatever you want with him, there’s no loss here.”

“Man… you’re worse than we expected. Isn’t he your son?”

“Precisely because he’s my son he should be useful for something. He’s never been useful for anything in his entire life.”

The alphas exchanged glances.

It was decided. They would ask for the million dollars.

*

*

When they finally stepped out of the store, Qing was the first to stop in her tracks. The parking lot was completely empty. No cars, no motorcycles, no Shen WenLang’s car. Only wet pavement and the sound of rain.

WenLang frowned, looking around.
“Where’s the car…?” he murmured, as if his brain refused to process it.

“Maybe… maybe they moved to another spot,” Qing said without much conviction. She knew it was strange. Gao Tu wouldn’t move without telling them. Neither would the driver.

WenLang quickly dialed the driver’s number.

One call.
Two.
Three.

Nothing. The phone rang, but no one answered.

His stomach sank. He called Gao Tu.

Once.
Twice.
On the third ring, someone finally picked up.

But it wasn’t the soft voice he always heard from Gao Tu.

Instead, a rough, unfamiliar voice cut through the line like a bucket of ice water.

“Yes?”

WenLang felt a jolt run down his spine.
That wasn’t Gao Tu.
That wasn’t anyone who should have his phone.

“Where is Gao Tu?” he roared, pure S-class alpha instinct spilling out. Rage, fear—everything he had been holding in cracked his voice.

A soft laugh from the stranger pierced his ears.

“Relax.”

WenLang gripped the phone so hard he felt the plastic bend.

“Where is he?” his tone turned dangerous, loaded with threat. “Just tell me what you want, now!”

A tense silence. He could hear the man's steady breathing, as if enjoying WenLang’s panic.

“Patience.”

And then he hung up.

The click felt like a punch straight to the chest.
He stared at the dark screen, his heartbeat pounding in his ears.

He tried the driver again. No answer. Tried again and again. Panic began to rise.

“WenLang-ge, are you okay?” Qing stepped closer, cautiously. “What do we do?”

His mind raced faster than his heart. Every possibility was worse than the last. Gao Tu scared. Gao Tu alone. Gao Tu in danger. The thought made his chest ache.

He couldn’t breathe properly. His fingers trembled.
He called Gao Tu one last time.

Powered off.

A cold shiver ran down his back. Shen WenLang’s breathing was unsteady, his blood rushing faster as his mind spiraled through possibilities—how Gao Tu might be… how this could end. He had never had shady dealings with anyone; this was precisely why he distanced himself from his father’s dirty business. He hated violence. And if they had hurt him? No. He couldn’t think like that. He wouldn’t allow it.

He grabbed his phone, this time without hesitating. He dialed another number—Hua Yong. The only person who might be able to help him was Hua Yong; otherwise he truly had no way to find him, and his father was the last option.

“Pick up, pick up, pick up…” he muttered through clenched teeth as the dial tone rang. Finally, the call connected.

Qing was just staring into nothingness, in shock.

“I need help. They took Gao Tu.”

“Do you know who or for what purpose?”

“I don’t have any dirty business. Maybe they just want money.”

“That’s the most likely scenario, but investigate further. The most important thing right now is knowing *why*. For now, I’ll deploy Chang Yu’s team; that’s all I can do for you. Send me whatever details you have by phone.”

“Hua Yong, I know it’s not your business, but he… he’s carrying a baby. You know I can’t go to Shen Yu… if there’s anything more you can do, I’m counting on you.”

“Oh-ho, Shen WenLang, you’re fast. Poor Secretary Gao—well, congratulations. And actually, it’s not my business either, but Mr. Sheng is also pregnant.”

“…” Shen WenLang was surprised but still irritated. It wasn’t the time. He needed to know why they had taken his omega. People weren’t even supposed to know he was an omega.

“And my congratulations?”

“I’m counting on you. Call me if you have any news.” Shen WenLang hung up.

“Qing, is there something I don’t know?”

“What do you mean?”

“There has to be a reason they took *him* exactly when he was alone. It was planned. Our relationship isn’t public, no one knows he’s an omega, I don’t have conflicts with other investors or wealthy people, and nobody knows he matters to me. If someone knows details, it must be someone close.”

“Besides me and Dad, my brother doesn’t talk to anyone else.”

“I’ve heard he’s a horrible person. He doesn’t even know Gao Tu is an omega and doesn’t help you two with anything. Especially you. Why do you still talk to him?”

“It’s just… he’s our only family, and he wasn’t always bad. It was after he lost his job when we were kids.”

“And what does he do for work?”

The car they were waiting for arrived. The driver got out, and Shen WenLang took the wheel, leaving with Qing.

“Let’s keep talking in the car. It’s been 20 minutes. I need to meet the search team now; alone I wouldn’t even know where to start.”

“Did you call the police?” Qing asked.

“A contact will take care of reporting it (Chang Yu). He’s probably done it already, but the police are so useless they’ll start searching after 24 hours. That’s why we work with a private team.”

“Someone I know was kidnapped a while ago—the partner of the guy helping me search for him—and it turned out it was his own brother. Sometimes danger comes from the closest people.”

Qing fell silent, lost in thought. Her father used to ask Gao Tu for money every month, and sometimes it was a lot, but he was never violent. Well… actually, there was one time. When Gao Tu was in his last year of high school, she heard their father shove him because he said he couldn’t help that month. But nothing else happened because she stepped in front and defended him.

After that she became ill and never saw her father again. She only sometimes spoke to him on the phone, yet she could always feel he only contacted her when her brother ignored him. Whenever she asked Gao Tu, he always said, “I’ll handle it, don’t worry.”

And she, even though she was an alpha and five years younger than her omega brother, despite being physically and intellectually stronger by instinct, had always been protected by him. He never once left her behind… and she grew used to always being rescued by her older brother.

“WenLang-ge… this is a little extreme, but… the only person who knows things about us, who knows we know you, and that you have money… is Dad.”

“I don’t know… it’s hard to believe he’d go this far, but if you could—if we could—investigate in that direction, just in case, it would be good.”

“You asked earlier where he works… the truth is, I highly doubt he works at all. He’s not a good person. My father left when my brother was in high school. He tried to hit him, shoved him against a wall, and my brother just stayed on the floor. I was very little, and I didn’t even know my brother was an omega yet, but my alpha instincts screamed at me to defend him. That was the first time I followed my instincts. I hit my father in the face, and he didn’t hit me back… he just left.”

“The next day my brother packed everything and we moved somewhere else without telling anyone.”

“Since then Dad only looks for him to ask for money. The truth is, we started relying on him years ago, even before he worked at HS.”

WenLang sighed. He knew Gao Tu kept many things to himself, and he had always tried to support him from the shadows. Back then he didn’t even want Gao Tu to know someone was helping him—it would’ve been strange, uncomfortable. But now he realized that had been a mistake.

Gao Tu had needed more than occasional help. He needed more than money. He needed someone to see him, to hold him, to protect him—and that should have been him.

He tightened his grip on the steering wheel, trying not to get angry.

“WenLang-ge… after this, I won’t be a burden to my brother. I’ll take care of him the way he always took care of me. I’m healthy now. I just want him to be okay,” Qing said, her gaze melancholic.

“Don’t worry. I’ll find him,” Shen WenLang assured her, struggling to stay composed. Nothing like this had ever happened to him; he’d never had to worry about anyone before. He had no idea where to even start looking. If in two hours they didn’t find Gao Tu, he would definitely go to his father, Shen Yu.

WenLang dialed a number.

“Chang Yu, have them investigate this name—Gao Ming. He’s Gao Tu’s father. Use every resource to trace his recent movements.”

“Understood, sir,” said Chang Yu. There was a lot of noise in the background; he seemed to be driving fast.

“Any news?” WenLang asked.

“None yet. We’re already deployed. Only the outskirts of the city are left, and I’m heading there right now. Everything else is covered. We also need the driver’s identity, please.”

“Right away.”

Shen WenLang sent the information.

Chang Yu was used to working on cases like this—not because they happened often, but because he had experience. What surprised him was Shen WenLang’s attitude. He was usually indifferent, but this time he was alert, responding like a normal person. In other situations he wouldn’t even bother speaking.

Love is an incredible thing. Not only Hua Yong—now Shen WenLang too.

“I’m counting on you, Chang Yu,” Shen WenLang said.

“Yes sir,” Chang Yu replied, then hung up.

Love is an incredible thing, he thought again.

WenLang kept driving, changing course to head back home. Qing was silent. It didn’t take long for her to realize where they were going.

“You’re going to drop me off so you can leave with the search team, right?”

“Don’t do this to me,” Shen WenLang said, serious, not even looking at her.

“Take me with you. He’s my brother.”

“Precisely because this is about Gao Tu, I’m not taking you. I wouldn’t be able to face him if something happened to you.”

“WenLang-ge…”

He ignored her and parked at the house. Opened the door for her.

“Your job is to stay home and receive him when he returns. Leave everything else to me.”

Qing didn’t insist further. She respected Shen WenLang too much to make a scene, and truthfully, there wasn’t much she could do.

“I swear, if in a few hours you don’t tell me anything about my brother, I’ll search all of Jianghu myself.”

WenLang just nodded, turned around, and started driving toward the outskirts of the city, where he’d meet Chang Yu.

Fifty minutes had passed.

*

*

Once he arrived, Chang Yu began listing the only confirmed facts so far. Only 1 hour and 20 minutes had passed. Shen WenLang was checking the time like a madman.

“Mr. Shen, we found the car parked in downtown Jianghu, but it’s empty. Meaning they continued toward the city limits and then veered off. They probably switched vehicles.”

“Is there anything around here where they could hide?”

“I’ve heard rumors that some people have disappeared nearby, but no one knows where they’re taken,” said Chang Yu, listening carefully to his earpiece in case of updates.

“In about ten minutes one of the dogs should arrive to search the area. We already trained it to recognize the scent of sage—it was hard to find a reference for Secretary Gao’s essence. It’s very unusual.”

“Okay,” the alpha replied, deep in thought. After a moment he added, “Chang Yu, he’s a special case. His essence is very faint. He smells more like me despite having his own scent.”

“When the dog arrives, we’ll have it track your essence too.”

WenLang nodded.

A short while later two agents arrived with the dog. They had it identify WenLang’s scent and let the animal explore. About a hundred meters down the road, the dog stopped and went into the forest, with the two agents following.

“WenLang, the dog went into the woods. I’m going too. It’s not normal for it to break off like that—I think it found something. Do you want to come or would you rather stay? I recommend you stay.”

Shen WenLang didn’t bother answering. He simply rolled his eyes at the ridiculous question and followed behind Chang Yu.

About two hundred meters in, the dog stopped again, fixating on the ground. The agents crouched to inspect, and were soon joined by WenLang and Chang Yu.

“Boss, these are the glasses.” said one of the agents.

A chill washed over WenLang’s whole body, but hope bloomed in his chest—finally, a trace. He pressed a hand to his chest, trying to calm himself.

Gao Tu’s glasses were smashed. Fear flooded him. If anything happened to his omega, WenLang would make the whole world pay. He cursed himself for not treating him better all those past years. Maybe this was his punishment for being childish and stupid. But only the heavens knew how much WenLang loved Gao Tu. They had to help him—please.

The dog continued for a bit and then stopped again, but there was nothing around.

“It seems the scent ends here. The dog doesn’t go any further.”

The four men looked around. Nothing but trees.

Shen WenLang looked at the sky, holding the broken frame of Gao Tu’s glasses in one hand. He could *feel* it—his omega had been close. But his senses weren’t better than the dog’s. The scent had simply vanished into thin air.

“Call more people. Have them dig everything up.”

“But Mr. Shen, that’s absurd. The scent ends here. If he were here, the dog would know,” Chang Yu explained.

“Then they took him by helicopter?? It’s obvious he disappeared *here*.”

WenLang was furious.

“They could’ve put an inhibitor on him and changed direction,” said Chang Yu.

“I don’t care. Dig.”

His voice was authoritarian, irrefutable.

Half an hour later, more agents arrived and started digging everything.

Shen WenLang was staring at them when his phone rang. Unknown number.

“I’m listening,” the alpha answered.

“One million dollars. Cash. At the abandoned bridge in Jianghu. One person only. If we see more people, cars, motorcycles, or lights, we leave.”

“If you lay a single finger on him, I’ll hunt you to the gates of hell,” the alpha replied, loud and clear, with complete conviction.

The call ended.

Shen WenLang looked toward Chang Yu, who was waiting expectantly.

“They want to make an exchange at the abandoned bridge in Jianghu. They’re asking for a million dollars.” “I have only two hours. The money isn’t a problem, but what bank is open on a Sunday? These people clearly have no experience.” Shen WenLang felt much better after learning that there was a way to solve everything.

“That, or they probably have another plan and don’t actually need the money. You know many omegas are put up for sale, and if they’re rare, they get auctioned for huge amounts. That plan is a lot less risky than returning him.”

“You’re not helping.”

“For the exchange… I have a plan,” said Chang Yu.

“Let’s go.”
Shen WenLang turned around. He had less than two hours to gather a million in cash.

Chapter Text

Gao Tu was waking up. He felt a sharp pain in his face and looked down at the floor. He was tied up, but the jacket protected him from the cold, and his white shoes were still clean, thankfully.

Blood dripped onto the floor between his shoes. It seemed to be coming from his nose, because it felt wet and blocked. He tried to speak, but he couldn’t—his mouth was taped shut.

Someone approached him, footsteps echoing across the tile floor. They wore black shoes and a bright red suit.

His vision slowly focused as he lifted his head. A man with black hair and gold chains was staring at him without interest. Gao Tu couldn’t see his face; he was wearing a mask.

“Sorry about the hit, I just wanted you awake. You don’t seem that fragile,” said the man in red, shaking his hand out casually.

Gao Tu tried to speak again, but of course he couldn’t—with tape over his mouth. Where am I? Qing. WenLang. The man in front of him didn’t look particularly interested; he didn’t seem like he wanted to hurt him.

His instincts told him it was safe to take his attention off him for a moment. He looked around. Very close by sat the driver, blindfolded, gagged, and tied to a chair as well.

Gao Tu felt bad for him—he was just doing his job. He glanced down at his own hands, at WenLang’s jacket. WenLang.

“Ah, don’t worry. When they give us the million, we’ll return him too. He’s no use to us… Now, you’re going to behave yourself, understood?” The man turned his back and walked away, joined by another voice.

“What a pain.”

Then he heard footsteps behind him. Someone was approaching—another alpha. He could feel it.

“Listen, little omega, you’re coming with me. All I need is for you to stay still,” said the man in black, placing his hands on Gao Tu’s shoulders.

Gao Tu wanted to turn to see him, but the ropes held him still. The man smelled awful. Gao Tu never liked the scent of strange alphas. This one smelled like concentrated alcohol, and the one in red like burnt smoke. Did all alphas smell this bad?

“I just told you to stay still.”
The alpha walked around until he was in front of him and pulled out a knife. His face was also covered. Gao Tu sensed a sharp gaze and an irritated aura. He was angry. Gao Tu froze in the chair. He thought about his baby. He couldn’t breathe.

“Perfect,” the alpha said, bringing the knife closer. He cut the ropes. The jacket slid down onto Gao Tu’s legs, and instinctively, he pressed it against his stomach. The alpha raised an eyebrow, confused.

“There’s no need to be afraid. Just do as I say. Stand up. Let’s go.”

The omega got to his feet and walked behind him, stomach twisting—probably from being stuck between two alphas.

The alpha began untying the driver and removed the tape from his mouth, but kept his hands bound. For some reason, he left the blindfold.

“Mr. Gao, I’m sorry…” the driver said, trembling.

Gao Tu tried to answer, but his mouth was dry, and when he swallowed, his throat burned. As he searched for words, he felt the man’s nerves rubbing off on him. He wanted to reassure him, but he couldn’t show weakness now.

“Don’t talk. Get up and follow us,” the alpha in black ordered.

The driver stumbled behind them. Gao Tu guided him by letting him hold onto WenLang’s jacket. Although he hated the idea of anyone else touching it, his kindness—and habit of caring for others—won out.

“It’s not your fault. Stay strong,” Gao Tu whispered, and he saw the driver nod.

Further ahead, they were joined by another alpha, slightly shorter, his hands betraying his age. He was dressed entirely in black, even his face covered. For some reason, Gao Tu felt like he knew him, but that was impossible.

They kept moving, the older alpha walking silently behind the driver. They didn’t see the man in red again.

The path grew darker and harder to see. It felt like a cave with black walls. A few minutes later, they climbed stairs, and a door opened. Gao Tu finally realized they had been underground.

Once outside, the air felt cold. The sky was dark and likely cloudy, though he couldn’t tell. It would probably rain.

“Why are you stopping? Keep walking,” the younger alpha snapped. Gao Tu continued. The streets had no lights. Where were they? Everything was pitch black. No houses, no street lamps—only abandoned buildings.

The only place like this in Jianghu was the abandoned bridge, part of a forgotten zone. The bridge didn’t allow trade and had never been repaired. Nobody knew why, and the government didn’t care. Rumors said there was trade—but dirty business benefiting certain politicians.

Minutes later, Gao Tu heard the faint sound of water. The river—so calm it was nearly silent.

The man leading them stopped.

“Before we go any further, you need to understand something. You are a product. Right now, you’re worth a million dollars to us. If your beloved alpha brings it, you’ll be safe. If not, trust me—we’ll find a way to keep you worth the same, or more.”

“So I repeat: stay still. Move only when I say so. One wrong move, and he dies.”
The knife glinted under the dim moonlight. The man in black was pointing at the driver.

Chills ran down Gao Tu’s spine. His legs weakened. His stomach twisted with nausea he swallowed down. It was the worst possible moment to act like an omega.

But his instincts cried out for his alpha. Pathetic. It was better if Shen WenLang forgot about him—it’d be safer, less humiliating. He didn’t want to be a nuisance. Yet deep down, horrible as it was, he wanted to be protected. He wanted WenLang to come and take him home. He wanted to cry.

“Good. Looks like you understand. It’s time. Let’s go,” the man in black said.

*

*

The whole team wore black: boots, vests, pants, jackets. There were four of them—two agents, Chang Yu, and Shen WenLang. The latter hadn’t had time to change; he only wore a bulletproof vest and a long black coat over it—Chang Yu’s order.

Shen WenLang had gathered half the money with Hua Yong’s help, and getting the rest had been easy. He just exchanged virtual money for cash. He didn’t even need to go into debt. Everyone had been willing to help. Shen WenLang never bragged about his influence, but today it served him well. All that was left was to get Gao Tu back.

“You two, to your positions,” Chang Yu ordered. The agents moved immediately.

“Mr. Shen, are you ready?”

“Yes. Let’s go.”

*

*

The night grew colder, and Gao Tu felt exhausted. If he weren’t an omega, none of this would be happening.

“We’re almost there. It won’t do me any good if you pass out,” said the man in black, noticing Gao Tu’s heavy breathing.

His head throbbed. His stomach hurt. Nausea crawled up his throat—probably from the alpha pheromones around him. Thank God no one had tried to suppress him with pheromones today. Obeying had been the right choice.

He had to endure. He had to stay alive. Return to Qing. Return to WenLang. For once, life was giving him a chance to be happy with the two people he loved most, and now here he was—caught in this mess. How unlucky could he be?

As they climbed toward the bridge, the ground felt like it was rising. Once they had the money, the kidnappers could flee across their side of the bridge or down the river. Wasn’t WenLang tired of losing money because of him? How much more did he owe him?

Nausea cut his thoughts. He fought the urge to vomit again. He needed WenLang; otherwise the pain would only get worse.

“This is fine,” the alpha in black said, stopping. He came closer and took out his knife, moonlight glinting off the blade. Gao Tu held his breath. But the alpha only cut the driver’s blindfold.

The older alpha behind them didn’t move, simply watched, waiting for the right moment to act.

The driver’s face was pale with fear. Gao Tu himself grew more anxious. Time was crawling. It was cold. He felt sick. He didn’t want this. He didn’t want to bother Shen WenLang. He didn’t know how to look at him. He didn’t want to be the kind of weak, troublesome person WenLang hated. He truly didn’t want this—but what choice did he have? He was just that unlucky.

*

*

The cold on the abandoned Jianghu bridge punished alphas, betas, and omegas alike. The river below whispered faintly beneath the heavy night. There were no lights. No movement. Only long shadows cast by the moon.

Only a couple of minutes had passed when a shadow appeared at the far end of the bridge, emerging from the darkness like a ghost.

Its steps were slow, measured, perfectly controlled. It carried a suitcase in each hand, arms relaxed but shoulders tense beneath the dark jacket. Each step echoed on the concrete, announcing its presence without fear.

Gao Tu saw it first.
And his heart—already beating too fast—stopped for a moment.

WenLang’s eyes, dark and deep even in the dimness, found him from a distance. There was no softness in them. No happiness, no relief, no tenderness. Only anger and coldness. Gao Tu knew that look.

He felt his pheromones tremble—scared, humiliated, reaching for him. They shouldn’t. They couldn’t. It was humiliating to show his instincts in front of other alphas. But his body betrayed him, wrapped in a minimal, sweet, trembling scent, like a thin thread desperately searching for his alpha.

WenLang sensed it. And without moving a single muscle on his face, without even blinking, he released just a touch of control into the air. They were comforting pheromones, directed only at Gao Tu. He kept walking forward.

The omega swallowed. Mr. Shen had come for him. He couldn’t stop the wave of relief—yet that same look reminded him of something painful: he was the reason for this disaster. “Another disaster,” he thought, his eyes burning.

The metallic sound of a gun being loaded cut the moment short.

“Stop right there,” ordered the man in black.

WenLang stopped instantly. He didn’t bow his head. He didn’t lower his gaze. He simply stood still, breaking eye contact with Gao Tu, staring coldly at the alpha in black.

Then he dropped the suitcases.
Slowly. Deliberately. Controlling every movement.

The tension grew so thick the bridge seemed to shrink around them. The driver took a deep breath, trying to calm his nerves. They would soon be safe again.

The humidity from the river rose as cold vapor, covering the concrete bridge like a veil of gray fog. Beneath that mist, Shen WenLang spoke for the first time.

“What now?” His voice was cold, excessively calm.

The alpha in black nodded, satisfied, and tilted his head toward Gao Ming.

“Release him,” he ordered.

Gao Ming shoved the driver forward. The poor man’s hands were tied, he was exhausted, and so terrified he seemed to have forgotten how to walk. Reaching WenLang’s side felt like taking his first steps.

WenLang let him pass, moving only the slightest bit to give him room to get behind him, safe. He didn’t touch him, didn’t speak to him—Chang Yu had already confirmed the man was innocent. Nothing questionable in his background.

The gun was still aimed directly at Gao Tu’s side.

WenLang lifted his chin slightly, without moving otherwise.

Gao Ming knelt to open the suitcases. Shen WenLang’s dominant aura made his hands shake—he was too afraid to look away from him.

“Hurry,” the alpha in black said, with practiced coldness. “Check the money.”

The old man had no choice but to obey. The piles of bills glowed under the silver bands that held them together. His breathing quickened. He opened the second suitcase with clumsy fingers. More money. Enough. Too much. Greed overpowered fear.

“It’s good,” Gao Ming said. “It’s all here.”

He finished closing the suitcases and grabbed both at once—but never managed to lift them.

A scent of incense, dense and icy, flooded the air.

WenLang released dominant pheromones with silent violence, splitting the fog in two. The alpha in black stiffened. Gao Tu felt a shiver run down his spine—a visceral reminder of who his alpha was… and his pheromone gland reacted.

“Let him go,” WenLang ordered.

The alpha in black clenched his jaw but stepped back and released Gao Tu’s arm, shoving him roughly.

“Walk.”

Gao Tu obeyed, taking short steps. Each heartbeat hurt. He felt small, useless—like the kind of omega he had sworn never to be. A burden. A bargaining tool. Nothing else. He hated it.

As he moved toward WenLang, Gao Ming walked in the opposite direction, toward the alpha in black. They crossed at the center of the bridge—just a second—an invisible line dividing their fates.

And then it happened.

Nervous, Gao Ming accidentally released pheromones—tired, rancid, but undeniably familiar. A scent belonging to a man who had shared blood with him. Gao Tu froze for the briefest instant, confusion alive in his eyes. He turned, searching.

It lasted only a second. The masked alpha didn’t hold his gaze long. Gao Tu’s mind immediately replaced confusion with Shen WenLang’s name.

He continued walking toward WenLang. He could swear the alpha in black still had the gun aimed at his back. Every step was a conscious effort, a battle between physical fear and emotional collapse. He was terrified, on the verge of vomiting.

Above everything else, his body responded to WenLang’s pull. He could almost feel the warmth of the alpha’s embrace.

But Gao Tu was still too far. He wanted to hug him. Needed refuge.

At the same time, Gao Ming moved quickly with the two suitcases toward the man in black—almost eager to end the exchange.

The alpha in black kept his weapon fixed on Gao Tu while stretching out a hand to receive one suitcase. That was his advantage: if WenLang moved, the omega would fall first.

The young alpha feared only Shen WenLang—because he knew he was a Class S alpha, fast and very strong.

Focused entirely on the alpha and omega, he didn’t notice Gao Ming dropping one suitcase abruptly. In that same instant, Gao Ming’s hand dove under his jacket and pulled out a gun, so quickly and expertly it was clear he had planned this.

He wanted to steal the money.
He wanted to betray the man in black.
He wanted to use his own son as a shield.

The alpha in black reacted even faster. He aimed his gun at Gao Ming with lethal precision. At that distance, either could land a perfect shot.

Gao Tu froze, turning back to look. Time stopped. With more guns drawn, everyone understood that the slightest movement would ignite a deadly situation.

No one breathed.

“I knew you’d screw it up,” the alpha in black spat—not surprised, not even angry. As if Gao Ming’s betrayal was… expected.

“This money is mine,” Gao Ming snarled, trembling. “We only got it because of me.”

“Poor kid of yours,” the other replied, a broken laugh escaping him. “We were gentle with him because we know you, but you don’t give a damn.”

“Of course I don’t. He had to be useful for something—at least once in his life.”

“You care so little you’ll die in front of him. A shame. It was going to happen anyway, but he didn’t have to watch. We were considerate… and this is what you do.”

That voice…
That rough tone…

Gao Tu felt a deep pain in his stomach.

That voice.
Was it his father? Why was he here? Why was he with them? Nothing made sense.

The world stopped again. WenLang disappeared from his mind. Nothing mattered except the scene before him.

He couldn’t look away.

The argument lasted seconds. Distant words, but sharp and full of hatred.

The alpha in black lost his patience.

The gunshot echoed at the same time thunder cracked overhead. A sharp ringing exploded in Gao Tu’s ears. Almost instantly, a second shot followed. The smell of burnt gunpowder scraped his throat.

Gao Ming, still quick, had fired too. But the recoil made him lose balance; his bullet grazed the alpha in black’s arm. The man in black’s shot, however, pierced Gao Ming’s abdomen—a cruel, lethal hit.

The old man folded and collapsed as if his legs were cut out from under him.

“NO!” Gao Tu yelled, without thinking.

Driven by instinct stronger than reason, he stepped forward.

The sudden movement triggered the alpha in black—he aimed back at Gao Tu immediately.

Then fired a second time.

The bullet flew straight toward Gao Tu’s chest.

But it didn’t reach him.

WenLang, who hadn’t moved before, suddenly lunged toward him with a speed that defied the human body. His steps were long, almost a leap. He wrapped his arms around him with urgency, covering him completely, and the impact of the bullet sounded like a dull thud against something solid.

WenLang’s body trembled on top of his.

Gao Tu’s eyes widened. Hot blood dripped onto his cheeks in thick, heavy drops. It came from WenLang’s mouth and nose. No. It couldn’t be. He had been shot in the back.

WenLang was bleeding.

The ringing in Gao Tu’s ears grew louder, wiping out every other sound. He couldn’t hear anything. The lump in his throat swelled. He couldn’t speak.

WenLang, meanwhile, lowered his gaze to his partner. His Gao Tu had tears running down his cheeks. And the alpha, seeing him stained with blood, felt something explode inside him. A primal roar.

And because the adrenaline kept him from feeling any pain, something inside him read the scene backward: he became convinced that Gao Tu was the one who had been hurt.

In that moment, the inner alpha took control.
He didn’t feel pain. He didn’t hear a thing.
He didn’t think.
He just acted.

He turned toward the alpha in black, ignoring Gao Tu entirely, his eyes swallowed by darkness.

“WenLang, no!” Gao Tu screamed, though he wasn’t sure if any sound actually came out; he couldn’t hear himself.

WenLang took two steps.
Slow.
Heavy.
He walked toward an alpha who was aiming a gun straight at him, as if he were immortal.
He was completely gone.

Who dared harm his omega in front of him? He would kill him.

The alpha in black sensed the murderous aura instantly—a Class S alpha out of control. If he let him get close, he would die. Terror seized him so violently his gun slipped from his hand. He didn’t even try to pick it up.

He looked toward the suitcases, desperate. Grabbed them with trembling hands. And ran. Ran like the devil was on his heels.

“WenLang!” Gao Tu cried again, panicked. The alpha wasn’t listening.

WenLang was about to chase the man—but a soft voice interrupted him.

“Alpha… don’t leave me…” —weak, trembling, broken.

WenLang stopped immediately.
Alpha?
Alpha.
His omega had called him.
He was an alpha.
It could only be him.

He turned back and breathed in the distressed pheromones surrounding Gao Tu. He felt his fear. Remembered his tears.

And he came back to himself. As if an invisible string pulled him. His feet moved on their own, closing the distance.

“Gao Tu, don’t cry,” he said with effort.

Gao Tu hadn’t even realized he was crying. He was just scared.

“You’re bleeding,” he whispered.

“I’m fine. It didn’t hit directly—just the impact.”

“No?” Gao Tu stepped closer, searching his body. It was true—no wound.

“Yes. Everything’s fine now.”

WenLang said it even as clarity reminded him of his pain. Breathing was hard, and he tasted blood in his mouth.

Chang Yu had been right insisting on the bulletproof vest. He probably had an internal bleed or micro-damage in his lungs, but he would heal quickly.

“Why did you move toward them?” WenLang finally asked—not scolding him, but confused. He didn’t understand.

Gao Tu swallowed.

“It’s just… he…” He looked toward the body lying several meters away. “I… I thought…”

But he didn’t know how to say it. Didn’t know if he should. Wasn’t even sure it had been real. The chaos had been so fast, so brutal, maybe his mind was making up things.

WenLang lifted a hand and gently wiped the blood droplets on his cheeks.

“Don’t do it again,” he said slowly, accusingly. “Don’t run toward danger. Ever. Do you understand?”

Gao Tu nodded.

But his gaze returned to the fallen body.

The body moved.

Barely. A twitch. A weak groan. Enough for Shen WenLang to tense and step protectively in front of Gao Tu.

Once he realized it was safe, he moved closer to check.

Shen WenLang approached first, Gao Tu behind him.

The driver stepped forward too, nervous—terrified of being alone in the dark.

WenLang crouched half a meter from the body, removed the gun from his hand, and only after confirming there was no danger, spoke:

“Remove the cloth,” he ordered the driver.

The driver hesitated—his hands were still tied. But orders were orders. He approached, trembling. His fingers clung awkwardly to the dirty, wet fabric before finally pulling it off.

Gao Tu watched closely. The sweat- and blood-soaked face hit him like a slap. It was his father, and he was dying. Seeing the scene, Gao Tu felt nothing. Without thinking, he pressed the jacket against the wound to slow the bleeding.

WenLang wanted to pull Gao Tu away, but the omega’s aura was so hollow and dark he let him stay.

Gao Ming’s eyes, still half-open, focused vaguely on Gao Tu.

“Tu…” he whispered, a bubble of blood rising at the corner of his mouth. “It’s you… even after everything, you still care…”

Gao Tu froze.

WenLang blinked—slowly.

“Do you know him?” he asked.

Gao Tu couldn’t answer.

Gao Ming did.

“Son,” he said, smiling weakly, the expression tearing open his wound. “You’re an omega… you lied to me.”

Gao Tu’s stomach twisted.

“Don’t talk,” he whispered. “You’re bleeding out.”

Gao Ming laughed—a horrible, agonized sound, ending in a groan.

“Stop helping me. I used you as bait.”

The confession felt like ice water in Gao Tu’s chest. Suddenly he didn’t feel sick anymore. Didn’t feel confused. Didn’t feel anything. Only empty.

WenLang, however, clenched his fists. His gaze became steel.

“You planned to use him even now?” he asked, voice calm—too calm.

Gao Ming turned toward him.

“I planned everything. I’m dying—why lie?” He coughed. “He’s soft. Omegas… always are. It always works, doesn’t it? They cry, they beg… and people melt. Even you… big, powerful alpha… came running, didn’t you?”

Gao Tu looked down. That man was his father. His blood. And yet his words made him feel dirty, small, worthless.

“Why?” he asked, voice breaking. “Why did you… do all this?”

Gao Ming looked at him with the simplest disdain.

“Because I needed to live. And you were nothing but a tool.”

Something inside Gao Tu shattered permanently. Whatever few good memories he had left vanished. This man was no longer his father.

A distant noise announced the team’s arrival. Flashlights lit up the scene.

Chang Yu ran toward them, breathless.

“The plan worked,” he reported. “We intercepted him before he reached the road. We recovered the money. It’s secured.”

WenLang nodded, eyes still fixed on Gao Ming.

“Take him. Don’t let him die here,” he ordered.

Medics knelt beside the body and began working. Gao Ming, delirious, muttered one last thing.

“Till the end... you’re worthless… good for nothing…”

Gao Tu closed his eyes. He didn’t want to hear. Didn’t want to see.

As they lifted Gao Ming onto a stretcher, he whispered:

“I’m better off dead…”

WenLang wrapped an arm around Gao Tu’s back, pulling him close, holding him tightly against his chest. He didn’t care who watched. Gao Tu needed him.

“Don’t listen to him,” he said.

Gao Tu breathed shakily, feeling more fragile than ever.

Chang Yu approached, giving them space.

“He will be transported to Heci,” he said. “We don’t know if he’ll survive the night. Internal bleeding is severe.”

WenLang just nodded.

Chang Yu walked away.

Gao Tu felt nausea rising, weakly pushed WenLang aside, fell to the ground, and began vomiting uncontrollably.

WenLang crouched beside him, rubbing his back.

The driver, now untied, offered his handkerchief. WenLang refused. Instead, he pulled wet wipes from his coat. He had brought them that morning specifically for Gao Tu.

“Go with Chang Yu. He’ll take you home. We’ll discuss compensation later,” WenLang said to the driver, not taking his eyes off Gao Tu.

The driver nodded and left.

Gao Tu stopped vomiting and accepted the wipes.

“How are you? Do you feel like you can walk?” WenLang was sore, but he was far more worried about Gao Tu’s condition. He knew what it was like to lose a father, and he knew what it was like to be treated cruelly by someone who was supposed to protect you.

“Yes. I’m sorry for everything,” Gao Tu said.

WenLang wanted to scold him, but he didn’t say anything. It was just part of Gao Tu’s personality to apologize even when he’d been the victim, when he was the one hurt, as if he were some kind of burden. It irritated him, but this wasn’t the moment to get angry about something like that.

“Let’s go to the hospital.”
WenLang helped him up, gently, and they started walking slowly. A car was waiting for them.

Chapter Text

It had been the most chaotic Sunday of his entire life. Not only had he been beaten, used, and humiliated, but the day had ended with his father in the hospital, on the brink of death.

Worse still, his father had been the cause of the entire situation. Gao Tu didn’t know how to make peace with so much shame, with so much sadness. His mother had warned him about the cruelty of the man, but it was the first time he had seen it in action.

He heard the door close. He assumed it was the doctor, who had finished checking on Mr. Shen. From what he’d heard, everything was fine. WenLang wasn’t in any serious danger, and his physical resilience would heal him on its own.

Another wave of sadness hit Gao Tu. WenLang was hurt because of him, because of his father. And he was just there, sitting, while WenLang took care of everything: the hospital, the bills, the police. When had he become so useless? But he didn’t want to move; he needed something, though he didn’t know what. Was his father going to die?

Still seated, Gao Tu leaned back on the bed and closed his eyes. He needed to stop thinking. And moving hurt too much.

*

*

Shen WenLang had just finished being examined by the doctor. He felt sore, but relieved—relieved that everything had gone well. At least, for him. Gao Tu was safe, and that was what truly mattered.

However, that relief made him feel guilty when he looked at Gao Tu’s state. Physically, he hadn’t suffered major complications, but he hadn’t said a single word since apologizing on the bridge.

Only three hours had passed since Gao Ming’s surgery had begun. WenLang and Gao Tu waited in the same private room, in separate beds—one in each corner. They had checked on Gao Tu first, then on WenLang.

Gao Tu, usually quiet and calm, seemed even more withdrawn than normal, sunk deep inside himself. That personality had always been a mystery to Shen WenLang. Gao Tu never told him what he was thinking, never came close to ask for comfort, never complained. He accepted everything with an unreadable expression on his face. Was he sad? Disappointed? Angry? WenLang had no idea.

The only thing he did know was that Gao Tu was blaming himself for what had happened. Earlier, on the bridge, when Gao Tu apologized, WenLang had wanted to say something—but he didn’t know how to be gentle about it, only that it had made him furious. As for Gao Tu’s father, WenLang didn’t even know what to think. If it were up to him, Gao Ming would’ve stayed on that bridge.

And then there was what he said about omegas…

“He’s soft. Omegas always are. That always works, right? They cry, they beg… and people melt. Even you—a big, powerful alpha—couldn’t help yourself from running to him, right?”

Gao Ming couldn’t have been more wrong. Shen WenLang still hated omegas. It was just that to him, Gao Tu was absolute. He had always wanted him—even back when he was a beta. Their high compatibility didn’t mean his affection or desire was just instinct… at least, that’s what he believed.

He wasn’t the kind of man who surrendered to instinct. He had always gone through his ruts alone, with medication. He hated to admit it, but sometimes he had imagined Gao Tu calling him “Mr. Shen” between moans—but it was so inappropriate he had forced himself to ignore those thoughts. And back then, he hadn’t been exposed to Gao Tu’s pheromones, nor to his omega designation. Therefore, he was certain his attraction wasn’t mere instinct.

What did worry him, though, was how he lost control around him. He hated that. That was why he was still medicated. The worst part was that his lack of control was indeed because Gao Tu was an omega. And he knew perfectly well it wasn’t Gao Tu’s fault—neither of them wanted this.

Losing control to desire, being violent out of instinct to protect him… it was concerning, and he hated the idea. But at this point, did it even matter? He couldn’t hate Gao Tu just because he was an omega. He wasn’t ashamed of touching him again and again, and making him cry—if anything, it had satisfied him. And when he lost control, it had been to protect him, and it worked. So what else mattered?

Above all, if Gao Tu was going to have an alpha, it could only be him. And if WenLang was going to have an omega, it could only be Gao Tu. That was clear. So he would accept everything—the good and the bad. All of it.

WenLang, finishing his thoughts, received a call. It was Qing—she had probably arrived. Before leaving the room, he glanced one last time at Gao Tu, who seemed to have fallen asleep, and gently closed the door.

*

*

Qing had received the news late, since WenLang had been busy with paperwork and doctors. She walked quickly through the hallways. At reception, they refused to give her any information about her brother's room, so she called Mr. Shen.

“WenLang-ge? I’m here. Can you come? They won’t let me in,” Qing said, her voice uneasy.

“Yes. It’s a private room. I’ll come down,” he replied, voice low, exhausted.

As WenLang approached, Qing rushed to him the moment she saw him.

“WenLang-ge, how is he? And the baby? And you? Everything’s okay, right?”

WenLang hesitated. He didn’t know how to answer, how to explain what happened with Gao Ming. Selfishly, he wanted to ask her not to react too strongly—not to put more emotional weight on Gao Tu. He didn’t want Gao Tu carrying anyone else’s burden today. For the first time, Shen WenLang saw Qing as a potential problem.

“Qing… the baby is fine. Gao Tu is in the room. I’ll take you,” he said, unable to say anything else.

*

*

WenLang entered first, Qing following him to Gao Tu’s bedside. She sat immediately and held her brother’s hand. He was cold. Qing shot a look at Mr. Shen, as if it were somehow his fault, then sighed.

“He’s cold…” she murmured, warming his other hand.

Slowly, Gao Tu opened his eyes, a bit disoriented.

“Qing,” he said softly.

She nodded, unable to speak for a moment—too relieved, too overwhelmed by how much she loved her brother. Her eyes stung.

“Are you okay?” Gao Tu asked.

“I should be asking you that. I’m glad you’re okay, but what happened? Why are you in the hospital? Can’t we go home? Did someone hurt you? Are you alright?” she asked, flooding him with questions.

“Qing, let him wake up,” WenLang intervened. Only then did Gao Tu seem to notice him there, immediately straightening his posture—old habits of appearing composed before the alpha who used to be his boss and was now his partner.

Qing’s hands were warm, but nothing compared to WenLang’s. The intrusive thought flashed in his mind, and he looked down at his hands.

“Gege?” Qing insisted, squeezing his fingers.

“Qing, I’m fine,” he reassured her.

“But there’s something you need to know.”

Qing swallowed and glanced toward WenLang again, as if it were his fault. WenLang noticed every time she did that. Deep down, he understood. Gao Tu was a good person.

“Mr. Shen, could you give us a moment?” the omega asked. WenLang felt offended but didn’t show it. He would accept anything. So he nodded, stood, and left. Qing’s stare followed him as he exited.

“What is it?” she asked.

“WenLang is hurt. He damaged his lungs from a bullet impact. It’s not serious—he’s fine. He did it to protect me. Just like you did once… it was like he couldn’t see the danger in front of him.”

“I see…” Qing replied, though she didn’t understand what that had to do with anything.

“I’m fine. They didn’t really hurt me. Just a hit on my nose,” he added.

“But…” His hands tightened around hers. “There is someone who is seriously hurt.”

“?”

“WenLang-ge told you the baby was fine,” Qing whispered, a knot forming in her throat. No… it couldn’t be…

“It’s not the baby, Qing. He’s fine… It’s Dad.”

“Dad? Why Dad?” she asked, confused.

“He’s in surgery. We’re waiting for the results. They told us to prepare for anything.”

“But how did it happen? What’s wrong with him?”

“He was with the people who hurt me. It was his idea to use me to extort President Shen.”

“Are you serious?” Qing was horrified.

“Yes.”

“I know it’s not easy, but… even if he survives, we need to forget him, okay? He wouldn’t hesitate for a second to destroy what we have,” Gao Tu said.

Qing let go of his hands and fell silent. She had memories of her father lifting her, playing with her—but most were of him yelling, especially at Gao Tu. And when their mother left, he simply ignored them. Especially her. Maybe because she resembled their mother. Maybe because she was useless. Or both. She didn’t know.

She would be lying if she said she didn’t want to support him now—maybe he’d finally realize they’d always been good kids and feel guilty, and maybe, just maybe, they could be a family again. But even she knew that was stupid.

How were they supposed to pretend everything was fine now? She had to grow up and accept reality. And even if they forgave him, WenLang-ge never would. What their father did was unforgivable.

But why… why did she still crave her father’s validation? Why did she want comfort from the person who hurt her—who hurt her brother?

Lost in her thoughts, she heard knocking on the door. Then again. Then the handle turning.

“Mr. Gao’s surgery went well. Normally he should wake up in around an hour. We’ll notify you when you can visit him,” the nurse said.

“Thank you,” replied Gao Tu.

The young man nodded and left.

“Qing, Dad was the last thing left of our family. It’s good he’s okay, but we need to forget him. Don’t worry about anything. As long as I’m alive, you’ll always have a home, food, and a family. Alright?” he said, trying to comfort her because she seemed lost.

Qing wanted to cry. It hurt to be the daughter of a bad man. It hurt not being able to fix anything. It hurt not having a normal family. And it hurt that her brother was too good. Instead of her comforting him, it was always the other way around, even when he was the one who’d been hurt.

Without thinking, she sat on the bed and pulled him into a hug—like he had once done for her when she was little.

Gao Tu was surprised but didn’t resist. Physical affection wasn’t common between them, but it wasn’t foreign either. They trusted each other deeply. And soon he felt… pheromones. Calming ones. Strange—his gland didn’t burn, nor did his stomach ache like it always did around alphas who weren’t Mr. Shen. But he didn’t feel the drowsiness or vitality that came with WenLang’s pheromones either. This time, he just felt safe.

“Brother… it’s true I would’ve liked having a real family. It’s true I would’ve liked to support Dad like this. But when I was sick, when I had surgeries, when I needed protection, the only person who was there for me was you. And Dad tried to hurt you—to hurt Mr. Shen. You two are my real family. And I won’t forgive anyone who hurts my family,” Qing said, stroking his back the way he used to comfort her when she cried.

Qing had grown so much. She could even try to make him feel better now. Gao Tu felt less sad—even though something still felt missing. A hollow feeling in his stomach. He needed something, but what? Was it to say goodbye to Gao Ming? To tell him they’d be fine without him? He didn’t know what was growing inside his chest.

Seconds later, WenLang knocked twice before entering the room.

Hearing the knocks, Qing stood up quickly, and Gao Tu followed.

When WenLang entered, he saw them both standing. Gao Tu looked slightly better—unexpectedly. It seemed only Qing could give him even a little strength right now. The thought made him jealous.

“He’s awake,” WenLang said, assuming Qing knew who he meant, though he didn’t use names just in case.

“Can we go see him?” Qing asked.

“Yes. But first… I need you to know something.”

The siblings exchanged a glance, then nodded.

“The man we caught with the money was turned over to the police. He confessed within two hours and blamed everything on Gao Ming. So he will be arrested to continue the investigation, and he’ll be arrested even if he’s in the hospital. The police will find him soon, and they won’t let you talk to him afterward because you’re involved. So if you want to speak to him one last time… this is your chance.”

“Alright,” Gao Tu replied. WenLang led them to the room.

Inside, Gao Tu entered first, then Qing. WenLang stayed near the door. He didn’t trust Gao Ming at all.

The room was bright. Gao Ming lay propped up with pillows. Everything was silent except for the machines. The window showed city lights. Gao Tu got distracted by the moon’s reflection, then looked at his father, whose eyes were closed—but the furrow of his eyebrows gave away his pain and consciousness.

“Dad, you’re going to recover,” Gao Tu said, breaking the silence.

The old man opened his eyes slowly, and finally spoke.

“You ungrateful brats… you’re going to send me to jail… after everything I did to raise you,” he spat, voice weak but filled with rage.

“Just let me die already…” he lamented, staring at the white sheets covering his feet.

“There’s no need for that, Dad,” Gao Tu said softly.

“Son… I’m your father. Can’t you speak for me? Help me. Do something,” the old alpha begged shamelessly.

“You really feel no guilt, do you?” Qing finally said.
“Aren’t you ashamed to ask that after what you did?”

“Qing,” Gao Tu warned.

“This is between me and him. Don’t butt in,” Gao Ming snapped.

“Dad, calm down. Don’t raise your voice,” Gao Tu urged.

“I can’t help you. And even if I could, I wouldn’t. I’m sorry. We just came to say goodbye—to make sure you were okay,” he added.

“You two shameless hypocrites… acting like you care about me, when deep inside you want me dead and you’re letting them send me to jail. That’s not a family!” Gao Ming shouted.

“Dad, you messed up. If you go to jail, it’s because of the investigation. There’s nothing we can do,” Gao Tu said.

Shen WenLang clenched his jaw as he listened, trying not to intervene.

“We’re supposed to be a family,” Gao Ming said, looking at both of them.

“Thanks to you, we never had a family. And now you want us to act like one? You want us to be good children when you weren’t a good father? My brother is pregnant—you caused him to get hurt while he’s expecting a baby, and you hurt his partner. You don’t feel even an ounce of guilt! You’re horrible. My family is my brother and Mr. Shen. Not you,” Qing yelled, losing all patience.

Gao Ming choked on a laugh.
“So it was true. You spread your legs for that alpha… typical of your kind. No wonder he went for you. Well, congratulations. Even if he leaves you or cheats on you, you can still squeeze money out of him with that child. Smart move, son,” he said with a mocking smile.

“You’re not as useless or naïve as I thought,” he added.

Gao Tu felt sick. Especially knowing WenLang was hearing everything. That hollow feeling in his stomach returned. His hand drifted instinctively to his belly. His head began to throb.

WenLang sensed the stress in his omega’s pheromones and was about to go to him—when Qing spoke again.

“After everything he’s done to help you pay your debts, you repay him like this? You’re disgusting. I feel sorry for you. We came here to support you a little, and this is what we get? You’re the worst.”

“What should make you feel sorry is the way your brother trapped that alpha—even getting himself pregnant. Isn’t that worse? I hope you’re not like him,” Gao Ming snarled.

“Thank you for proving you don’t care about us at all. This is the last time we’ll ever see you. As long as I live, I’ll never let you near my brother again. From today on, you’re no longer my father,” Qing declared.

The floor began to spin for Gao Tu. He could barely hear them anymore—only weakness spreading through him. Was he going to faint? He knew the symptoms. He tried to take a step toward the door—to find his alpha. But when he lifted his foot, his balance disappeared. Ah… he was going to fall. In front of everyone. He surrendered to the weight dragging him down.

But he never hit the floor.

WenLang’s arms caught him instantly, strong and steady, holding him against his chest. Immediately, comforting pheromones enveloped him. Safe. Warm. Protected.
Was this what he had needed all along?
It seemed so.

He closed his eyes. Sleep washed over him.

“Brother!” Qing rushed forward as she saw Mr. Shen enter the room.

“Stop shouting. He’s just tired,” WenLang said coldly, looking at her as if she were an inconvenience.

“WenLang-ge, I’m sorry…” she murmured.

“What a good alpha,” Gao Ming said mockingly.

Qing couldn’t take it anymore and left the room.

“I don’t know what’s going through your head, but you should’ve kept begging. Maybe he would’ve pitied you. And even if he asked me to help you… I’d make sure you spent the rest of your life behind bars. Laugh now, but just wait,” WenLang said calmly—too calmly—the tone he used when fully determined.

Then he lifted Gao Tu bridal-style and walked out.

Gao Ming stared at the ceiling.
“To hell with all of you… ungrateful brats,” he muttered.

*

*

When WenLang tried to place Gao Tu on the hospital bed, the omega clung so tightly to him that the doctor told him to simply sit down. They checked his vitals with him in WenLang’s arms.

Qing waited outside, trying to pull herself together.

“He has nothing physically wrong. He’s breathing well, his heart is normal. He didn’t faint—he fell asleep. It could have been the stress. Today was extremely traumatic for him. You can go home. I recommend he sleeps in his nest. The way he clings to you isn’t exactly normal—I’ve only seen it in omegas with hormonal imbalance. From his levels, he needs to regulate for a few days. A nest would help,” the doctor explained.

“A nest?” WenLang repeated, confused.

“Yes. He should have one. Every omega does. Though in his case, it’s possible he’s never had one—he’s spent years suppressing all his instincts.”

“I’m not sure if he has one… but if he doesn’t, we’ll make one. It’s not a problem,” WenLang replied. He always felt guilty when this topic came up.

“Don’t force him. We want him to follow his instincts naturally. Knowing him, if he realizes it, he’ll avoid it. Leave him your clothes. His sister’s could work too. But don’t insist. That’s all.”

WenLang nodded, and they went home—with Qing.

*

*

When they arrived home, WenLang carried Gao Tu to his own room. Qing followed behind, bringing a glass of water for when Gao Tu woke up. With Gao Tu sleeping deeply, WenLang tried to look for the nest, but he really couldn’t see anything. Just in case, he went to check the bathroom.

“WenLang-ge, what are you doing?”

“Qing, do you know if Gao Tu has a nest?”

“A nest?”

“…” She paused to think. “No, I’ve never seen him have one.”

“It’s important for him to have one. Can you lend me a piece of clothing with your scent? We can leave it here to see if he eventually makes one; the doctor said it’s essential.”

“I understand, of course.”

Qing went upstairs to her room and came back with a white blouse. She placed it near Gao Tu, and he grabbed it with one hand.

“Good,” WenLang said.

Then he brought over the tie from that night at the banquet, which was on the bedside table. And finally, he went to his room and brought one of his jackets and a black shirt, placing them close, and Gao Tu curled up against them, looking more comfortable.

“I think it’s working,” Qing commented.

“Are you going to sleep? I’ll stay with him tonight. When he wakes up, I’ll give him something to drink. I’ll take care of him.”

“Don’t you have class tomorrow?”

“No, I’m free tomorrow. The professor isn’t available. And you have work.”

“I still want to stay,” WenLang replied.

“WenLang-ge, it’s better if you sleep. You’re hurt too. Besides, my brother already feels bad because you took care of everything—you know how he is,” Qing insisted in a whisper.

That last comment convinced Shen WenLang.

“Call me if he wakes up.”

Qing nodded.

When he reached his room, Shen WenLang took a shower and changed his clothes. He set an alarm for 6:30 and fell into a deep sleep. It had been a long day.

Chapter Text

Gao Tu woke up around 4 a.m. He sat up slowly in the bed; he felt warm and then realized he had been tucked in. There was a jacket around his neck and more clothes over his legs. Why had they let him sleep surrounded by such a mess? Gao Tu pulled the blanket off himself and then stacked the clothes to one side of the bed.

The bed smelled like WenLang and Qing, but they weren’t around. That was when he realized the scent was coming from the clothes. Had they left those for him so he wouldn’t feel alone? They were so thoughtful. He couldn’t help but smile a little.

Suddenly he heard a movement coming from the sofa, like someone turning over. He carefully approached. Halfway there, he already knew it was Qing by the shape of the body and the scent. He went to get a blanket and gently covered her.

He wasn’t as exhausted as before—the nap had helped—but he still felt strange, like his body wanted something else. And he was thirsty. The last thing he remembered before falling asleep was the relief he felt when he was close to WenLang.

But it wasn’t normal… it wasn’t the first time his essence sought Shen WenLang’s. It was just that he had never felt such a strange sensation before, as if even being with him was not enough. What was happening to him?

Gao Tu couldn’t find an answer, so he simply walked to the nightstand, drank some water, and curled up again on the bed.

Was WenLang asleep? Surely yes. When WenLang slept, he was very calm, barely moved, and always held him tightly, as if he were a pillow. WenLang was warm and smelled good. Would Shen WenLang still like him the same way after what happened with his father? Probably not.

While he thought of him, his body reached for the clothes again, and like that, without realizing, he fell asleep.

*

*

The next day, WenLang woke up very early to go to the company. For the last two weeks, he had been letting work pile up because he wanted to come home quickly. The truth was, almost every day he used to work overtime, simply because before living with Gao Tu he had no real reason to return home.

Now that he came back earlier, he couldn’t perform the same way. Even though he worked a little after dinner at the dining table, he was still behind on some contracts. And there was also the matter that many things and documents had been organized quickly thanks to his previous secretary, Gao Tu.

The new general secretary, who had been promoted to Gao Tu’s former position, was very efficient and deserved the promotion; however, he didn’t understand the way WenLang liked things done, and they often had to make major corrections.

Before leaving, WenLang went to Gao Tu’s room and saw both siblings still asleep. Quietly, he left a new garment on Gao Tu’s bed—a white shirt this time, deeply scented with his essence because he couldn’t be home for breakfast today. He had an extremely important meeting to close a project.

He knelt down and gently kissed one of Gao Tu’s hands, staying there for a few minutes, releasing comforting pheromones.

Then, WenLang left for the company. The day went by fast; at midday it was too late to return home, so he sent a message to Gao Tu. For some reason, although they were supposedly a couple, he didn’t receive many messages from the omega. In fact, today he hadn’t texted at all. But he was used to that.

“Have you been okay? Make sure to eat,” was the message WenLang sent at lunchtime. He worried about him eating because the omega tended to skip meals, either because he had no appetite or because he forgot. Even though he was an adult, he was somewhat problematic in that regard.

At 5 p.m., WenLang still had work to do, but he was starting to feel anxious because Gao Tu hadn’t responded. He knew he was fine—he had already hired two bodyguards, one for Qing and one for Gao Tu, and they had reported that both were safe at home. But that was all.

WenLang wanted to see him and make sure he was okay. So he left the last document of the day in the hands of the general secretary and went home.

*

*

That morning, Gao Tu woke up at 9 a.m., much later than usual. He would have slept even longer if not for the heat he felt. When he opened his eyes, he realized there was a jacket around his neck, like a scarf. Absurd—no wonder he was so hot. As usual, he reached toward the nightstand to check the time on his phone, but there was nothing.

Right. His phone had been lost when he was kidnapped. Another expense. He scanned the room searching for Qing, but she wasn’t there either. Near the bed, there was another shirt, a white one this time. He knew it was Shen WenLang’s because of the size and the label. Having a new garment made him feel unexpectedly excited. It was a very strange feeling.

He got up and headed to the kitchen. Even though everything was fine and physically he felt better, he couldn’t shake the sadness inside. What happened with his father had affected him more than he thought. If his own father couldn’t love and respect him, how could he expect genuine love from anyone else?... Speaking of love, where was WenLang? Oh, right. It was Monday. He must be at the company.

In the kitchen he saw Qing at the dining table. The table was set. She saw him and called him with a slightly sad smile.

“Are you hungry? You know, you fell asleep last night, and Mister Shen— I mean, WenLang-ge carried you to bed. Are you feeling better?”

“Where is he?” Gao Tu asked.

Qing remembered what she heard at the hospital. It seemed her brother wasn’t comfortable following his instincts. Honestly, it was new even for her.

She couldn’t judge him for having separation anxiety and missing his alpha—not when he was pregnant. It was normal.

“He’s working. Before he left, he left you a shirt so you would feel better.” Qing had noticed the scene that morning; she just didn’t want to draw attention to WenLang. After all, it was the first time she witnessed a pheromone therapy moment.

“Right, I understand… I’m not hungry. I’ll eat later,” Gao Tu said, turning around to go shower. He had no appetite. He usually vomited breakfast, but lunch would be fine—he could eat with WenLang.

Qing stayed silent, unsure what to do. When WenLang-ge asked her brother to eat, he usually obeyed, but he didn’t pay her the same attention. She also didn’t feel well after what happened with their father, but wasn’t it irresponsible to skip meals while pregnant? Why wasn’t her very responsible brother eating? She spent a long while thinking.

*

*

In the shower, Gao Tu let the water run. He had always felt sadness inside, as if he had been born sad. But today felt different. Until a day ago, he felt things were improving. His nausea was more manageable, his sister was living well and doing fine at university, Mister Shen—Shen WenLang—was very good to him, treated him as if he adored him.

He could see it in the way he looked at him, and when he wanted to touch him, he saw desire in his eyes. Everything felt so real. That dynamic had made him feel a false confidence in the love he felt—he even told him that he liked him, and that he cared for him.

But yesterday he caused too many problems for him. It was embarrassing to even speak to him. How could he erase what happened? Before, he always considered himself somewhat useful to Shen WenLang, but now, after all this, he had made it clear that he was just a weak omega, and the way he needed Shen WenLang’s pheromones and protection made him feel very insecure.

For someone who had everything like Shen WenLang, it would be easy to discard him. He was sure that, for him, WenLang was everything, and he would endure everything and more if it was for him. But knowing the alpha, Gao Tu was certain the whole situation had been extremely bothersome for him.

The alpha always hated omegas precisely because of things like this—because they got involved in these kinds of situations. Gao Tu knew that well. And his father… his father was a bad man. It was a shame WenLang had to deal with all that because of him.

If only there were a way to feel useful again, to show he could contribute something—maybe then he would feel better about himself.

After the shower, Gao Tu returned to his room. He felt that his pheromones, which had increased lately, had weakened again. He didn’t release the same amount as a normal omega because of so many years of suppressants.

He dressed in comfortable clothes and went back to the living room. Qing was still there; when she saw him, she focused her attention instantly. She looked fine, but he knew they were both worried and sad.

“Qing, how are you?” he asked.

“Oh, I’m fine. Do you want to eat now?”

“Ah… no. I want to wait until lunch. You know I don’t like eating in the morning,” he explained.

“Since when do you depend so much on him? You have to eat even if he’s not here. What are you going to do if he doesn’t come for lunch?” Qing complained, half joking.

“You’re right.” Gao Tu didn’t laugh, didn’t even smile. He only looked down.

“Gege, I’m sorry, I know you get a lot of nausea. It’s normal to feel more comfortable eating with him, I understand, okay? It’s not a bad thing,” Qing tried to excuse herself, but her earlier comment had hit him exactly where he was fragile.

At lunchtime, WenLang didn’t appear, and so Gao Tu ate with Qing. Neither of them spoke much. There wasn’t much to talk about—every conversation led to something depressing. They could only think about how their father was heading to prison. They were children of a man who would go to jail. Better not think about it.

Shen WenLang’s absence was very noticeable, especially after he had gotten them used to him being there for almost every meal.

Qing respected her brother deeply; when she upset him, she just waited until things returned to normal. So she stayed quiet, only making sure he ate everything, and Gao Tu did—slowly, but he ate.

In the afternoon, each returned to their room. Qing needed to study, and Gao Tu wanted to distract himself. He took out his laptop, which he hadn’t turned on for days, and started browsing online for remote work. The afternoon slipped away like that.

*

*

When WenLang entered his home, he saw the two bodyguards and the cook talking in the reception area. It annoyed him—he paid them to stay alert, not to chat. But he said nothing since they straightened up immediately upon seeing him.

They greeted him nervously, and he just nodded. He would have to consider hiring new bodyguards.

He entered the elevator, tapping his briefcase with his ring finger, anxious to see Gao Tu’s face.

Once he reached his floor, there were no lights on, no sign of Gao Tu. He dropped his briefcase in the living room and walked to the room across from his own. He knocked once, then twice—nothing. Anxiety jumped in his chest, and he opened the door.

His heartbeat returned to normal when he saw Gao Tu asleep on the couch by the window. A book with a bookmark rested on his chest, and around his neck was the white shirt WenLang had left that morning.

He looked toward the bed. The whole nesting issue still intrigued him. During the day, he had looked up some information—apparently, a nest was a safe space made not only from clothes but also objects the omega liked. Interesting.

The doctor had been clear:
The nest was supposed to help him, give him a space to regulate himself, to connect with his body, with the pregnancy.

And it wasn’t exactly a common topic. Omegas were a whole universe. WenLang crouched beside the couch, resting on one knee, and carefully brushed a few strands of hair from Gao Tu’s forehead, revealing his full, pretty eyebrows.

Looking at his face, WenLang couldn’t help but imagine what a baby of theirs would look like. Hopefully, it would look like Gao Tu. In general, having a gentle face was a good thing, wasn’t it?

Gao Tu nuzzled his face into WenLang’s hand, seeking him out. That small gesture made WenLang feel guilty for not having been home all day.

Maybe Gao Tu had needed him.
Maybe he had tried to build the nest and didn’t know how.
Maybe he had been waiting for him.

He looked again at the shirt around his neck.
That was a good sign.
Gao Tu was seeking something that soothed him—something that smelled like him.

WenLang felt a soft wave of tenderness and brought the omega’s hand to his cheek, rubbing it gently. He was tired too, so he closed his eyes.

“Gao Tu…” he whispered, sounding almost apologetic. “I’m glad you’re back, and safe.”

Gao Tu turned toward him, as if he had heard him, and as he moved the book slid off his chest, hitting the floor. The omega woke up startled—so startled he almost fell off the couch, but instead he shot upright.

WenLang was just as surprised and almost fell backward, but steadied himself quickly. Their eyes met.

Gao Tu, with the white shirt now on his lap, looked at him with a hint of pink in his cheeks. He blinked twice, as if to be sure he was real—or at least that’s what it seemed. He looked confused, and dressed all in white, WenLang thought he looked like a little rabbit.

“WenLang, you’re back,” were his first words.

“Yes. I had a lot of work. I texted you but you didn’t reply.”

“Oh, no, I lost my phone,” Gao Tu reminded him.

“Oh,”
“That’s right, I forgot. I’ll buy you one tomorrow.”

“Thank you, but… Mister Shen, Qing already helped me order one online. It will arrive tomorrow. It’s fine.”

“Why do you switch to ‘Mister Shen’ all of a sudden?”

“I did?”

“Yes.”

“Is there a lot of work?”

“Yes. I still don’t have much synchronicity with the general secretary.”

“Has he done something wrong?”

“It’s not that he does it wrong, it’s just that he doesn’t do it the way I need.”

“Be patient,” Gao Tu told him.

“I’ve been very patient.”

A silence grew in the room.

“Were you alright?” WenLang asked.

“Yes, thank you.”

“Good. What matters is that you’re okay.”

“You didn’t feel pain?” Gao Tu asked him.

“No. I healed overnight. I’m an S-class alpha, remember?”

“I remember.”

Another silence. They weren’t very good at casual conversation.

“I’m going to take a shower so I can finish a document and then have dinner. Shall we eat together?”

“I’ll tell Qing to come down,” Gao Tu smiled gently, but he looked dim. WenLang let him be. He didn’t know how to make him feel better.

During dinner, no one talked much. Qing looked even dimmer than before; she gave weak smiles when she met their eyes. Gao Tu was quieter than usual and hadn’t smiled once. WenLang wasn’t the type to force conversation, so they just ate in silence—not uncomfortable silence, just expected after everything that had happened.

Before they finished eating, WenLang informed them he would be gone for two days on a business trip. Qing didn’t care much; she said she understood, wished him luck, and went to her room. Gao Tu stayed on the couch pretending to read while Shen WenLang worked at the dining table.

Gao Tu read his book but occasionally stole glances at WenLang. After about twenty minutes, he noticed the alpha becoming more stressed than normal, so he approached to ask.

“Mister Shen, is there anything I can help with?”

WenLang looked up and for a moment was surprised. Gao Tu sometimes did unexpected things. He had his hands intertwined and tilted his head slightly, looking very cute. Was he doing it on purpose?

“No.”
He wanted to say yes. But he couldn’t make Gao Tu work.

“I understand,” Gao Tu said, his voice and expression turning gray as he turned away. Did he want to work that badly?

“Actually—” WenLang couldn’t stand that expression.

Gao Tu turned back toward him.

“Could you help me correct these documents? That way I could focus on reading the new proposals from the finance department.”

Gao Tu nodded. He grabbed his laptop and sat in front of WenLang. An hour later, they had finished the work. Shen WenLang knew the documents had been properly corrected, and he felt much lighter.

He actually disliked doing such corrections. He felt that if his team made mistakes in basic things like accents, commas, indentations, borders, measurements—then he had the wrong team and should fire them all. It stressed him greatly. Thankfully, Gao Tu had the same sensitivity to detail that he did.

Both closed their laptops, and WenLang stood up first, gathering papers and equipment into his briefcase.

Gao Tu began to feel uneasy. He wanted to know more about that trip.

“Mister Shen.”

“Mm?”

“Where are you going? What’s the purpose of the trip?”

“I’m going to Country W. I have to sign some documents to close the project—the one you helped me formulate with the government.”

“Ah. I remember. And when are you leaving?”

“Tomorrow, early. I’ll try to come back as soon as possible.”

“Okay,” murmured the omega, barely above a whisper.

“Thank you for letting me help today. Don’t hesitate to ask for assistance,” Gao Tu added.

“Tell me that when you get through the pheromone disorder and when you’re no longer carrying a baby,” WenLang said, attempting reassurance. But the moment the words left his mouth, he saw Gao Tu’s face change—and he knew he had ruined it. Again.

“I meant—” he began, but Gao Tu cut him off.

“I get it,” the omega said sharply. “Because I’m carrying a baby and I’m sick, you assume I can’t do anything. And now that you know I’m an omega, you think I’m useless.”

“Wow, no.”
WenLang blinked, stunned—then irritated.

Gao Tu’s hands trembled slightly, but he didn’t back down. “That’s what it sounds like.”

“Is that how you interpret everything I say?” WenLang’s voice rose without him meaning it to. The frustration of the past days—the carefulness, the effort, the constant second-guessing—boiled over.

The omega flinched at the volume.

“I’m sorry,” he whispered, eyes dropping immediately.

And that only made something twist painfully in WenLang’s chest.

“Why do you always apologize when you haven’t done anything?” he shot back, louder than before, brows drawn together in helpless anger.

Gao Tu stepped back instinctively, shoulders curling inward.
“I don’t want to bother you,” he said, voice small and frayed at the edges.

“You ARE bothering me!” WenLang snapped before his brain could catch up with his mouth.

Silence.

A tight, suffocating silence.

Gao Tu’s breath hitched.
A knot formed in his throat, thick and burning.

He only wanted to help.
He only wanted to say sorry.

Why did he always make him mad?
Why was he always a burden to Mister Shen?

“I…”
He tried to speak, but the words scraped painfully.
He wasn’t sure he could apologize again—not when WenLang hated it, not when he hated himself for doing it.

His chest hurt.
His head felt too heavy.
He couldn’t breathe right.

“I need to be alone,” he said at last, barely holding his voice steady. “Excuse me.”

He turned around before WenLang could see the tears forming.

“I didn’t mean to yell… I don’t know why I do it,” WenLang murmured to himself, shaken. His throat felt tight, too. The guilt hit him like a weight. This wasn’t the first time he yelled at Gao Tu. That was the worst part.

He took two long steps toward him.

“Gao Tu—wait.”

“Don’t follow me!”
The omega’s voice cut through the hallway—sharp, trembling, louder than WenLang had ever heard him.

WenLang froze.

Gao Tu had yelled at him.

They were both breathing hard.
Both hurting.
Both completely lost.

What were they doing?

He was confused—how had things ended up like this?

Defeated, WenLang decided he needed advice.

“Hua Yong?”

“What did you do now?”

“Nothing!”

“Then I’m hanging up.”

“Wait a second, don’t be stupid! FINE! I yelled at Gao Tu. I told him he was bothering me. What can I do to erase something like that?”

“Confirmed: you’re an idiot. Does he bother you?”

“No!”

“Then why the hell did you say that? I feel sorry for him. So many years by your side and you don’t know him at all. He’s probably crying in his room.”

“Crying?— He knows I didn’t mean it.”

“I’m going to tell you something that will help you for the rest of your life, and after this you’ll leave me alone for the rest of the night.”

“Secretary Gao is strong and composed like a beta, but he’s more sensitive than most omegas. Today he’s by your side, but the day he walks away because you’re a brute and a barbarian, you’ll regret treating him badly. And the man is carrying your baby—aren’t you ashamed? I might be a psychopath, but I would never yell at Mister Sheng. Get yourself checked.”

“I didn’t want to yell,” WenLang replied.

“I don’t care. Stop embarrassing yourself and go to therapy.”

Hua Yong hung up.

*

*

Soon after, WenLang prepared himself mentally to apologize, but when he went to knock on Gao Tu’s door, there was no answer. And when he tried to open it, it was blocked. WenLang felt deeply frustrated—if Gao Tu wouldn’t let him see him, how was he supposed to fix things?

He had already been honest with him several times; apologizing again wasn’t difficult. He just wanted to tell him not to apologize anymore, and that he had never—not even once—thought of him as useless for being an omega. Was Gao Tu seriously crying? Hua Yong hadn’t been wrong even a single time. WenLang hated to admit it, but he seemed to understand Gao Tu far better.

Anxious and stressed, WenLang rested his forehead against the door. He didn’t want Gao Tu to cry anymore. Never again.

“Gao Tu?” he called from outside. “I’m leaving early tomorrow. I don’t want to leave without saying goodbye. Can you open the door?”

There was no answer.

WenLang closed his eyes and clenched his fists. He deserved this treatment.

“It wasn’t my intention to yell. Are you okay?”

Still no answer.

“Please… just say something.”

Nothing.

WenLang sighed. He didn’t deserve that much silence, either. He waited for thirty minutes, and Gao Tu never opened the door. Eventually, WenLang gave up. Fine—let him do whatever he wants.

*

*

The first morning without Shen WenLang felt strangely normal. When Gao Tu opened his eyes, he felt disoriented. The last thing he remembered was falling asleep the night before with tears in his eyes. How stupid. He didn’t know why he let everything affect him so much. At this moment, Mr. Shen must be on the plane already. Gao Tu thought about that while staring at the ceiling.

A little later, Qing knocked on his door—his new phone had arrived. After setting it up and adding all his contacts, he organized his room and then washed clothes and bedsheets.

When he went downstairs for breakfast, there was a paper bag on the table—two shirts from Shen WenLang, drenched in his scent. There was no note. Were they for him?

“WenLang-ge left that for you. He told me by text,” Qing answered as if reading his mind.

Gao Tu remembered last night’s argument.

“Why do you keep apologizing when you did nothing wrong?”
“You ARE bothering me!”

Ouch.

And now what? Their relationship wasn’t going to work. Clearly, their personalities didn’t match. It was humiliating to ask Shen WenLang not to yell at him—it was such a basic thing. His child wasn’t going to grow up watching his father lose his temper so easily. Gao Tu needed to find another place. He couldn’t keep bothering Shen WenLang.

After hanging the laundry, he began searching for rental places. His savings could cover a few months, and before the baby was born he could make more money. It wasn’t complicated. Good. The thought filled him with a brief spark of vitality.

Which was immediately replaced by sudden nausea.

He rushed to the bathroom and threw up.
He wished WenLang were there to ease the discomfort.

At lunchtime, the doorbell rang. The cook went to open it—a man in a black suit stood there, holding an arrangement of sky-blue flowers. They were beautiful.

“For Mr. Gao, please.”

“Thank you,” the cook replied.

There was no dedication card. Just a small note:
“From Shen WenLang”

Was this his way of apologizing? Gao Tu gave a half-smile. It wasn’t enough. But knowing WenLang, he probably just wanted to make him feel better in his own way.

Gao Tu didn’t know the idea had actually been Hua Yong’s.

In the afternoon, he began receiving notifications on his new phone.

**(Wolf of Wolves)**
3:00 pm — Hi, Gao Tu? Qing gave me your number. Have you been alright?
3:01 pm — Finished my first meeting, going to the next. Make sure to eat.
3:05 pm — Use my clothes to ease the nausea.
3:06 pm — I’ll be back soon.

One message after another—typical Shen WenLang.
He wasn’t going to reply. He ignored them and kept looking at apartment listings.

**(Wolf of Wolves)**
5:00 pm — Finished the second meeting. Tonight I’m going to a banquet. Make sure to rest.
5:10 pm — Did you like the flowers?

Gao Tu was finishing his book when those messages arrived.
He was going to a banquet? The thought filled him with anxiety—he’d be surrounded by people trying to make him drink and by omegas trying to seduce him. Mr. Shen hated drinking and hated omegas, but what if something happened?

Gao Tu lifted his phone, wanting to send… something. Anything.

But he had no idea what to say.

“Don’t go.” "Is it necessary?” “Don’t drink.” “Behave.” “I love you.”

No. Nothing sounded right.
In the end, he sent nothing.

**(Wolf of Wolves)**
8:00 pm — I’m at the event now. They’ve made me drink a few times. But I’m fine.
11:00 pm — I’m at the hotel. Going to rest. Reply soon.

But what could he reply? It wasn’t normal to pretend yelling wasn’t a big deal. Even Gao Tu understood that. If WenLang apologized, he would consider it, but for now he wasn’t going to pretend everything was fine.

That night, Gao Tu couldn’t sleep. He tried breathing techniques, music, even moving to the couch, but nothing worked. What was wrong with him?

The bed didn’t feel right.
Was he not tired enough?
But it was already 3 a.m.!

He gave up, turned on the lights, and began watching a history documentary.

**(Wolf of Wolves)**
5:00 am — Good morning.
5:01 am — I couldn’t sleep.
5:02 am — I hope you’re okay.

WenLang? Awake this early? Unusual.
Gao Tu sighed.

**(Wolf of Wolves)**
5:03 am — I’ll be back soon.

The day dragged on slowly. Gao Tu did everything on autopilot. He didn’t want to talk to anyone, didn’t want to eat. All his thoughts were negative. Moving out no longer sounded appealing—everything was expensive, jobs were hard to find, and he still had to look after Qing. And then there was his body, which seemed to hate him—pain, nausea, instability. Sleep came only with WenLang’s pheromones covering him.

His body, which once depended on suppressors to feel normal, was now beginning to depend on an alpha’s pheromones to stay stable. Worse.

He didn’t get any more messages from WenLang during the day. He had given up quickly. It was his fault, really—for acting like he was important.

Everything was falling apart.
Nothing could go right when everything had started wrong.

That night, Gao Tu felt more restless than usual. He’d spent the entire afternoon waiting for updates from Shen WenLang, but nothing had come since 5 a.m. His anxiety increased. He wouldn’t be able to endure another sleepless night. Besides, when was WenLang coming back?

It was almost 3 a.m. when he finally grew angry.
What was happening?
Why couldn’t he get WenLang out of his mind?
Was something wrong with him?
Was this what it meant to be an omega?

He wanted to feel the Iris under his skin.
The clothes he had weren’t enough anymore.

Without thinking too much, he went downstairs to the kitchen and grabbed the bag with WenLang’s new clothes. Then he went back to his room, undressed, and put on one of the shirts. While doing so, he realized what he was doing and felt mortified. He would die if anyone ever found out.

But he felt better.
Calmer.
His body relaxed.

He put on socks, tossed the other shirt over himself, and lay down. Then, with the rest of the clothes—including Qing’s blouse—he made a bundle and held it in his arms for a while.

Thirty minutes passed, and he still couldn’t sleep.
Something was missing.

His skin began to itch; he wanted to get up. Everything felt too open… too empty… too unsafe. But this was his bed. His own bed, so why?

Was it because of the sheets? No, he had already changed them. He also added thicker blankets and warm covers, but still not enough.

What if he added more pillows? Yes.
But he didn’t have any more.

He knew WenLang kept extras in his room.
So he went to get them.

He had to sleep tonight—for the baby. Two sleepless nights weren’t healthy. And it was already 4 a.m.!

When he opened Shen WenLang’s bedroom door, he hesitated, but the Iris scent in the air made his feet move on their own. The room had been empty for two nights, but still felt warm. He looked around for pillows—there they were, stacked in the wardrobe. Perfect. He carried them all to his room and threw them on his bed. A strange happiness washed over him.

It was working.
This was it.
Less empty. Perfect.

But why did something still feel missing?

Frustrated, he went back to WenLang’s room and, without hesitation, pulled the sheets off the bed. Was it too much? No, it was just a sheet. WenLang wouldn’t notice. He’d just say he washed it. Yes. He wouldn’t notice.

Back in his room, Gao Tu smiled genuinely for the first time since returning from the hospital. He arranged the pillows along the edges of the bed, forming something like a cradle, and secured them with WenLang’s sheet. Then, as if following instructions his body already knew, he placed the clothes around—one in each corner—Qing’s blouse, WenLang’s black shirt, the tie, the jacket, and finally the other white shirt.

Perfect.

He turned off the main light and switched on the warm bedside lamp. Then he climbed inside.

At last—
finally—
he felt okay.

He closed his eyes and caressed his belly.

“Let’s sleep, baby,” he whispered.

It was the first time he ever spoke to his baby, though he didn’t realize it.
Wrapped in the pheromones of his family, safe in his nest, sleep finally came to the omega.

*

*

At five in the morning, WenLang’s plane landed in Jianghu. It didn’t take him long to reach home. He went up in the elevator, fighting exhaustion. The sun had barely begun to rise; the house was still dark.

His first stop was his room. He turned on the lights and noticed the bed had no sheet. Strange. Maybe someone had taken it to wash.

He removed his blazer and tie, brushed his teeth.
Gao Tu must be sleeping, but he wanted to see him.

WenLang took a quick shower and changed into comfortable clothes. He hadn’t slept well in the last nights, but now he felt wide awake. Before he realized it, he was already standing in front of Gao Tu’s door.

He wasn’t going to knock so early, and barging in wouldn’t be appropriate.
But his hand moved to the doorknob and turned it.

The room was dark—the curtains blocking the dawn light. A warm glow came from the bedside lamp.

He looked around.

And when he saw the scene, he felt as if he had witnessed something he wasn’t supposed to.

His breath slowed.
Quiet.
Quiet.
He must not wake the man sleeping before him.

Gao Tu was lying on his side, thighs exposed, breathing softly. He was wearing both shirts WenLang had left for him. They were slightly big on him. His posture accentuated the curve of his waist, and the fabric draped around him gently.

The most intimate part was that he was wearing his clothes—as if he had missed him.
And when WenLang saw the nest, he immediately recognized the sheet.

It was a very specific behavior.
One seen only in omegas.

Strange, yes, but WenLang’s alpha couldn’t have been more satisfied.

He stepped closer—slowly.
When he touched one of the pillows, the omega shifted slightly.

He remembered what he read—alphas should keep their distance. Only those approved by the omega could enter a nest.

WenLang stayed back.

But as he tried to retreat, Gao Tu reached out and grabbed his hand.

Shen WenLang’s heart stopped.

The omega opened his eyes slowly, disoriented.

“WenLang?”

“I’m sorry.”

“You came back.”
Gao Tu released his hand and sat up. When he looked down at his legs, color spread across his cheeks. He wasn’t wearing pants. And he was dressed in Shen WenLang’s clothes.

He wanted to die.

“I’m sorry for yelling at you.”

Gao Tu lifted his gaze. Surprised.
“Do you understand why it was wrong?”

“Yes… it isn’t normal to yell just because I get angry or frustrated. Least of all telling you that you bother me.”

“…”

“I yelled too. I’m sorry.”

“Don’t apologize. It was my fault. I don’t know how to express myself. I’m the one who always yells,” WenLang said, approaching slowly, without stepping inside the nest. “I wanted you to know it wasn’t your fault—what happened on the bridge, or at the hospital. I did nothing for you. Nothing. I went for you because you are you. I don’t need you to be useful. I just need you to live, to be okay, and to wait for me, because I will always come back to you. Do you understand?”

He tried to put everything he meant into words.

“I hate when you say sorry. It makes me feel like I’m doing everything wrong,” he finished, looking hurt.

Seeing him like that, Gao Tu leaned closer and gently placed WenLang’s hand on his cheek, tilting his head to seek warmth. He had never been good at expressing himself—maybe he was even worse than WenLang.

“I don’t like when you yell,” Gao Tu said softly, meeting his eyes.

WenLang felt butterflies. His heart melted.
Was Gao Tu always this gentle?
Yes. He had been. Small things—buying his favorite tea, staying with him during overtime—he had done sweet things all along. WenLang had been the one missing them for years.

He had a partner who understood him, who could calm him down simply by ignoring him a little.

“Do I bother you?” Gao Tu asked, staring at him.

“Never. It only bothered me to see you sad. I want to erase that expression from your face.”

“I still feel sorry. For everything. And I still want to be useful,” the omega said, still looking at him with that stubborn sincerity.

Gao Tu was complicated. Sometimes he couldn’t hold eye contact, and other times—like now—he looked serious and confident, as if the answer didn’t matter because he had already decided something.

“You can work from home, as my assistant. And with time, you’ll stop feeling guilty. I’ll show you that it wasn’t a big deal. I’ll do much more for you.”

“You just got here?” Gao Tu asked, letting go of his hand.

“Mm.”

“Do you want to sleep?”

“Mm.”

“I’m sorry—I used your sheet to make my bed more comfortable. I couldn’t sleep.”

Gao Tu glanced at the nest—still unaware of what it was.

“It’s fine. I’m glad you finally have your nest.”

“My… nest?” He looked genuinely confused.

“You didn’t realize you built one?”

Gao Tu’s expression lit up with surprise.
Oh. Ohhh—so that was it.

“Makes sense. The baby needs a nest.”

“Not exactly—it’s you. You need a nest. You should’ve had one long ago. To get through your heats and regulate pheromone levels,” WenLang explained, quoting what he had learned.

“Oh… I used to take inhibitors.”

The atmosphere grew awkward.
WenLang got up.
Gao Tu watched him, anxious.

“Are you leaving?”

“Yeah. I’m just going to get a sheet and sleep.”

“My stomach hurts. And I feel a little dizzy,” the omega lied, searching for anything. Maybe he was being a bit manipulative.

“Oh—should I help you with therapy?”

He hadn’t expected that.

“Mm.”

WenLang sat on the edge of the bed—careful not to cross the subtle border of the nest—and took the omega’s hands. His pheromones eased out slowly, warm and steady, like a quiet anchor. The early morning light seeped in through the curtains, pale and delicate, painting everything in muted colors. A few minutes passed like that until Gao Tu tugged softly at his shirt, barely catching the fabric with his fingers, asking him—shy, hesitant—to come closer.

Neither spoke.

WenLang didn’t dare. He didn’t want to disturb whatever fragile thing was forming between them. He simply let it happen.

They were a little closer now.

Gao Tu turned to face him, eyes half-lidded in the dim morning glow, then tugged again—this time a quiet invitation for WenLang to lie down beside him.

Sleep tugged at WenLang’s limbs again, slow and warm. Gao Tu’s eyes closed, his expression finally at ease. Their bodies drifted toward each other naturally. The omega’s pheromones rose, gentle and warm, filling the nest like something alive.

The lamp’s light was already drowned by dawn, but WenLang reached back and switched it off anyway.

He settled again.
Then let instinct guide him.
He slid an arm around Gao Tu’s waist, drawing him closer with a cautious, reverent touch.

They stayed like that—breathing the same cool morning air, wrapped in faint warmth and the softest intimacy.

Neither of them spoke.

They simply let the moment settle around them—warm, quiet, almost trembling in its gentleness.

And slowly—almost in unison—they drifted into sleep, curled together inside the small nest Gao Tu had unknowingly built for himself.

It struck WenLang then, in a distant, weightless way. He’d spent so many years rolling his eyes at omegas and their instincts, dismissing love as sentimental nonsense. If anyone had told him that one day he’d end up here—held in the hush of an omega’s nest—he would have laughed without hesitation.

Yet lying there, surrounded by that soft warmth and the faint trace of Gao Tu’s scent, he couldn’t quite find the humor in it anymore.

It felt… strangely right.