As if to offer the suffering Omega a bit of sweetness, Shang Sui reached out his hand to Shi Qi, the tips of his fingers carrying the scent of honey.
The Alpha’s long fingers, tinged pink at the joints, looked like some kind of deliciously tempting dessert. Shi Qi, unable to help himself, leaned in. His fever-clouded mind was completely captivated.
He stuck out his tongue and, following his instincts, gave Shang Sui’s fingertip a lick.
Both of them froze.
As he came back to his senses and realized what he had just done, Shi Qi’s expression began to change.
Even if the pheromones carried a sweet scent, how could he actually treat Shang Sui like food!
But it kind of tasted good…
Was his brain completely fried? What the hell was he thinking?
A soft chuckle suddenly came from behind.
“Are you hungry?”
Before Shi Qi could respond, Shang Sui leaned down and once again bit the back of his neck.
Why was he doing this again…!
No time to prepare at all. One moment they were speaking calmly, the next, he was biting him like he’d flipped a switch.
Shi Qi clawed helplessly at the bed, legs flailing. The movement seemed to provoke the Alpha, and his slender wrist was quickly pinned down.
Before Shi Qi could resist, his other hand was also seized.
Shang Sui held both wrists in one hand, lifting them above his head and pressing his trembling arms into the pillow, like he was playing with a small doll.
The marking didn’t stop. The sensation of pheromones entering his body made every nerve feel electrified.
A broken sob escaped Shi Qi’s throat as he began struggling desperately. His delicate wrists rubbed together, but he couldn’t shake free of the Alpha’s shackle-like grip.
“Let go… let me go!”
At that moment, Shi Qi wanted to scratch something—anything. He couldn’t hold it in; he needed to let it out.
Shang Sui paid no attention to his cries. Maybe he had noticed Shi Qi’s bad habit of clawing at things, and that was why he restrained him like this.
Realizing he couldn’t break free no matter what, Shi Qi’s eyes widened in horror.
There were several Alphas in the dance club. In arm-wrestling matches, Shi Qi had taken down every single one of them. Everyone had clapped for him like seals lined up in a row.
He had beaten all the other Alphas, so why couldn’t he move at all against Shang Sui?
No, he was going to… He couldn’t breathe.
He didn’t know whether it was the nature of being marked by an Alpha or something uniquely dangerous about Shang Sui, but Shi Qi felt like he was suffocating.
Shang Sui hadn’t even hurt him, so why was he trembling all over?
It was as if even his soul had been branded with someone else’s mark. Invisible chains wrapped around his limbs, dragging him into the abyss with no chance of escape.
No, it seemed like it was happening again…!
The Alpha’s sharp canines pierced his skin, injecting the final dose of pheromones.
Shi Qi’s eyes rolled slightly back, and the last of his resistance vanished. His wrists fell limp and powerless.
With the marking completed, what followed was an overwhelming sense of satisfaction.
That feeling, as if his mind had melted, enveloped him once again, his whole body immersed in warm, flowing water.
By the time Shi Qi regained consciousness, he belatedly realized that he had started to cry.
How could this happen? So humiliating.
He had even… even during the marking…
The heavy floral scent in the air was like the vitality of spring, announcing exactly what the disheveled Omega had done. Shang Sui looked at his reddened eyes; Shi Qi seemed unable to accept that he had lost control during the marking and suddenly let out a whimper.
Shang Sui paused for a moment, then chuckled. “Why do you look so pitiful?”
Shi Qi seemed just as overwhelmed by the mark, his mind still unclear. On instinct, he tried to curl up, wanting to hide the mess of “evidence” around him.
Seeing him cry, Shang Sui didn’t press him further. Without a word, he bent his legs and sat on the bed.
Worried that Shi Qi might have trouble breathing, he reached over and pulled him into his arms, gently patting his back.
His pheromones were different from those of an average Alpha. Normally, after a temporary mark, an Omega would quickly regain rationality.
But his pheromones were too overpowering. Shi Qi seemed even more dazed than before, ruled entirely by instinct and unable to control his emotions.
“There, there. It’s okay now.”
“The mark is done. In a little while, you’ll start to recover, and the dizziness will fade,” Shang Sui coaxed him. “This is all completely normal. No need to feel bad.”
Through tear-blurred vision, Shi Qi listened to the patient, soothing voice in his ear. The more he looked at Shang Sui’s calm and composed demeanor, the more dissatisfied he felt.
He wanted to see Shang Sui cry too.
Ideally, cry a complete mess, so they’d both be equally humiliated.
With that vaguely vengeful thought, he suddenly leaned over and bit down on the Alpha’s pale neck.
Shang Sui was caught off guard. He hadn’t expected Shi Qi’s sudden outburst.
However, the next second, Shang Sui laughed. His chest trembled slightly with the force of it, as if he were genuinely happy.
Shi Qi was stunned by the laughter, dazedly releasing his bite and pulling back to look at him.
Even in his unclear state, Shi Qi still remembered that Alphas were naturally aggressive and hated having their glands touched, let alone being bitten as a provocation.
Unless it was by a chosen mate, anyone daring to touch an Alpha’s gland might as well be courting death.
Shang Sui had just been bitten, yet he laughed instead of getting angry. Had he gone mad?
Shi Qi had always been the type to own up to what he did, but something about the unpredictable way Shang Sui was acting gave him chills.
“I didn’t mean to,” Shi Qi explained without much confidence. “I just got the urge to bite when I saw you…”
“I almost forgot our Xiao Qi has quite the temper,” Shang Sui said, a faint smile still lingering in his eyes. “My gland’s over here, a bit to the left.”
He cooperatively tilted his neck and brushed aside his long hair, exposing the smooth back of his neck. Like an older brother teaching something, he said to Shi Qi, “Here, bite down hard—right here.”
An Alpha who teaches someone how to bite their own glands like that must be crazy.
But Shi Qi licked his lips, his still-clouded mind unable to weigh the consequences. In the end, he failed to resist the temptation.
Earlier, Shang Sui’s fingers had tasted sweet. If it were the glands, it must taste even better, right?
After all, the scent there was especially strong, like a delicious honey cake.
With hazy eyes, Shi Qi leaned in, his canine teeth pressing against the skin, and bit down accurately on Shang Sui’s glands.
Even knowing it was Shi Qi who bit him, Shang Sui’s body tensed up reflexively, instinctively preparing to fight back in that instant.
The Omega pressed against him was exuding a fresh, lively scent, like flowers blooming in a valley.
Under Shi Qi’s pheromones, Shang Sui suppressed his violent instincts, his body gradually relaxing.
Remembering that Shang Sui had told him to bite hard, Shi Qi followed through and increased the pressure, causing the Alpha to let out a cry.
Shang Sui’s voice already had a raspy texture, and now it carried a seductive tremor.
Shi Qi felt his bones go soft at the sound and instinctively grabbed Shang Sui’s shoulders with both hands.
“Yeah… just like that.” Shang Sui let out a soft hum, the smile on his lips deepening. “You bite so well. Impressive.”
What was with that shameless grin?
And calling out so… wantonly.
Shi Qi was not pleased and bit down harder. The tips of his teeth broke the skin, and he tasted a hint of blood.
Strangely, even Shang Sui’s blood tasted sweet.
The potent pheromones in the blood deepened his dizziness, and Shi Qi gave his neck one last lick before finally letting go, blurting out what he’d been dying to ask.
“Why aren’t you affected?”
Compared to his own helpless mess, Shang Sui looked completely unbothered, as if nothing had happened.
The contrast left Shi Qi restless. He desperately wanted Shang Sui to be just as disheveled. Not only so they could be embarrassed together, but also because, deep down, there was a quiet sense of disappointment inside him.
It was as if… he had no effect on Shang Sui.
Even in this state, the other remained unmoved.
“I’m not affected?”
Shang Sui repeated in a low voice. The desire he had been holding back finally pried open under Shi Qi’s provocation. If he wasn’t careful, it would break free from its restraints.
Before Shi Qi could react, the Alpha pressed against him.
Something that had been deliberately restrained now pushed against him. Even through their clothes, he could feel its staggering weight.
“What do you take me for, a saint?” Shang Sui’s voice grew heavier, his breath unsteady. “Of course I’m affected.”
Watching Shi Qi go completely blank, Shang Sui added, “I told you—this is a normal reaction.”
In theory, Alphas with a special rut weren’t supposed to be affected by Omega pheromones.
Years ago, a radical scholar once claimed that special-rut Alphas were superior beings. Unlike Betas, who were unable to perceive pheromones, these Alphas were said to be truly in control of them, the fully evolved species.
They possessed enhanced physical abilities, could use pheromones to suppress other genders, and remained unaffected themselves, capable of staying detached even when an Omega was in heat.
Such discriminatory remarks quickly disappeared amid a flood of public outrage. Shang Sui didn’t hold any particular opinion on the matter, but while those around him scrambled to avoid the chaos pheromones could cause, he had indeed never once lost his head or been driven purely by desire under the influence of an Omega’s pheromones.
But Shi Qi’s scent was fatally alluring to him. Though it was a clean fragrance, like mountain spring water, it stirred all kinds of dangerous thoughts. If left unchecked, he couldn’t guarantee he would remain rational.
He needed to distance himself from Shi Qi for the time being.
Otherwise, he couldn’t predict what he might do.
Shi Qi seemed frightened. Shang Sui forced himself to shut his eyes and step back.
Sweat beaded on his forehead; he wiped it away with the back of his hand. When he spoke again, his voice was hoarse. “Wipe yourself off with some tissues first.”
“Do you want to take a shower?”
Shi Qi shook his head. He had no strength left in his body. If he entered the bathroom now, he might collapse on the spot.
“The suitcase is over there. Do you see it?”
“I’m going to take a shower. If you’re uncomfortable, you can change into some clean clothes first.”
Seeing that Shi Qi remained silent, Shang Sui added, “If you don’t want to move, just lie down on the bed for a bit. Wait for me to come back.”
Perhaps realizing he wasn’t in a good state, Shi Qi obediently nodded this time.
Worried that something might happen if he left Shi Qi alone, Shang Sui forced himself to finish giving instructions before getting up and heading into the bathroom.
Aside from the shower area, the room also had a semi-open round bath surrounded by draped gauze curtains on all sides.
As he passed by, Shang Sui thought Shi Qi might want to bathe later, so he turned on the water for the tub and pulled down the outermost curtain.
Shi Qi stayed by himself for a while, vaguely hearing the sound of running water from the shower.
He first wiped off the mess on his body. Eventually, unable to endure it any longer, he got out of bed.
He was still groggy, but no longer felt unwell. Unlike the earlier burning sensation, his body now felt as if it were soaking in warm water at just the right temperature. Every bone in his body seemed to relax, and a lazy air settled over him.
His legs were still a bit weak as he walked over to Shang Sui’s open suitcase, hoping to find a clean piece of clothing to change into.
Inside the suitcase was a pouch for jewelry, clothes neatly folded on the other side, as well as Alpha-specific blocking sprays, suppressants, a sketchbook, and a simple set of drawing tools.
Why did Shang Sui bring so many clothes and accessories? Was he planning to walk in a fashion show on the snowy mountain?
Oh right—he still had Shang Sui’s necklace. He needed to find a chance to return it.
Shi Qi quickly spotted a loose black shirt. The rest of the clothes were unfamiliar, but he had seen Shang Sui wearing this one a few days ago.
At the time, Shang Sui had paired it with a silver-and-green tie, worn loosely like a decorative accessory.
Without hesitation, Shi Qi reached out and pulled the shirt from the suitcase, taking off all the dirty clothes on his body at the same time.
He also wanted to change his pants, but after sizing them up, he realized they were too large for him to wear.
Oh well, this would do. The shirt was already oversized anyway.
The fabric carried a faint scent of lavender, reminiscent of the ocean in summer. It was probably just the smell of the laundry detergent.
After changing into clean clothes, Shi Qi felt much better.
But through the mark on the back of his neck, he could sense that the other person in the room wasn’t feeling the same. On the contrary, Shang Sui seemed restless, even agitated.
Shi Qi hesitated for a moment, then moved to find him.
Not only did he want to check on Shang Sui and see what trouble he might be dealing with, but because of the temporary mark, he also felt an intense, subconscious reliance on the Alpha who had given it.
Shi Qi slowly walked to the door outside the shower and, following his instincts, knocked lightly. “Shang Sui?”
There was no response, so he knocked again.
Suddenly, the bathroom door was pulled open from the inside without any warning, and Shi Qi nearly bumped into him.
Shang Sui stood there with a towel wrapped around his waist, water dripping from his entire body. His long hair hung loosely over his shoulders, and his eyes were sharp, filled with a gloom, like something was on the verge of erupting after being interrupted.
Water trailed down from his face to his neck and chest. His shoulders were broad and straight, every inch of muscle clearly defined.
Shi Qi’s face heated up. A sudden thought struck him—this man really should be modeling on a runway.
“You. Got. Something. To. Say?”
Shang Sui squeezed out each word through gritted teeth.
The pressure was overwhelming. Shi Qi stammered slightly, “I-I just wanted to…”
Only then did Shang Sui notice that Shi Qi had changed into his shirt. It was far too big, and it was the only thing he was wearing.
With his keen eyesight, he caught a glimpse of a small rouge-colored mole on Shi Qi’s leg.
In fairy tales, when a mermaid came ashore, she gained beautiful human legs.
Shi Qi’s legs were smooth and perfectly shaped, like those of a little mermaid. It was as if he had never walked in his life.
Seriously…
I’m about to lose it.
And now, of all times.
Seeing Shang Sui’s expression, Shi Qi hesitated, then said, “You seem uncomfortable. I want to help.”
If he released his pheromones, maybe Shang Sui would feel better?
Shi Qi didn’t know exactly what was wrong with him, but given their high compatibility, his pheromones should have a calming effect and help improve Shang Sui’s mood.
But after being tormented by Shi Qi over and over, Shang Sui’s eyes had darkened.
“You want to help me?” He ran a hand through his damp hair and asked in a low voice, “Are you willing to help me with anything?”
If he’d been alone today, Shi Qi probably would’ve ended up rushed straight from the snowy mountain to the hospital. Shang Sui had done him a huge favor. Without thinking, Shi Qi nodded.
Seeing him agree, the Alpha grabbed the black eye mask from the sink and stuffed it into Shi Qi’s hand.
Shang Sui tilted his chin slightly toward the bath filled with warm water.
“If you want to help me, go sit in there. Put on the eye mask.”
“Don’t speak. Don’t do anything else.”
The request was a little strange, but Shi Qi followed his instructions. He stepped into the bath and, after sitting down, put on the eye mask—though he still couldn’t figure out how this was supposed to help.
His platinum blonde hair was slightly tousled, and his cheeks were still flushed.
He hadn’t had much patience with dressing. He’d buttoned the shirt wrong, skipping the top button entirely, exposing a large section of his right collarbone.
The deep black of the shirt made his skin look as white as snow.
The hotel’s eye mask was too big for him, covering most of his face and only revealing the delicate tip of his upturned nose and lips that were still bright red from licking the blood.
Shang Sui stood there, staring without blinking. His eyes glinted faintly with excitement.
With the eye mask blocking out all light, Shi Qi could only hear indistinct sounds, along with the Alpha’s quiet hums.
What was Shang Sui doing?
Was it because he thought Shi Qi couldn’t actually help, so he just made him wear the eye mask to stay put and out of the way?
The more he thought about it, the more it made sense. It felt like he was being underestimated.
But soaking in the bath for so long had left his body utterly relaxed. The water temperature was perfect.
And the eye mask only made him feel drowsier, cocooned in a warm, half-awake haze.
Shi Qi decided not to fuss over it. If Shang Sui didn’t want his help, then so be it.
He didn’t know how much time had passed when he suddenly twitched his nose, catching a strong scent of honey.
He had never smelled anything so fragrant, like he’d fallen straight into a jar of honey.
“Shang Sui?” Shi Qi couldn’t help but call out. “Are you still there?”
In an instant, the scent became even more intense.
So sweet.
Shi Qi instinctively parted his lips, that hunger stirring within him once again.
Author’s note: Boss Cat became a side dish
