Chapter Text
The first time his mother had spoken to him about marriage, Hongjoong had not paid more than half a second of attention ; he was in the process of creating his very first line of skincare and in any case had no more time to devote to it. He was not the eldest of the family, much less the future heir to the Kim heritage and was still young at 22 to worry about that.
The second, he was at the reception given in honor of the union of his brother, Kim Bumjoong, and his young wife Jeon Sunmi. His mother had succeeded in the feat that all the tabloids were now talking about, uniting the two big names in the world of cosmetics - Jeon and Kim - and Hongjoong had naively told himself that the setbacks of his love life could not matter more than that to the matriarch of the Kim clan. At 24, single forever, used to fleeting affairs and fully devoted to the development of their brand Ateez Cosmetics, the young alpha had no time for his mother's whims. Soon, the young filly omega Sunmi would offer one or more grandchildren to the powerful Alpha and he would be able to continue his life as he saw fit. And there was his second mistake, to let his guard down.
He was 25 when the subject was brought up for the third time. His newborn niece swaddled in his arms, he smiled at the baby while congratulating his brother and his wife. And his mother had taken the opportunity to turn her attention back to him, taking advantage of his carelessness to trap him.
"I'm counting on you to offer me grandchildren too, Hongjoong", she had imperially announced as the Alpha of the Kim clan. And Hongjoong had let himself be fooled, bewitched by the soothing pheromones of the newly mothered omega in the room and the milky scent of the little bundle of life against him.
He had never asked himself if he wanted to be a father one day, being too young and immature to think about it, but his alpha had spoken for him, transcended by the prospect of feeling his own puppy against his skin. “Of course I want to be a father, mother.”
The fatal mistake had just been made.
If there was one thing Hongjoong loved more than anything, it was working. Raised in the world of cosmetics by his mother and grandmother before her, the young alpha had always known that he would work in the family business and perpetuate the tradition in the shadow of his brother. Far from feeling imprisoned in this preordained destiny, Hongjoong got up every day determined to further grow the reputation of the brand created by his family decades before. Passionate, he traveled the world and soaked up the various cultures he could encounter and drew inspiration from them to expand the ranges of cosmetics that their company developed. While his brother Bumjoong was at the head of the financial department, he was the captain of research and development and although still supervised by the matriarch Kim, the change in direction of Ateez Cosmetics allowed it to broaden its horizons and knew how to garner a wider and more varied clientele than ever before. And Hongjoong couldn't be prouder of his hard work when he received the congratulations of his mother, normally so stern and vain, proving to him that he was worthy of their name.
Because he wasn't his brother. He wasn't the pride or the heir of the Kim clan, director of the family business, loving husband and father of his perfect little family. He was only the second born, the shadow of his perfect brother. No one had expressed the slightest doubt about the presentation of his brother's subgender, it was obvious that the big, handsome and reckless first born was going to be an alpha and Nature had not contradicted them.
Having reached maturity, Bumjoong had become the alpha that everyone was waiting for and the admiration that Hongjoong could have for his big brother had been confirmed when he had seen him assert himself and become the future clan leader that he was destined to become. With his more frail build and his nonchalance, the youngest was destined to be a beta or possibly an omega, and yet it was to everyone’s surprise when Hongjoong woke up one fine day in the middle of rut, bathed in sweat and powerful pheromones with the musky scent of cedar rocked by the storm. No, he was not prepared to become an alpha and to hold the weight of the reputation of the Kim clan, but Hongjoong was striving a little more each day to make it a point of honor not to disappoint his mother, who had focused on the education of her eldest to the detriment of her youngest son. Despite the absence of a father figure, self-taught during most of his childhood and adolescence, he was now a capable, autonomous and mature adult and rivaled his brother in many aspects ; not that he wanted to take his place, far from it.
He had long since stopped thinking about what his life could have been like if things had been different. Beta, he could have lived his life as he wanted, worked where he wanted, loved who his heart chose, been far from his mother's iron fist but Nature had decided otherwise. Alpha, he was at the orders of the clan and at the mercy of his matriarch and tried to conform to it.
He was working on the design of a new skincare’s line when his mother came to make him her new puppet. At the sight of the smile that had paralyzed him when he was younger, he knew that a major turning point in his life awaited him. Because his mother only smiled for her victories. She had smiled when Bumjoong had been confirmed alpha, she had smiled when he had accepted the hand of the heiress Jeon without any bumps or fracas, she had smiled at the announcement of the birth of her first grandchild. And it was with a smile that she had announced his upcoming marriage to Jung Wooyoung, a young omega model, the new darling of the fashion world.
"There is no way you're wasting any more time, Hongjoong. You're leaving me no choice but to take matters into my own hands."
With a briefcase in her hands, his mother had introduced him to his future husband as one might choose furniture from a catalog, and Hongjoong could only consider himself happy that his mother had set her sights on a man. Maybe she had had a minimum of consideration for him after all.
The next day, Hongjoong had met the young man chosen to be his other half, although watched by his mother's eagle-eyed gaze through the windows of his office. He couldn't deny that the model was magnificent with his dark eyes, sharp jaw, and luscious mouth, but he couldn't forget the fear he had seen on his future husband's face. He didn't know what his mother had said to the young man to make him accept the deal, but seeing the hunched shoulders, the tense gait and especially the terror that Hongjoong had seen in the depths of the dark eyes facing him, he had made a promise to himself to free Jung Wooyoung from his mother’s grasp. He couldn't impose his fate on this man, he refused.
Still eager to please the supreme authority, Hongjoong had invited the young man to dinner, who had accepted half-heartedly under the half-smile of a matriarch Kim satisfied to see her young son take the reins. It was around a meal that he had reassured the young model that there was no question of him marrying him.
"Thank you for your consideration, Hongjoong-ssi, but I'm not sure your mother will allow it"
"I will find a solution, I will not steal you from the person who already holds your heart."
Terrified, Wooyoung had suddenly stopped playing with the ring he was wearing, but Hongjoong had smiled tenderly to reassure him. “Don’t worry about my mother. I promise you that nothing will happen to you.”
“What if I worry about you ? She’s not the type to take no for an answer.” Hongjoong had waved his hand at him not to worry about that. Maybe his future was mapped out in advance but he didn’t see it on the arm of the model whose heart was elsewhere. Because he was probably naive but he clung to the belief that an arranged marriage could lead to a loving marriage ; his brother and Sunmi being a concrete example. They were just two strangers when they said Yes to each other years ago but Love had blossomed over time within their couple and Hongjoong could assure with certainty that happiness now bound them together. And he wanted that for himself too.
That evening, as he left the restaurant, Hongjoong was surprised when the young model took him in his arms to whisper "Thank you and good luck" in his ear. There was no question of going back, he had made a promise and intended to keep it.
The following days, Hongjoong had managed to escape his mother's grip thanks to the mountain of work that the closing of the tax return provided to the company's brains and management. He thought tirelessly about a solution to free Wooyoung from his mother's clutches but saw only one solution : find a replacement omega. For three nights, he had gone out in the hope of finding a new conquest. He had started at the bar where he used to find someone to spend a night or have a good time, but for a reason he did not know and which greatly frustrated him, his wolf had become more than selective and he could not fight against him. Maybe his human side didn't mind bonding with a stranger, but his animal side didn't see it the same way.
Having a mate wasn't the same as being married. While a divorce could be done without much difficulty, breaking the bond was extremely painful and could be fatal. This realization made the wolf in Hongjoong anxious and demanding, but he could not afford to waste any more time. He knew full well that his mother would quickly come back to the charge and he had to find a resolution, for the sake of Wooyoung.
He created a profile on a dating site before realizing that this option was even worse for his wolf. How could he choose a potential mate without having an idea of his smell ? Which had left him with the only option : finally accepting the invitation to the social gatherings of which he normally refused.
A glimmer of hope had appeared in the shadows when he met Jiwoong, an actor with a growing reputation and a devastating smile who had managed to light a small fire in Hongjoong's belly, and although his wolf had not seemed convinced, he had at least been cooperative. But it was only on the second date that he had realized his mistake. Obsessed by his desire to find someone and deceived by the countless natural and synthetic smells present during their first meeting, the illusion had been perfect, but face to face in a small café there was no doubt. Jiwoong was an alpha ; sweet and tender as he could be but an alpha all the same, someone who could not give him pups. Defeated, Hongjoong had left after the date with a knot in his stomach and his mind devastated. In other circumstances, Jiwoong would have been perfect for him but, unfortunately, he was not so lucky.
Could he marry a woman and succeed in giving her a child ? The very thought made him anxious but perhaps he could find an arrangement with his future wife. If he was not lucky enough to have a marriage of love, he could still try to have a peaceful one, one made of compromises.
His wolf had seemed relatively calm at this thought, satisfied with the prospect of having a child with more ease. Usually confident, he now cursed his sexual preferences and the fact that only a male omega had the possibility of offering him a child. While a woman no matter her subgender could, now he was attracted only to the rarest people in the world with a sword of Damocles above his head. A nervous laugh had seized him one night while he was lying naked on his bed, a porn stream showing a magnificent beta with generous curves on the screen of his computer, his flaccid sex between his legs. With a heavy heart, he had navigated between the different streams, trying all sorts of women to try to get in shape but nothing had worked. Curvy or tomboyish, falsely shy or enterprising, his body had remained unmoved by the lack of attraction coupled with the anxiety that had started to take hold of him and it was once again with a knot in his stomach that he had turned off his computer and gone to bed.
The next day, he had woken up with a message from his brother asking him if it was possible for him to take his daughter to their company's daycare and pick her up. Bumjoong being overwhelmed by work and Sunmi bedridden, coming to the end of her second pregnancy, Hongjoong had happily accepted. His wolf loved spending time with his 2-year-old niece and he had thought that the distraction would be welcome. So it was after dropping off a pastry and a hot chocolate bought on the road to his sister-in-law that he had picked up little Soojin wrapped up in her Squirtle onesie to take her to the nursery on the ground floor of the Ateez Cosmetics building.
And if he hadn't been so tired or so taken up with his niece wriggling in his arms, he could have prepared himself for the shock that awaited him as soon as he had passed through the nursery doors, when a delicious smell of almonds had taken possession of his senses, paralyzing him.
Deep down, his wolf had howled and ordered him to go and look for the person giving off this smell that attracted him so much and it was only when his niece had stretched out her arms towards a man with long hair held back by a headband with little pink rabbits on top that he had come out of his torpor. The stranger wore a badge indicating that he was a childminder as well as his name.
Park Seonghwa.
His big black eyes were lit up with a thousand stars when he grabbed Soojin, calling her “little turtle,” and Hongjoong had swallowed as he took a closer look at the other man’s sweet scent. Slightly taller than him but delicate in his posture and the loose clothing that covered his slender figure, he was magnificent. The alpha had felt his pheromones spread in spite of himself and had swallowed when their eyes met, aware that his musky scent could disturb the omega. Because he had no doubt about it : Park Seonghwa was an omega. His scent was unmistakable, his wide hips accentuated by his cream pants, and his attitude towards his niece.
He was an omega, and the one he wanted.
“What time should I come back to pick up this little princess tonight ?” Hongjoong hadn’t missed the slight blush on the assistant’s cheeks and his wolf had wiggled deep inside him. Was their future omega sensible to their charm ? He tried his best to hold back his pheromones that were just waiting to bury the other man and had turned his attention back to his niece who was babbling between them.
“Bumjoong-ssi always picks her up at 6pm.”
“I’ll be there at 6pm then. Have a good day princess! Be good with… Seonghwa.” And this time, the young man’s cheeks had flared up as he bowed politely and hastily withdrew, his niece in his arms. Had he just found his other half, only a few floors below his office, so close ? With a smile, the alpha had entered the elevator to go up to his floor and he had laughed gently when he saw the other man's reddened ears again. He couldn't wait for the evening and to see the sublime omega again a few floors below. His wolf was already crying over the separation, had the other man felt it too ?
He had wanted to believe it at first, that the attraction was mutual. Every day, he had made it a point of honor to drop off his niece and pick her up in the hope of spending more time with the incredible omega that was Park Seonghwa. Always smiling, often attentive, he never failed to wish Hongjoong a good day, his red cheeks and bright eyes accentuating his sweetness that the alpha now desired to the point of losing his mind. One evening, he had even allowed himself to place a rose on the omega's desk when his back was turned, and had been surprised to see the same flower pinned to the young assistant's jacket the next day, his wolf delighted to see that his courting gift had been accepted.
Hongjoong had wanted to believe that fate had put the perfect omega on his path, that a possible radiant destiny could be drawn in his company. But his mother had ruined everything.
Hongjoong swallowed as he discreetly swayed on his heels, his gaze fixed on the floor where a splendid wine-colored carpet was spread. Around him, hundreds of people were impatiently waiting to see the large oak doors of the room open to reveal Kim Hongjoong's future husband.
He felt like he was suffocating.
The imperious presence of his mother in the front row weighed down his stomach and he swore when his eyes suddenly stung. He would have given anything to be far away from here, far from all these venal and insignificant people before him. He would have given anything to be only in the company of the man who would soon cross these doors, to bond with him in intimacy and not in the decadence of the show that life imposed on him.
He would have given anything just for Seonghwa to love him, but that was not the case.
Because his mother had ruined everything by imposing herself, like the vulture she was, on the beginnings of a relationship that was not intended for the public. Seonghwa was not of this world and did not wish to become one and he had no choice. Because of Hongjoong.
He could have soothed his conscience by telling himself that all this was the solitary work of his mother but it was not the case. He had been an accomplice the very day his eyes had fallen on the innocent and carefree young childminder, binding Seonghwa to him without his consent.
Nothing should have happened like this and yet, Hongjoong had not protested when his mother, aware of all his actions, had arrived in his office with that smile he hated so much to announce to him that his change of husband had been accepted with good grace, and that Park Seonghwa would be a perfect concubine.
How had his mother known about his wish to free Wooyoung ? He did not know. Had she heard about the rose that her son had given to the sublime omega ? Probably. And he would never be able to forgive himself for having exchanged the freedom of a man in love for that of someone like Seonghwa ; someone carefree and so easily amazed by the beauties of life, someone with his heart on his sleeve and eyes overflowing with sincere affection.
Yet everything had started well. The young assistant had been exemplary when the matriarch Kim had called him into her office, his big, bright eyes filled with questions.
“Do you like children, Mr. Park ?” Mrs. Kim had simply asked and Hongjoong had frozen on the seat next to her, waiting with his heart in his throat for the mistake that the young assistant had not failed to make.
“Of course I like them, Madam. I am an omega, I am made for this. It is in my DNA.”
That is how the fate of Park Seonghwa and Kim Hongjoong had been sealed in an office that was too large and impersonal after a question as innocuous as this one.
Kindly sent back to his post, Seonghwa had looked questioningly at Hongjoong before leaving the office without a word and the matriarch had breathed her approval to her mute son. “He is not a model but his genes are exceptional. Good choice Hongjoong.”
Ashamed, the young alpha had waited until the assistant was busy with other parents to pick up his niece that evening. He had not been able to face him. He hadn't been able to look the man he had just stolen his freedom from in the eyes.
The next day, his mother had wasted no time and had summoned them once again, a contract between her manicured fingers. Still smiling, Seonghwa had grabbed the contract and read it carefully for long minutes where Hongjoong had wanted to disappear six feet under and never come out again. But he had almost fallen off his chair when the omega had raised his head to lay all his attention on him, probing him to his soul in silence before grabbing a pen on the desk and signing the two copies of the contract.
In just a few minutes and in total silence, Seonghwa had just married Hongjoong.
And that was when the change had taken place. Seonghwa's smile had disappeared from his face and once friendly and jovial, the omega had become coldness incarnate when the Head Alpha had spoken.
“I want him bred by the end of the year, Hongjoong. Your babies will be gorgeous with a face like his.”
“I have read the marriage contract carefully Mrs Kim and nowhere does it say that I have to have a child with your son. I have agreed to marry him, to help your family maintain its perfect image, to be the charming asset on his arm but not to be your laying hen.”
Hongjoong had shivered at the sound of this voice, which he was used to hearing so soft, resonating gravely in his mother’s office.
“I’m not a pretty bimbo, Mrs Kim. And you just give your son to me do to as I please. I know you want me to produce an heir but I’m afraid, you will not have this victory. I’ll be your charming asset. I’ll be the constant smiling presence at your son's side and this is where my role will end. You took my freedom, I took your son. Our deal is sealed here.”
Helpless and shattered by shame and underlying terror, Hongjoong had watched his mother, the great matriarch Kim, transform, realizing his mistake. No, Park Seonghwa was not the naive, unmatched tenderness he displayed on a daily basis. Here, in this office, cornered and left to his own devices, he was a fighter who had just won his first round.
The doors of the room finally opened and Hongjoong raised his head at the hearing of the admiring exclamations of the guests. His breath caught for a moment as his eyes fell on the pair formed by his future husband advancing slowly towards him on the arm of his limping father.
Hongjoong knew nothing about the Park family and had not had the leisure to inquire about it but his heart sank at the sight of the frail man moving with difficulty, firmly attached to his son. His gaze was fixed on Hongjoong and the latter swallowed as he tried to hold it. Although physically diminished, his future father-in-law did not lack presence in his eyes. He was a man who had just been robbed of his son, he did not need to use force for Hongjoong to feel crushed.
It wasn’t until Seonghwa had finished the rest of the way after helping his father sit down, alone, in the front row that the young alpha finally saw him and he cursed inwardly at the elegance and beauty that emanated from his future husband. Dressed in a tailored ivory suit dotted with muted pale pink abstract patterns, his long black hair pulled back and held by a diamond brooch, he was breathtaking. His rosy cheeks were lifted into a small smile and Hongjoong tried to hold on to that. He was no longer the stern statue he had been that fateful day when the marriage contract had been signed. He was once again the sweet and radiant, yet intimidated omega that Hongjoong had met a few short weeks before.
His alpha jumped in his chest as he grabbed the omega’s hands. As absurd as it might seem, this was the first time they had ever touched. There was no electricity between their linked fingers, no paused time or lyrical chants encompassing them ; they weren’t in a fairy tale. Only the characteristic warmth of his alpha skin transferring to his future mate whose frozen hands made him shiver. Delicately, he stroked the cold skin with his thumb and offered a small, tight smile to Seonghwa who responded and Hongjoong felt the lump of anxiety in his throat gradually loosen. Maybe all was not lost. Maybe all of this was not a mistake but the beginning of a beautiful story.
He was wrong.
An indescribable feeling inhabited Hongjoong as he watched Seonghwa enter his -their- penthouse. The apartment had been summarily arranged for the omega's arrival, piles of blankets, cushions and other nesting accessories waiting for him stored in bags placed in the living room and the marital bedroom, and the alpha felt like he was out the way in this space that would soon be saturated with the omega's scent. While his wolf vibrated with impatience to live bathed in the scent of his future mate, his inner self dreaded more than anything having to live together.
Despite the sweet kiss exchanged, the smiles and their fingers linked during almost the entire ceremony, they were still only two strangers to each other, and Hongjoong had not missed the change in his new husband's attitude when they finally found themselves alone in the car taking them to their marital home. Seonghwa had played his part perfectly in front of the crowd but no longer had an image to maintain in private.
In silence, he had let himself be led to the top floor of the building and had been exploring the place ever since. His personal belongings had been brought in earlier in the day and Hongjoong watched him wrinkle his nose as he noticed that strangers had touched and probably left their scents on his clothes and other possessions. The alpha delicately cleared his throat as the silence became stifling in the apartment.
“I asked that your things be left as is so that you can put them away yourself wherever you want. Let me show you our room and the bathroom.”
“Our room ?” The first words Seonghwa threw in his face that night after the formal “I Do” and they were bathed in a contempt that disconcerted the alpha.
“I… Yes, the bedroom.”
“I will not sleep with you, Kim Hongjoong. And you won’t be able to make me believe that there is only one bedroom in this big apartment. I want to see mine.”
Hongjoong could only nod at the omega who was defensive in front of him, his scent becoming rancid. Seonghwa didn’t take his eyes off him, his dark and sharp gaze fixed on him. His wolf cried at his omega’s attitude. Why was he suddenly rejecting him when he had only been affectionate towards him during the wedding ? Without rushing him, Hongjoong headed for the stairs and led Seonghwa to the bedrooms.
“Mine is here, the guest room right across the corridor. You… I’ll let you choose the one you want. The bathroom is at the end of the hallway. I’ll show you the laundry room later unless you want something there ?”
Without a word or wasting time, Seonghwa entered the guest room and quickly opened the windows before heading to the bed where he tore off the sheets. Banished, Hongjoong watched him do it helplessly, understanding that his husband wanted to get rid of his smell before putting his own on it.
“I want to wash the sheets there.”
Hongjoong nodded before leading him to the room that, shamefully, he never used. He had a cleaning man for that and had never felt obliged to do household chores. But the omega navigated serenely between the appliances and the various cans of laundry detergent that were there, and he let him do it without saying a word when he saw him open a new bottle with a different smell than the one currently in use. He was ready to do anything to make Seonghwa feel comfortable and at home in this place that was hostile to him.
Soon, the washing machine began its cycle and Hongjoong cleared his throat, uncomfortable in the presence of the other man with the hostile aura. “Do you need help with your stuff ?”
Seonghwa snorted disdainfully as he passed him without answering. Cohabitation was going to be complicated but Hongjoong couldn’t complain. He had earned it. The wedding ring on his finger seemed to weigh tons and the virgin expanse of his husband’s neck taunted him as he watched him carry his things from one room to another with difficulty. Soon, he would have to place his bite on the other man and the very thought disgusted him to the core. Not the idea of becoming Seonghwa’s mate, no, the idea of forcing his hand once again for something so permanent. Without a sound, Hongjoong preferred to retire to the living room and let his husband settle in. He had done enough for today, he owed him some peace and quiet.
Hongjoong had expected Seonghwa to avoid his presence until the next day but was surprised when the other man emerged from upstairs an hour later. He had taken off his groom's attire and was floating in an oversized t-shirt and a pair of gray sweatpants. With his makeup removed and his hair down, he was still the most beautiful person Hongjoong had ever seen in his life despite the coldness that seemed to permanently emanate from his features now. Gracelessly, the young childminder let himself fall onto the leather sofa and caressed it with his fingertips while looking around him. His cold eyes found Hongjoong's, who swallowed.
"Do you know that since I was hired in this damn company I see you passing by every morning ? Every morning I look at you and I find myself dreaming of what can happen above my head, all the discussions exchanged, all the new things created, but especially what it can be like to work in your sphere, to gravitate around you."
Surprised, Hongjoong shook his head before opening his mouth but Seonghwa beat him to it. “I’ve been working here for 2 years and not once have you turned your head in the direction of the daycare, showing even an ounce of interest in me. Then you started coming for your niece and I thanked the heavens for bringing you to me when I was unable to go to you. Finally, I was offered the opportunity to see and talk to the man I’ve liked since I set foot here, one of the masterminds at that. A man who also seemed to be attracted to me after all. A real dream came true.”
The wolf in Hongjoong jumped at the hearing of these words while his heart broke. He knew in advance where this conversation was going to lead him and guilt assailed him entirely.
“Then your mother came to me after that surprise summons and I realized that you are all the same. You take what you need without worrying about what others want. So yes, maybe I accepted even though in reality I had the option to refuse. But did I really have that choice ? She didn’t threaten me, she didn’t say a word louder than the other, we just… talked ? And in the space of a few minutes, she destroyed all the confidence and self-esteem I could have. She transformed the pride of being an omega into the feeling of being an object in the hands of the powerful alphas who rule us poor people. So I accepted. Because I know full well that this woman can make my life hell, make me start from scratch, and I can’t afford that. I need this job and I need this money. Your money.”
Tears threatened to spill from Hongjoong’s eyes as he looked at the hard, impassive omega in front of him. He missed his softness, his sweet scent too, but he was only entitled to his contempt now and that bitter scent that made his wolf cry inside him.
“Except she gave me the opportunity to do more than that. I don’t know what made her rush to find you a mate so quickly and honestly I don’t care. The only thing I know is that she gave me the opportunity to find shelter. She needed a male omega, I need financial stability. And you became a puppet for us both. I said yes because tied to you, she can’t do anything to me. You support me financially, I live in a penthouse that I would never have even dreamed of having the opportunity to visit and she can't do anything to me. She needs to show the world that her family is perfect, that her youngest son is as exemplary as the first. And you need to prove to your mother that you deserve her affection by listening to her every desire for a reason that escapes me and absolutely does not matter to me. We are all winners in this story."
Hurt, Hongjoong finally had the courage to confront the omega. "I understand your hatred and accept it, Seonghwa. But please, do not think that my affection for you is feigned. You matter to me." But the dry and icy voice of his husband made the last hopes he had fly away.
"You don't know me and I don't know you. All this is cinema." And it was the raw truth that finished off the alpha’s wounded heart.
“So from the beginning your smiles towards me, your little attentions, even the rose… all of this was fake ? It wasn’t for me.” Hongjoong cursed himself for appearing so weak but he couldn’t hide his disappointment in himself for having ruined everything.
A fake smile lifted Seonghwa’s full lips, a smile that had no place on the angelic face of the man in front of him. “I learned to become like you. I am what you made me.”
He had transformed an angel into a monster.
“I need to be at my workstation at 7am tomorrow morning. Who do I call to come get me ? And I don’t want to hear that you can support me. I am independent and I will remain so.”
Hongjoong’s voice was broken when he answered him, “Jongho will drive us both.” And nothing could have prepared him for the harshness and truth in which he had trapped Seonghwa.
“Oh yeah, I forgot, appearances. I would like to go to bed, the day has been complicated for me, poor omega. Can I ? Or tomorrow morning will I have the pleasant surprise of being examined so that your mother can be sure that you mounted me and that you have started trying to impregnate me ?”
And it was too much for Hongjoong who already wanted to put an end to this nightmare. A tear slid down his cheek as he buried his face in his trembling hands. He didn’t care about showing his weakness to the omega, he could only be sincere with him now to try to redeem himself and build a future together on more than precarious foundations.
“No… No Seonghwa, I will not do anything against your will.”
“Like forcing me to marry you.”
The omega's whispered response was deafening in the large living room illuminated by the lights of the city below and it seemed to stretch to infinity, foreshadowing a daily life made of silence and cold hatred. Only Hongjoong's stifled sobs broke the tranquility of the place and the alpha whipped himself internally. He had no right to cry when Seonghwa was the one who had just lost his freedom but he didn't care, his wolf suffering from being rejected so harshly by the omega who nevertheless made his heart beat.
"My heat is in 2 months, I suppose your mother has already told you and that is why our honeymoon is set for this same period. Know that I will not stop my contraceptives and if I have to abort, I will. Anything to add ?"
A nervous and joyless laugh shook Hongjoong's shoulders and he shook his head in denial before getting up to face the bay window and move away from the omega. He couldn't stand the situation today anymore and preferred to run away rather than face the harsh reality of things for one more second.
"No ? Then goodnight, husband."
When Hongjoong woke up the next morning, it took him a few seconds to understand why noise seemed to be coming from his kitchen and to realize that he was still wrapped up in his wedding suit, lying on the duvet on his bed.
After a quick shower, he cautiously set foot in the kitchen where he found Seonghwa sitting on one of the stools surrounding the central island, his blank gaze turned towards the bay window, his fingers mechanically scraping the cup placed in front of him. Although careful not to make too much noise, the omega still jumped when he noticed his presence, his expressionless face suddenly becoming cold and hostile.
“Did you sleep well ?”
Seonghwa looked him up and down before turning his attention back to the view. “Probably better than you.”
Hongjoong couldn’t contradict him. The omega was breathtaking as always in his beige sweater and camel pants, his hair now wavy framing his face and the alpha would have given anything to run his fingers through it and tuck the rebellious strand he saw along his cheek behind his ear. He suspected that his own appearance must be far more pathetic.
“Your well-being is my priority. If you need anything, please let me know.” The omega nodded coldly after a while and Hongjoong ran his hand through his damp hair as he finally approached the counter and the coffee maker. A throat clearing caught his attention and Seonghwa pushed a steaming cup in his direction with his fingertip without looking at him, warming his heart slightly. Maybe all was not lost ?
He was wrapping himself in his coat when Seonghwa interrupted him with a hand on his arm, his face closed. The wolf in Hongjoong jumped at the touch of the one he already saw as his mate and he cleared his throat, embarrassed to feel the red rising to his cheeks at such a chaste gesture. Maybe he was much more emotionally deprived than he thought. Or was marriage making him desperate for skinship ?
“Scent me.”
“What ?” Hongjoong’s brain froze as he let the omega remove his scarf and undo the buttons of his shirt collar.
“We are newly wed. We are supposed to be lovey dovey and I guess drenched in each other’s scent. Scent me and I’ll scent you”
“Oh… Yeah… Yeah, let’s do that.”
The alpha cursed himself for swallowing so loudly and his hands for shaking as he gently placed them around the omega’s waist as he presented his neck with a clenched jaw. Hongjoong wasted no time before diving against the warm, sweet expanse that was the tender skin of his throat. A low growl resonated in his chest as he drank in his omega’s scent, brushing his skin with his nose and parted lips. His fangs tugged as he lingered on the exposed mating spot, his wolf begging him to sink them in and make the submissive omega in his arms his own. He tried to hold back a plaintive moan when Seonghwa did the same, caressing the hollow of his throat with his full, delicate lips, depositing his scent effectively on the struggling alpha.
Too quickly for his liking, his husband detached himself from him, leaving him dizzy and drunk on his scent and he tried as best he could to adjust his clothes with his clumsy fingers. At his side, Seonghwa remained impassive and he forced himself to finally follow his example by crossing the door of their apartment. It was all just for appearances and he had to stay in his place so as not to make things worse.
But Hongjoong had a hard time sorting things out on a daily basis. Every morning, they repeated the same ritual and the alpha felt torn when Seonghwa delicately clung to his arm as soon as the couple emerged from the elevator of the Ateez Cosmetics building, a dazzling and convincing smile on his lips. They parted ways in front of the nursery, Seonghwa placing a tender kiss on the corner of his lips, wishing him a good day, and Hongjoong continued on his way to his office where he took the time to calm the painful beating of his heart in his ribcage, torn between his ever-growing affection for his partner and the hostility he always showed towards him in the privacy of their apartment.
Every day, the alpha took the time to take a lunch break and did not fail to spend it in the company of Seonghwa when he could afford it, in full view of everyone in the company cafeteria. And although a workaholic, Hongjoong now made it a point of honor to leave the premises when Seonghwa's day was coming to an end, accompanying him hand in hand to his car under the evil eye of his mother during her end-of-day rounds. He had at least gained a healthier pace of life in this endeavor.
The cohabitation, although forced, remained cordial most of the time. Hongjoong let the omega take possession of the place and put his environment to his taste.
Previously devoid of the slightest object suggesting that a human being could live within these walls, the apartment was gradually coming to life. Seonghwa had started his appropriation of the place by placing fruity and floral scented candles everywhere in the living rooms as well as the bathroom. The kitchen, usually a no man's land, had become a place filled with enticing scents, the counters decorated with cake boxes that the omega filled daily for the children of the nursery as well as the small dishes that he cooked for them both. Then a mountain of blankets and cushions appeared on the sofa and Hongjoong saw the empty shelves in the living room methodically filled up with novels and plants.
Often, the alpha would sit quietly at the living room table with his laptop to continue his work, deserting the isolation of his office, and let his omega live his life not far from him, imposing his presence in silence. He couldn't deny that seeing him talk to himself in his high-pitched voice - the same one his characters had in his game - when he played on the giant screen was an adorable sight that he couldn't get enough of.
Even today, the alpha watched tenderly out of the corner of his eye as Seonghwa raved about his new Lego set that they had picked up after work and couldn't help the way his heart clenched with happiness to see him building it with that childish innocence and joy that suited him so well and that he hoped would never leave him.
He was trying to finish writing his clinical essay when the silence caught his attention and his gaze was drawn to his husband sitting in front of the coffee table where his instructions were spread out in front of him. Concentrating, he chewed his lips while scratching his neck and Hongjoong frowned at the sight of the red patches on his skin. “Seonghwa ?”
The omega in question jumped, suddenly turning towards the alpha who had stood up to come closer. Gently, Hongjoong grabbed Seonghwa’s hand, whose gaze suddenly hardened.
“Have you had it for a long time ?”
The omega freed himself from his grip, glaring at him before turning his attention back to his Lego. “What does that matter to you ?”
“You know that’s my job ? Creating skincare products ? My new line isn’t on the market yet, but I think it could help you. Let me bring you some.”
“I signed up to be your husband, not your guinea pig.”
Hongjoong froze in his tracks as he was heading towards his office. He lowered his head with a sigh, devastated to see his thoughtfulness transformed into an act of pure interest, once again. He had lost count of the times his little attentions had been vehemently rejected, the bouquets of flowers offered often thrown directly into the trash or recycled as decoration at work, the clothes never worn or his arm ignored and left abandoned when they were not in public. “I don’t want to hurt you Seonghwa…”
“And I don’t want anything from you.”
Silence, this old friend he hated now, swallowed them up. Each day spent trying to gain the omega’s trust seemed so futile, useless. Of course Seonghwa will never love him. He was there for his own interest and safety, nothing more. “I thought you had a benefit in all this. You said you wanted my money but you didn’t ask me for anything. Not once. What’s the truth in that ?”
“You tell me.”
And Hongjoong was tired of walking on eggshells in the company of the omega. “The truth is that in an ideal world, I would have asked you out for a drink, we would have gotten to know each other day after day, date after date and, I hope, we would have fallen in love and decided to give our story a chance. I’m sorry I’m not part of that ideal world. I’m sorry I forced you to be part of this… mascarade. But in my ideal world, know that I would have married you. Because despite all the legitimate hatred you throw in my face or your indifference which is certainly worse for me, I like you and I can’t see myself spending a single day without you. I’m happy to have married you for the sole reason that it allows me to see you every day. I love seeing you transform this apartment into a comfortable and lively cocoon, I love seeing your eyes light up like a child’s in front of your Lego or your video games. I love seeing you fidget on your stool when you eat. I just like seeing you here. With me. And I love the life you breathe into me. So yes, you can call me selfish because I certainly deserve it but please, don't distort my gestures of affection towards you because I have never been as sincere as when I try to take care of you."
Out of breath, Hongjoong tore his eyes away from the silenced figure of the omega at the foot of the couch to head to his home office where he retrieved the cream samples. His heart was pounding painfully inside his chest but he couldn’t ignore the weight which seems much more bearable now that he had opened up without restrain to his husband. He did know if his words could be useful, but could begin to hope for it.
When he returned to the couch, Seonghwa had put away his Lego and was playing with a stitch of his sweater, his gaze shifting. Hongjoong delicately placed the creams on his knees and kept his distance so as not to startle the omega.
"You can put some on in the morning and evening after washing yourself. A third time ideally to calm the crisis."
The omega raised his head to meet his gaze and nodded slightly as he took the white tube between his fingers. A small “thank you” answered him and Hongjoong smiled furtively at him as he headed to the bathroom. He was suffocating in his suit and preferred to give Seonghwa time to digest his diatribe. He hoped at least that his sincerity would finally be heard.
A sweet smell of almonds woke Hongjoong the next morning. It took him a few seconds to realize that he had fallen asleep on his couch, where he had collapsed after Seonghwa had deserted the place after his shower ; his alpha wanting more than ever to be surrounded by the scent of his omega and not to be isolated in his room.
He vaguely heard someone navigating in the kitchen and he sat up with difficulty, exhausted from tension, to come across Seonghwa cooking as discreetly as possible. To avoid waking him ? He didn't dare believe it after the evening before.
It was only when he was about to get up that he noticed the blanket placed on him and frowned while gently caressing it. He had never seen this blanket, different from those usually located in the living room. He smelled it delicately and opened his eyes wide as he recognized Seonghwa's characteristic almond scent on the fabric, his wolf pouncing in his chest. Had the omega really sacrificed one of his possessions to take care of him ? He jumped when the latter advanced towards him with a tray in his hands, his cheeks red and his lips pursed. What was going on ? But he didn't have to wonder long before the man in front of him spoke after having put his load on the coffee table. "I'm sorry about last night. And all the previous ones."
"You... You don't have to be."
Seonghwa shook his head as he held his gaze, his fingers busy fiddling with the bottom of his sweater. "I was mean to you because I was afraid. It is my way of protecting myself."
Hongjoong's heart clenched at the words of the stiff-as-a-pole omega in front of him and he sighed as he sat down properly on the couch, motioning for him to sit next to him, which he did after a few seconds of hesitation.
"I was afraid that you would be like your mother and that your good behavior during the ceremony was just a facade. That you were waiting to trap me and that when we ended up together you would finally get the upper hand on me."
Hesitantly, Hongjoong reached out his hand towards Seonghwa who narrowed his eyes for a moment before finally relaxing and grasping it with his fingertips. “You don’t have to believe me and I would never blame you if you don’t want to trust me, but I promise you that I’m not like my mother, and I’m sorry about all of this.”
Seonghwa nodded and looked down at their linked fingers. A small sigh passed his lips and he stroked the back of the hand in his with his thumb. “Why do you let her rule your life ?”
“I guess the little boy in me is still looking for her acceptance and affection.”
“Even if it means making others suffer ?”
Hongjoong’s silence answered for him and Seonghwa smiled sadly as he let go of his hand. “I maintain that I shouldn’t have behaved like this with you, my omega has hated me enough for it since our marriage, but…”
“I know. I’m not asking you for anything, I promise.”
Seonghwa nodded before clearing his throat. “I would like… For you to take a lover.”
Hongjoong’s eyes widened at the drastic change in conversation as the omega busied himself with pouring coffee into the cup he had brought. “Why ?”
Seonghwa shrugged before handing him his drink. “Just because I refuse to have a child doesn’t mean you have to stop yourself from living. And even if we both have to act out to be mates, it will be for that reason alone.”
“I… Don’t want anyone else but you. And if you don’t want to, nothing will happen.”
“As if we had the choice. My heat is coming and I’m used to the idea of having to give myself to you. But I figure if you have a lover, you’ll be less demanding.”
Hongjoong's head was spinning as Seonghwa stubbornly refused to meet his gaze, cleaning an invisible stain on the tray in front of him. The alpha cleared his throat and let the coffee’ smell smooth him as best as it could, his wolf restless inside his chest to have to deal with this conversation first thing in the morning.
“I’ll do anything to make you comfortable. I'll let you have complete control and be your puppet for this, okay ? You can use me however you want, or not for that matter. You can tie me up if you prefer. I... You'll be in control of how things go."
Seonghwa's big eyes met his and he saw the omega's glottis go back and forth in his throat. "You'd really let me do that ? Tie you up ?"
"You don't trust me and I just want you to feel safe when you feel the most vulnerable. Yes, I'll let you tie me up Seonghwa."
Only silence answered him. But instead of the anguished one that usually inhabited the place, this one was almost peaceful. "I'll think about it."
"And know that if you don't want to spend your heat with me... I'll keep my distance."
"We'll be on our honeymoon."
Hongjoong shrugged, far from feeling relaxed, and the omega gave him a small, tight smile. “We have to become mates. We have to be together for that.”
“I’m sorry. I’d even let you muzzle me if we could.”
It was Seonghwa’s turn to shrug. He didn’t want to hear his apologies and the alpha didn’t hold it against him. How could he ?
“You should at least have a lover for your ruts. Maybe you already have someone ? I’m not meddling in your business, I’m sorry.”
“I don’t have any. Ruts I mean. You don’t have to worry about that.”
Seonghwa frowned and brushed his fingertips against the alpha’s arm in hopes of meeting his shifty gaze. “What do you mean you don’t have ruts ?”
“I take suppressants.”
“Why ?”
Hongjoong grumbled, burying his nose in his coffee. He hated having this conversation. “I don’t have time to waste on this.”
“You know it’s dangerous to do that ?”
“I guess.” Another shrug. The omega sighed, leaning back on the couch, annoyed. “Hasn’t anyone noticed ? Does your dear mother know you’re killing your chances of ever having a child ?”
“As if that wasn’t already a given.”
Hongjoong saw Seonghwa pinch his lips, forced to admit defeat while the alpha savored his breakfast. Of course, he knew that his habits were dangerous for his health, his cycle completely ravaged, his wolf suffering inside him -even more now that he was married- but he couldn't bring himself to change that.
He hated the rare ruts he had had to endure and certainly didn't want to relive that with Seonghwa by his side. Hongjoong only wanted one thing : to gain his trust. There was no question of becoming saturated with hormones in his company and reducing his efforts to nothing, leaving his alpha to want to impregnate his omega like the animal he was. Never.
Seonghwa finally got up from the couch without a word and brought the empty tray back to the kitchen while Hongjoong got up to go get ready quickly before leaving for work. Near the door, he jumped as the omega approached him for their usual scenting ritual and the warmth that spread through his stomach as he felt the slender fingers brush his skin glued him to the ground.
“I… I think I have your scent on me. With your blanket.”
Still silent, Seonghwa pushed his hair away from his neck and firmly grabbed the back of Hongjoong’s head to pull him against his skin, making him briefly lose his balance by the surprising force used.
“Scent me.”
The alpha could only obey.
The morning conversation ran through Hongjoong's head all day and he had to admit that he hadn't worked much. He had managed to avoid the inquisitive gaze of Maddox, his assistant, but couldn't turn a blind eye to how late he was.
Seonghwa allowed him to have a lover. He wanted him to have a lover. And even if he understood the logic behind this wish he couldn't help but feel hurt by the distance established once again by the omega, he who had been doing his best for several weeks now to prove that he was harmless and full of good intentions.
Could the understanding go from cordial to friendly ? He doubted it a little more each day, but could the events of the morning change things ? He was exhausted from torturing himself with the thought of it, exhausted from falling further under Seonghwa’s spell, exhausted from clinging to the disillusionment of a slim hope that his affection could be returned one day.
Hongjoong was lying in his bed rereading his latest reports in the hopes of taking his mind off things and getting some work done when he heard a knock on his door. Heart pounding, he suddenly sat up against his headboard, adjusting his t-shirt before clearing his throat. “Yes ?”
The alpha swallowed to keep from choking on his saliva as he saw the omega’s almost shy face in the doorway, his big eyes shining questioningly. “Can I come in ?”
Hongjoong nodded and put his work on the floor at the foot of his bed as Seonghwa approached him. His gaze was drawn to the tube of cream that his husband was kneading between his fingers and the alpha raised his eyebrows.
“Will you help me ? I have… I have an itch in the back of my neck but I can’t see very well to put your cream on.”
Hongjoong’s eyes widened when he saw the omega hand him the ointment and he opened his mouth without a sound coming out, paralyzed with surprise. He took a few seconds to discern the look on Seonghwa’s face, making sure that it didn’t bother him and apart from the slight redness on the top of his cheekbones and the tips of his ears, nothing suggested any trouble. “Are you… Are you sure ?”
“Do you see anyone else here besides you ?”
“I can… I can guide you if you don’t want me to touch you. I can go get you a mirror and…”
“Hongjoong. I want you to do it. Please.”
And although slightly embarrassed, Seonghwa didn't seem uncomfortable in front of him and Hongjoong ended up nodding before mumbling as he got up, "Let me go wash my hands first. I'll be right back."
He took advantage of this moment of solitude locked in the bathroom to take a deep breath and calm the erratic beating of his heart, in panic at the prospect of having to touch his omega. He prayed hard not to ruin everything with his clumsiness and nervousness but, transcended by the sudden confidence that the omega offered him tonight, it was finally relieved that he headed back to his room after a detour to his office. When he came back, Seonghwa was sitting on the edge of the mattress, his eyes fixed on the dressing room overflowing with clothes of all kinds, branded bags randomly placed on the floor that the alpha hadn't taken the time to put away.
Ashamed, he cleared his throat to attract the attention of the omega who slowly turned his head in his direction, assimilating the mess he had just seen with a lost expression that made Hongjoong let out an embarrassed little laugh. “I’m not the most orderly person in the world, I admit it.”
“Is there a bomb going off in there ?”
“Me, certainly.”
The alpha hesitated for a moment before settling down next to his husband who had resumed his contemplation of the crime zone that was his dressing.
“Did the cream relieve you ? I brought some lotion too.”
Seonghwa finally turned his head in his direction and glanced at the bottle that was presented to him.
“To clean your skin before the cream. I don’t know what cleanser you have but it may be too aggressive and make your case worse. Water is not recommended either for the symptoms you have.”
The omega nodded before settling down with his back to Hongjoong and lifting his hair to clear his neck. “I trust you, you’re the professional.”
And the alpha’s throat tightened at the sound of these words. He trusted him. On a trivial case but the alpha couldn’t hold back a small noisy purr that made him freeze. He hoped to succeed in keeping his scent under control and not bury the omega for fear of upsetting him once again. “I… Sorry.”
He saw Seonghwa shrug and Hongjoong tried not to tremble as he opened the bottle and poured it on the cotton pad he had brought. The sweet smell of almonds emanating from the omega was already going to his head, his wolf urging him to snuggle up against his neck to drink directly from the source and he mentally shook himself to focus on the task entrusted to him. Seonghwa had trusted him for this, he had to honor it without incident. “I’ll start.”
The omega nodded but still tensed slightly when the fabric touched his skin.
“Sorry.”
“It’s just cold. It’s ok.”
Hongjoong applied himself to gently cleaning the skin, lingering gently on the red patches that he could now clearly see and grimaced when he saw them running along the other man’s neck and hairline.
“Have you had this for a long time ?”
The silence stretched for a long time before Seonghwa finally spoke after lowering his head to his knees.
“Since my eomma was hospitalized.”
Hongjoong stopped his gesture under the confidence and exhaled slowly, removing his hand. Guilt tightened his chest as he realized that he knew nothing about the man he had married. “I’m sorry.”
“For ?”
“Not knowing anything about you and reopening wounds that I am not aware of.”
The omega remained silent as Hongjoong resumed his attention on the bruised skin. He remembered the day of their wedding, Seonghwa’s father on his arm and the absence of any other member by his side. Was his eomma still hospitalized ? Was it…
“Eomma got sick because of a medical treatment. A side effect that has confined him to bed for many years now and that requires… a lot of attention and care. Appa is killing himself to finance his recovery… I am doing what I can to help him.”
“Is that why you need my money ?”
“What if it was ?”
The omega’s sudden aggression made Hongjoong withdraw his hands and raise them in a sign of surrender in front of him as Seonghwa turned in his direction, his gaze fierce. The alpha inhaled calmly and tried not to flinch as he felt surrounded by the smell of rancid almonds that had taken possession of the place. “If that were the case, I would totally understand and would be ready to help you.”
The omega remained stoic for what seemed like an eternity, his eyes never leaving Hongjoong’s who tried to convey all his good faith through his gaze, before relaxing slightly and resuming his initial position. Seonghwa’s tense shoulders made the alpha’s heart tighten and he lowered his head, feeling helpless once again. Silently, he put down the cotton pad to grab the tube of cream before the omega’s voice could rise. “My work at the daycare is enough to help my father pay for the medical bills. Now that I’m housed, I’ll be able to help him even more.”
“If you need anything, please don’t hesitate to ask me.”
“We’ll see.”
Hongjoong nodded to himself and delicately placed a dab of ointment on the omega’s skin, spreading it gently over the wounds. He felt Seonghwa shiver under his fingers and apologized while swallowing what he silently hoped.
“It’s not… You’re…gentle.”
“Is it wrong ?”
“No… Unexpected.”
The alpha tried to swallow his disappointment at hearing those words but couldn’t help but smile painfully while laughing bitterly. “Really ?”
Seonghwa was silent for a moment before nodding negatively, the tips of his ears reddening. Hongjoong bit his lip to hold back a small smile and focused once again on his task, wrapping the lesions in healing ointment. “No… You’ve always been tender and kind to me. I still have this reflex to think that you want to hurt me I guess.”
“I hope I can make you forget this Pavlovian reflex then.”
A small guttural laugh escaped Seonghwa and the alpha bit his lip as he felt his insides stir dangerously at the sound, his wolf struggling to get closer to the omega and cover him with affection, happy to hear this natural and sincere laugh emanating from the other man for the first time since their marriage.
“Are you trying to seduce me Kim Hongjoong ?”
“What if that was the case ?”
Hongjoong froze when Seonghwa moved away from him and he was afraid for a moment that he had crossed the limits imposed on him but was relieved when the omega settled in front of him now, his neck free, expectantly. Not seeing the alpha act, he raised his eyebrows and rolled his eyes. “Don’t stop there.”
Seonghwa smiled at him and Hongjoong finally nodded before picking up his cotton pad and lotion. He swallowed as he felt the attention on him and a small nervous laugh escaped him as he stubbornly avoided the inquisitive gaze of the man in front of him. Concentrated on his task, he tried to ignore the weight he felt each time the omega's eyes passed over him, in vain. His fingers trembled as he passed over the skin that he felt warm through the fabric and he discreetly inhaled the scent of almonds enveloping them both now, stronger than usual. “Can I say that I'm not feeling well to be scrutinised like that ?”
“Why ? Are you uncomfortable ?”
“You're scanning me.”
“You're my husband. Do I not have the right to want to look at you ?”
“Do you want to look at me ?”
“Maybe. I've liked you since I set foot in your company, remember ?”
The piece of fabric slipped from Hongjoong's fingers and he finally found the strength to plunge his eyes into those of the omega in front of him. Leaning on his hands behind him, Seonghwa watched him carefully, analyzing each of his reactions and measuring his gestures. His pupils shone with a teasing spark, far from the anger and coldness he was so often used to, and Hongjoong didn't know how to handle the change in atmosphere in the room. The smell of almonds gradually changed, becoming sweeter, more... enticing and the alpha groaned inwardly, trapped in the sticky and so attractive web of the omega in front of him. “Do you think about me when you touch yourself at night ?”
“W… what ?”
“Maybe not at night ? During the day too ? At work also ?”
“Seonghwa. What are you doing ?”
Hongjoong gulped loudly as the omega scooted closer to him until he was straddling his thighs. He forced himself to keep his hands to himself, gripping the duvet cover to keep himself from grabbing the slender waist so tempting above him, but couldn’t hold back a moan as the omega dove down to his neck to lap at his gland. “Alpha…”
Something clicked in Hongjoong’s mind as he finally realized what was happening to the omega’s body.
Pre-Heat.
They only had 2 days left before flying off for their honeymoon, barely more before Seonghwa was lost in the depths of his inner omega's mind and Hongjoong panicked slightly as he noticed that the sword of Damocles above their heads, ready to permanently bind them to each, other was inexorably getting closer.
“Seonghwa, you are not yourself.”
“I want you, Alpha.”
Hongjoong shivered as he felt Seonghwa's hot breath on his neck, his hips seeking friction against his lower abdomen as he swivelled and he forced himself to unstick the omega from his body and slam him onto the mattress beside him before getting up in a hurry. A treacherous erection strained the bottom of his pajamas and he cursed when the omega stretched on the mattress, revealing the golden skin of his stomach, a charming smile on his lips full and shiny with saliva.
“Don’t you want me too ?”
“You asked me to take a lover, remember ?”
The omega pouted before finally stopping his antics and sighed as he stood up quickly. “You’re an idiot.”
“If I’m an idiot for not breaking your trust then so be it.”
Face to face, the two men sized each other up before Seonghwa rolled his eyes and walked past him without looking at him. “You better fuck me when I ask you about it in a few days, otherwise I swear, Kim Hongjoong, you’ll regret it.”
The alpha swallowed as the other man left the room with his head held high. He was torn about letting his omega down but couldn't bring himself to take advantage of him like this. He was quite anxious about sharing his heat and realized that he was far from ready for the ordeal that awaited him. He couldn't say that he had a lot of sexual experiences behind him, more often confined to his office than in good company, but one thing terrified him more than anything.
He had never been in the company of an omega in heat. Even less to help him and certainly not to bond with him. And although the erection in his pants was proof that everything worked mechanically for him, he couldn't say the same for his mind. He only hoped that his alpha would know how to do what was expected of him when the time came.
*
Hongjoong couldn't stop telling himself that the next two days were the longest of his life. Tossed between his work to close before his absence, Seonghwa's more than changeable moods and the prospect of the bite, it was exhausted that the alpha settled into the plane that would take Seonghwa and him to South Africa to whatever place his mother had planned for them.
Sitting on his right, the omega looked worriedly through the window of the plane, his fingers clenched on his bag that remained on his knees, a thin layer of sweat on his temples, and Hongjoong hesitated for a moment before reaching out in his direction. Surprised, Seonghwa looked at him furtively before pushing him away and turning his back on him, closing his eyes. Did the alpha expect it ? Yes. Was he less hurt ? Of course not.
The atmosphere between them had been electric since that famous evening, and although usually understanding and submissive towards the omega, Hongjoong could not help but now fume internally at Seonghwa's attitude. Why did he resent him for not taking advantage of him ? He did not understand but did not regret having acted with his human instinct instead of satisfying his animal urges. He would never have been able to stand his reflection in the mirror otherwise. But his kindness, rejected once again by the omega, was starting to eat away at his self-control. He just hoped that his heat would not be too catastrophic for both of them and that a semblance of normalcy could return after that, but hope seemed quite futile in their relationship. Whatever happened, in a few days they would be mates. And Hongjoong did not know what to think about it.
20 hours of flying later, the two men were dozing in a taxi taking them to their home for the next 15 days. A few strands of hair stuck with sweat on his forehead and his eyebrows furrowed, Seonghwa was breathing with difficulty leaning against the window of the car in search of a little freshness. His condition seemed to be getting worse by the hour now and Hongjoong was eager to get him to safety. Although dressed in the alpha's clothes, Seonghwa's powerful and sweet scent made people turn their heads and Hongjoong took it upon himself not to show his teeth to each person who made the affront of letting their gaze slide a little too long on his husband's silhouette.
He didn't care about Seonghwa's occasional growls when he stuck him with his scent or when he encircled him with his arm, his mission was to lead them to safety and if he had to put the omega on his back a little more for that, so be it.
Finally, they crossed the doors of the immense mansion that his mother had rented for them and after a quick tour with the owner and summary introductions with members of the staff placed at their disposal, the alpha dismissed them while Seonghwa went to settle into one of the rooms of his choice, his face pale and his body shivering. Hongjoong sighed as he let himself fall with all his weight on the couch in the living room, his gaze lost towards the horizon that he saw through the immense bay windows. He hoped to have several hours in front of him before Seonghwa's heat would mow him down, knowing that he could not hope for more given the current state of the omega. He had seen the staff take care of their luggage earlier but could not help but throw half-panicked glances at the backpack that he had kept with him during the whole trip and placed next to him on the couch to make sure he was there.
He saw himself again a few hours before their departure in the office of Jeong Yunho, the head of the medical sector of Ateez Cosmetics, for his monthly injection of suppressants mortified with shame by asking him what he could do to avoid an impromptu pregnancy during an omega's heat. Because he respected Seonghwa's decision above all. Was he ready to become a father anyway ? He greatly doubted it. Hongjoong knew that the omega had had several appointments with Doctor Jeong and the latter was therefore not surprised by his request, on the contrary, giving him advice on the steps to follow.
This is how he had left, red with embarrassment like a teenager, with a box of condoms and warnings ; the doctor taking the time to explain to him in detail that the carnal desire of omegas to be bred during their heat could be a problem for the use of physical contraceptives. But Seonghwa was under treatment, Hongjoong had no doubt about it. He just wanted to show him his cooperation and good faith, once again.
He gave himself a few minutes of respite before finally getting up and heading to the kitchen. Conscientiously, he prepared Seonghwa's favorite snacks -which he had previously requested from the housekeeper- on the counter and grabbed a bottle of cold water before taking a deep breath and heading towards the omega’s room. He expected to see him dozing or feverish under the sheets but was surprised when he saw him through the half-open door methodically arranging his bed. He had heard of omegas’ nesting habits before, but having never been in contact with one, he had never witnessed it.
Concentrating, Seonghwa was arranging the blankets and pillows on the mattress, creating a small hollow in its center where he nestled before emerging with a grumble, dissatisfied. Hongjoong couldn’t tell how long he silently observed the omega struggling fiercely to create his perfect nest and he finally cleared his throat when it seemed to calm down to announce his presence. Seonghwa looked up at him with glassy eyes as he slowly walked towards the bedside table where he put the bottle of water down without a word. The omega's gaze seemed to pierce him through and he shivered in spite of himself as he fixed his own on it. Hongjoong swallowed and still held back a smile as he saw the other man's defensive posture, his body huddled in the mountain of blankets, only his head sticking out like a meerkat.
"My omega... Wants your shirt."
Hongjoong nodded without a word and slowly undressed, taking care not to make any sudden movements so as not to attract the omega's wrath and placed his present on the mattress. Seonghwa didn't hesitate before grabbing it and diving his nose into it while growling, his wolf seeming happy to bathe in the scent of his future mate. Shirtless in front of the omega, Hongjoong felt his body betray him in spite of himself, excited by the heady pheromones of the room and he moved backwards, not taking his eyes off his husband huddled in his mountain of blankets. “I… Call me if you need anything.”
And the alpha didn’t wait for his answer before leaving the room, preferring to leave the omega to his preparation alone. He knew that he was only delaying the deadline but allowed himself the right to be a coward as he locked himself in the bathroom to take a shower. He only had to wait, but he knew that he would never be ready for what awaited him.
Hongjoong had dozed off on a deckchair by the pool when a strange feeling woke him up. A weight in the pit of his stomach made his wolf feverish and he quickly rubbed his eyes to look around before freezing when he saw that Seonghwa was advancing with difficulty in his direction dressed only in his wrinkled shirt, his cheeks reddened and his eyes glazed over. He didn't have time to move before the omega let himself fall with all his weight on him, taking his breath away in surprise and he hesitated for a moment before hugging him to stabilize him. A plaintive moan escaped Seonghwa who snuggled a little closer against him by sliding a leg between those of the alpha who stiffened when he felt the other man's naked erection rubbing against his thigh, as well as his slick flowing along him. "I thought you had run away again."
“N.. No of course not.”
Seonghwa sniffed as he nuzzled Hongjoong’s neck. The alpha cursed as he felt his sweaty hands slide over his husband’s thigh and back and he tried in vain to straighten up to adjust their position when the omega hissed in displeasure. “We can’t stay here Seonghwa.”
“I need you Alpha…”
Hongjoong closed his eyes briefly as the omega began to whine against his ear, his hands desperately seeking the contact of his skin under the clothes the alpha had put on after getting out of the shower. Seonghwa’s heady scent made his head spin but he had to pull himself together to get them to safety in the privacy of the omega’s room. “I’m here just… Not here.”
The alpha finally managed to get out of the other man's grip, who groaned in pain and stood up hastily before taking him in his arms. Seonghwa let out a small cry when his feet left the ground and clung tightly to the nape of the alpha's neck, lapping at his gland as he led them inside. The air conditioning made the omega groan and Hongjoong hurried across the living room but hesitated for a moment in front of his bedroom door before pushing it open with a thrust of his hip.
He wasted no time in carefully placing the omega's sweaty body on the pile of blankets and stepped back when the latter hissed, unhappy to feel the alpha so close to his nest without being invited. Doctor Jeong had explained to him about the territoriality of omegas during their heat and he respectfully withdrew as a sob emanated from Seonghwa. He was closing the door when the omega's broken plea came to his ears "Please help me..." and he froze. He felt his wolf inside him stirring in the face of the other man's pain and distress and he took a deep breath to ground himself. It was time.
Feverish, he quickly headed towards his backpack in the living room and pulled out the box of condoms which he turned several times between his fingers before returning towards the omega's room. Forbidden in the doorway, he looked at the tight heart of Seonghwa curled up on himself, hissing in pain and made the decision to enter the room and close the door behind him, isolating them from the outside world. The omega raised his head at the sound of the latch of the handle and, previously frowned in pain, his face relaxed somewhat upon noticing the presence of the alpha. He let out a ragged breath as Hongjoong hung back against the door, using his self-control to not let the overwhelming scent of the panting omega in front of him affect him.
“Alpha…”
A low growl echoed in Hongjoong’s chest and he couldn’t hold back any longer as Seonghwa reached out a desperate hand in his direction, urging him to come closer. With one knee on the mattress, the alpha let the other man cling to him and dive into his neck, inhaling deep gulps of his scent against his gland and setting the condom box down next to them before sliding his fingers along Seonghwa’s damp back. “I need you Alpha… It hurts, I need…”
“I’m here, Omega.”
A new moan, devilishly indecent, escaped from Seonghwa's parted lips and Hongjoong let his hands slide over the omega's shoulders to gently detach their bodies. He plunged his gaze into the other man's totally misty one and brushed aside a few stray strands, his thumb lingering on the firm and shiny crescents of flesh. "Can I come into your nest ?"
Hongjoong waited patiently, letting Seonghwa's eyes juggle between his from left to right, as if trying to understand what was being asked of him before the omega finally nodded while grabbing the tie of his shorts. "I want you, Alpha. Come."
A shiver ran through Hongjoong's body as his clothing fell down his legs and he wasted no more time before getting rid of it as well as his t-shirt. Seonghwa’s hands slid down his body and he moaned heavily as his lips assaulted his bare stomach, trailing up to his pecs. His cock swelled rapidly as the omega pulled him roughly into his nest, making their incandescent bodies meet, and he didn’t have time to react before Seonghwa settled himself on top of him, his slick dripping down his thighs and his lips nibbling behind his ear.
“Seon… Seonghwa.”
A groan echoed in the omega’s chest as Hongjoong tried to regain control of events but the other man’s already erratic movements on him did nothing to help him keep his mind clear. “Tie me up.”
A hum escaped Seonghwa who gradually stopped his nibbling before shifting to meet the gaze of the submissive alpha between his thighs who swallowed.
“I promised you that you could tie me up. Do it. Please do it. Use me.”
And although already lost in the limbo of his mind, the omega slid the shirt off his shoulders to pass it through the bars of the headboard. Trembling, he still managed to roughly tie the alpha’s wrists above his head and Hongjoong briefly pulled on it to test the strength of the knots. He didn’t guarantee that his shirt would survive this ordeal but didn’t care. Thus totally submissive under the omega, he felt… Good. He knew that his alpha was weakened and relatively under control thanks to his suppressants but restricted, he was certain that he could in no way involuntarily hurt the omega.
A moan escaped him as Seonghwa took his cock in hand to stroke it vigorously, making his erection grow rapidly while rubbing himself against him in search of some relief. He knew that he wasn’t here just to relieve Seonghwa and tried to put aside the fact that when this was all over, they would be mates. Officially bonded. That was his role : to satisfy his omega and claim him. He could do it.
Captivated, Hongjoong looked with longing and admiration at Seonghwa hunched over him. His flat torso so finely chiselled and tense as he now worked on his own body, preparing his entrance with his long, impatient fingers. His face furrowed with a mixture of pain, frustration, impatience but also desire, relief as he opened himself a little more, forcing his intimacy to be ready for what was to come. He was breathtaking. His tight little cock was glistening with precum and the alpha's one swelled further as it rubbed against him, drawing small, plaintive moans from them.
The wolf in Hongjoong growled loudly as the omega used his fingers, wet with his own slick, to quickly coat him, lingering at the base where his knot was beginning to appear. His husband's greedy lips were devouring his upper torso and he pulled hard on his bonds, growling when the latter bit one of his pectorals.
He couldn't remember the last time he had sex but stuck like this under the omega's heat and moisture, he felt himself immolating in the flames of desire that possessed him. His alpha was struggling against the chemical constraints that had been imposed on him for so long and he was more than grateful to himself for having had the presence of mind to get tied up. So at the mercy of Seonghwa’s skilled fingers and eager lips, he was a shadow of the person he usually was. A low growl echoed in his chest as the omega slid his cock against the wetness between his legs to lubricate him faster. “I… I brought condoms."
But the omega silenced him by throwing himself on his lips with force, making their teeth click and pinning his head against the mattress under the impact. His hair was savagely pulled as Seonghwa clung to him to deepen the kiss, his hips grinding frantically against his burning lower stomach and although sexually stimulated, it was the feeling of lips against his that made Hongjoong moan in ecstasy.
Those lips he dreamed of kissing every day. Those lips he only had a brief memory of from their wedding day. Those lips he couldn't help but look at again and again when the omega wasn't paying attention to him. Those soft, luscious lips that brought tears to his eyes, thus nestled against his own.
Because he couldn't stop his attraction to Seonghwa from growing, despite everything, and maybe a romantic aspect of him that he would never have suspected had just exploded in his chest, like a tsunami submerging him in the middle of a storm, and he promised himself to do everything to conquer this man no matter what it cost him.
The omega broke the kiss with a moan and Hongjoong felt like he was tasting oxygen for the first time, out of breath like a freediver returning from the depths. His lips burned with need as Seonghwa straightened up to cast a dirty look at the box of condoms not far from him. “Don’t want it. Want you to fill me full.”
Mesmerized, the alpha watched as the omega settled on his knees above him and grabbed his erection to line it up against his slick entrance and he held his breath as the wet heat slowly enveloped him. A sigh of relief escaped Seonghwa as he continued his descent, lodging Hongjoong’s erection deep inside him until he was fully filled and satisfied.
“Fuck yes…”
Hongjoong tensed as Seonghwa rolled his hips sensually above him, the restraints around his wrists squeaking against his skin that he could feel was already heated from the friction. Seonghwa’s intimate walls tightened around him and he took a deep breath before hesitantly accompanying him, giving light thrusts as the omega’s hips got closer to him, and a growl of pleasure answered him when his cock hit the bundle of nerves inside the tight heat, sending a jolt of pleasure down Seonghwa’s spine. “Fuck keep going…”
And Hongjoong obeyed, rolling his hips again and again, meeting each movement of Seonghwa’s, who had thrown his head back, his mating point totally exposed and driving the alpha crazy. The shirt creaked against the headboard as the alpha pulled on his knots to get closer to the omega in vain. Seonghwa's hands placed on his pectorals left deep marks, reddened crescent moons dotting his skin like a nascent constellation with each contraction of the omega's body above him. Their moans filled the room to the rhythm of their pelvises dancing together, a surreal litany to Hongjoong's ears who felt with dismay the knot at the base of his sex grow quickly, too quickly for his liking.
He would have liked to do better, to do more but the cry of ecstasy of the omega resonated deep inside him when his knot briefly gripped his ring of flesh, making his alpha's ego swell. It was he who satisfied his omega, him and him alone. Transcended, his hips moved with more force despite his restriction of movements and the omega hissed as he sat down abruptly on him, sliding his knot inside him and binding them together in a common cry. “Fuck…”
“Alpha!”
Ecstatic, Seonghwa let himself fall on his forearms, enclosing Hongjoong’s body with his own, their breaths mingling as their bodies continued their intimate waltz, the alpha’s cock firmly anchored constantly hammering the sensitive spot of the sweating omega. “I’m… I’m coming.”
And the two wolves let their instinct take over. The omega presented his neck as Hongjoong's fangs itched and after a final powerful thrust into Seonghwa's wet heat, he closed his jaw against the tender and warm neck. The taste of blood rose to his head and coupled with the feeling of the omega orgasming around him, it was in great spurts that he came deep inside the omega, filling him with his seed, finally and completely making him his. An unprecedented pain paralyzed him as Seonghwa's fangs pierced his mating point and then everything dissipated around them.
Nothing mattered except the beating of their hearts in harmony, their scents linking, the cedar mixing with the almond to create a fragrance that was theirs.
The certainty of a future together.
Because Hongjoong was used to living with his own feelings. He knew how to recognize the affection he felt for Seonghwa, this love that grew deep in his heart a little more each day spent in his company. But now linked to the omega, he felt that and more.
He felt the warmth linked to desire, he felt the recognition, the respect, the trust. All these emotions that clashed inside him, he did not doubt for a single moment that the mind of the omega was the source. And for the first time in a long time, a feeling emerged from the storm that tossed him around inside, like a clearing illuminating the storm-bathed moor.
Hope.
*
When Hongjoong finally opened his eyes, he couldn’t tell how much time had passed. The sun was shining down on the edge of the ocean through the bedroom’s bay window, bathing the room in a soft, orange twilight glow. His left arm rested comfortably at his side and he wrinkled his nose as he felt a weight on his right side before realizing that Seonghwa was curled up against him, his breath delicately brushing the wound on his neck. Their intertwined legs brought their bodies closer together and the alpha noted with joy, albeit a little shame, that he was roughly cleaned and that they weren’t bathing in their bodily fluids.
A feeling of guilt gripped his throat when he realized that the omega had had to take care of everything while he was unconscious and cursed himself for not even feeling his knot shrink and release them from each other. He had promised himself to be there for Seonghwa during his heat and had failed.
“Stop thinking.”
The omega’s sleepy voice made him jump and he turned his head slightly to fall into his gaze still clouded with sleep. “I’m sorry.”
Hongjoong looked down, swallowing, unable to maintain the so scrutinizing and intense eye contact of his… Mate. A soft warmth warmed his chest as he dared to look curiously at his bite on Seonghwa’s golden neck to note with relief that it was already healing, the skin devoid of blood and only reddish around the traces of fangs. The body languid against him seemed to call him and he hesitated only a moment before caressing the thigh resting on his with his fingertips to savor its softness. He saw the omega staring at him out of the corner of his eye and preferred to close his eyes and focus on the sensations he felt, too disturbed by living this moment of peace with Seonghwa.
He felt the heat against him, the omega's soft and warm skin pressed against his, his hand placed delicately next to one of the bites on his pectoral, a hand that traced with the pad of his index finger the small red crescents left earlier in the heat of the action.
Almost timidly, he buried his nose in Seonghwa's hair to inhale his scent and the omega sighed as he snuggled a little closer to his alpha's body, wrapping his arms around his torso and rubbing his face gently. Hongjoong's heart almost exploded in his chest as tears welled up in his eyes.
For the first time in too long, he felt... loved.
"Stop crying."
“I’m not.”
A small laugh devoid of malice shook Seonghwa’s shoulders who escaped from his embrace to be able to look at him. The alpha opened his wet eyes to fall on the smiling but accusing face of his mate and he smiled hesitantly, like a child ready to be reprimanded. “I’m sorry I wasn’t there to… Clean you. Take care of you.”
Seonghwa sniffed and stroked his arm. “You weren’t in the best predicament to help.”
Hongjoong nodded slowly, mesmerized by the black orbs in front of him. He had always found Seonghwa beautiful but was it their new bond that made him even more sublime in his eyes or the lack of animosity between them ? Either way, he felt irremediably bewitched by the man in front of him and had no intention of freeing himself from his hold. The omega's eyes closed as a slight blush colored his cheeks and the tips of his ears and Hongjoong smiled at this unusual but already dear to his heart painting. "Stop it..."
"What ?"
"Being so in love with me."
The alpha's heart stopped for a moment as he whispered "Why should I ?". His fingers slipped into Seonghwa's black locks and he caressed his skull gently, earning a small appreciative moan that made him smile. His hand slid up to his cheek and the omega turned his head to kiss his palm while Hongjoong coughed slightly to hide his trouble, without success. Seonghwa laughed delicately, the noise echoing in the room as he turned to stretch. The alpha let his eyes slide over his mate’s supple and exposed body, drinking in this divine vision that he knew would never tire of.
“How are you feeling ? Your heat ?”
“Dizzy but good.”
Hongjoong nodded as he watched the omega fidget on the covers like a cat, a soft smile on his face. A purr resonated in his own chest and he blushed when Seonghwa set his veiled gaze on him.
“You knotted me so good and for so long, Alpha… I’m satisfied.”
“Stop it oh my god…”
“Unable to accept a compliment hun ?”
Red from the ears to the top of his chest, Hongjoong straightened up in a sitting position with his back to Seonghwa and was looking for his shorts to go get some air when the omega draped himself against his back. His long arms came to encircle his neck as he explored it with his lips before stopping on the fresh bite. The alpha began to purr against his will once again when Seonghwa delicately lapped at the wound and he felt himself relax in the embrace until he leaned against his mate's chest.
“Where do you think you’re going, my alpha ?”
“You must be hungry. You didn't eat on the plane, you have to now...”
“Hmm yeah I'm hungry.”
And Hongjoong quickly understood that he wasn't talking about food when the omega pulled him to the middle of his nest to straddle him and resume his attentions with more insistence on his neck. With fascination, he watched Seonghwa's cock swell against him and he moaned as he felt his own vibrate with interest under his mate's buttocks. "I thought the bite was supposed to interrupt your heat..."
"Let's say no so you can fuck me again."
What ?
"What ?" Frozen, Hongjoong tried to connect the few neurons available - those that had miraculously managed to escape the indecent eroticism of the omega undulating on his knees - and Seonghwa sighed as he grabbed him by the nape of the neck to look into his eyes. "You're hot and I'm horny as hell. We're married and mated. Can't we just have sex ?"
"You think I'm hot ?"
And Hongjoong had just enough time to see the omega roll his eyes before he dove to his lips and made them fall into the middle of the covers. It was not the time for questions.
“Why did you want me at home that night ?”
Seonghwa was munching on his strawberry Pepero with his head on Hongjoong’s stomach when the alpha finally spoke after an interminable silence that had been eating away at him for far too long. The jet lag and the -numerous- sex sessions were making him lethargic and he was oscillating between sleep and consciousness while caressing Seonghwa’s chest against him with his fingertips.
He knew that the omega’s heat had stopped since the mating bite and couldn’t assimilate the fact that he wanted him only for pleasure. Sure, he was his mate but their relationship wasn’t the clearest in the world and Seonghwa had made him understand more than once that their marriage was just one on paper, had even told him to take a lover. He had tried to hide his questions and forced himself to just enjoy what the omega wanted to offer him but could no longer sort things out or be tossed between the hot and cold blown by the omega. He needed answers.
Seonghwa devoured the last of his treat before putting the box down and turning onto his stomach, his chin resting on his hands placed on the abs of the alpha, who swallowed. One day maybe he would manage not to be totally mesmerized by the deep and captivating eyes of his mate.
“You’re kind and sweet and respectful and… hot. And I’m just a young omega full of hormones. The things you said to me that day, your delicate touch on my skin… It made me feel… safe. And horny.”
“Oh.” Hongjoong watched helplessly as the omega’s teasing smile grew in intensity as he felt the heat rise to his head, overwhelmed by his boldness and limitless honesty. “I never thought… But you wanted me to take a lover…”
“I feel safe now and I hope you’re not dumb enough to believe we can live together without being attracted to each other. You’re my husband. You’re my mate. I don’t want anyone but you and I promise you that I’m far from a monk, and I won't let you make myself become one.”
A sudden cough shook Hongjoong and Seonghwa took pity on him and laughed as he moved aside to let him catch his breath.
“You’re too sensitive for a big bad alpha, you know.”
“Because I’m not.”
A peaceful silence stretched between them and Hongjoong found the courage to plunge his eyes into those of the omega who was watching him attentively. Finally, a small smile lifted his lips as he murmured “No… you’re not” and the alpha felt himself melt under the almost tender gaze of his mate.
Hesitant, Hongjoong grabbed one of Seonghwa’s hands and caressed his knuckles with his thumb while biting his lip. “You… You really want me ?”
“We’re naked on our bed and you’re touching me so sweetly. Don’t be surprised that I want you.”
“But you hate me”
“I don’t. I hate your mother”
Hongjoong’s head snapped up at the sound of those words and he let out a breath he hadn’t realized he was holding as the omega moved closer to him once again, his lips and nose brushing his cheek like butterfly wings. “I don’t hate you and you know what ? If I can show her how much you give me pleasure, how hard you blow my back out, with the knowledge she won’t have the satisfaction she craves for… I’m in.”
I’m dreaming was all the alpha could think before Seonghwa’s full lips seized his and he let himself fall into the omega’s embrace once again, letting himself be pulled onto his languid body as he tasted the strawberry of his snacks on his tongue. I’m dreaming and I don’t want to wake up.
Sex with Seonghwa was… a lot for Hongjoong. Several days had passed since their arrival -and the bite- and the alpha could count on the fingers of one hand the number of times they had gotten out of bed.
- To go get the snacks or meals ordered from the butler
- To shower
- To change the sheets (Seonghwa refusing to call the staff)
- To go to the couch and have sex there (it was not planned)
He congratulated himself inwardly for having maintained a little of his stamina from the past, while the omega seemed to continue the lovemaking without an ounce of fatigue on his face.
“Maybe you’re too hot for me and I can’t help it” his husband had said mischievously while they caught their breath tangled on the couch. “Or maybe I’m just a whore for you.”
And Hongjoong was surprised when Seonghwa was finally -FINALLY- in the arms of Morpheus to thank the heavens for having given him a mate like him. He knew that he was far from being the most masculine and dominant alpha in the world, what society expected of his subgender, and could not be more fulfilled to have an omega ready to take the reins in their relationship without any remorse or hesitation. Seonghwa was strong, sure of himself and fearless ; a rock that Hongjoong was not afraid to lean on from now on. Everything he needed. Everything he loved.
And everything his mother hated.
Hongjoong had expected the Kim matriarch to be a constant presence in their marriage like the vulture she was, watching over the remains of a carcass before diving in to feast on it but it was not the case. Usually overwhelming, her presence was now… Nonexistent. Not once had the Head Alpha imposed herself in their penthouse, nor landed in Hongjoong’s office as usual, nor had she summoned them to her own office. As if… She had simply disappeared.
Hongjoong knew that this was not the case, he had continued to see her during the weekly company meetings, felt her gaze on them when they left the premises each evening but instead of her overwhelming and toxic presence, only a diluted and intangible shadow remained. And the alpha did not know what to think of it.
Was the Head Alpha patiently biding her time before striking again ? Had she finally freed Hongjoong from her hold ? Was… Seonghwa’s presence keeping her at a distance ? Had his mate become the unbreakable shield between him and his own mother ?
Has she finally been defeated ?
The gratitude the alpha felt gradually freed him from his shyness and he no longer wanted to hold back from proving his love to his mate, wishing to bathe him in his unrestrained affection. Hongjoong was watching Seonghwa splash around in the pool under the stars when he let out his first declaration of love.
“You are everything I could ask for… for a mate.”
He was reassured when the omega leaned against the edge of the pool to look at him without a word but with a discreet smile on his face. Finally, his words were no longer rejected. And even if he had no verbal response during these moments, the caresses of Seonghwa’s fingers against his skull when they fell asleep in each other’s arms were enough for him.
Their honeymoon ended faster than Hongjoong would have thought. Torn between walks along their private beach, days spent lounging on the warm sand, swimming sessions and, of course, hours spent tangled up in each other on their bed or elsewhere, the alpha had not seen the time pass and began to dread their return and the resumption of their daily lives far from the carefree life they were currently living.
Finding the Korean winter, work, their penthouse where the memories were not the best, his mother… All this coupled with the rain accompanying their last day, Hongjoong had preferred to remain listless and rest on the couch, his head resting on Seonghwa's thighs. The alpha had been surprised when earlier in the day the omega had arrived in the living room armed with his Switch and had not been able to refrain from teasing him on the subject. "You really took your console on your honeymoon ?" But had quickly been brought back into line when the omega had answered him with Olympian calm. “I planned to knock you out and leave you tied up somewhere and enjoy my vacation.” Knowing that he was serious, Hongjoong had not answered and had made himself small by discreetly crawling towards his mate to settle into the position in which they were currently.
Lulled by the relaxing music of his game and the regular breathing of his mate, bathed in his scent and his warmth, Hongjoong knew that he would never forget this moment, above all the mindblowing sex they had been able to have during these past 2 weeks. Because beyond sex, it was affection that Hongjoong needed the most, he who had cruelly lacked it since his childhood, and he drank in the moments when Seonghwa brought it to him with voluptuousness.
Although captivated by his game, the omega did not fail to caress his neck from time to time - surely when his game allowed him to - and Hongjoong could not be happier. He had long since given up the idea of holding back his purr and he must certainly have looked like a kitten nestled against his mate's warm belly, his chest vibrating.
“I don’t want to go back home.”
“It’s you who have the money. You can make it happen.”
“As if.”
“Don't complain then.”
Hongjoong pouted and wrapped his arms around Seonghwa’s slim waist, nuzzling his face against him. The omega sighed as he finally set his Switch down next to them and stretched his arms above his head with a groan before running his fingers through the alpha’s tousled locks. “I’m hungry and I don’t want to eat on the plane.”
“Hmm.”
“That means that I want you to move.”
“You can text the butler and I’ll move when he’ll be here.”
“You’re a baby.” But his words were devoid of all malice as he grabbed his phone. “You want something ?”
“I’m good.”
Seonghwa hummed as he tapped away on his phone and the alpha groaned when a few minutes later he had to bring himself to let go of his mate’s comfortable body. A pat on the head later, he watched the omega collect his food and a tender smile lifted his lips when the latter handed him a portion and said “Eat now” which he did without quibble, secretly happy that he was being taken care of.
And after a last tour of the place and the certainty that they had not left anything behind, they headed towards the airport hand in hand, the omega occasionally rubbing his nose against the mating bite in Hongjoong’s neck who only hoped that one thing would not be left in these places.
Their budding love.
*
Completely exhausted, Hongjoong let himself fall gracelessly into the back seat of the car in which Jongho, the family's handyman, had come to pick him and Seonghwa up at the airport. Much more awake, the omega was chatting with the driver with a smile on his face, naming people Hongjoong didn't even know existed, and the alpha wondered what he had missed these last few weeks in the company of the omega, completely obsessed with his husband and him alone. How had he been able to create bonds with people he assumed were in his sphere without him knowing them himself ?
"Who is Yeosang ?"
Seonghwa turned to him when he heard his whisper in his ear and looked at him sternly, answering him with spite. "Your cleaning man and your driver's mate ?" And Hongjoong had blushed with shame before answering a small “oh” and snuggling against the omega who clicked his tongue in displeasure while rolling his eyes.
“I’m sorry. I was never home before you came…”
“Whatever. Pay attention to the people around you. They have been working for you for years, dammit. Prove that you are better than some people.”
Sheepishly, the alpha nodded silently. He knew who Seonghwa was talking about and had no desire to be compared to his ultimate nemesis and he promised himself to make an effort.
They arrived at their penthouse at the end of the day, the sun falling inexorably on the horizon and, after thanking Jongho under Seonghwa’s approving gaze, Hongjoong had sprawled on the couch, sighing with pleasure. He wrapped his face in one of the blankets that were constantly lying around the living room and inhaled the remnants of Seonghwa's scent while the omega had gone to shower. He didn't know if it was the fresh bond that made him so dependent on his mate's scent but he forced himself not to join him in the bathroom under penalty of being thrown out (he had already suffered the consequences during their vacation).
The alpha couldn't help but feel uncertain about their situation now, his wolf uncomfortably agitated deep inside him to be separated from his omega even for such a short time. How was he going to work ? Wearing Seonghwa's clothes seemed like an obligation to survive a day without him. Did he also feel this visceral lack ? A heartbreaking sigh escaped Hongjoong who was impatiently waiting for the omega to return as if he had gone to war and he rolled his eyes at the sky in front of his own despair. They only had tomorrow left before they had to go back to work and the alpha hoped to spend it wrapped around Seonghwa.
Hongjoong opened his eyes to the pitch-black penthouse, alone on the couch. He grumbled as he stretched and made some light with his phone to see that he was indeed alone in the living room and that it was barely 2am. Groggy, he got up dragging his feet to the stairs and hesitated on the landing before biting his lip and opening the door to Seonghwa's room. No light filtered into the room and he used his phone cautiously before noticing the absence of the omega which suddenly woke him up.
His heart beating hard, he headed towards his own room and couldn't hold back a smile when he opened the door and a whiff of almond reached his nostrils. Softly, he entered the room and closed the door silently before heading to the mattress using his phone.
Nestled between the pillows, one pressed against his chest, the omega was fast asleep. His sleepy face was relaxed and Hongjoong quickly undressed before slipping under the sheets gently, taking care not to wake him. He settled as close to him as he could and smiled as he felt Seonghwa's peaceful breath caress his cheek. His hand settled itself in the hollow of the omega's waist who inhaled deeply before moving closer to him and it was victorious that the alpha welcomed his mate against him, his chest having replaced the pillow that served as his comforter. He took the risk of placing a kiss on his forehead and smiled as he felt him snuggle a little closer to him. Finally, he closed his eyes with a smile on his lips as a purr vibrated his chest with contentment and he fell asleep again, lulled by Seonghwa's regular breathing and his warmth ; more than satisfied with their return home.
He woke up with a start the next day in an empty and cold bed. Agitated, his wolf ordered him to get up quickly to go look for his omega which he did without asking any questions. He must have looked like a madman when he burst into the living room under the surprised gaze of Seonghwa who was wrapping himself in his coat, his eyes wide filled with questions.
“Are you leaving ?”
Surprised, the omega blinked twice before scrunching delicately his eyebrows. “I want to go to the Lego store.”
“Isn’t it a little early ?”
“Considering it’s 2pm, I don’t think so.”
2pm ? Seonghwa finished tying his scarf and was putting on his hat when Hongjoong curled up against his back.
“What’s the matter ?”
Anything to stop him from leaving, find something Hongjoong ”Don’t you want to stay home and rest ? You must be tired after these last two weeks and…”
“I want my Dodo Airlines set.”
The alpha grumbled as he tightened his grip on his mate and the latter sighed before finally caressing the arms encircling his waist. “Jongho is waiting for me outside.”
“I will accompany you to him.”
“You’re half awake and naked.”
Realization made Hongjoong bite his lip and he finally admitted defeat as he released Seonghwa, a puppy dog look on his face as he waved him off. “You’re right. Have a good day. See you later.”
The omega remained motionless as Hongjoong dragged himself towards the stairs with the intention of going back to bed and waiting for his mate to return but froze when his voice reached his ears like a caress. “You want to come with me ?”
Sheepishly, the alpha looked at him with a red cheek as the omega remained stoic in the entryway. “I don't want to be a leech.”
A small smile lifted Seonghwa's lips as he went to sit on one of the stools in their kitchen. “A cute leech though. Go get dressed. I’m waiting.”
And Hongjoong rushed upstairs without asking for his rest, light as air when he heard his mate's laughter on the ground floor.
It was after a merciless fight at the Lego Store -Seonghwa categorically refusing to let Hongjoong pay for his set VS Hongjoong adding to the bill each set where Seonghwa's bright eyes stopped for more than a few seconds- that the couple settled down by the fireplace of a café where the omega was used to stopping on each excursion to his favorite shopping center. Sulking, Hongjoong watched his mate turn the single Animal Crossing box between his excited fingers and he sighed loudly after the waiter had placed their hot drinks in front of them and walked away. "Stop sulking."
"I wanted to give you a gift."
"I don't need it."
The alpha hummed, still scowling, while the omega blew on the foam of his hot chocolate to make the rabbit that had been drawn with it wiggle. A small chuckle escaped him and Hongjoong felt himself melting in front of this vision of paradise. Dressed in a black turtleneck sweater that accentuated his long neck, his long hair cascading around his face, reddened by the cold and a childish smile on his lips, he was magnificent. A small voice deep inside him murmured Mine and a discreet purr resonated in his chest seeing his mate so happy and relaxed in his presence.
This feeling of fullness that had not left him since they had started their shopping trip invaded him a little more as the day went on and he knew that it did not only emanate from him but from Seonghwa as well and this feeling was the best he could experience. A tender smile lit up Hongjoong’s face as a trace of foam appeared above the omega’s lip and he blushed before lapping it up.
“You should get something to eat. You haven’t had anything in too long.”
“Coffee will be enough.”
“Nonsense.”
Touched, the alpha watched his mate head to the counter before returning with a huge slice of cheesecake in his hands and placing it in front of him, looking falsely stern. “Now eat. And drink your water too.”
A gentle warmth spread across Hongjoong’s cheeks who murmured a small “Thank you” as he grabbed his spoon and dipped it into the soft cake. An appreciative moan escaped him at the first bite and Seonghwa smiled at him, satisfied, sipping his hot chocolate before turning his attention back to his phone.
The alpha was mercilessly devouring his pastry when an idea finally crossed his mind, making him blush a little more. A quick glance at Seonghwa told him that he wasn't paying attention and he took a few seconds to weigh the pros and cons before clearing his throat to get his attention. The omega looked up at the noise and frowned at the alpha's state and the latter bit the inside of his cheek as he dug his spoon into the cake before handing it to him. “Would you like to take a bite ?”
Seonghwa’s big, bright eyes opened a little wider and a small smile lifted his full lips before he opened them, waiting for the feeding like a baby bird. Trembling slightly, Hongjoong moved closer to him and delicately placed the piece of cake in his mate’s mouth and nearly choked when Seonghwa closed his lips around the spoon, taking his time to slide it in before pulling back, a mischievous and winning smile on his lips. “Thank you.”
The alpha failed to respond as he grabbed his glass of water in the vain hope of getting rid of the heat that had risen to his cheeks. His mate was much too strong and dangerous for his health.
After enjoying their snacks and drinks and warming themselves by the fire, the two men wrapped themselves up before heading back into the alleys where the snow had started to pile up, Seonghwa's hand delicately gripping Hongjoong's biceps who couldn't stand smiling anymore, the muscles in his cheeks in pain because they weren't used to it. But he couldn't get enough of it, this pain was the best in the world.
"Can we make a last stop before heading home ?"
"As long as I'm with you, I'll go wherever you want."
The omega made them stop as people passed around them so as not to bump into them. Hongjoong's heart was pounding in his chest as he carefully examined Seonghwa's face, the snowflakes brushing his cheeks and decorating his eyelashes. Smiling tenderly, he tucked a strand of hair behind his mate's ear and stroked his jaw as he removed his hand. A ragged breath escaped him as the omega moved closer to him until their breaths were linked together and a small moan escaped him when he felt the cold lips brush his before landing on them tenderly. The kiss only lasted a second but it was enough to bring tears to Hongjoong's eyes who sniffled as his mate pulled away from him, cheeks red and eyes shining. "Maybe you're everything I could ask for too..."
A small sobbing laugh shook Hongjoong as he understood that Seonghwa was responding to his declaration that he had made to him that evening in the pool during their honeymoon and he smiled when the omega captured a tear that had escaped with his gloved hand.
“I want to buy a birthday gift for my Eomma. It’s his birthday next week.”
The alpha nodded softly, linking his fingers with Seonghwa. “Lead the way, Love.”
And the warmth he felt in his stomach and chest at that moment was not his own. It came from the omega who had started walking upstream of him, cheeks red and their hands linked together. Hongjoong was in love and it was time to stop being afraid to show it.
Shopping for Seonghwa’s Eomma went faster than Hongjoong would have liked, he who was more than happy to spend time in the company of his mate. Efficient, his husband had led them to a store dedicated to omegas where he had put together a basket of an assortment of flowery pajamas - of a softness that the alpha would never have dared to imagine - as well as candles with sweet and gourmand fragrances. Their last stop had been a bookstore where the omega had set his sights on a fantasy novel that he had slipped into the basket and it was proudly that Hongjoong had finally won their new fight, walking around holding the basket and the Lego bag in his hand under the falsely annoyed gaze of Seonghwa who was trying to hide his grateful smile only in order to leave his victory to the alpha, their linked hands swinging between them.
It was still relatively early when they arrived home, and it was impatient like a child that Seonghwa quickly got rid of his winter clothes and waddled to the coffee table to put down his Lego set. As usual, he settled on the floor with a huge smile on his face and began to open his box, completely sealed from all elements outside the bubble in which he had just immersed himself.
Smiling, Hongjoong went to put the basket in Seonghwa's room and finally headed towards his office with a sigh. They had to go back to work the next morning and it was time to turn on his computer and take a look at the -he already knew- too many emails that must be waiting for him. Kyungmoon had been instructed to only disturb him in case of extreme urgency and he was grateful that he hadn't done so but it was time to test the waters before jumping into the deep end. He knew that the next communication campaign around their new cosmetics range was about to launch and, although not impatient at the idea of being separated from Seonghwa, he was eager to dive back into his work.
With his laptop under his arm, Hongjoong went down the stairs before heading towards the living room where Seonghwa was hunched over his small colored bricks, his tongue poking out of the corner of his mouth and his eyes wide. Taking care not to disturb him, the alpha settled on the couch where his mate was leaning and lay down before installing the laptop on his stomach. From where he was, he could see Seonghwa's clear neck and smiled at the absence of red patches this time. He knew that eczema could be caused largely by stress and was happy to see that the omega seemed to be devoid of it at the moment.
Accompanied by Seonghwa's small satisfied noises as well as the music he had put on in the background, he threw himself into his work, clicking directly on the mailbox and sighed when he saw the 3-digit number displayed. He, who had never taken more than a few consecutive days of vacation in the past, now realized how demanding and draining his job could be and thought about trying to find a solution to organize it as best he could, even if it meant doing what he hated the most : delegating. He had a mate to take care of now and there was no question of prioritizing work.
This is how the two men ended their afternoon, one of Hongjoong's hands delicately caressing the back of his mate's neck while sorting through his emails, Seonghwa putting together his Lego and occasionally letting the back of his head rest against his husband's thigh behind him. As a responsible adult, the omega had finally finished his construction and had gone to prepare their meal - not without placing a tender kiss on Hongjoong's lips who had quickly abandoned his computer to follow him like a puppy and watch him cook - and it was snuggled up against each other on the couch in front of a drama that the alpha had zero interest in, too busy rubbing his nose on the mating bite in the hollow of his mate's neck and placing tender kisses there, that they had finished their day. That night, Hongjoong had taken his time in the living room, waiting for Seonghwa to come up the stairs to follow him from a distance and when the omega had headed without hesitation into the alpha's room, the latter had not been able to stop a smile from appearing on his face. This time, he wanted to believe it. He could believe it.
Getting back to work was easier than Hongjoong would have thought. Every day, he made sure to take one of the omega's scarves with him and tie it around his own neck so as not to miss his scent while Seonghwa borrowed his sweaters or jackets. In front of the nursery, the omega kissed him deeply, arms tied around his neck and after a quick scenting on their biting marks, the two men separated, ready to start their day. And their now well-established rhythm had returned naturally, each adapting to the absence of the other with more or less ease depending on the day.
Hongjoong's days were more than full and a large part of his energy was dedicated to catching up on work - even if Kyungmoon had done an exemplary job in his absence - and for the first time, the routine was broken.
"Seonghwa ?"
Hongjoong was finishing up his work for the day with Kyungmoon when the omega walked through the doors of his office, making the alpha look up from his computer screen. Shamefully, he checked the time on his wrist to see that they had long since passed the end of daycare time and it was with regret that he got up from his chair to head towards his mate leaning against the doorframe. “I’m sorry… our absence really made me late and even though I know it’s not an excuse, I didn’t see the time go by for…”
A kiss interrupted his tirade and he closed his eyes under the caress against his cheek, his heart pounding in his chest. A strange glint shone in the omega’s eyes when he finally broke the kiss but Hongjoong didn’t have the leisure to question himself further as the latter spoke. “It’s ok. I’m glad I finally get a chance to see the upper quarters.”
“How did you get here ?”
He knew that the security personnel were extremely picky and that it was almost impossible for people without accreditation to enter these places.
“I’ve done a magic trick.”
Hongjoong frowned as Seonghwa introduced himself to his beta assistant by moving away from him. Was the omega that strong ? To be honest, the alpha didn’t doubt it. If he could make his mother flinch without breaking a sweat, of course he could bend the security with his big bright eyes, the shiny wedding ring on his finger and now the bite on his neck, sort of the ultimate pass here, without forcing.
“You should let Kyungmoon go home, honey. This is not the time to continue working.”
Hongjoong's brain exploded upon hearing Seonghwa's pet name and he chuckled softly upon seeing his constipated face. The omega stroked his cheek again and Kyungmoon hid the lower part of his face in his briefcase so as not to laugh at his superior's dismay.
"Hmm yeah yeah you... You can go Kyungmoon. I... I'll tidy up myself."
"Thank you, Sir."
And if Hongjoong saw his assistant address Seonghwa rather than him, he said nothing. He was much too absorbed by his mate's warm body next to him to care anyway. The sound of the door closing behind the beta pulled him out of his visual exploitation of the much more plunging neckline, a few more buttons undone than that very morning, on Seonghwa's chest - who was looking at him with far too much innocence to be so - and raised his eyebrows as he saw him move away from him to languidly advance to his desk. “Don't you… want to go home ?”
“You have to tidy here first, remember ?”
“Yeah sorry I hmm… I'll be quick.”
Hongjoong saw his husband nod in approval and quickly settled behind his computer to check his work one last time before leaving. But he had trouble concentrating as Seonghwa moved nonchalantly around the room, his hips already highlighted in his white pants were accentuated by his swaying gait and the alpha bit his lip as he tightened his grip on his computer mouse. The sooner he finished here, the sooner he could go home and…
Seonghwa’s laughter rose behind him and Hongjoong blushed, suspecting that his pheromones had betrayed his indecent thoughts and he cursed when the omega came to wrap his arms around his neck. “Naughty boy.”
“It’s your fault…”
“How so ?”
Gently, Seonghwa turned Hongjoong’s office chair around and bit his lip at the already disheveled state of the alpha in front of him. They hadn’t done anything since their honeymoon and Hongjoong felt like he was about to explode every night the omega curled up against him, so close but so far at the same time.
“You’re so easy.”
“I’m weak for you.”
“Yes, you are.”
The omega leaned down to his ear and nibbled on it while his hands wasted no time in unfastening Hongjoong's belt who moaned. “Seonghwa… We can’t…”
“T-t-t-t... It's just you and me here. Relax.”
And Hongjoong was already too entangled in the omega’s nets to resist him anyway. His will gone, he watched with his veiled eyes as his mate knelt in front of him and cursed when he suddenly pulled on his pants to reveal his tense erection which made him laugh softly. “You really are easy.”
“It’s been a long time…”
“You just have to ask, you know. And take what is yours.”
Seonghwa’s fingers immediately wrapped around his cock and Hongjoong let out a choppy, feverish breath. He knew in advance that between the desire that ravaged his stomach, the excitement of being here, in a place where anyone could see them, and Seonghwa's words, he wasn't going to last long but the omega had never held it against him in the past.
“Don't tease me please…”
“I'm not. It's rewarding to see how much you want me.”
“As if you still doubted it.”
Seonghwa blinked his eyelashes falsely innocently as he settled more comfortably between his open legs, one hand firmly placed on his outstretched thigh while the other continued to work on his shaft, shaping it to his liking. “Have you ever had a blowjob ?”
“Y.. yeah.”
“Prepare yourself, you’ll never recover from mine.”
Hongjoong cursed loudly as Seonghwa swallowed him in one go without warning and his fingers gripped the edge of his desk to keep from fainting from the sensations. He felt his mate's incredibly skilful tongue curl around his tip and a small sob escaped him when his balls were kneaded.
"Fu...Fuck dammit."
A small laugh resonated in Seonghwa's throat and the alpha hissed as he felt the reverberations on him. A loud pop was heard in the room when his cock was released. "I want your hands on me."
Hongjoong swallowed and nodded as he loosened his grip on the wood of his desk. Tenderly, he ran his fingers through Seonghwa's long locks who, satisfied, resumed his work with enthusiasm. The hand at the base of his sex tightening around his apparent knot made the alpha moan heavily, unconsciously pressing on the back of his mate's neck to sink a little deeper into him, attracted in spite of himself by the heat and tender flesh at the back of the omega's throat.
"Fuck Seonghwa you're..."
The phone on his desk suddenly started to ring and he jumped, letting go of his mate who didn't give him time to escape before planting his fingers on his thighs, freeing only his cock from his oral case. "I'm not done here, Kim Hongjoong."
"It's my mother."
And the alpha knew before even finishing his sentence that it was the thing to say to light the fire contained in his mate, he who was only waiting for the ideal opportunities to make the life of the matriarch Kim a living hell.
He still remembered what the omega had told him during their honeymoon and should have known that his patience would eventually pay off. He swallowed, the phone ringing relentlessly on the desk and moaned when Seonghwa placed a kiss on his dick. “Honey… Pick up this phone and let me enjoy myself. Is that clear ?”
Hongjoong nodded frantically, spellbound and reached out to take the call. He hesitated for a moment before finally putting it on speaker and swallowed to get rid of the excess saliva in his mouth when Seonghwa gave him a small, satisfied wink, murmuring “such an obedient alpha…” before swallowing it again.
Hongjoong bit his tongue as he gripped the handles of his seat and blushed like he had never blushed in his life when his mother’s voice echoed in the room.
“Hongjoong ? I hope you didn’t forget the gala tomorrow night in honor of our partnership with the Songs. It’s your duty to…”
“Good evening to you too, mother.”
A satisfied groan escaped Seonghwa and Hongjoong’s eyes widened sharply, glaring at him. He knew the noise must have been heard in the phone but couldn’t reprimand the omega when the latter released his erection to grab him by the nape of the neck and kiss him roughly. The alpha groaned as he complied with his mate’s will and enthusiastically received him on his lap, kneading his buttocks and devouring his mouth.
“Whatever. Know that your presence is not optional and…”
But Hongjoong didn’t care about his mother’s diatribe while Seonghwa fought for dominance by grabbing his hair with one hand and struggling with the buttons of his shirt with the other. A loud moan escaped the omega on purpose and Hongjoong chuckled inwardly as he noticed that his mother had stopped her speech. He couldn’t deny that he was more than excited by the situation, his reason long gone.
“Hongjoong ? Are you still here ?”
Seonghwa released the swollen mouth of the alpha to go explore his finally revealed torso and Hongjoong licked his lips, trying to regain his senses “Yes, mother.”
“Are you listening ?”
“Yes, mother.”
“You don't need to bring your omega. It’s just a small event, no need to bore him with such a little venue.”
A winning smile lifted Seonghwa’s full, glossy lips who chuckled softly as he rubbed a little closer to the subjugated alpha. “What ? I thought you married me for this ? To show everyone that I’m a responsible, happily married alpha ?”
Only silence answered him through the receiver and Hongjoong grabbed his mate’s chin, his thumb pressed against his lower lip. Their eyes didn’t leave each other as their breaths mingled in the short distance that separated them. “I’ll come with Seonghwa. He is my husband. He is my mate. He will always be by my side. Wherever I should go, he will be there too. That is what you wanted, right ?”
And a short “Fine” answered him before the end of call tone echoed in the room. Out of breath, the two men stared at each other before a nervous laugh finally shook Hongjoong who ran a trembling hand through his hair. “I never thought I would have the courage to talk to her like that one day !”
The omega’s silence challenged him as the seconds that passed without a reaction from him stretched out and Hongjoong lost his smile when he saw his mate’s pupils dilated to the extreme. “Seonghwa ?”
“You were so hot and I’m afraid if you don’t fuck me within the next 2 minutes I’ll be very upset.”
Hongjoong could only obey wisely. He couldn't possibly make him angry.
“I’m glad you finally accepted my gifts.”
Sitting in the car leading them to the Song Agency offices, Hongjoong smiled as he saw Seonghwa adjusting his hair in the reflection of his phone. The alpha’s hand tenderly caressed the omega where the opening of his jacket revealed his back and a feeling of possessiveness inhabited him knowing that he was the one who had given him this suit.
“The only reason I accepted is because I don’t own any clothes that are unable to not embarrass you for this kind of event. It’s a one-time thing. I don’t want any gifts.”
Hongjoong nonchalantly sniffed as he slid his hand against his mate’s warm skin once again, venturing up to his ribs before the omega slapped his arm.
“Stop it.”
“It’s your fault ! I had planned a shirt under this jacket, you know.”
Seonghwa glanced at him sideways, a falsely innocent smile on his lips as he put his phone back in his purse. “And miss the look on your mother’s face when she sees me in this outfit ? Where would the fun be in that ?”
The alpha rolled his eyes as he settled down properly on the seat. This evening was important for Ateez Cosmetics, he knew that all the masterminds and shareholders would be present and he couldn’t get rid of this feeling of anxiety deep inside him. He knew that Seonghwa had an explosive temper and was afraid of his mate and his mother’s reunion.
To his knowledge, they hadn’t seen each other since the wedding and Seonghwa’s hatred towards the Matriarch knew no respite, even growing gradually. As if he could read his thoughts -almost-, the omega sighed as he looked out the window. “Don’t worry. I can behave, you know ?”
“I know…”
“But ?”
Hongjoong scratched the back of his neck under Seonghwa’s watchful gaze. Of course he trusted his mate not to create any conflict. He had an image of a perfect partner to maintain in public and always did his best but he couldn’t get rid of this strange feeling that had been inhabiting him since they had hit the road. He knew that Seonghwa was capable of defending himself alone and was probably the strongest person he had ever met so why was he so agitated ?
“Could you stay close to me, please ?”
The omega frowned as Hongjoong swallowed while mechanically adjusting the sleeves of his black tuxedo. A layer of sweat beaded on his forehead and Seonghwa retrieved a handkerchief from his bag to dab his damp skin.
“Are you ok ?”
“I don’t know.”
Without a word, the omega unbuckled his seatbelt under the remonstrances of Jongho in the front who parked on the side of the road and slid up to Hongjoong on the bench to hold him against him. The alpha buried his nose in his mate’s neck, near his scar and inhaled deeply, his trembling hands knotted behind his bare back. The anxiety that tightened his throat reduced considerably thus surrounded by his mate and Hongjoong sighed before placing a kiss on Seonghwa’s cheek. “I guess I’m just anxious…”
“She won’t do anything to you. I’m here.”
And the alpha was grateful to his mate for putting words to the things he didn’t dare to say. Maybe the prospect of seeing his mother and his husband in the same room was bothering him more than he wanted to admit, but it wasn’t his mate’s fate that was making him anxious…
It was hand in hand that they finally arrived in front of Song Agency after Jongho dropped them off to park the car. Hongjoong tried to ignore the knot he felt in his stomach and Seonghwa held on to his arm delicately as they walked through the doors of the building. The alpha was grateful for the dim lighting in which the party was held and he smiled at the staff who welcomed them by offering them a glass of champagne that Seonghwa politely declined.
“You don’t drink ?”
“I want my head clear and ready if necessary.”
While Hongjoong only wanted to drown his own. Hesitantly, the alpha looked at the bubbles in his glass and almost put it back on a table but the omega set them off towards the people present at the back of the room by whispering in his ear "I got you." and placed a kiss on his cheek while smiling at him. He could do it.
Finding Mingi, the creator of Song Agency, was always a pleasure for Hongjoong. The two men had known each other for several years now, having already worked together occasionally in the past, and it was with unfeigned pleasure that they met that evening to sign the partnership that all cosmetic companies and modeling agencies could dream of. The most prestigious cosmetics brand teaming up with the best model scout of his generation ? Everyone would have been crazy to refuse.
“Happy to finally be partners, partner !”
Hongjoong laughed heartily before briefly hugging the other alpha and turned to Seonghwa who was looking at them with a shy smile.
“Seonghwa, this is Song Mingi, long-time friend and new business partner. Mingi… This is Seonghwa. Kim Seonghwa. The man of my life.”
The omega’s eyes widened slightly as a blush settled on his cheeks and he accepted Mingi’s hand kiss, his gaze fixed on Hongjoong’s.
“Nice to meet you Seonghwa. Like probably everyone here, I’ve seen pictures of your wedding but mymymy hyung, he’s even more handsome in the flesh. Definitely too handsome for you ! Seonghwa, if you ever get tired of him…”
Falsely offended, Hongjoong pushed Mingi with his shoulder and put his free arm around Seonghwa’s waist, placing a kiss on his shoulder. “I know. I’m lucky.”
Seonghwa smiled tenderly at him before placing a kiss on his forehead. “I’m the lucky one. Sorry Mingi.”
The alpha’s heart raced in his chest at the hearing of these words and he sipped his champagne to hide his confusion. He could no longer distinguish between the moments when the omega was sincere with him and when he played the role that had been imposed on him. He smiled at Mingi who was looking at them tenderly and swallowed when he felt Seonghwa’s gaze on him. He shouldn’t worry him more than was reasonable and knew that their bond betrayed his emotions now. He absolutely had to learn to control them.
“Hongjoong-ssi ?”
The alpha turned at the sound of his name and his eyes widened at the sight of the smiling omega in front of him.
“Jung Wooyoung ?”
A small laugh shook his shoulders. “Circumstances are better this time.”
“Indeed.”
Hongjoong felt Seonghwa link their fingers on his hip and the alpha turned his attention back to him to fall on his curious yet wary face. A small, discreet smile lifted the alpha’s lips, was his omega jealous ? Mingi pressed his hand on Wooyoung’s shoulder, delighted. “Do you already know each other ?”
The model nodded softly, his happy and grateful face made him beam and the alpha congratulated himself on having made the right choice. “Yeah, Hongjoong-ssi… Did me a huge favor a while ago and I couldn’t be more grateful to him.”
Hongjoong nodded modestly and tightened his grip on Seonghwa's hip to bring their bodies a little closer.
"Love, this is Wooyoung, one of the targets in my mother's sights. Wooyoung, let me introduce you to Seonghwa, my mate. Would you do us the honor of introducing us to yours by the way ? Don't think I didn't notice the mark on your neck !" And Hongjoong sighed inwardly in relief as he felt Seonghwa's tense body relax beside him. He didn't know if he had understood the content of their past but promised himself to tell him in detail. He had nothing to hide from him anyway.
He briefly rubbed his nose against his mate's jaw and was reassured when he saw him smile sincerely at the other omega, drinking in his words with curiosity and sincere attention. Maybe he had worried for nothing after all.
Hongjoong watched fondly as Seonghwa actively chatted with Wooyoung, both sitting on the chairs set up along the wall. The two omegas seemed to have instantly bonded and the sight warmed the alpha's heart, happy to see his mate making friend. Leaning against the wall facing his brother and surrounded by the company's big shareholders, he tried in vain to follow the conversation. Mingi on his right discreetly tapped his thigh and he gave him a grateful nod as he turned his attention back to the group around him. The details regarding the partnership between the two companies had long been set, the first drafts of upcoming shootings brainstormed and underway, the models concerned chosen -and Hongjoong was delighted when Mingi suggested Wooyoung to them even without knowing that the two men knew each other- and the alpha had a hard time following the conversation that had turned to numbers. It wasn't his field and he just wanted to be with Seonghwa and escape the place. He didn't understand that his presence was essential in the first place, he was a laboratory man, not a gala man. But appearances...
His mother hadn't appeared all evening and the weight on his stomach settled a little more as the minutes passed. He knew she was there, of course she was there. What was she waiting for ?
Tired, Hongjoong apologized to the people around him and headed towards the buffet, taking a deep breath. He was planning his disappearance when the imperial presence of his mother finally appeared at his side and he froze as he felt her distinctive scent invade his nostrils and senses, pinning him to the ground.
“Long time no see, son.”
“Mother.”
“It’s hard now to talk to you alone.”
Hongjoong swallowed as he turned to his mother, to that face with such a cold and hard mask.
“You can see me at work everyday.”
The matriarch Kim narrowed her eyes as she savored a petit four without taking her eyes off her son. “A mother can want to see her son outside of the professional setting.”
“Do you want to ?” Hongjoong’s wolf whimpered as he felt the weight of the silenced Head Alpha on him, begging him to submit to her. But he had done enough. “I have a mate now. My life is by his side.”
“Ah yes. The mate. Which is still barren according to Doctor Jeong.”
Hongjoong frowned at his mother’s attitude. Despite the lack of surprise in knowing that their every move was being spied on, he couldn’t help the disappointment that gripped his throat. Did she really have no regard for their privacy ?
“There won’t be a pup, I think Seonghwa made that very clear.”
A wicked grimace lifted his mother’s lips and she was about to retort when Seonghwa appeared like a savior at Hongjoong’s side. Beaming and falsely naive as usual in public, the omega linked their fingers and leaned against the alpha’s shoulder who put a protective arm around him.
“Good evening Mrs. Kim ! It’s a pleasure to see you. We haven’t had the chance to get to know each other better since the wedding.”
To everyone, the picture they presented couldn’t have been more domestic, but for Hongjoong, it represented his greatest fear. Seeing his mate and his mother face to face tore him apart inside, torn between the desire to see Seonghwa defend his position and see his mother take it without saying a word and the fear of seeing her show her teeth and finally counter the omega with the cruelty she could show.
Seonghwa squeezed his fingers to reassure him and he found that this simple gesture had managed to calm him down somewhat. Together, they were stronger and he clung to that.
“It’s normal to let newlyweds enjoy each other as long as love is still there.”
A small chuckle escaped Seonghwa who briefly rubbed his nose against the jaw of a stoic Hongjoong.
“Yes ! Every day is a honeymoon but I’m not sure that’s information a mother wants to know about her son’s marital activities.”
The alpha did his best to keep the red from rising to his cheeks as Seonghwa continued his little game, his big eyes shining with innocence captivating him again and again. His head was spinning, torn in the face of his mate’s unfailing audacity, fascinated by his acting and his courage. And his mother’s tight smile was one of the most enjoyable things Hongjoong had the pleasure of witnessing.
“I hope you’ll be blessed soon with a conception then.”
“Oh don’t worry Mrs Kim, we are trying really really hard.”
And it was with a frozen face of a mixture of embarrassment and anger that the matriarch Kim smiled falsely at them before turning her attention back to the room. “If you’ll excuse me, business never ends.”
“Of course Mrs. Kim. Looking forward to seeing you again.”
The Head Alpha’s heels clicked against the floor as she walked away with her chin held high and Hongjoong let out the breath he had been discreetly holding for several seconds, freeing his burning lungs from their vice. Seonghwa’s free hand came to caress the back of his neck and he leaned against him lightly before murmuring “Can we go home please ?”
“Why are you asking me ?”
“You were with Wooyoung before.”
Seonghwa shrugged slightly as he let his hand go down the alpha’s back in comfort.
“Let’s go home, husband.”
Seonghwa was on his phone when Hongjoong emerged from the shower and he didn’t even bother to put on his pajamas before flopping down on the bed next to his mate. Without waiting, he snuggled up against him, wrapped his arm around his waist to bring their bodies closer and nestle his nose in the hollow of his neck. He was in dire need of affection after tonight's short interview with his mother and the anxiety that had gripped his stomach since morning. A monstrous sigh escaped him and Seonghwa stroked his damp hair before placing a kiss on it.
“Thank you.”
“Yon don't have to. I'm not scared of her.”
Hongjoong straightened up on his elbows and anchored his exhausted gaze to Seonghwa's. The alpha placed a tender kiss on his mate's lips and sighed, rubbing his nose against his tenderly. “Thank you for that. For being strong for both of us.”
“I can do this all day.”
A laugh shook Hongjoong's shoulders as he snuggled up against Seonghwa. “Oh I know. Trust me I know.”
A small chuckle escaped Seonghwa’s lips as he picked up his phone again. “Do you want me to stop and sleep ?”
“What are you doing ?”
“Texting Wooyoung. He wants us to meet his mate.”
A smile played on the alpha’s mouth as he nuzzled his mate. “You hit it off.”
“He is a pure soul. I like him.”
“I’m glad.”
“You can’t change your mind now. It’s too late to mate him.”
Teasingly, the alpha placed tender kisses on the length of Seonghwa’s neck who sighed as he turned his head, offering himself to his greedy lips. “He explained it to you then. Are you jealous ?”
“Yes he had. And I don't know what you're talking about."
"Of course."
Seonghwa pinched his cheek and the alpha pretended to bite his hand before tenderly kissing his long fingers one by one, lingering on his wedding ring and against his palm. Half asleep, Hongjoong let his head fall back against his shoulder, mumbling "I'm glad it was you in the end" against his mate's skin and he couldn't tell if he answered him or if he was already asleep when he heard "I'm glad too".
*
Hongjoong had naively thought that things were finally going to be peaceful for them. His mother - although an imperial and intimidating presence when the alpha was alone - seemed to have understood that the couple was united against her and had therefore stopped interfering.
Seonghwa had found in Wooyoung a faithful friend and it was regularly that the two omegas organized meals and evenings to get together. San, the model's mate, was one of the most tender alphas that Hongjoong had met and the love overflowing from his eyes when he placed them on Wooyoung gave Hongjoong enormous satisfaction and a feeling of work accomplished incomparable to anything he could do in his laboratory. Wooyoung and San were two soul mates that a forced marriage could have broken. Seeing them interact with each other proved how strong and sincere their bond was and a little pang in his heart and a strange feeling had not left him since San had confided in him with a dreamy, if slightly sad, smile that he wanted to try to have a child but that the partnership had relegated this idea to the background.
"They say pregnancy makes you shine. It wouldn't be a hindrance to the campaign to have a dazzling Wooyoung on the visuals."
But San had made a movement of denial with his head, his eyes fixed on the two omegas giggling against each other huddled in their makeshift nest on the soft carpet of Hongjoong's living room. "He's afraid of reprisals."
And Hongjoong suspected the weight that pressed on the model's conscience, the reputation of the matriarch Kim was well-established. But Seonghwa had arrived as a savior once again, his determination and strength impressing the alpha a little more each day spent at his side.
The month of July had brought them together around a meal on the occasion of San's birthday when the omega had offered his friends certainly the best gift they could have given them after months of procrastination. His secret weapon against their common Nemesis.
"She can't do anything to you Wooyoung."
"Easy for you to say Hyung..."
"Know your enemy, know their weaknesses. What matters to her ? Appearances. That's how I won against her and stole her son. What matters to her behind that ?"
The model had frowned as he turned to his mate who seemed just as questioning as he was. Hongjoong, for his part, drank in his husband's words like a thirsty man in the desert. Hesitant, Wooyoung had shrugged. “Her money ?”
Elbows resting on the table, Seonghwa had shaken his finger, smiling like Cheshire.
“Think bigger. Her reputation, therefore her company. She is the first on the market largely thanks to her partnerships with the biggest influencers in the world and the most fashionable models. She can’t afford to lose her partnership with Song Agency. It’s the most sought-after modeling agency at the moment. She can’t lose the agency, so she can’t lose Mingi. By extension, she can’t lose you.”
The three men had looked at Seonghwa with admiration, gaping, letting him continue his diatribe attentively.
“There’s no need to be afraid of her. You hold the power. It’s all a question of observation and patience. I’m not going to lie, she terrified me at first, her reputation is known to all and I tried everything and prepared my poker move gradually. By trying to crush me, she triggered a survival instinct that I didn't think I had in me. I took advantage of her one mistake to seize power and when I understood that she had nothing against me anymore, the fear flew away. And now I ask myself the question, what did she do to inherit her reputation as Satan ? Her aura is overwhelming and I can't take that away from her but apart from that? People are afraid of her because for them she holds supreme power. But firing people ? There are laws to protect them. Of course, I'm not minimizing moral harassment, far from it, but from the moment you understand that she has nothing to sink you, she has lost. Don't think about her. Think about yourself. Think about it."
And Hongjoong couldn't be prouder to call Seonghwa his husband, his mate, his everything. Months had passed since their honeymoon that had changed everything between them and the alpha was falling a little more in love each day and letting himself go without any desire to turn back.
"And if you need someone to piss her off, know that I will always be there to help you."
The table had burst out laughing at this observation that no one doubted and the evening had ended with a Wooyoung with bright eyes linked to those of his mate under the excited gaze of Seonghwa who had whispered in Hongjoong's ear that he couldn't wait to be an uncle.
Tt's as if something had broken in Hongjoong's mind from that night, coupled with his ability to push his problems under the rug and do everything to not see them. Usually agitated and excited when in the company of his mate, the alpha's wolf had started to act strangely to the point of becoming a ghostly presence inside him.
Scenting had become something mechanical and not appreciable, the need to curl up against Seonghwa in intimacy considerably diminished and it was not uncommon for the alpha to go to bed alone while the omega played in the living room. His sexual appetite drastically diminished, Hongjoong ended up feeling engulfed by fatigue when he was unable to satisfy his husband, forced to limit their sexual activities to quick masturbation and occasional blowjobs. And although internally demolished at the idea of disappointing Seonghwa and letting him down, his general tiredness prevented him from caring more than was reasonable before falling asleep in their bed. He had always been a professional at turning a blind eye, but Seonghwa was now there to open them for him.
It didn't take more than two short weeks of observation for the omega to take action and corner him one evening at work in the elevator of Ateez Cosmetics before blocking the doors and kissing him breathlessly. But seeing that the kiss was not reciprocal, the omega had detached himself from him without a word before forcefully hitting button 11 of the cabin under Hongjoong's lost gaze.
"What the..."
"Shut up."
With angry tears in his eyes, Seonghwa was fuming and the alpha couldn't blame him. He was irresponsible. A heavy silence between them, the omega had led him to Doctor Jeong's office who was waiting for them. Of course Seonghwa had already planned everything. And the results of his exams had been final. “You need to have a rut.” Which had plunged Hongjoong into a spiral of anxiety that not even his mate's almond smell could calm down.
“I don’t want to have a rut.”
“Your body no longer leaves you a choice, Hongjoong.”
“It has worked so far and I don’t see why…”
“Because you’re mated !”
And the hurt look Seonghwa gave him in that moment broke down the barriers he had spent so long building around his instincts. “My wolf needs you. I need you. I need my mate. Have you ever gotten tired of me ? If so, you know I’m not sorry.”
“Of course not ! Seonghwa…”
“Whatever. You're my mate and I will not suffer from your bullshit. If you don’t want to do it for yourself and if you trully care about me, do it for me.”
Sometimes having no choice was the solution and that's how he left Doctor Jeong's office with a knot in his stomach, the same one that months before had paralyzed him at the idea of sharing Seonghwa's heat. His previous suppressant shot coming to an end, it was just a matter of patience.
“I don't want to hurt you...”
“You're hurting me right now. My omega feels rejected and useless.”
Hongjoong closed his eyes, holding back the tears that threatened to escape. He hadn't eaten when he arrived at their place and had locked himself directly in the darkness of their room to try to calm his anxieties but nothing had worked.
He was terrified. Terrified at the idea of giving free rein to his urges. Years had passed since his last rut and, besides the pain and the unbearable heat, it was the violence contained within him that he couldn't forget.
“You were alone and inexperienced at that time. Your mate will be with you this time” Yunho had tried to reassure him and that was the problem. He wouldn’t be alone when his savagery would take over his reason.
When Seonghwa had joined him a few hours later, sleep had still not caught him and the guilt was eating him alive for making his mate go through this. His heart on the edge of his lips, he turned between the sheets to fall on the worried eyes of the omega and he sighed while lowering his head. “I'm sorry.”
“Stop being sorry and start acting. I’m worried about you, you know…”
Hongjoong didn’t answer and let his mate get closer to him. His nose found his favorite place in the hollow of the neck where his mark was and let out a feverish breath feeling the caresses on his back.
“It’s normal to be afraid after all this time. But everything will be fine.”
“How can you be so sure ?”
“You helped me with my heat. I trust my omega, he trusts your alpha.”
Hongjoong sniffed as he snuggled even closer to his mate, wrapping his arms and leg around him.
“I trust you, Hongjoong.”
“I love you.”
And while it wasn’t the first time Hongjoong had shown it to Seonghwa, it was the first time the words had left his mouth. And the omega didn’t need to answer, his trust counted for even the most beautiful proof of love possible for Hongjoong.
He didn't have to wait long before the axe fell on him. A few days before their summer vacation, it was bathed in sweat that Hongjoong woke up moaning and fidgeting in the nest that Seonghwa had meticulously prepared, the omega probably sensing the arrival of his mate's rut by instinct.
Alone and disoriented, he almost fell out of bed trying to go in search of his omega but he had appeared in the doorway wrapped in his favorite bathrobe, his hands loaded with bottles of cold water. "I'm here Alpha. I'll take care of you" and everything became blurry in Hongjoong's feverish mind.
No notion of time made its way into his mind, only Seonghwa's submissive body under his, his lips against his, their scents mixing in a whirlwind of fragrances that soothed the alpha as much as it stimulated him. His rare moments of consciousness, which Seonghwa took advantage of to force him to feed, made him feverish when he let his gaze run over his mate's body to see the numerous bites that dotted it. But the omega smiled at him as he fed him, smiled again when he helped him shower, always smiled when, half lost in the limbo of desire, Hongjoong pinned his body to his own to dive into it again.
And that searing pain, that feeling of losing control, that destructive madness that had made him ravage his room during his last rut and that terrified him so much never came, replaced by the pure desire and the completion of this moment together.
Usually in power, the omega had submitted to his alpha diligently and had let him satisfy his primal needs without a fight, his encouragements piercing the fog enveloping Hongjoong’s mind. “You breed me so well Alpha…” as he pounded him mercilessly, teeth gripping his neck and his knot filling Seonghwa’s offered body again and again. And nothing mattered to the alpha except filling his mate’s womb with his seed, his instinct screaming at him that it was his duty towards him. Even if…
The sun filtering through the curtains of their room was at its zenith when the fog enveloping Hongjoong’s mind finally dissipated. Disoriented, he took several seconds to try to understand the situation and groaned with a mixture of discomfort and pain when he pretended to stretch, his body exhausted with aches screaming in torture and his knot firmly connected to Seonghwa's body holding him back.
A deep sigh escaped him and he rested his forehead against the back of his sleeping mate's head, caressing the skin of his torso where his hand rested with his fingertips. Usually sensitive in his sleep, the omega did not even flinch when he felt the caresses that must undoubtedly tickle him, abandoned to sleep and Hongjoong took advantage of the opportunity to wake up gently by letting his eyes detail the body languid against his own. He cursed inwardly when he saw the multitude of wounds adorning the neck and shoulders of his mate, some bites having pierced the skin and created bloody scabs as they dried. The blue and purple marks around Seonghwa's waist were undoubtedly his fingers and was it another bite on his buttock ? On his thigh ?
"Fuck..."
A new little moan escaped him as he snuggled against Seonghwa's back in search of comfort. He couldn't decently wake him up, god only knows how many hours of sleep the omega had missed to be his personal punching bag, he owed him that much. Encircling the tired body with his arms, Hongjoong jumped when he felt the little bump of his belly under his hand and ignored his tortured muscles to straighten up and cast a bewildered glance at his mate. And despite his torso being covered in bites, it was the bulge of his belly that paralyzed him. Although he was aware deep down that Seonghwa couldn't be pregnant, his wolf purred as he imagined the imaginary pup growing in the hollow of his mate. Their pup. The fruit of their love.
And it was this thought that managed to finally get Hongjoong out of his rut. Because Seonghwa didn't want a child and there was no way a little being could grow in his uterus. He knew the omega was on birth control, had been there when Doctor Jeong had put in place a new implant in his arm, saw the thin scar along his bicep where it was nestled. And if Hongjoong accepted it, his wolf just had to comply as well.
He didn't know how much time had passed oscillating between sleep and consciousness and he jumped when he felt his knot finally shrinking, freeing him from the boiling case that was Seonghwa's body. He grimaced at the amount of cum leaking out of his hole and leaned over, cursing, to the bedside table to retrieve a pack of wipes that he quickly opened to clean his mate delicately without disturbing him. Half satisfied, Hongjoong placed a kiss on the bare shoulder before whispering “I love you so much. I hope you are ok…” and finally got up from the bed, grimacing, and put on Seonghwa’s bathrobe that was lying nearby, determined to prepare a meal for his omega.
No, he didn’t know how to cook, but maybe someone could help him ? He opened his eyes wide when he saw August 7th displayed on his phone. His rut had lasted 8 days. How could Seonghwa have put up with that ? With tenfold determination, Hongjoong ignored the waiting messages to click on Yeosang’s name. He knew that his housekeeper had gotten closer to Seonghwa since they met and maybe the omega would be able to help him with this task.
That's how the alpha found himself with an apron around his waist in front of the stove, a smiling Yeosang in front of the scene carefully explaining to him how to cook his omega's favorite tofu stew. He was clearly not the best apprentice in the world but the approving hum of the temporary chef when he tasted the finished product warmed his heart. He even allowed himself to grill a few pieces of beef, knowing his mate's love for grilled meat and was preparing everything on a tray after Yeosang left when Seonghwa appeared at the top of the stairs rubbing his eyes, floating in a hoodie.
“No no no ! Go back to bed please…”
“Joongie ? You’re back.”
And the smile that lit up Seonghwa's face brought tears to the alpha's eyes who sniffed, silently he hoped, as he briefly turned his back on him. "Please go back. You need to rest, I'll bring you all that in bed."
"God I don't want to lay in bed anymore. Let me be a functional human for a while."
"Oh... yes of course. Sorry..."
Hongjoong expected the omega to sit on his usual stool but jumped when the thin arms came to wrap around his waist and a kiss was placed against his neck. "How are you feeling ?"
"I'm the one who should ask you the question."
A small puff of air tickled the alpha's ear and he let himself be manipulated to find himself facing the omega whose eyes widened as he saw the tears held back in his mate's. “What’s going on ?”
“You’re not scared of me ?”
A small laugh shook Seonghwa’s shoulders as he cleared Hongjoong’s contrite face of the strands of hair that were there. “Scared of what ? Your big fat knot ? I know it by heart now, I can tell you. It can’t scare me anymore.”
“Sorry…”
“Joongie… Don’t be sorry, damn. I’m ok. Do I look like I’m suffering or dying ?”
Hongjoong let his gaze run over his mate’s smiling face. He saw the prominent dark circles under his eyes, his usually silky hair was a mess, the bites dotting his neck left bloody and purple imprints like a painful necklace. A small grimace resembling a smile lifted the alpha’s pouting lips as he stroked Seonghwa’s neck with his thumb, following a trail of teeth marks. “You look like a mess.”
“And you look like shit. We’re even.”
And that smile, that dazzling smile that had been the light guiding him through the fog of his rut still lit up Seonghwa’s tired face. Grateful, Hongjoong nodded softly and took his mate in his arms, nestling into his embrace to murmur against his skin. “I hate it. To use you.”
“Don’t because I’m more than willing to let you use me.”
The alpha blushed, grumbling. He hated it when Seonghwa managed to break down his barriers so easily. He was right. He was so easy.
“You weren’t horrible, you know ? Horny and insatiable, yes, but not violent. You didn’t hurt me. Never.”
“Tell that to your neck and your shoulders and your hips and…”
“They’re just bites, Joongie. I leave you dozens of them as far as I know and I've never heard you complain about it."
The alpha sighed against his mate's collarbone, admitting defeat. There was no point in trying to fight uselessly like this. His rut had passed without a hitch, he had to accept what Seonghwa assured him ; the omega never minced his words or lied to smooth things over, his word always honest and sincere even if it hurt.
They had succeeded in their first cycle without destroying each other, had helped each other with kindness and diligence and Hongjoong saw it as a new beginning on real, solid and concrete foundations.
The real beginning of their life as a couple.
It was after a short fight, which Seonghwa had finally accepted, that Hongjoong applied himself to spreading healing cream on the bites running down his mate's body. It was the least he could do to correct his deviations. Settled on the couch, the alpha delicately treated the wounds under the tender gaze of the omega who caressed his neck tenderly. “It’s ok Joongie. I don’t need it.”
“Joongie hun ?”
Seonghwa chuckled as he tapped Hongjoong’s reddened cheek with his fingertips, who grumbled. “It soothed your alpha when he was starting to lose control. But I can stop if it makes you uncomfortable.”
But the alpha quickly fell into the trap set by diving wide-eyed into those of the victorious omega. “No ! Please no. I like it. A lot.”
And Seonghwa's little laughter finished making him grumble as he moved away on the couch to take care of the bites on his thighs, fleeing the teasing gaze of his omega. Tenderly, he spread the sides of the bathrobe and caressed the exposed skin before placing a quick kiss on it and beginning his care. A small smile lifted his lips at the omega's silence and he looked at him briefly, proud to see that his ears and cheeks now had a pretty carmine tint. He had had countless opportunities to know his husband's weaknesses and now dared to use them to his advantage.
"Nothing to add ?"
"No matter how much I want to, my body can't accommodate you right away so no, nothing to add. And if you say sorry one more time I leave."
Only silence answered him.
Huddled together, Seonghwa playing his Switch with the alpha’s head on his chest, Hongjoong jumped when his mate’s voice pulled him out of his impromptu nap. “Your brother called a few days ago to tell us to extend our vacation if we want.”
Hongjoong sniffed his approval as he squeezed the omega’s body. Going back to work was the last thing he cared about right now. And if he could enjoy his mate’s cuddles longer, he certainly wasn’t going to contradict his brother.
“And… I wanted to tell you something. It’s not a request.”
The alpha looked up at Seonghwa’s defensive tone. Assured, the omega had left the screen of his console from which emanated the usual soft music of his game and Hongjoong swallowed as he felt this weight that he hadn’t experienced for many months. That of an upcoming fight against Seonghwa.
“What is it ?”
“Your brother invited us to his place this summer but I won’t be there. I’m going home to see my parents.”
A shiver ran through Hongjoong at the prospect of being separated from his mate and finding himself alone facing his family. What idea terrified him the most ? He couldn’t say. Hesitantly, he rubbed his nose against Seonghwa’s shoulder, murmuring “I can’t go without you.”
“I know but it’s not my problem. I want to see my parents because I miss them and…”
“Can I go with you ?”
Seonghwa interrupted his plea, surprise appearing on his features while Hongjoong’s heart was pounding in his chest.
“You… You want to meet my parents ?”
Did Hongjoong want to meet his in-laws ? He couldn't say it, the memory of his limping father-in-law, of his icy gaze during their wedding still haunting him. But the circumstances were different now. He was certainly still the man who had stolen their son but also the one who made him, he hoped, happy. More than once he had unwittingly attended Seonghwa and his parents' videocalls and had never heard any comment about him. He didn't know what the omega had said to his parents, how much they could hate him but nothing could beat the anxiety of attending a reunion of his own family without his mate by his side.
"I would love to, yes."
"Stop lying, you're terrified."
"Maybe I am but I want to go with you... please let me come with you."
Seonghwa looked at him without saying a word for a moment that seemed endless to Hongjoong. He saw his mate's eyes carefully detail his face, studying he didn't know what indication of his good faith or other before finally lowering his head.
"You don't want me at your place."
Mechanically, Seonghwa ran his fingers through Hongjoong's brown locks and the alpha couldn't tell if this gesture was intended to appease him or his mate. "That's not it. Eomma wants to meet you since the beginning but... Appa, it's not the same."
"He hates me."
"He doesn't like you."
And he could deal with it. With Seonghwa by his side, nothing was insurmountable.
So it was a few days later that the couple headed to Seonghwa's childhood home and Hongjoong was surprised to see that he was rather serene at the idea of meeting his in-laws. The omega's fingers hadn't left his during the 6 hours of train travel, his head tenderly nestled against his shoulder and he hadn't never felt so at peace.
At peace with himself to find his synergy with his wolf. At peace with Seonghwa who was moreover more and more loving towards him. At peace as he had never been, knowing he was accompanied and loved. Whole.
Several times during the journey, the alpha had intercepted tender and amused glances thrown in their direction and it was with a hint of pride that he smiled at these strangers while Seonghwa dozed against him, the omega still exhausted from his rut. The bites on his neck had fortunately mostly disappeared, only the deepest - and most discreet - ones remained on his thighs and the one surrounding his mating bite. This was not the time to show his in-laws that their son had just spent a week enduring the rut of his husband who was unknown to them. He had to prove himself.
The salty air greeted them as they climbed out of the taxi that had taken them to the Park house and Hongjoong took a deep breath, closing his eyes, the memories of their honeymoon by the sea coming back to caress his senses. A small smile lifted his lips as he felt a pair of soft lips rest on his cheek and it wasn’t until he heard the sound of the front door of the house opening followed by Seonghwa’s voice that he finally gathered his courage to return to the present moment.
“Eomma !”
Moved, the alpha watched fondly as the Park family reunited, Seonghwa rushing to hug the frail figure of a man in a wheelchair on the porch. He swallowed as he met the icy gaze that had paralyzed him during his wedding and slowly approached before bowing politely to the man standing back from the pair who were embracing.
“It’s nice to see you again, Mr. Park.”
But the old alpha only gave him a brief nod before turning his attention back to his own son, hugging him in turn when the omega finally stood up. Hongjoong discreetly wiped his sweaty hands on his shorts before smiling at the man in the wheelchair who was looking at him curiously and he bowed once more.
“Pleased to meet you.”
“So this is the mysterious man who stole our son.”
With red cheeks, Hongjoong lowered his head and swallowed when Seonghwa grabbed his arm in silent support. “Eomma… Be nice.”
“We’ll see.”
And it was in silence that Hongjoong followed them, pulling their suitcase. This vacation was not going to be easy. They had planned to spend a short week here and the alpha hoped to prove himself in that time.
The hope that had characterized Hongjoong since his honeymoon was trying to do its work here as the days went by. The first family meal had gone relatively well ; if we ignored the fact that Seonghwa's parents had only very briefly gotten to know him without trying to deepen the discussion and this despite the efforts that the omega had used to include him in all the conversations before giving up. But Hongjoong couldn't blame them.
The two men hadn't seen their son for too long and maybe the alpha should have left them this family moment instead of selfishly imposing himself. But Seonghwa's hand in his and his smile reassured him and gave him strength in the face of the inquisitive and uncompromising looks of his in-laws.
Every morning, Hongjoong joined the Park family to have breakfast in silence, religiously listening to the exchanges between his mate and his parents like a ghost. While Seonghwa was actively discussing with his Eomma, his father was leaving for work and the alpha's heart was tightening to see the limping man take the bus at the corner of the street to go earn a living and provide for his family.
The first day, Hongjoong had wanted to let Seonghwa go for a walk alone with his Eomma but had finally abandoned this idea when he saw the big pleading eyes of his mate asking him to accompany them and he didn't know if it was a figment of his imagination or if he had really seen his father-in-law smile as he watched them bicker gently.
And the days went by quickly despite the strange atmosphere for Hongjoong. Every day, they went for a walk together in the morning, sometimes to do some shopping or to show Hongjoong around the neighborhood, who saw with relief that Seonghwa's Eomma was gradually opening up to him, curiosity doing its work.
The afternoons were dedicated to rest and relaxation on the beach, Seonghwa often curled up next to Hongjoong or splashing happily in the sea under the tender gaze of the alpha who relished more than reason to see his mate so happy and relaxed. And he was proud of his self-control when he saw the omega's wet body emerge from the waves like a mermaid before settling down next to him on the warm sand and he managed to murmur "You're so gorgeous" without throwing himself on him like a starving man. Attention who was rewarded with a wink and a chaste kiss that satisfied the alpha to the highest degree.
In the evenings, they waited for Seonghwa’s father to return and had dinner together, Hongjoong answering his mate’s Eomma’s questions diligently accompanied by Seonghwa’s comforting and encouraging smile and the usual silence of the paternal alpha.
Finally, the days ended with a last walk by the sea where Hongjoong allowed himself to behave like a loving husband by furtively isolating himself with Seonghwa, their feet licked by the waves and their hands intertwined under the setting sun.
“Eomma likes you, you know. He says that you’re not like all the other dumb alphas.” And it sounded like a victory in Hongjoong’s ears as he placed a kiss on the cheek of the smiling omega while snuggling against him on the mattress of his childhood bedroom.
Tonight was their last and the family was strolling along the coast under the setting sun. Seonghwa was pushing his Eomma's wheelchair, Hongjoong behind him as usual while he looked at the two omegas tenderly. Behind him, he felt the imposing presence despite his limp of his mate's father and Hongjoong slowed down to wait for the other man, a small shy smile on his lips. But he quickly froze when Seonghwa's father stopped him with his hand before placing his index finger on his chest. "You may have managed to seduce my husband and my son but you won't have me that easily."
Taken aback, Hongjoong swallowed while maintaining his father-in-law's gaze. "I promise you sir that I mean no harm to your family."
"People like you have nothing to do with people like us !"
"Appa !"
"Stay out of this, Seonghwa."
Hongjoong watched his mate stand between him and his father, his throat suddenly tight, making it hard for him to swallow.
“You promised you wouldn’t tell anything… You promised me.”
“I can’t…” And the alpha’s voice let out the barely contained sobs as he turned away. The silence stretched as Seonghwa slowly stepped towards his father, grabbing his arm and pulling him aside, and Hongjoong jumped when his Eomma’s voice rang out. “Can you drive me to the beach, Hongjoong ?”
The alpha didn't need to be asked twice and grabbed the handles of the wheelchair under the wet but sharp gaze of Seonghwa's father before setting off towards the sea. He felt the lump in his throat shrink considerably, thus freed from the weight of the Alpha on him, but he couldn't bring himself to let out the sigh he felt rising in him for fear of disrespecting his father-in-law. He felt disappointed at not having managed to prove his good faith to his mate's parents and even if he knew in advance that the task was going to be difficult, the observation was no less difficult to accept.
With skill, Hongjoong took the path made of wooden planks placed on the sand and made them stop as close to the sea as he could before stopping the wheelchair in silence. The salty air whipped his cheeks and he felt his eyes sting with dismay, regardless of his will. He was used to crying in front of Seonghwa but couldn't be so weak in front of his Eomma, a model of mental strength like he had never met. A frail hand rested on his and he reopened his eyes that he hadn't been aware of having closed to fall on the tender gaze of the omega in front of him.
"You can breathe here, scream, cry. The sea is your only witness."
A small smile lifted Hongjoong's lips who did his best not to let the dam he had inside him collapse. "And you."
"It's ok to feel weak and tired. I won't judge you for feeling emotions."
"It's going to be okay."
Mr. Park nodded briefly, smiling at him and tugged lightly on Hongjoong's hand to guide him to his side and the alpha sat on the wet boards, his feet in the sand and his fingers linked to the omega. “Did Seonghwa explain to you the reason for my disability ?”
The young alpha slowly shook his head as he looked at his father-in-law’s gaze lost on the horizon. “He only told me that it was the result of side effects from a treatment.”
A sad smile lifted the omega’s lips and he tightened his fingers around Hongjoong’s warm hand.
“Seonghwa… Every parent has the same speech when they are lucky enough to have a child, that it is the most precious thing you can have and that nothing and no one can match the love you feel for them, that life finally makes sense… So I’m not going to be original by saying that he is the most precious thing I have in this world. “
The summer breeze passed through the fine, dull strands of the omega’s hair and Hongjoong’s heart tightened when he saw this man so physically frail, his bright black eyes and straight nose that were the legacy of his own mate. Despite the illness, the resemblance was undeniable and the alpha couldn’t help but imagine himself in many years with Seonghwa, diminished and old. Together.
“His father didn’t want children when we met. Too many responsibilities, too many constraints. He was a free soul and preferred to plan our future road trips rather than the provision of a hypothetical nursery in a house that we didn’t have. And yet, he was the one who was devastated when we had to accept my first miscarriage.
We were young and irresponsible at that time, it would have been impossible to raise a child in the conditions we were in but something awakened in him that day and the free and carefree wolf that I had met that evening, years before at the amusement park, became the alpha finally ready to accept a life together and a future together as three."
A smile lifted Hongjoong's lips seeing the nostalgic one of the omega.
"When we found this house here, we didn't hesitate. The sea and nature not far away being a good compromise between our need for freedom and our desire to start a family. It didn't take us long before putting down our meager suitcases and starting to project ourselves with a little pup running in the neighborhood alley. But imagining something is easier than achieving it and our cycles followed one another without results, only disappointment and questions.
After many months, I finally found the courage to go see a doctor about it and after hormonal treatment to help us conceive, Seonghwa came into the world. And despite the fact that he wasn't an easy baby, he didn't discourage us and only fueled our desire for a big family."
Seonghwa is an only child was the first thought that crossed Hongjoong's mind after the omega's confession and he swallowed, tightening his grip, ready to hear whatever ordeal his in-laws had to go through at that time.
"My body has never been kind to me and Seonghwa's birth was a trauma for him from which he never really recovered. The initial hormonal imbalance that I had was only accentuated and despite medical help, we never managed to conceive again. But what we didn't know at the time was that all these treatments that were given to me to help us achieve our dream were destroying me little by little.
Seonghwa was 10 years old when my kidneys started to fail me. And he hasn't seen me without a tube connected to my body since. Three times a week, I am taken to the hospital for dialysis. The damage is irreversible and it will be like this until the end now. I have done everything to help my husband financially but I am unable to do anything alone so how can I work ?"
Hongjoong's misty eyes fell on the silhouettes of Seonghwa and his father by the sea. The omega was leaning over and picking up shells under the tender and moved gaze of his father and the alpha felt the dam inside him crack when a first tear escaped.
“Seonghwa has always been smart and was unfortunately thrown into real life, adult life, way too early. While other teenagers went to parties to meet people like his parents did back in the day, he helped his father work to pay for medical bills. While his friends went on vacation, he sold the creations I made with him at the market with me. While the parties were in full swing after high school, he babysat while doing his own homework. And although I know he was never unhappy about it, I can’t help but feel guilty for taking away this carefree life he never had the chance to enjoy.
He never told us about any boyfriend, you know. And one day he called us to tell us he was getting married. Imagine our surprise ! Our little baby who had grown up so fast and had flown to the capital for better professional opportunities announces to us out of the blue that someone unknown to us had put a ring on his finger and that the ceremony would take place in just a few weeks.”
The salty beads on Hongjoong’s cheeks were in no way due to the sea spray and the pressure on his fingers helped him stay grounded and not let himself be overwhelmed by guilt. He stroked the back of the little hand in his with his thumb and his father-in-law reached out with his other to wipe away his tears tenderly. “I’m sorry I wasn’t there for your wedding.”
“I’m sorry I took your son away from you.”
“Oh please Hongjoong, don’t be. Don’t apologize for making my boy happy and loving him. I didn’t tell you all this to make you feel guilty but rather so that you understand where he comes from, why his father has so much trouble accepting you in our family, for which I also apologize. He is our treasure. Our only treasure. And when I am happy to see him blossom after the teenage years he lived, his father just suffers from seeing the person dearest to his heart move away a little more.”
“I’m sorry I didn’t wait for your approval to marry him, I…”
“Shhh” the omega’s thin fingers rested on his lips and Hongjoong couldn’t hold back a new flood of tears from escaping his eyes.
“I know. And his father too. Don’t worry about it okay? The only thing I want you to focus on is taking care of my treasure. He needs someone to take care of him after taking care of others his whole life. Can you do that for me Hongjoong ?”
The alpha nodded frantically while his father-in-law laughed tenderly. “I promise to love him as he deserves and more. To force him to take care of himself and fight so that he lets me do it for him.”
A moved smile lifted the omega’s thin lips. “He is strong, isn’t he ? I’m sorry if he rejects you and keeps his independent spirit. You know why now.”
“I would never blame him for that. On the contrary, I admire him a little more each day for being so strong. He is for both of us honestly.”
“I know. I see it in your eyes. Your love for him. And believe me, he sees it too. He just has a huge shell around him. Be patient with him okay ? He'll open up to you, I promise."
I don't deserve him echoed in Hongjoong's head as he watched the omega look fondly at his family not far away. Seonghwa's bursts of laughter enveloped them as the young Omega amused himself by splashing his father with water and Hongjoong suddenly felt like an outsider. He had no place here, no place in Seonghwa's life and even less in his heart. All of this was just an illusion of his brain wishing to see the bright side of the situation but the basic premise remained the same. Seonghwa hadn't chosen him. And who was he to impose himself in the lives of generous and altruistic people like the Park family ?
Anxiety rose in his throat and he tried in vain to free himself from the omega's grip who caressed his fingers with a tenderness that Hongjoong did not deserve. If you knew Mr. Park…
But wasn't that already the case ? Had Seonghwa told them about the situation ?
“Mr. Park…”
“Does he… have friends ?”
The question interrupted Hongjoong's mental spiral, who took a few seconds to focus and couldn't help but smile at the sight of Seonghwa snuggled up against Wooyoung during their countless evenings at their apartment, of Yeosang getting gently annoyed with him when the omega helped him clean, of Jongho blushing as he thanked Seonghwa when he brought him a snack during the days when he knew the young man didn't have time to take a meal break, of San always accompanying him during their karaoke outings. He even saw Yunho's always sincere smile when he passed him in the lobby of the building or even of Mingi who never failed to compliment him and ask how he was doing.
"Yes, he does."
"Is he happy ?"
Was Seonghwa happy ? This question haunted Hongjoong's mind on a daily basis. “I wouldn’t speak on his behalf… But I hope so anyway.”
“Thank you, Hongjoong.”
“Mr. Park…”
But the omega silenced him with a small nod as his eyes shone and the alpha saw deep in his father-in-law’s gaze the answer to his question. He knew. And he accepted it all the same. “The path isn’t important but the destination is. Be happy, both of you, the rest doesn’t matter or won’t matter anymore. He trusts you, it’s up to us to trust his judgment. But I have to say that I don’t have to force myself for that. You’re easily loveable.”
Hongjoong wiped away his last tears with a small laugh. “Thank you for accepting me Mr. Park.”
And he let himself go in the embrace of the old Omega, a purr resonating in his chest as he felt the thin lips rest on his forehead.