Hidden Scent

by priestesskikyomiko

Summary:

High Omegas are so rare that most people only know of them through stories. Wu Suo Wei and Jiang Xiaoshuai never expected their paths to cross with the most powerful of Alphas, much less the S-class Chi Cheng and Guo Chengyu, men who carry themselves like royalty.

What starts as an undeniable pull of instinct quickly turns into something neither side could have anticipated. Possessiveness, resistance, longing, and surrender weave them together in ways that blur the line between biology and choice. For Wu Suo Wei and Jiang Xiaoshuai, it’s not just about giving in to the power of their mates, it’s about discovering whether love can grow out of instincts.

Notes:

Hi Guys, So just a disclaimer. While I have come up with the plot. After typing out the story, I have used AI to polish my writing, do spell and grammar checks. I want to be upright honest about this. Thank you for giving an opportunity to read this story.

Chapter 1: The Intern's Secret

The glass towers of Chi Corporation caught the morning light. On top floor, Chi Cheng stood at the window, watching the streets and buildings below. At just twenty eight, he had earned a respect that wasn’t only about money or titles, it was in the way he carried himself, a quiet authority that even the most confident Alphas couldn’t help but acknowledge.

S-Class Alphas were legends whispered about in hushed tones. Chi Cheng was living proof they existed.

His assistant knocked softly before entering. "Sir, the new interns have arrived for orientation."

Chi Cheng's dark eyes remained fixed on the cityscape. "Send them to Conference Room A. I'll address them shortly."

As the assistant retreated, Chi Cheng straightened his tie. New interns were hardly worth his personal attention, but something had made him to oversee this batch personally. Perhaps it was the restlessness that had been pulling at him lately, a persistent ache he couldn't name.

Three floors below, Wu Suowei adjusted his collar for the tenth time, fingers trembling slightly as they brushed the small adhesive patch hidden beneath the fabric. The scent blocker was his lifeline, a thin barrier between his true nature and a world that would either worship or exploit him if they knew what he really was.

"Nervous?" asked Lin Mei, another intern, as they waited outside the conference room. Her Beta pheromones carried notes of sympathy and mild anxiety, normal pre meeting jitters.

Wu Suowei managed a smile. "First day nerves, I guess." His voice was soft, melodic. Even suppressors couldn't completely mask the subtle attraction that High Omegas possessed.

At twenty three,  Wu Suowei had spent five years perfecting the art of hiding. His parents' warnings echoed in his memory: "High Omegas are treasures, Wu Suowei. But treasures get locked away or stolen. Promise us you'll stay hidden until you find someone worthy."

Someone worthy. The concept felt as rare as his own designation.

The conference room doors opened, and conversations died instantly. The effect was immediate and every Alpha in the room straightened, every Beta felt their pulse quicken, and every Omega's instincts screamed either submission or flee.

Chi Cheng entered like a force of nature dressed in an tailored suit.

Wu Suowei's breath caught. He'd seen photos, of course Chi Cheng's face graced magazine covers and business journals regularly. But pictures couldn't capture the overwhelming presence, the way the air itself seemed to thicken around him. This was what an S-Class Alpha looked like in person, devastatingly handsome.

"Welcome to Chi Corporation," Chi Cheng began, his voice a low rumble that seemed to resonate in Wu Suowei's chest. "You're here because you've shown potential. Whether you fulfill that potential depends entirely on your dedication, your intelligence, and your ability to exceed expectations."

As Chi Cheng spoke, his gaze swept the room, seeing each face with predatory efficiency. When those dark eyes landed on Wu Suowei, time seemed to stutter.

For a heartbeat that felt like an eternity, Chi Cheng's expression shifted confusion flickering across his features. His nostrils flared slightly, and Wu Suowei felt his heart hammering against his ribs. Could Chi Cheng sense something through the blockers? S-Class Alphas were rumored to have enhanced perception, but surely...

"You," Chi Cheng's voice cut through Wu Suowei's spiraling thoughts. "Stand up."

Wu Suowei's legs felt like water, but he managed to rise. Around him, the other interns watched with a mixture of curiosity and relief that they hadn't been singled out.

"Name?"

"Wu Suowei, sir." Even to his own ears, his voice sounded breathless.

Chi Cheng's eyes narrowed fractionally. He took a step closer, and Wu Suowei caught the scent of expensive cologne layered over something indefinable, something that made his suppressors feel suddenly inadequate.

"Background..?"

"Business administration degree from Tianhua University. I graduated in.."

"Designation?"

The question hit like a physical blow. Wu Suowei's mouth went dry. "Beta, sir."

For a moment, the silence stretched. Chi Cheng's gaze felt like a physical weight, searching, probing. When he finally spoke, his tone was deceptively casual.

"Interesting."

He moved on, continuing his speech, but Wu Suowei remained standing until Chi Cheng gave a dismissive nod. As he sank back into his chair, Wu Suowei caught the worried glances from his fellow interns. He'd drawn attention exactly what he'd spent years learning to avoid.

After the orientation, as the interns filed out chattering nervously about assignments and expectations, Wu Suowei lingered. Something about that interaction felt unfinished and dangerous. He was gathering his things when a shadow fell across his desk.

"Wu Suowei."

Chi Cheng's voice made him jump. The CEO stood close enough that Wu Suowei could see the perfect tailoring of his shirt, the patterns on his tie. Up close, Chi Cheng's presence was even more overwhelming.

"Yes, sir?"

"You'll be working directly with my department. Report to the executive floor tomorrow at eight sharp."

It wasn't a request. Wu Suowei nodded, not trusting his voice.

As Chi Cheng turned to leave, he paused. "Oh, and WuSuowei? I'm very good at recognizing when something doesn't quite fit. We'll be seeing a lot of each other..."

The words carried a weight that made Wu Suowei's suppressors feel like tissue paper in a storm. As Chi Cheng's footsteps faded down the hallway, Wu Suowei slumped in his chair, heart racing.

His carefully constructed mask had lasted just for one day.

And the most dangerous Alpha in the building was now watching him with the focused intensity of a predator who'd caught an intriguing scent.

Wu Suowei touched the suppressor patch beneath his collar, feeling its edges beginning to curl in the heat. Three more hours until he could get home to his room, his safety, his secret.

Three hours felt like a lifetime when an S-Class Alpha had decided you were worth his attention.

Chapter 2: Shared Secrets

Notes:

Here's the second chapter slightly longer. Hoping you will like it.

Perched high above the city, the penthouse suite of Chi Corporation’s headquarters radiated a quiet, deliberate power. Behind a mahogany desk, Chi Cheng remained in his work clothes despite the late hour, his focus fixed on the tablet in his hands.

His undersecretary, Gang Zi, sat across from him with a folder and his own tablet, ready with the requested information. At thirty five, Gang was the epitome of Beta efficiency organized and reliable. He'd served Chi Cheng for three years and had learned to look for his boss's needs with goodaccuracy.

"The background check on Wu Suowei," Gang Zi began, looking at his notes. "Twenty three years old, born and raised in the Nanshan district. Middle class family alpha father works in accounting, omega mother is a elementary school teacher. Clean financial records, no criminal history, really good academic performance."

Chi Cheng scrolled through the file, his expression unreadable. "His name," he said suddenly. "Wu Suowei. That's... unusual who would name their child with the implied meaning it does not matter."
Gang Zi cleared his throat. "According to hospital records, there was a clerical error when he was born. The attending nurse miswrote his name on the birth certificate cuz she was having a difficult shift. The parents decided to keep it rather than go through the bureaucratic hassle of changing it. They thought it sounded... endearing."

"Endearing," Chi Cheng repeated, his lips quirking slightly. His finger paused over a photograph in the file, Wu Suowei's university graduation picture. Even in the formal portrait, there was something ethereal about him. Pale skin that seemed to catch light, delicate features, and those eyes... large and expressive in a way that made you want to look deeper.

"Yes, sir. His parents are quite protective of him. He was homeschooled until high school, rarely participated in social activities, and even at university, he kept a small circle of friends."
Chi Cheng leaned back in his leather chair, studying the photo more intently. Something about the young man's face stirred a memory from today's meeting during the intern selection process.

"You're certain he's listed as Beta?"
"That's what all his official documents state, sir. Birth certificate, medical records, university registration all show Beta designation." Gang Zi paused, consulting another document. "Though... it's worth noting that he's never undergone formal designation testing outside of the basic screenings required for school enrollment."

"Never had independent testing?" Chi Cheng's eyebrows rose. In the current ABO society, most families had their children properly evaluated by specialists around puberty to confirm their designation. It was standard practice, especially for families with means especially because designation, the secondary gender played a huge role in the individuals life.

"No, sir. His parents opted for home monitoring and private medical care. They've been quite... thorough in maintaining their privacy." Gang Zi replied.

Chi Cheng set down the tablet and moved to the window, hands clasped behind his back. The city sprawled with millions of people going about their lives, unaware of the predator who watched from above. But his mind wasn't on the city it was on floral jasmine scent he had smelt from Wu Suowei, very brief but real.

During the intern interviews, he was barely paying attention to the stream of eager young faces, but today was an exception. Why..? Because Wu Suowei had walked in, and stood beside other interns and something had shifted in the air. Chi Cheng remembered it clearly now the way his instincts had suddenly sharpened, the subtle change in his own body that he had not gone unnoticed at the time.

There had been a scent. Faint, almost undetectable, but definitely there. Sweet jasmine with undertones of something richer, more complex. It had lasted only a moment before disappearing entirely, leaving Chi Cheng wondering if he'd imagined it.

"Tell me about his friend," Chi Cheng said, still facing the window.
"Jiang Xiaoshuai. Also twenty three, childhood friend. Currently completing his medical residency at Tianhua General Hospital. Beta designation, also from a middle class family. They've maintained friendship throughout university."

"A doctor," Chi Cheng mused. "Convenient."
Gang Zi waited silently, recognizing the signs of his boss deep in thought. Chi Cheng's analytical mind was legendary in business circles, he could asess complex puzzles and was always three steps ahead of his competitors.

Chi Cheng turned back to his desk and picked up the tablet again, his thumb tracing the edge of Wu Suowei's photograph. "Gang Zi, in your experience, what would cause someone to consistently suppress their natural scent..?"

"Well, sir, some people are naturally more reserved about their pheromones. Others might use mild suppressors for professional reasons, especially Omegas in demanding careers..." Gang Zireplied.
"And if someone wanted to hide their true designation entirely..?" Chi Cheng responded.
Gang Zi shifted uncomfortably. "That would require significant resources and planning, sir. Heavy duty suppressors, careful medical monitoring, complete isolation during heat cycles..." He paused. "It would also require a very compelling reason."

Chi Cheng smiled then, a slow, predatory expression that never quite reached his eyes. The pieces were falling into place. A beautiful young man with protective parents, no independent medical evaluation, a doctor for a best friend, and that fleeting scent of jasmine that had made his S-Class instincts sing with recognition.
"During today's orientation," Chi Cheng said quietly, "when I saw and approached him, I caught something. Just for a moment." He looked up at Gang Zi. "Sweet jasmine. The kind of scent that makes every Alpha in a room turn their head."

Gang's eyes widened slightly. "Sir, if you're suggesting he's an Omega hiding his designation..."
"Not just any Omega." Chi Cheng's voice was barely above a whisper, but it carried the weight of absolute certainty. "That scent wasn't ordinary. It was..." He paused, searching for the right word. "Intoxicating. The kind that you would usually not encounter."

The implications hung in the air between them. High Omegas were mythical creatures to most people rare beyond measure, possessed of beauty and pheromone signatures that could bring even the strongest Alphas to their knees. They were protected, hidden, treasured like the rarest of gems.
And one was working three floors below, pretending to be a Beta.

Chi Cheng's smile widened. "Tomorrow will be very interesting, Gang Zi. Make sure his assignment keeps him close to my office. I want to observe our young intern more... carefully."
"Of course, sir. Should I arrange for any specific projects?" Gang Zi replied.

"Nothing too demanding. I want him comfortable, relaxed. People reveal their true nature when they think they're safe." Chi Cheng set the tablet down and moved toward the private elevator that would take him to his penthouse apartment. "And Gang? This conversation stays between us."
"Naturally, sir." His ever trustworthy secretary replied.

As the elevator doors closed, Chi's reflection showed in the polished metal sharp suit, perfectly styled hair, and eyes that gleamed with the focused intensity of a hunter who'd found the most extraordinary prey.

Wu Suowei thought he could hide behind suppressors and false documentation. He had no idea he was about to face an S-Class Alpha who'd caught his scent and found it absolutely irresistible.
The hunt was about to begin.

 

Meanwhile..

Meanwhile in the small café Wu Suowei sat across from his best friend, fingers wrapped around a warm cup of jasmine tea a ironic choice that made him smile ruefully. Jiang Xiaoshuai looked every bit the promising young doctor he was training to be. At twenty three, he possessed the same ethereal beauty that marked Wu Suowei , however while Wu Suowei was delicate and pale, Jiang Xiaoshuai had warmer undertones, curly hair and slightly sharper features. His white coat had been replaced by a simple sweater, but he still carried the faint scent of hospital antiseptic beneath his own suppressors.

"You look like someone stepped on your grave," Xiaoshuai said, stirring honey into his coffee. His voice carried the same melodic quality as Wu's, though he'd learned to pitch it slightly lower in professional settings.
Wu Suowei sighed, unconsciously touching the patch beneath his collar. "Remember what our parents always warned us about? About S-Class Alphas?"
"That they're walking pheromone detectors who could sniff out a High Omega from three blocks away?" Xiaoshuai's expression grew serious. "Don't tell me..."

"Chi Cheng. My new boss." Wu Suowei's voice dropped to barely above a whisper. "Shuai, when he looked at me today, I swear he could see right through everything. And there was this moment during orientation where I thought... I thought maybe he caught something."
Xiaoshuai leaned forward, his medical training evident in how quickly he assessed the situation. "What kind of something? Did your patch malfunction?"

"I don't think so, but..." Wu Suowei ran a hand through his hair, disturbing the careful styling. "He singled me out immediately. Asked my designation directly. And the way he was looking at me like he was solving a puzzle."
"Wei Wei," Xiaoshuai said gently, using the childhood nickname, "you're spiraling. Look at me..."
Wu Suowei met his friend's eyes, finding the calm reassurance he'd grown up depending on.

"The patches I synthesized for us are military grade," Jiang Xiaoshuai continued. "I literally stole the formula from the hospital's restricted research files. As long as you're consistent with application and avoid extreme stress, there's no way anyone can detect your real scent signature."
To emphasize his point, Jiang Xiaoshuai tugged down his own collar slightly, revealing the edge of an identical suppressor patch. "I've been working twelve hour shifts in a hospital filled with Alphas who haven't seen their mates in months. If these can fool desperate, touch starved medical residents, they can fool anyone."

Despite his worry, Wu Suowei found himself smiling. "Remember when we thought Dr. Meng Tao was going to figure you out?"
"That handsy bastard," Jiang Xiaoshuai laughed, but there was an edge to it. "Three separate Alphas cornered me last month thinking I was an available Omega. You should have seen their faces when I told them I was Beta. Pure disappointment, every time."

"At least you look approachable," Wu Suowei said. "I've been practicing my 'boring Beta' persona for years and I still manage to draw attention."
"That's because we're naturally beautiful, Wei Wei. High Omegas are designed to be irresistible." Jiang Xiaoshuai's tone turned more serious. "But that's exactly why our parents went to such lengths to hide us. Remember the stories? High Omegas locked away in golden cages, treated like precious objects rather than people?"

Wu Suowei shuddered. Their parents had been neighbors and close friends, both couples blessed or cursed with High Omega children. The elaborate deception they'd crafted had taken years of planning, homeschooling to avoid official medical checks, carefully managed social interactions, and a support network of trusted family members who helped maintain the illusion.
"Sometimes I wonder what it would be like," Wu Suowei said quietly, watching steam rise from his tea. "To not have to hide. To find someone who..."

"Who deserves you," Jiang Xiaoshuai finished. "Someone who would see you as a partner, not a prize to be won."
They sat in comfortable silence for a moment, two young men carrying the weight of secrets that could change their lives forever. The café buzzed around them with normal conversations work complaints, family gossip, weekend plans.

"The irony is," Jiang Xiaoshuai said eventually, "Chi Cheng is exactly seems to be the type our parents warned us about. S-Class Alphas don't just find mates they claim them. Completely and utterly."
"That's not helping my anxiety." Said a nervous Wu Suowei .

"Sorry." Jiang Xiaoshuai reached across the table to squeeze Wu Suowei's hand. "But seriously, you're overthinking this. Even if he's suspicious, what can he actually do? Force you to take a designation test? That would be illegal without probable cause."
Wu Suowei wanted to believe his friend's confidence, but something about Chi Cheng's predatory focus earlier had felt far more dangerous than just simple curiosity.

Their conversation shifted to other topics, Jiang Xiaoshuai's latest rotation in pediatrics, Wu Suowei's nervousness about his new assignment, mutual friends from university. By the time they finished dinner, Wu Suowei felt mch better about facing tomorrow.
"Promise me something," Jiang Xiaoshuai said as they prepared to leave. "If you start feeling overwhelmed, call me immediately. I don't care if I'm in ward rounds, I'll find a way to help."
"You can't keep rescuing me forever, Shuai."

"Watch me." Xiaoshuai's smile was fierce with protective affection. "We've made it this far together. A little longer, and we'll both be established enough in our careers that we can make our own choices about when and how to reveal ourselves."As they stepped out into the cool evening air, neither noticed the nondescript sedan parked across the street, or the way its occupant lifted a camera with a lens.

Three blocks away, in the back seat of a luxury vehicle, Gang Zi reviewed the photographs on his tablet. The images were clear despite the distance and low light Wu Suowei in animated conversation with a young man who could have been his twin in terms of ethereal beauty.

"Dr. Jiang Xiaoshuai," Gang Zi murmured into his Bluetooth headset. "As expected, sir. They had dinner at Golden Lotus Café, conversed for approximately two hours, appeared to be having an intimate discussion about something serious."
Chi Cheng's voice came through crystal clear. "Intimate how?"
"Concerned rather than romantic, sir. Hand holding that seemed more supportive than affectionate. Dr. Jiang appeared to be reassuring Wu Suowei about something."
"Interesting. And Dr. Jiang's behavior?"

Gang Zi scrolled through more photos. "Similar mannerisms to Wu Suowei, sir. Very careful about his posture, frequent touches to his collar area, and... well, sir, he's remarkably beautiful for a Beta."
A long pause. "Two childhood friends, both unusually attractive, both with protective families, both in careers that would benefit from concealed designations."
"Your orders, sir?"
"Continue surveillance. I want to know Wu Suowei's routines, his habits and when he feels safe enough to let his guard down. You can collect intel on Dr. Jiang but as of now focus on Wu Suowei" Chi Cheng's voice carried a note of anticipation. "And Gang? Start researching High Omega behavior patterns. I have a feeling we're going to need that information very soon."

As the call ended, Gang watched Wu Suowei and Jiang Xiaoshuai part ways at the street corner, both young men unconsciously checking their collar areas before heading to their respective apartments.

Neither realized that their carefully guarded secret was already unraveling, pulled apart by an S-Class Alpha. Wu Suowei also never knew that he now was worth his boss's full attention...

Notes:

Chapter 3 is gonna be interesting. :) Basically you will get to know what happens when fated mates are in prolonged contact with each other and have not bonded yet.

Chapter 3: The Second Hunter

Notes:

This is the third chapter, a bit more longer considering that it focuses on our second couple Guo Chengyu and Dr. Jiang Xiaoshuai and the fate that befalls on the omegas and alphas who are destined to be mates.

Tianhua General Hospital's east wing buzzed with nurses rushing between rooms, residents and interns discussing cases in hushed tones. Dr Jiang Xiaoshuai had learned to find comfort in the hectic rhythms of hospital life, where his carefully constructed Beta persona could blend into the professional environment. He really loved his job as a doctor, this was his true passion, healing, being empathetic and it made him far more easier to forget momentarily about his true designation.

He was reviewing patient charts at the nurses' station when the atmosphere suddenly shifted. Conversations died mid-sentence, and even the most confident attending physicians seemed to unconsciously straighten their postures. Jiang Xiaoshuai looked up from his paperwork to see hallway hospital administrators flanking a man in a tailored blacksuit.

Guo Chengyu was impossible to miss. At twenty nine, he carried himself with the same predatory grace that marked all S-Class Alphas, but where Chi Cheng was coldly analytical, Guo Chengyu radiated a different kind of dangerous charm. His features were sharp and aristocratic. Dark hair was styled with casual perfection, and when he smiled it never quite reached his eyes.

"Routine quarterly inspection," Dr. Bai Lu, the dean of the hospital, was explaining as they approached Jiang Xiaoshuai's station. "Our residents have been performing exceptionally well this rotation."
Jiang Xiaoshuai kept his head down, focusing intently on his charts. The last thing he needed was to draw attention from another S-Class Alpha. His suppressors were holding steady, but being this close to such concentrated dominance made his instincts scream warnings.

"And this is our pediatric rotation," Dr. Bai Lu continued. "Dr. Jiang Xiaoshuai, could you brief us on the work done in the pediatric rotation?"
Jiang Xiaoshuai's heart sank. He looked up slowly, forcing his most professional smile as he met Guo Chengyu's gaze and immediately wished he hadn't.
Those dark eyes were sharp with intelligence and something else, something that made Jiang Xiaoshuai's carefully controlled pulse spike dangerously. Guo Chengyu's expression shifted, a flicker of surprise followed by intense interest.

" Dr. Jiang Xiaoshuai," Guo Chengyu's voice was smooth having a slightest hint of something predatory. "Please, go ahead."
Jiang Xiaoshuai launched into a summary of the rotation and clinical work done in the pediatric ward, very much aware of how Guo's attention never wavered from his face. The other administrators seemed content to let their boss handle this part of the inspection, but Jiang Xiaoshuai could feel their curious glances.

"Impressive work," Guo Chengyu said when Jiang Xiaoshuai finished. "How long have you been in this rotation?"

"Three months, sir. I'll be moving to emergency medicine next quarter." Jiang Xiaoshuai replied.
"Pity. Pediatrics suits you." Guo Chengyu's smile was enigmatic. "You have very... gentle hands."

Heat crept up Xiaoshuai's neck and face as he blushed. Something about the comment felt loaded with meaning he didn't want to examine too closely.
The inspection group was already moving on, but Guo Chengyu lingered for just a moment longer. "Dr. Xiaoshuai, what's your designation?"

The question felt like a sudden blow of scrutiny directed towards him. Jiang Xiaoshuai's training kicked in, keeping his expression neutral despite his racing heart. "Beta, sir."
Guo Chengyu's eyes narrowed slightly, and for a terrifying moment, Xiaoshuai thought he might challenge the answer. Instead, that dangerous smile widened.
"Of course you are." The way he said it suggested he didn't believe it for a second.

As the inspection group finally moved away, Xiaoshuai released a breath he didn't realize he'd been holding. His hands were trembling slightly as he returned to his charts, and he had to fight the urge to touch his suppressor patch.
That was weird, he thought, trying to shake off the lingering effects of Guo's focused attention. But actually... the S-Class Alpha was really handsome and his pheromones though well controlled had still managed to make Xiaoshuai's heart stutter in his chest. They smelled faintly of wine and cherries, heady and warm, like a summer night laced with temptation.
Jiang Xiaoshuai immediately shook his head, banishing the traitorous thoughts.

Handsome or not, Guo Chengyu represented everything his parents had warned him about. The last thing he needed was to develop any kind of attraction to a predator who might already suspect his true nature.
He threw himself back into his work, determined to forget the encounter entirely.

 

That evening..

In the executive suite of Guo Medical Holdings, Guo Chengyu sat behind his desk with a tablet displaying everything his private investigators could find about one Dr. Jiang Xiaoshuai. The information was frustratingly sparse but intriguing much like what Chi Cheng had described about his own mysterious intern.

"Childhood friend of Wu Suowei," he murmured, scrolling through social media photos that showed two impossibly beautiful young men at various life events. "Both from the same neighborhood, both with protective families, both with minimal official medical records..."

His assistant knocked and entered. "Sir, Chi Cheng is here for your three o'clock."
"Send him in."
Chi Cheng stepped in with his usual composed precision, but Guo Chengyu noticed the faint traces of excitement his longtime friend was trying to hide. The two had been close for years, often partnering on various business ventures.

"You look like a man who's found something interesting," Guo Chengyu said, gesturing to the chair across from his desk.
"I could say the same about you. How was your hospital inspection..?" Chi Cheng replied with a smile on his face.
"Educational." Guo Chengyu turned his tablet screen toward Chi Cheng, showing Jiang Xiaoshuai's employee photo. "Tell me, does this young man look familiar?"

Chi Cheng studied the image, his expression sharpening. "Wu Suowei's best friend. You met him?"
"Had a lovely conversation about pediatric care. He's listed as Beta, naturally." Guo Chengyu's smile was warm but predatory. "But his scent signature was... masked. Very carefully masked."

"Interesting timing. I've been researching High Omega behavioral patterns." Chi Cheng pulled out his own tablet, displaying academic papers and medical journals. "They're fascinating beings, apparently. Naturally beautiful to an almost supernatural degree, incredibly rare, and their pheromones are supposedly powerful enough to affect even S-Class Alphas."

"How powerful?" Guo Chengyu responded while gazing at Jiang Xiaoshuai’s photo, those eyes, the soft curls of black hair, pale skin with warm undertones. This doctor was undeniably handsome.
"According to these studies, a High Omega in heat can influence Alpha behavior from considerable distances. Their natural scent is described as 'intoxicating' and 'impossible to ignore.' Most interestingly, they're said to instinctively recognize S-Class Alphas as their ideal mates."

Guo Chengyu leaned back in his chair, processing this information. "So if our suspicions are correct..."
"We're looking at two High Omegas who've been successfully hiding their designations for years, possibly with medical assistance." Chi Cheng's voice carried a note of admiration. "It's actually quite impressive."

"And they're best friends, which means they're likely supporting each other's deception." Replied Guo Chengyu.
"Exactly. The question is, what do we do about it....?" Chi replied.

Guo Chengyu was quiet for a long moment, his fingers steepled as he considered their options. "The traditional approach would be to expose them directly. Force designation testing, corner them until they admit the truth, perhaps even use the AO biology dynamics to our advantage." However, Guo Chengyu felt a sharp pang of bitterness just for thinking that way. As an S-Class Alpha, he knew he could easily rely on biology to win over his desirable Omega mate but his own past, especially the experiences with his parents, made that idea deeply unsettling. It wasn’t a path he was willing to take, not even in thought.

"But?" Chi Cheng asked in a curious note.
"But that would be... crude. And potentially traumatic for them." Guo Chengyu's expression softened slightly. "If they're High Omegas, they've been hiding for good reason. They're probably terrified of being caged or treated like prizes."
Chi Cheng nodded slowly. "So we approach this differently."

"We court them. Properly." Guo Chengyu's smile turned calculating. "We prove that not all S-Class Alphas are monsters who would lock them away. We show them what it could be like to be cherished rather than possessed."
"A longer game..." Chi Cheng replied

"The best kind." Guo Chengyu stood and moved to his office windows, gazing out at the city below. "Your Wu Suowei works directly under you now, correct? Perfect position to observe and... interact."
"And your Jiang Xiaoshuai works in your hospital."
"Where I can ensure his safety and perhaps arrange more frequent encounters." Guo Chengyu turned back to his friend. "We'll need to be patient. High Omegas are apparently very good at detecting insincerity."

Chi Cheng joined him at the window. "There's something else. My research suggests that High Omegas can sense S-Class Alphas pheromones even through suppressors. If they haven't run screaming, it might mean..."
"They're intrigued despite their fear." Guo Chengyu said, voice in  quiet admiration.
The two men stood in comfortable silence, watching the afternoon sun cast long shadows across the city. Below them, people went about their daily lives, unaware that two of the most powerful Alphas in the country were planning an elaborate seduction.

"Rules of engagement?" Chi Cheng asked.
"No force, no coercion, complete honesty about our intentions once we're certain of their true natures." Guo Chenyu's voice carried the weight of absolute commitment. "We do this right, or not at all."

"And if they're not High Omegas? If we're wrong about everything?" replied Chi Cheng.
Guo Chengyu's smile was sharp with certainty. "We're not wrong. The question is whether they'll trust us enough to stop hiding."
As if summoned by their conversation, Guo Chengyu's phone buzzed with a text from his hospital's security team: Dr. Jiang Xiaoshuai just finished his shift. Heading home via usual route.
"The courting games begin," Guo murmured, showing Chi Cheng the message.

"Indeed they do." Chi Cheng's expression was thoughtful. "Although I suspect our young 'Betas' have no idea they've just become the focus of a very determined hunt."
The hunt had evolved from suspicion to certainty to strategy.
And somewhere across the city, two High Omegas went about their evening routines, unaware that their carefully constructed world was about to change forever.

 

---

The executive floor of Chi Corporation felt worlds apart from the rest of the building.There was a tension in the air not chaotic, but heavy the kind that came with power strong enough to shift stock markets and alter trade decisions.Wu Suowei had spent the morning trying to blend into the background while executing Chi Cheng's requests with careful precision. It had been a week now since he started to work directly as an intern under Chi's supervision.

"The Haicheng contract needs revisions on pages twelve and fifteen," Chi Cheng said without looking up from his computer screen. "Client wants the liability clauses restructured."
"Yes, sir." Wu Suowei made careful notes, he observed how the Alpha's voice seemed to resonate in his chest even when the said Alpha wasn't making any effort to project authority.

It had been like this all morning a steady stream of tasks that felt charged with underlying tension. Chi Cheng hadn't done anything overtly threatening or inappropriate, but his mere presence was overwhelming. Even with his suppressors working at full strength, Wu Suowei could detect something lingering beneath Chi Cheng's expensive cologne a subtle mix of cedar and leather.  He could smell rich scent of rum laced with a trace of citrus, intoxicating and impossible to ignore.

"Also, reschedule my two o'clock with the Singapore investors. Push it to Thursday."
"Of course, sir." Wu Suwei replied obediently.
Chi Cheng finally looked up, and Wu Suowei felt that familiar flutter of panic at being the focus of those sharp eyes. "You're very efficient, Wu Suowei . Harvard Business could learn something from your organizational skills."

The compliment was delivered neutrally, but something about Chi Cheng's tone made heat creep up Wu's neck. "Thank you, sir. Is there anything else you need before lunch?"
"Take your break. Be back at one thirty."

Wu Suowei nodded and practically fled to the employee bathroom, his hands shaking slightly as he locked the stall door behind him. The morning's closeness to Chi Cheng had left him feeling strange restless and oddly warm, as if his skin was too tight. He pulled out a fresh suppressor patch from his small emergency kit, peeling away the morning's application.

The used patch peeled away damp, which was unusual. What worried Wu Suowei more was the dull ache in his neck, right over his scent glands. He touched the spot carefully, surprised by the tenderness that hadn’t been there the day before. And then there was the dampness in his underwear, slick. He wasn’t in heat. He knew he wasn’t. So why was this happening?
As he applied the new patch, his mind wandered to an article he'd read during his obsessive research into High Omega biology. The author had mentioned something called "phantom bonding pain" a phenomenon where highly compatible Omegas would experience anticipatory soreness in their scent glands when exposed to their ideal Alpha's pheromones. It was supposedly the body's way of preparing for an eventual mating bite.

Ridiculous, Wu Suowei told himself firmly. It's just stress. Maybe I slept wrong!!!

But as he returned to his desk and caught another subtle whiff of Chi Cheng's scent, the ache intensified slightly, and Wu had to grip his pen tighter to stop his hands from trembling.
The afternoon passed soon. Every time Chi Cheng moved, Wu Suowei caught traces of those rum and citrus pheromones. Every time the Alpha spoke, that deep voice seemed to bypass his conscious mind and speak directly to instincts he was desperately trying to suppress. By four o'clock, Wu Suowei's neck was throbbing with a persistent ache that made it hard to concentrate, his underwear was damp with slick.

"Wu Suowei ."
Wu Suowei looked up to find Chi Cheng standing beside his desk, close enough that the Alpha's scent was suddenly overwhelming. The ache in his neck spiked, and Wu Suowei had to bite back a small gasp.
"Sir..?"
"It's nearly six. You should head home."

"Oh." Wu Suowei blinked then blushed realizing he'd lost track of time entirely. "Yes, of course. Thank you."
He began gathering his things, under the surveillance of Chi Cheng's continued presence. When he stood to leave, Chi Cheng fell into step beside him.
"I'll give you a ride home."
"That's not necessary, sir. I usually take the subway...."

"It's late, and you look tired. My driver is already waiting." Chi answered. 
It wasn't really a request. Wu Suowei found himself being guided toward the private elevator, Chi Cheng's hand a warm presence on his back. The touch, even through his shirt and jacket, made the ache in his neck intensify to an almost unbearable degree. He could feel the slick accumulating below, worsening the damp of his undergarments.
The ride to his apartment was conducted in relative silence, Chi Cheng occasionally pointing out landmarks or making small talk about the city's development projects. Suowei tried to focus on the conversation, but Chi's proximity in the enclosed space of the luxury sedan was overwhelming. By the time they reached his building, Wu felt feverish and slightly dizzy.

"Thank you for the ride, sir," he managed as the driver pulled up to the curb.
"Have a good evening, Suowei." Chi Cheng's smile was unreadable. "See you tomorrow."

Wu Suowei practically stumbled up to his apartment, his neck now throbbing with each heartbeat. He barely made it inside before collapsing onto his couch, pulling out his phone with shaking fingers.

Jiang Xiaoshuai picked up on the second ring, hearing Wu Suowei 's voice out of breath, he asked in concern. "Wei Wei? You sound terrible."
"Shuai, I need to ask you something, and I need you to be completely honest with me."
"Of course. What's wrong..?" Jiang Xiaoshuai replied.

Wu Suowei took a shaky breath. "What happens to High Omegas when they're exposed to S-Class Alphas for extended periods? Especially if... if they are or might be compatible?"
The silence on the other end stretched so long that Wu Suowei wondered if the call had dropped.
"Shuai..?"

"Wei Wei, where exactly are you asking this from? Hypothetically, or...?" asked a worried Jiang Xiaoshuai
"My neck hurts. My scent glands are aching like someone's been... I don't know, like they're preparing for something. And I keep catching Chi Cheng's scent even through my suppressors. I am producing slick down there, even though I am not in heat" The words tumbled out in a rush. "I feel like I'm losing my mind."

Another long pause. When Jiang Xiaoshuai finally spoke, his voice was carefully controlled. "Wei Wei, I need you to listen to me very carefully. What you're describing... it's called pre-bonding syndrome."

"Pre-bonding what?" Wu Suowei asked. He had never heard this term before.
"It happens when a High Omega encounters their ideal genetic match or rather platonically you can even say soul mate. The body starts preparing for an eventual mating bond, even if the Omega consciously resists. The scent gland pain is your body anticipating being claimed."

Wu Suowei felt the blood drain from his face. "That's impossible. I barely know him. I'm not even attracted to..." He stopped, realizing that wasn't entirely true.
"It's not about conscious attraction, Wei Wei. It's biological imperative. Your body recognizes Chi Cheng as a potential mate whether you want it to or not." Jiang Xiaoshuai's voice was gentle but serious. "The question is....how bad is it?"

"Bad enough that I can barely think straight when he's nearby. Bad enough that a simple touch made me dizzy."
"Shit." Jiang Xiaoshuai was quiet for a moment. "Wei Wei, you need to be very careful. Pre-bonding syndrome can intensify rapidly, especially with daily exposure. If you're not careful, your suppressors might start failing entirely."

"What do you mean, failing?" replied an anxious Wu Suowei.
"Your body will start overriding the chemical suppressors to prepare for heat. It's an evolutionary response to finding your ideal mate." Jiang Xiaoshuai paused. "Wei Wei, how often have you been having heat cycles?"

"Every three months, like clockwork. The last one was six weeks ago, so I should be fine for another month and a half." Wu Suowei immediately responded, he always had kept his heat track well.
"Under normal circumstances, yes. But pre-bonding syndrome can trigger emergency heats. Your body might try to force a mating cycle to ensure the bond happens as quickly as possible." Jiang Xiaoshuai gravely answered.
Wu Suowei's hands were shaking as he processed this information. "So what do I do? Quit? Run away..?"

"I don't know," Jiang Xiaoshuai admitted. "The research on this is limited because High Omegas are so rare, and most who experience pre-bonding syndrome end up....... well, bonded."
"Meaning they give in....." Wu Suowei replied in a tacit tone.
"Meaning they stop fighting what their bodies are telling them and accept the bond." Jiang Xiaoshuai's voice was soft. "Wei Wei, I need to ask you something, and I need you to be honest. Putting aside all our fears and our parents' warnings... how do you feel about Chi Cheng as a person?"

Wu Suowei closed his eyes, touching his aching neck. "He's intelligent. Controlled. He hasn't tried to force anything or abuse his position. When he looks at me, I feel... seen. Really seen, maybe for the first time in my life. He truly appreciates my work and praises me."
"And that terrifies you." Jiang Xiaoshuai replied in a soothing manner.

"Yes."
"It should. Because what you're describing sounds like more than just biological compatibility." JJiang Xiaoshuai was quiet for a moment. "Wei Wei, I think you might be in more danger than we realized. Not from Chi Cheng necessarily, but from yourself. Your body is trying to choose for you."

Wu Suowei slumped back against his couch cushions, feeling the weight of impossible decisions pressing down on him. "How long do you think I have...?"

"Before the suppressors fail entirely? With daily exposure to his pheromones? Umm... Maybe a week, possibly two... that is, if you're lucky."
"And then.... ?" Wu Suowei asked in an anxious tone.

"Then you'll go into emergency heat, and every Alpha in a three-block radius will know exactly what you are."
The line went quiet as both friends contemplated the implications. Wu Suowei's carefully constructed life was unraveling, pulled apart by biology and a connection he'd never asked for but couldn't seem to resist.

"Shuai?"
"Yeah?"
"I'm scared." Wu Suowei replied in tears. Even with tears welling in his wide, expressive eyes, he still looked breathtakingly beautiful.

"I know, Wei Wei. I know."
After they said their goodnights, Wu Suowei stayed curled up on the couch, freshly showered and having quietly washed his damp underwear and pants. One hand rested against his aching neck, the discomfort still lingering.

Tomorrow he would have to face Chi Cheng again, knowing that each interaction was potentially undermining years of careful deception.
His body had chosen an S-Class Alpha as its ideal mate.
The only question now was whether his mind would follow.

Notes:

Well...I have been delving to see if I can include some Smut in upcoming chapters, regardless, got few surprises planned in next chapter. If Omegas can have pre-bonding syndrome....why not alphas have their own version of the same?

Chapter 4: Mutual Recognition

Notes:

This chapter mainly focuses on the effect the pre-bonding syndrome has on alphas and also on our lovely Dr Jiang Xiaoshuai. The chapter is a bit short, but I will promise the next one shall be longer. Also thank you so much for the kind comments and kudos.

Chi Cheng stood under the cold spray of his penthouse shower, hands pressed against the marble wall as he fought for control. The third cold shower in as many days, and still his body was filled with an unfamiliar restlessness that no amount of physical comfort could sooth. He stared at his massive weeping erection which still had not gone down inspite of the onslaught of cold water.

It had started the day after Wu Suowei began working directly under him. Subtle at first a heightened awareness, an inexplicable urge to stay close to his new intern. But over the past few days, it had intensified into something that bordered on obsession.

The dreams were the worst part. Vivid, heated scenarios where jasmine scented skin yielded beneath his hands, where soft whimpers filled his ears as he claimed what his instincts insisted was rightfully his. Dreams where he could kiss those alluring lips that Wu Suowei possessed, then removing his underwear, pounding his cock into a whimpering Wu Suowei 's slick coated hole into the mattress, the slick helping with the penetration making his omega moan alluringly followed by knotting, culminating in him biting a keening Wu Suowei's scent gland. Chi Cheng would then wake hard and aching, his canines literally elongated and throbbing with the need to bite, to mark, to bond. The other worst part his underwear was stained by those wet dreams, undeniable evidence of what took place.

He ran his tongue over his teeth now, feeling the slight but unmistakable lengthening that had begun three days ago. S-Class Alphas experiencing pre-bonding syndrome was rare enough that there was limited research, but the symptoms were unmistakable, the constant craving for their intended omega mate's scent, the physical preparation for claiming, the dreams that felt more like prophecies than fantasies. Chi Cheng then jerked off his erection thinking of the wet dream, moaning Wu Suowei's name once more as he cums.

After the jerk off session, Chi Cheng turned off the water and grabbed a towel, catching his reflection in the bathroom mirror. His eyes looked wild, pupils dilated even in the bright LED lighting. This wasn't sustainable. He was a CEO, a leader, a man built on control and precision. Yet one beautiful intern was unraveling him completely.

The intercom buzzed from his bedroom. "Sir? Wu Suowei has arrived for the day."
Chi Cheng's body responded immediately pulse quickening, that ache in his jaw increasing. "Thank you, Gang Zi. I'll be down shortly."

He needed to get himself under control before facing Wu Suowei . The handsome young man had been increasingly skittish over the past four to five days, jumping at every interaction, those expressive eyes wide with what looked like barely contained panic. Chi Cheng suspected Wu Suowei was fighting his own body responses, which only confirmed his theory that this beta is probably an High Omega.

Twenty minutes later, Chi Cheng emerged from his private elevator to find Wu Suowei already at his desk, head bent over paperwork. The sight should have been routine by now, but instead it hit the Alpha like a physical blow. Today, despite Wu Suowei's obvious attempts to suppress it, that jasmine scent was stronger. Sweet and intoxicating, with undertones of something that made Chi Cheng's canines ache with need.

"Good morning, Wu Suowei ." 
Wu Suowei's head snapped up, and Chi Cheng caught the slight wince as the movement apparently aggravated whatever was bothering him. Those pale cheeks were flushed, and Wu's hand moved unconsciously to his neck a gesture Chi Cheng had noticed with increasing frequency.
"Good morning, sir. Your nine o'clock called to confirm, and the Singapore contracts are ready for your review."

Professional. Efficient. But Wu Suowei's voice carried a breathless quality that hadn't been there a week ago, and Chi Cheng noticed the way his fingers trembled slightly as they passed him the documents.
"Excellent work." Chi Cheng let his fingers brush against Wu Suowei's during the transfer which was on purpose. The contact sent electricity through both of them Wu Suowei's sharp intake of breath was audible, and Chi Cheng had to grip the papers tighter to hide his own reaction.

The morning proceeded with painful efficiency. Every interaction between them carried an tones of tension, something that neither was acknowledging directly. Chi Cheng found excuses to move closer, to lean over Wu Suowei's shoulder while reviewing documents. He would drag conversations on purpose. Each moment of closeness brought that intoxicating scent closer, made his body respond with increasing desperation.

By lunch time, Chi Cheng's self control was hanging by a thread. The constant exposure to what he was now certain were High Omega pheromones had his instincts in overdrive. Every impulse screamed at him to claim, to mark, to remove the omega from the presence of any other Alpha who might pose a threat.

When Wu Suowei excused himself for lunch, Chi Cheng remained in his office, door closed, trying to center himself. His canines were fully extended now, pressing against his lower lip inside his mouth with each breath. The ache in his jaw had become a constant throb that matched his pulse.

His phone buzzed with a text from Guo Chengyu: How are you holding up? You looked rough at yesterday's board meeting.
Chi Cheng typed back: Pre-bonding syndrome is no joke. I'm barely functional.
The response came immediately: Same here. Jiang Xiaoshuai's scent is driving me insane. Had to cancel two meetings because I couldn't concentrate.
Have you considered approaching him directly? : Chi Cheng texted back.

Guo Chengyu typed back: Every day. But if we're wrong about the approach, we would be betraying their trust. If we're right and move too fast, we might scare them into running.
Chi Cheng stared at his phone, recognizing the truth in his friend's words. The situation was delicate, requiring finesse he wasn't sure he possessed while his biology was screaming at him to claim his mate.
Another text from Guo: Maybe it's time to test the waters. Carefully.

 

Meanwhile, three floors down in the employee bathroom, Wu Suowei was having his own crisis of control. His third suppressor change of the day, and still he could feel his scent trying to break through the barriers. The ache in his neck had intensified to a constant throb that made it hard to think about anything else. His underwear was fully damp with his slick. Wu Suowei sighed thinking he should have gotten an extra pair of underwear. But worser than the physical symptoms was the growing awareness that he didn't entirely want them to stop.

Chi Cheng had been nothing but professional and courteous. He maintained appropriate boundaries, never used his Alpha status to intimidate or coerce. When their hands had brushed this morning, Chi Cheng could have held on, could have used the contact to assert dominance. Instead, he'd stepped back, given Wu Suowei space.
That consideration should have been reassuring. Instead, it was deeply confusing.

Wu Suowei applied a fresh patch over the skin of his neck scent gland and returned to his desk, mind churning with questions he'd been avoiding. What if Jiang Xiaoshuai was wrong about the timeline? What if he could maintain this facade long enough to... to what? Find another job? Move to another city? Spend his entire life running from his own nature?
The thought was exhausting.

As the afternoon wore on, Wu Suowei found himself studying Chi Cheng with new eyes. Yes, the man was overwhelmingly attractive in that sharp, dangerous way that marked S-Class Alphas. That small black mole on the right side of his nasal bridge added a element of asymmetry but also enhanced his handsomeness. However beneath the predatory grace was genuine intelligence, dry humor during their brief conversations, and a consideration for his comfort that felt unusual for someone of Chi Cheng's status.

When Chi Cheng leaned over his desk to review a document, Wu Suowei caught the Alpha's scent more clearly than usual, rum and citrus, with an underlying warmth that made something deep in his chest respond with longing. He also noticed something else: Chi Cheng's canines seemed... different. Slightly more prominent than they'd been a week ago.

He realised that Chi Cheng was experiencing his own version of pre-bonding syndrome. The Alpha's body was preparing to claim him just as surely as Wu's was preparing to be claimed.

The knowledge should have terrified him. Instead, it filled him with a strange sense of validation. This wasn't one-sided biological manipulation. Chi Cheng was as affected by their proximity as Wu Suowei was, fighting the same desperate need for connection. Wu Suowei did not know how to proceed.

 

 

Jiang Xiaoshuai stared at his reflection in the hospital bathroom mirror, barely recognizing the person looking back at him. Dark circles shadowed his eyes, his usually perfect hair was disheveled from constantly running his hands through it, and there was a tremor in his fingers that he couldn't seem to control.

Seven days. It had been seven days since Guo Chengyu's hospital inspection, and Jiang Xiaoshuai felt like he was losing his mind.

The symptoms had started subtly a persistent ache in his neck where his scent glands were located, a restlessness that made it impossible to focus on patient charts. But now he was experiencing the full force of what he could only assume was pre-bonding syndrome.

The irony wasn't lost on him. When Wu Suowei had called in a panic about his reactions to Chi Cheng, he had dispensed medical advice with clinical detachment, secure in his own carefully maintained disguise. Now he understood exactly what his best friend had been going through. It felt terrifying.

His latest suppressor patch felt inadequate. Every few hours, he caught traces of cherry and expensive wine in the hospital corridors, Guo Chengyu's scent, lingering from his frequent "surprise visits" to check on hospital operations and him.

Each time, Jiang Xiaoshuai's body responded with increasing desperation, his neck aching as if anticipating a bite that both terrified and enticed him. He also started to produce lot of slick which needed frequent underwear changes as well.

The worst part was the dreams. Vivid, heated scenarios where Guo' Chengyu's strong hands touched his body while a deep voice murmured possessive endearments against his throat. Guo Chengyu penetrating and pounding into his pliant body, knotting him, breeding him, biting him and claiming him. He'd wake up hard and shaking, his skin feeling too tight shining with sweat, his scent glands throbbing with phantom pain, and sheets wet with his slick and ejaculate.

How did Wei Wei tolerate this? he wondered, splashing cold water on his face. How did he function at all?
His phone buzzed with a text message, and Jiang Xiaoshuai's heart jumped when he saw the sender: Hospital Administration.

Dr. Jiang Xiaoshuai , please report to the executive conference room at your earliest convenience. - Guo Chengyu

Jiang Xiaoshuai's hands shook as he stared at the screen. A private meeting with Guo Chengyu, while his body was already craving and responding to the Alpha's mere presence in the building.

It felt like walking into a trap, but refusing wasn't an option. Guo Chengyu was technically his employer, and Jiang Xiaoshuai couldn't afford to lose this residency.

He applied a fresh suppressor patch, straightened his white coat, and tried to appear calm. But as he walked through the hospital corridors toward the administrative wing, every step felt like he was marching toward his own execution.

Notes:

I feel bad this one sort of ended as a cliffhanger but no worries Next chapter- It's end game , no matter what. In a good way. I mean like the Taylor Swift-End Game.

Chapter 5: Courtship and Revelation in a Virgin Territory

Notes:

So, Basically I decided to go with this approach on how the Alphas and Omegas start to court. Initially I did think of making entire work like a prolonged hunt, obsessive. But then I realized while I do love reading such stories. I do not think I can pursue that path in this story. So I decided I will try to work on the courtship and the inherent possessiveness that comes with being an Alphas mate.

The executive conference room was exactly what Jiang Xiaoshuai expected from a man like Guo Chengyu, understated elegance with an underlying threat of power. The room was very luxurious, had amazing decor. Jiang Xiaoshuai shook his head trying to focus on why he was called here.

Guo Chengyu stood with his back to the door, hands clasped behind him as he gazed out at the afternoon cityscape. Even in profile, he was devastatingly handsome having perfect styled hair, pale skin, slender fingers and that aura of dominance that marked S-Class Alphas. Only then did Jiang Xiaoshuai noticed, Guo Chengyu stood taller than him."

"Xiaoshuai, thank you for coming."
Guo Chengyu's voice sent an immediate shiver down Xiaoshuai's spine, and he had to grip his clipboard tighter to hide the tremor in his hands.

"Of course, sir. How can I help you?" Jiang Xiaoshuai replied in a polite tone.
When Guo Chengyu turned, those dark eyes seemed to observe every detail of Jiang Xiaoshuai's appearance. The Alpha's nostrils flared slightly, and the omega caught the subtle signs of recognition, the way Guo Chengyu's pupils dilated, the almost imperceptible stiffening of his posture.

"Please, sit."
Jiang Xiaoshuai took the chair across from Guo Chengyu , alarmingly aware of the S- Class Alpha's closeness. Even across the wide conference table, the S-Class alpha pheromones was overwhelming, Expensive Wine that Jiang Xiaoshuai couldn't figure. Château ? Cabernet Sauvignon? with undertones of fresh cherries. His neck began to ache immediately. The omega gulped, He could feel the slick slowly oozing below his pants, dampening his underwear even more.

"Your work in pediatrics has been exemplary," Guo Chengyu began, his tone conversational. "Dr. Bai Lu, the dean speaks very highly of your diagnostic skills and bedside manner."

"Thank you, sir. I enjoy working with children." The omega murmured.

"Yes, I can see that. You have very... tender instincts." Guo Chengyu''s choice of words felt loaded with some double meaning.

"Tell me, Jiang Xiaoshuai, are you happy here at Tianhua General?"
The question seemed innocuous enough, but something about Guo Chengyu's l focus made Jiang Xiaoshuai's pulse quicken. "Very happy, sir. It's an excellent program." He replied immediately.

"Good. I'd hate to lose such a talented resident." Guo Chengyu leaned forward slightly, and Jiang Xiaoshuai caught a stronger wave of his delectable alpha pheromones. "Especially one with such... unique qualities."

A sharp ache flared in Jiang Xiaoshuai’s neck scent glands, and he barely resisted the urge to touch it. One thing was certain now, he was definitely going to need a fresh pair of underwear.

“Sir..?” Jiang Xiaoshuai replied in a worried tone.
"You're very beautiful, Jiang Xiaoshuai. I'm sure you've been told that many times." Guo Chengyu calmly responded.

Heat flooded Jiang Xiaoshuai's cheeks as he blushed making him all more endearing. "I... that's not really relevant to my medical training."
"Isn't it?" Guo Chengyu's smile was sharp with a hint of possessiveness. "In our society, beauty like yours usually comes with certain... complications. Unwanted attention from Alphas who might not have your best interests at heart..."

The words felt like a trap, but  Jiang Xiaoshuai couldn't identify the specific danger. "I've learned to handle any inappropriate advances professionally, sir."

"I'm sure you have. Beta designation makes things simpler, doesn't it? Less pressure, fewer expectations." Guo Chengyu murmured.
The way Guo Chengyu said "Beta designation" made it sound like he was discussing a particularly unconvincing costume. Xiaoshuai's mouth went dry. "Yes, sir..."

Guo Chengyu stood and moved to the windows, hands clasped behind his back. "I've been thinking about our conversation during the inspection. Something about it has been... haunting me."

Haunting. The word sent a shiver through a gulping Jiang Xiaoshuai that had nothing to do with temperature.

"There was a moment," Guo Chengyu continued, "when I caught the faintest trace of something extraordinary. Sweet honeysuckle with undertones of vanilla and honey. The kind of scent that makes an Alpha's instincts sing with recognition."

Jiang Xiaoshuai's heart hammered against his ribs. "I don't know what you mean, sir..."
"Don't you?" Guo Chengyu turned back to face him, and those dark eyes seemed to see straight through every lie. "Because I think you know exactly what I mean, Dr. Jiang Xiaoshuai. Just as I think you know why your neck has been aching for the past three days. Why you have been taking frequent bathroom breaks just to change your pants."

The accusation hung in the air between them. An embarrassed Jiang Xiaoshuai's hand moved unconsciously to his throat, confirming Guo's observation.

"I should get back to my patients..," Jiang Xiaoshuai said, starting to rise feeling incredibly skittish. He felt as though he was a quail cornered by a fox.

"Sit. Down."
The command was delivered with quiet authority, but it hit Jiang Xiaoshuai immediately. His body obeyed before his mind could protest, dropping back into the chair with embarrassing compliance.

Guo Chengyu's smile widened. "Interesting reaction for a Beta."
Jiang Xiaoshuai's mask was crumbling, and they both knew it. "What do you want from me?" He replied in a dull, yet melodious note.

"Honesty." Guo Chengyu moved closer, circling the table with predatory, yet almost possessive and longing grace. "I want you to stop pretending to be something you're not. I want you to acknowledge what's been happening between us."

"Nothing is happening between us. You're my employer, I'm.." Jiang Xiaoshuai indignantly replied. If he knew this was the conversation he would have encountered today, he would have taken a sick leave.

"You're a High Omega who's been hiding his true designation for years." Guo Chengyu's voice was gentle but adamant. "And I'm an S-Class Alpha , your mate, who's been going slowly insane since the moment I caught your real scent..."

The words stripped away Jiang Xiaoshuai's last defenses. He slumped in his chair, suddenly exhausted from years of careful pretense. "How did you know?"

"The same way you know exactly what I am, even though I haven't released a single aggressive pheromone since you entered this room." Guo Chengyu knelt beside Xiaoshuai's chair, close enough that his scent was overwhelming. "Pre-bonding syndrome doesn't lie, Jiang Xiaoshuai. Our bodies recognize each other even when our minds resist."

Jiang Xiaoshuai looked down at this powerful man kneeling beside him, seeing not a predator but someone fighting the same desperate need for connection. "S-So..What happens now..?"

"That depends on you." Guo Chengyu's hand hovered near Jiang Xiaoshuai's, not quite touching. "I could force the issue. Demand official designation testing, use my position to corner you. But that's not the kind of Alpha I want to be for you."

"What kind do you want to be?" Jiang Xiaoshuai replied.
"The kind who earns your trust. The kind who proves that not all S-Class Alphas are monsters who cage their mates." Guo Chengyu's voice was soft, vulnerable. "The kind worthy of a High Omega's love, not just his submission."

Jiang Xiaoshuai's throat tightened with emotion he didn't expect. "You don't know anything about me."

"I know you chose medicine because you want to heal people. I know you've been protecting your friend Wu Suowei, just as he's been protecting you. I know you're brave enough to hide in plain sight for years, and gentle enough that children instinctively trust you." Guo Chengyu's smile was tender. "And I know that when you look at me, you see someone worth the risk of honesty."

The observation hit too close to home. Jiang Xiaoshuai had been stealing glances at Guo Chengyu for days, noting the Alpha's careful consideration of hospital staff, his quiet generosity with funding for medical programs, the way he never used his authority to intimidate until and unless it was deemed necessary.

"My parents may never forgive me if I'm discovered," Jiang Xiaoshuai whispered.

"Then we'll make sure they understand that you chose this. That no one forced or coerced you." Guo Chengyu finally let his fingers brush against Jiang Xiaoshuai's hand, and both men shuddered at the contact. "We'll do this at your pace, on your terms."

Jiang Xiaoshuai stared at their joined hands, wondering if Wei Wei also might be feeling the same if he has stopped fighting the inevitable. "What about my career? High Omegas aren't exactly common in medical fields."
"You'll have my full support. Any Alpha who has a problem with your designation will answer to me personally." Guo Chengyu's voice carried absolute conviction. "Your talents belong in medicine, regardless of your secondary gender."

For the first time in years, Jiang Xiaoshuai allowed himself to imagine a future where he didn't have to hide. It was terrifying and exhilarating in equal measure.
"I'm scared," he admitted.

"So am I." Guo Chengyu's thumb traced over Jiang Xiaoshuai's knuckles. "But I think we might be scared of the right things this time."
As they sat in the conference room, hands barely touching, both men felt the crushing weight of deception begin to lift. The biological imperative remained, but now it was paired with choice, with the possibility of partnership built on mutual respect rather than simple biological claiming.

Jiang Xiaoshuai finally understood what Wu Suowei had been going through. Thinking back to that phone call, when Wei Wei had confided in him about the pre-bonding syndrome with Chi Cheng, he had questioned why there seemed to be something more than just biology behind his best friend’s attraction. Now, it made sense. Now, he understood why Wei Wei had been willing to risk everything for the chance at something real.

---

Meanwhile, back in Chi Corporations, When six o'clock arrived, Wu Suowei made a decision that surprised himself. He looked at Chi Cheng, wondering how to word his next sentence.
"Sir? Would you... would you like to have dinner? I mean, if you don't have other plans. There's a small restaurant nearby that..."

Chi Cheng looked up from his computer, those dark eyes immediately sharpening with interest. "Are you asking me on a date, Suowei?" Chi Cheng asked with a rather cocky smile.

Heat flooded Wu Suowei's cheeks as he blushed, he started to fidget with his fingers. "I... that is... I thought we might discuss work. Outside the office."
Chi Cheng's smile was slow and devastating. "I'd like that very much."

An hour later, they sat across from each other in a quiet bistro, the barriers of employer and employee temporarily set aside. The restaurant's dim lighting and different atmosphere should have made Wu Suowei nervous, but instead he felt oddly calm for the first time in days.
"You've been in pain," Chi Cheng said quietly, cutting straight to the heart of things. "Your neck. I've noticed you touching it."

Wu Suowei's hand moved unconsciously to the spot, then stopped. "It's... complicated." He murmured in a low melodious tone.
"Most worthwhile things are." Chi Cheng's voice was gentle. "I won't pretend I don't know what's happening between us, Wei Wei. The question is, what do we do about it?"

The use of his nick name sent warmth through the high omegas chest. "I don't know. I've spent so long hiding who I am that I'm not sure I know how to stop." Wu Suowei had already come to terms with the fact that Chi Cheng probably knew his true designation by now. He no longer saw a reason to keep up the act, especially since he was undeniably drawn to the S-Class Alpha. Biology played a part, yes, but it wasn’t just that. He genuinely liked Chi Cheng. A lot....

"And who are you?"

Wu Suowei met Chi Cheng's gaze directly, seeing no judgment there, only curiosity. "Someone who's tired of being afraid."
Chi Cheng reached across the table, letting his fingers brush against Wu Suowei’s hand. This time, neither of them pulled away. The contact sent relief through both of them, easing tensions they'd been carrying for days.

"I have a proposition," Chi Cheng said softly. "Complete honesty. No more games, no more pretending. We both acknowledge what's happening and decide together how to proceed."
Wu Suowei's heart hammered against his ribs. "And if I'm not ready for that level of honesty?"

"Then I wait. However long it takes." Chi Cheng's smile was warm, genuine. "I'm not going anywhere, Wei Wei. Neither is what we're feeling."
As they shared dinner and small conversation, both mates felt some of the crushing pressure ease. The biological inevitable remained, but now it was added with choice, with the possibility of partnership rather than simple claiming.

For the first time since this began, Wu Suowei allowed himself to imagine a future where he didn't have to hide.
It was terrifying and exciting. Deep down he also hoped his best friend, Xiaoshuai too shall see the light.

---

Wu Suowei 's apartment felt like a sanctuary as the two best friends sat cross-legged on his bed, sharing takeout containers and friendly conversation. The evening light filled the room with a yellow glow.

Jiang Xiaoshuai had arrived an hour ago, still trembling slightly from his encounter with Guo Chengyu and they'd spent the first twenty minutes simply holding each other trying settle I their panic into manageable anxiety.

"I can't believe I actually told him the truth," Jiang Xiaoshuai said, picking at his noodles having lack of appetite. "Well, not the whole truth, but enough that there's no going back."

"How do you feel about it?" Wu Suowei asked, studying his friend's face for signs of regret.
"Terrified. Relieved. Confused." Jiang Xiaoshuai set down his chopsticks and leaned back against Wu Suowei's headboard. "Wei Wei, they're nothing like what our parents warned us about. Nothing like the stories we've heard."

Wu Suowei nodded thoughtfully. "Chi Cheng could have forced me to take a designation test on my first day. He could have used his pheromones to subjugate and forcibly claim me after realizing how susceptible I was to his pheromones. He had enough suspicion and certainly enough power. But he didn't. He's been... patient. Considerate."

"Guo Chengyu literally got on his knees," Jiang Xiaoshuai said with wonder in his voice. "An S-Class Alpha, kneeling beside my chair, asking for my trust instead of demanding my submission. I never imagined..."

"They're not monsters," Wu Suowei finished softly. "Which somehow makes this both better and more complicated."
They ate in comfortable silence for a while, both processing the gradual shift in their understanding of what S-Class Alphas could be. But eventually, the conversation turned to future concerns if they were going to go ahead with this new found relationship.

"Shuai, we need to talk about what happens next."
"You mean the emergency heat cycles our bodies are probably planning for us?"
Wu Suowei winced. "Among other things. According to your research, we have maybe a week before our suppressors fail completely."

"Less, probably, with daily exposure to their pheromones." Jiang Xiaoshuai's medical training kicked in despite the personal nature of the situation. "Pre-bonding syndrome accelerates everything. Our bodies are essentially trying to force mating as quickly as possible."
"And when we go into heat..." Wu Suowei's cheeks flushed pink.

"We'll need our Alpha mates. Not just want them need them. Biologically, emotionally, every way possible." Jiang Xiaoshuai's voice was calm, but his hands shook slightly. "Wei Wei, I've read the research. High Omegas in heat can't function without their intended Alpha's presence. It's not just uncomfortable, it's dangerous for us."

Wu Suowei pulled his knees to his chest, suddenly feeling very young. "I'm terrified, Shuai. Not of them, exactly, but of... everything else."
"What specifically?" asked a concered Shuai.

"We're virgins." The words came out in a rush. "Both of us. We've never been with anyone, let alone experienced heat with an Alpha. And S-Class Alphas..." He trailed off, unable to voice the fears.
"Are larger than average," Jiang Xiaoshuai finished gently. "More dominant, more intense during mating. I know, Wei Wei. I've been thinking about the same things."

They sat quietly, both contemplating on questions they'd been avoiding. The research was clear about S-Class Alpha physiology everything about them was designed for thorough, complete claiming of their High Omega mates.

"There's something else," Wu Suowei said eventually. "The pregnancy rates."

Jiang Xiaoshuai's expression grew serious. "I've been researching that too. S-Class Alphas have incredibly potent sperm and added with our fertility as High Omegas. The biological compatibility is..." He paused, choosing his words carefully. "Wei Wei, when we mate with them, when we're knotted during our heat cycles and impregnated, the pregnancy rate approaches one hundred percent."

"One hundred percent," his friend repeated faintly.

"High Omega fertility combined with S-Class Alpha potency, plus the biological changes that happen during knotting... our bodies are designed to conceive immediately upon mating." Jiang Xiaoshuai replied.

Wu Suowei buried his face in his knees. "I love children, Shuai. You know I do. But I'm twenty-three, just starting my career, and the idea of being pregnant so soon..."
"I know." Jiang Xiaoshuai reached over to rub his friend's back. "I feel the same way. I want kids eventually, but I also want to finish my residency, establish myself as a doctor."

"Maybe we could use protection? Condoms? Pill?" Wu Suowei asked in a hopeful tone.

Jiang Xiaoshuai’s expression was doubtful. "We could try, but Wei Wei, considering the physical mechanics of knotting, it might break the condom... and the amount of semen ejaculate S-Class Alphas produce during mating, it can easily overflow and leak... so even the most robust barrier methods have a high failure rate. Also, regarding birth control pills, Guidelines according to Society of Obstetrics of China (SOC) have explicitly mentioned not to take any kind of contraceptive pills during emergency heat as they can cause problems for future conception. "

"So we're looking at almost certain pregnancy if we go through with this."
Wu Suowei asked, his tone a bit forlorn. "Probably within the first heat cycle, yes." Shuai replied.

They contemplated this sobering reality. Both young men had dreams and ambitions that could be affected if they get pregnant, but they also couldn't ignore the biological clock ticking in their bodies.
"Would you consider abortion?" Wu Suowei asked quietly.

Jiang Xiaoshuai was quiet for a long moment. "Honestly? I don't think I could. Not when it would be our baby, created with our intended mate. And you?"

"No," Wu Suowei admitted. "Even thinking about it breaks my heart. If I get pregnant with Chi Cheng’s child..." He touched his still-flat stomach unconsciously. "I think I'd want to keep it. So I guess, we're really talking about becoming parents within the year."

"Probably within eight months," Jiang Xiaoshuai corrected. "High Omega pregnancies are shorter than normal, about eight months instead of nine."
They sat with this knowledge, wondering what to do.

"Shuai?" Suowei whispered.
"Yeah?" Xiaoshuai murmured.

"Are you physically attracted to Guo Chengyu? I mean, keeping aside all the biology of Alpha-Omega attraction, do you actually find him appealing?" Wu Suowei asked his friend out of curiosity.

A soft loving smile crossed Jiang Xiaoshuai's features. "He's handsome, Wei Wei. Dangerous and elegant and intelligent. When he looks at me, I feel... seen. Desired, but also respected." He paused. "What about Chi Cheng?"

"The same. He's devastating, but also thoughtful. Controlled. When he touched my hand at dinner, I didn't want him to let go. " Wu Suowei's cheeks flushed. "Is it wrong that I'm curious about what it would be like? Being with him?"

"No more wrong than my own curiosity." Jiang Xiaoshuai's voice was soft. "I think about his hands, his voice, what it would feel like to be claimed by him."
"Even knowing what it would mean? The complete life change?"
"Maybe because of what it would mean." Jiang Xiaoshuai met Wu Suowei's eyes. "Wei Wei, what if this is what we're supposed to want? What if fighting our biology has kept us from recognizing that these men might actually be perfect for us?"

Wu Suowei considered this. "So what do we do?"
"We take control of the situation instead of letting it control us." Xiaoshuai's medical training brought clarity to his voice. "We have maybe a week before our biology makes the choice for us. Let's use that time wisely."

"How?" asked a curious Suowei.
"Dates. Real ones, where we get to know them as people instead of just Alphas. Sleepovers where we can test our compatibility without full mating pressure. Honest conversations about expectations, small talk about what we want our futures to look like."

Wu Suowei felt a flutter of excitement alongside the fear. "You mean actually court each other? Like normal couples?"
"Exactly. Except we do it knowing that if we decide to move forward, pregnancy is almost inevitable." Jiang Xiaoshuai's smile was determined. "But at least it would be our choice..."

"One week to fall in love with our destined mates."
"One week to decide if we trust them enough to build a life together." Jiang Xiaoshuai reached for his friends hands. "Wei Wei, I think we're going to say yes. Our bodies have already chosen them, and everything we've learned suggests they're good men who would treat us well."
"You think they'd be good fathers?"

"I think they'd be devoted fathers. S-Class Alphas are protective by nature, especially of their families." Jiang Xiaoshuai's smile turned slightly wicked. "Besides, imagine how beautiful our children would be with that genetic combination."

Despite everything, Wu Suowei laughed. "High Omega beauty with S-Class Alpha strength and intelligence."
"We'd have to fight off suitors with sticks when they hit adolescence."
They dissolved into giggles.

"So we're really doing this?" Wu Suowei asked when they'd calmed down.
"We're going to try. One week of intensive courtship, and then we make the biggest decision of our lives."
"Together?"
"Always together, Wei Wei. No matter what happens."

Both curled up on Wu Suowei's bed, sharing warmth and comfort the way they had since childhood. In seven days, they would either be embarking on new lives with their S-Class Alpha mates, or finding ways to suppress their biology for a few more months which was very very unlikely to happen.

Currently their pre-bonding symptoms were still lingering but much tolerable after they accepted the inevitable. This was their end game. They chose it. That was what mattered. Because deep down, they both knew which choice their hearts were already making.
The only question was whether their minds would follow.

---

In the twilight, Chi Corporation's boardroom had been transformed into a war room, the battle being planned was one of courtship rather than corporate takeover. Chi Cheng stood at the head of the polished table, reviewing a detailed timeline on how he wanted to court his High Omega, while Guo Chengyu sat oh his chair with the happy satisfaction of a hunter who'd successfully cornered his prey, but… with love.

"One week," Chi Cheng said, his voice carrying the same tone he used for negotiations. "Seven days to prove we're worthy of their trust before their biology forces the issue."
"Assuming our timeline is correct," his best friend replied, scrolling through research papers on his tablet. "Pre-bonding syndrome progression varies, but with daily exposure..." He looked up. "We might have less time than that."

Chi Cheng nodded grimly. "Which means we need to move quickly but carefully. Too fast and we spook them. Too slow and we lose control of the situation entirely."

"What's your approach with Wu Suowei ?"

"Traditional courtship. Dinner dates, cultural events, opportunities for him to see me outside the office environment." Chi Cheng's expression softened slightly. "He needs to understand that I see him as a partner, not a prize to be won."
"And physically?"
"I'm letting him set the pace. But I'm making sure he knows I'm available when he's ready." Chi Cheng's smile was eager with anticipation. "What about Dr. Jiang Xiaoshuai?"

"More direct approach. He responds well to honesty, so I'm no longer hiding my intentions or my desire." Guo Chengyu's eyes gleamed. "I've already arranged for him to shadow me during hospital board meetings this week. Full integration into my world."

"Risky. What if he panics?" Chi Cheng replied.

"He won't. Not now, cuz the truth is fully out." Guo Chengyu confidently said as he stood and moved to the windows. "Besides, I think our High Omegas are braver than they give themselves credit for. They've been hiding in plain sight for years, that takes remarkable courage."

Chi Cheng joined his best friend at the windows, both men gazing out at the city. "There's something else we need to discuss," Chi Cheng said quietly. "The pregnancy issue."

"Ah yes. The one hundred percent conception rate." Guo Chengyu's voice carried a note of satisfaction that made Chi Cheng raise an eyebrow.

"You sound pleased about that." Chi Cheng murmured.
"Aren't you? The chance to give our omega mates, our child immediately, to see them pregnant with our heir?" Guo Chengyu's smile was possessive, showing that he was eager to be a  father. "It's inevitably what we're designed for, Chi Cheng. S-Class Alphas are meant to mate with High Omegas and have kids. Although in our case, of course, we are going to take in consideration about what they feel about it."

Chi Cheng considered this. "It's not about what I want, it's about what Wu Suowei can handle. He's twenty three, just starting his career. Pregnancy this soon might terrify him."

"I can also forsee Shuai having similar concerns. Either ways, we make sure they knows we'll support our mates completely. Financially, emotionally, professionally." Guo Chengyu turned to face his friend. "Chi Cheng, We're not ordinary men. We have the resources to ensure our omega partners can have everything, career, family and personal fulfillment."

"If they trust us enough to try." Chi Cheng replied.
"They will." Guo Chengyu’s  replied, his confidence was absolute. "Because we're going to prove that we're exactly what they need."

---

Next day, across the city, the High omegas were having their own discussion over coffee at their favourite cafe. The morning light showed subtle changes in both young men the slight flush that never quite faded, the way they unconsciously touched their necks, making them appear irresistible.

"So Chi Cheng asked me to dinner again tonight," Wu Suowei said, sipping ginger tea slowly. "Somewhere upscale, he said. He wants to 'court me properly.' "

"Guo Chengyu's having me shadow him during board meetings this week." Jiang Xiaoshuai's voice carried wonder and worry in equal measure. "Full access to his world, he called it. I think he wants me to see what life would be like as his mate."
"Are you ready for that?" Wu Suowei responded.

"I don't think anyone could be ready for that." Jiang Xiaoshuai laughed softly. "But I'm curious. Terrified, but curious..."
They sat in silence. Finally, Wu Suowei voiced the concern that had been weighing on both their minds.
"Shuai, we need to ask them directly about the pregnancy thing. I can't make a decision this big without knowing exactly what we're looking at."

"Agreed. The life and career implications alone..." Jiang Xiaoshuai's training as a doctor kicked in. "We need to know their expectations, their support systems, everything."
"Tonight, then. I'll ask Chi Cheng directly."
"And I'll bring it up with Guo Chengyu during our hospital tour."

---

That evening, Wu Suowei found himself in the most exclusive restaurant in the city, seated across from Chi Cheng at a private table that offered stunning views of the harbor. The setting was romantic enough to take his breath away, but it was Chi Cheng's focused attention that made his pulse race.

"Wei Wei, You look beautiful tonight," Chi Cheng said, his voice warm with genuine appreciation rather than plain flattery.

Wu Suowei had chosen his outfit carefully, a soft cashmere sweater that highlighted his delicate handsome features without being overtly seductive. "Thank you. This place is... nice." Wu Suowei murmured staring at the luxurious restaurant with wide eyes, something he had never experienced coming from his middle class background.

"I wanted somewhere we could talk privately. Without the office dynamic interfering." Chi Cheng replied.
As they shared a delicious meal, their conversation ranged from books to travel to dreams for the future. Chi Cheng was attentive, funny, and surprisingly vulnerable when he talked about the loneliness of his position. By the time dessert arrived, Wu Suowei felt more relaxed than he had in weeks.

"Sir..I mean Chi Cheng," he said finally, gathering his courage. "We need to discuss something important."
"Of course. What's on your mind?" Chi Cheng replied.

"The pregnancy rates. Between S-Class Alphas and... and High Omegas." Wu Suowei 's cheeks flushed, but he forced himself to continue. "I need to know what your expectations are."
The alphas expression grew serious. "What are your concerns?"

"I'm twenty-three. I've just started building my career. The idea of immediate pregnancy..." Wu Suowei 's voice trailed off.

"Terrifies you," Chi Cheng finished gently. "I understand. Wei Wei, I want you to know that whatever happens between us, you'll have my complete support. Financially, emotionally, professionally. If you choose to carry my child, you won't have to sacrifice your dreams, we'll find a way to achieve them together."

"And if I'm not ready for children yet?" Wu Suowei asked anxiously. The question was a moot point. Wu Suowei knew there was no point asking it, the emergency heat would come eventually, the bonding would happen, he would definitely be impregnated by Chi Cheng. But he still wanted to see Chi Cheng's response.

Chi Cheng reached across the table to take his hand. "Then we'll try to wait until you are. Your comfort and happiness matter more than my biological imperatives. Even if you get pregnant and do not want to keep the child, I will agree with you."

The sincerity in Chi Cheng's voice made Wu Suowei's throat tight with emotion. "You really mean that."
"I mean everything I say to you." Chi Cheng's thumb traced over the blushing omegas cheek. "I want to be your partner, Wei Wei. Not your owner."

Simultaneously, across the city, Jiang Xiaoshuai was getting his own education in what life as Guo's mate might mean. The hospital board meeting had been spent in him watching Guo Chengyu command a room full of powerful people with effortless authority, seeing his genuine concern for patient care and hospital improvement.

Now they sat in the alpha’s private office, sharing Chinese takeout and discussing the future.
"The pregnancy rates concern you," Guo Chengyu observed, noting Jiang Xiaoshuai's thoughtful expression.

"Among other things." Jiang Xiaoshuai set down his chopsticks. "Chengyu, I need to finish my residency. I want to be a pediatrician, to help children. The idea of pregnancy affecting that..."

"What if I told you it wouldn't have to?" Guo Chengyu’s voice was confident. "I have connections throughout the medical community. We could arrange for you to continue your training even during pregnancy. Modified schedules, additional support, whatever you need."

"You'd do that?"
"Jiang Xiaoshuai, I didn't pursue you to cage you. I want to see you succeed as a doctor, as my mate, as the father of our children." Guo Chengyu's smile was tender. "Your dreams matter to me."
"Thank you so much" Jiang Xiaoshuai whispered, his heart filling with emotions he never thought he could experience.

As they talked in Guo Chengyu's car heading back to Jiang Xiaoshuai's apartment, then high omega found himself researching more on High Omega pregnancy on his phone, specifically driven by medical curiosity and personal curiosity on why the first mating would result in inevitable pregnancies, would next mating also have similar results. What he discovered made him gasp audibly.

"What is it?" Guo Chengyu asked, immediately alert.

"The first mating cycle," Jiang Xiaoshuai read from his screen, voice filled with wonder. "The hundred percent conception rate only applies to the first bonding between S-Class Alphas and High Omegas. After that initial pregnancy..." He looked up at Guo Chengyu with wide eyes. "High Omegas can actually control conception consciously. We can choose when to get pregnant based on our own volition."

"A biological safeguard," the S-Class Alpha murmured, understanding immediately. "Ensuring the initial bond produces offspring, but allowing choice afterward."

Jiang Xiaoshuai was already texting Wu Suowei: Found something important. The 100% pregnancy rate is only for FIRST mating. After initial bonding, High Omegas can control conception consciously. We get to choose timing for our future children after we give birth to our first child!

His phone buzzed immediately with Wei Wei's response: Are you serious?! This changes everything. We never knew how interesting High Omega biology was!

"This is incredible..," Jiang Xiaoshuai said, showing Guo Chengyu the research. "High Omegas aren't just passive vessels for reproduction, we have choice after the initial bonding."
"Which means the first pregnancy becomes less of a life sentence and more of a... foundation," Guo Chengyu said thoughtfully. "One child to cement the bond, and then conscious choice about siblings and timing..."

"Exactly!!” Xiaoshuai's excitement was infectious. "I could have my first child, recover, finish my residency, and then we could plan subsequent pregnancies around my career milestones."
"Our child..," Guo Chengyu corrected softly, and the possessive warmth in his voice sent shivers down Jiang Xiaoshuai's spine. "Yes, I like the sound of that."

---

Later that night, Wu and Xiaoshuai reconnected via video call, both curled up in their respective beds with laptops, reading more articles.

"This biological control mechanism changes everything," Wu Suowei said, his face glowing with excitement on Jiang Xiaoshuai's screen. "One pregnancy to satisfy the bonding requirements, and then we get to choose. Chi Cheng also got really excited after I told him this new information."

"It makes the whole situation feel less like biological slavery and more like... partnership," Jiang Xiaoshuai agreed. "We can plan our families consciously."
"And both Chi Cheng and Guo Chengyu were incredibly supportive about career concerns." Wu Suowei's voice carried wonder. "Chi Cheng actually said my dreams matter more than his biological imperatives."

"Guo Chengyu offered to restructure hospital policies to accommodate my training during pregnancy." Jiang Xiaoshuai shook his head. "These men are nothing like what we expected, Wei Wei."

"Are we really going to do this? Accept the bonds?" Wu Suowei murmured, but he already knew the answer.

Jiang Xiaoshuai was quiet for a moment, considering. "I think we already have, in our hearts. We're just letting our minds catch up…"

"Six more days of courtship." Wu Suowei smiled as he said it.

"Six more days to fall completely in love with our destined mates," Xiaoshuai corrected with a soft smile. "I don't think it's going to take nearly that long."

As they said their goodnights, both young men felt the weight of decision lifting from their shoulders. Their S-Class Alphas were proving themselves worthy of trust, love, and partnership.

The only question now was how long they could resist the pull toward complete surrender. Do they even want to resist? Probably not.

Notes:

Next chapter, I have envisioned to speak about Chi Cheng and Guo Chengyu's childhood. Readers who have read previous chapters might know that there is some complex stuff that Guo Chengyu has with regards to his parents, and that was also the reason why he did not want to force himself on Shuai. I will be slightly elaborating on that.

Chapter 6: Shadows of the Past

Notes:

Like I mentioned in the previous chapter end notes. This chapter will show a glimpse of Guo Chengyu's and Chi Cheng's childhood. The dynamics of Guo Chengyu's parents are loosely based on what happened to Shen Wenlang's parents from ABO desire series. So if you feel that it's a spoiler, can skip the chapter (However Shen Wenlang's parents by themselves have a minor role to play in the series, but I really really wish if the author Nongjian had elaborated more on their relationship). Also trigger warning, This chapter also has some mentions of forced submission and bonding viewed from past.

The penthouse terrace of Guo Medical Holdings offered a breathtaking view of the city at twilight, but Guo Chengyu barely noticed the lights beginning to twinkle in the distance. He stood with his hands gripped on the railing. Beside him, Jiang Xiaoshuai sat quietly on the sofa, sensing the storm brewing beneath his Alpha’s controlled exterior.

They’d been having a pleasant evening, a dinner date, wine, easy conversation about medicine and literature. But something Jiang Xiaoshuai had said about family expectations had triggered something dark in Guo Chengyu’s past, and now the Alpha stood tense with tension.

"My parents," Guo Chengyu said finally, his voice carrying a bitter edge that the omega had never heard before. "You asked about them earlier. Why I never mention them."

Jiang Xiaoshuai set down his wine glass, fully alert. "You don’t have to tell me if it’s painful..."

"No, you should know. Especially if we’re going to..." Guo Chengyu’s hands tightened on the railing. "If we’re going to bond, you deserve to understand what I’m afraid of becoming." The vulnerability in those words made Jiang Xiaoshuai’s chest tight. "What happened?" Guo Chengyu was quiet for a long moment, gathering his thoughts. When he finally spoke, his voice was distant.

"My father, Guo Longwei, is an S-Class Alpha. Powerful, ruthless, brilliant. He built an empire in arms dealing, mafia and international trade, some legal, some illegal but both ended up making him rich. He was the kind of man who took what he wanted and destroyed anyone who stood in his way." Jiang Xiaoshuai watched Guo Chengyu’s profile in the fading light, noting how tensed he was, the way his knuckles had gone white where he gripped the railing.

"My other father was Xu Yichen, a High Omega originally from Taipei, Taiwan, who became a naturalized citizen of China. But before that, he was a general in the military task force." Guo Chengyu’s voice carried a note of pride despite the pain. "He was brilliant, strategic, fearless. His efforts to mediate the war between China and Taiwan was legendary."

"A warrior," JInag Xiaoshuai said softly, beginning to understand the complexity of Guo Chengyu’s heritage. He had heard of General Xu Yichen before, a High Omega who was very popular in his parents’ generation. But after his marriage, little was heard about him.

"The most formidable person I’ve ever known..," Guo Chengyu agreed. "Until he met my S-Class Alpha father."

Flashback to 29 years ago...

The international peace summit in Beijing was supposed to be General Xu Yichen's greatest diplomatic victory. At twenty seven, the High Omega had already distinguished himself as one of the most brilliant military strategists of his generation, earning respect through pure merit. This was great considering he was working in a field that was dominated by Alphas who always questioned whether someone of his designation could truly understand warfare. Yet, he persevered and was happy he could stand out.

Xu Yichen had everything, he was strikingly handsome with intelligence and a sharp mind. Many Alphas desired him for both his looks and his accomplishments, challenging him, courting him repeatedly yet the High Omega resisted their pheromones, their advances and rejected them every time.

His efforts to mediate the escalating conflict between China and Taiwan had consumed three years of his life. The ceasefire he had negotiated was holding, barely, and this peace was meant to formalise a lasting peace treaty that would save countless lives.

What he hadn't expected was Guo Longwei.

The handsome S-Class Alpha arms dealer sat across the negotiation table like a predator studying its prey, his presence commanding attention even when he remained silent. At thirty two, Guo Longwei had built an empire on the very thing Xu Yichen was trying to eliminate... the profitable business of warfare. Every weapon, every ammunition shipment, every defense contract that fueled the conflicts Xu Yichen worked to end could be traced back to companies in Guo Longwei's network.

Of course, that being said they were natural enemies, and the tension between them was immediate.

"General Xu Yichen," The S-Class Alpha said during the first break in the summit, his voice carrying the kind of authority that made even diplomats step back. "Your reputation precedes you.."

"Guo Longwei," Xu Yichen replied back his tone carefully neutral despite the way his instincts screamed warnings about the Alpha's intense focus on him. The scent of the S-Class Alpha’s pheromones, whiskey laced with sharp green mint filled the air, tugging at his senses.

Xu Yichen had withstood the pull of lesser Alphas before, but this opponent was different. An S-Class Alpha demanded vigilance, and he knew he would have to proceed carefully. “I wasn't aware arms dealers attended peace summits...” He replied in a wary tone.

"I have... certain interests and investments in regional stability," Guo Longwei replied with a predatory and almost possessive smile that didn't reach his eyes. "Some of us profit from peace as well as conflict... that's how things are.."

It was a lie, and they both knew it. Guo Longwei's presence at the summit was entirely personal, driven by an obsession. The said obsession probably began the moment intelligence reports had crossed his desk containing detailed analyses about the High Omega, General Xu Yichen. The combination of a handsome genius and High Omega rarity had captured his attention in a way that no one and nothing ever had before. He was very intrigued.

For three days, they circled each other with careful hostility. Xu Yichen focused on his peace negotiations while being a unwilling target of Guo Longwei's constant observation. The S-Class Alpha attended every session, as an observer, but his attention never flickered from the general who was working to reduce conflicts that sustained his arms trade empire.

"You realize what you're doing to my business interests..," Guo Longwei commented on the final evening of the summit, cornering Xu Yichen in the hotel bar after the day's successful treaty signing.

"Creating peace..?" Xu Yichen replied codly, not bothering to hide his disdain. "Yes, I'm aware that might impact your profit margins." Yet unease began to gnaw at Xu Yichen his body was betraying him under the Alpha’s intoxicating scent. The notes of whiskey and mint slipped past his defenses, stirring instincts he fought to suppress. His body urged him to yield, while his mind demanded he flee at once.

"You're magnificent..," Guo Longwei said suddenly, his voice dropping to something dangerous and intimate. His handsome face possessed a dark sense of longing. Eyes gleaming with traces of danger. "Brilliant, fearless, absolutely magnificent.Your pheromones match you perfectly… Plumeria. So floral, alluring and oh so irresistible. Makes me want to ensure no other Alphas get you."

Xu Yichen felt a chill run down his spine. He'd heard that tone before from Alphas who saw his designation as something to be conquered rather than a person to be respected.

"I need to return to Taiwan, I have a flight to board..," Xu Yichen said firmly, moving to leave the bar.

"I don't think so..,"Guo Longwei replied, and something in his voice made Xu Yichen freeze.

What happened next was a violation of every international law and diplomatic protocol. The S-Class Alphas have certain abilities that are rarely discussed in polite company. Targeted pheromone induction, it was called. The ability to trigger emergency heat cycles in omegas ahead of their natural schedule. Historically, it was used in forced bonding's and coercive situations.

Guo Longwei's targeted pheromone release hit Xu Yichen like a sudden storm, causing him to gasp suddenly, triggering an immediate and overwhelming heat cycle that left the general completely vulnerable in foreign territory with no allies close enough to help. He was helpless as Guo Longwei carried him bridal style back to the alphas personal suite in the luxurious hotel.

After Guo Longwei placed the high omega on the bed, all his to be claimed. Xu Yichen who got up from the bed, swayed unsteadily, his senses fogged, his mind dazed, by the sharp pull of mint and whiskey pheromones wrapping around him. He reached out, fingertip reached out to the edge of the doorknob in a half formed attempt to flee. But before he could turn it, a firm arm caught him, tugging him back with full strength. His breath hitched as his back met the solid warmth of the S-Class Alpha, the weight of that presence leaving him no escape

The rest was inevitable. Guo Longwei's S-Class Alpha biology and Xu Yichen's induced heat cycle created a bond that couldn't be broken, no matter how much the general's mind rebelled against what had been done to him.

By the time Xu Yichen's heat cycle ended, they were biologically mated, and he was trapped in a bonding he'd never consented to with a man whose very existence represented everything he'd spent his career fighting against.

Five years later

The Guo family mansion in China had become Xu Yichen's beautiful prison. Married to one of the most powerful men in the region, he lived in luxury that most people could only dream of, but the golden cage was still a cage.

"You've been distant again," Guo Longwei observed one evening as they sat in their private dining room, five year old Guo Chengyu playing quietly nearby with his toys.

"I'm always distant..," Xu Yichen replied without looking up from his meal. "Distance is all I have left..."

"You're my wife. The omega father of my son. Distance isn't acceptable.."

"Then you should have considered that before you forced the bonding," Xu Yichen  replied back venomously.

Guo Longwei's jaw tightened with frustration. Five years of marriage, and the high omega remained as emotionally cold just like the day they met and even at their wedding. Oh, he fulfilled his duties, he was an good host, a devoted omega father, and a beautiful ornament on Guo Longwei's arm during business functions. But the passionate, brilliant man who had commanded armies and negotiated peace treaties seemed to have disappeared fully.

"Do you even love me.?" Guo Longwei asked suddenly, the question that had been burning in him for years finally finding voice. Guo Longwei knew it was wrong to impose the bond, yet from the moment he first heard of the great general, his designation, his strength and especially after meeting him, he had been captivated. Xu Yichen’s defiance only deepened his feelings. Guo Longwei genuinely loved him and had hoped they could nurture something together, but it pained him when Xu Yichen did not return those feelings.

Xu Yichen looked up from his plate, meeting his mate's eyes with the kind of direct honesty that was somehow more cutting than any insult.

"Does it matter...?" he replied quietly. "In the name of duty and survival, love takes a backseat."

The words hit Longwei like a physical blow. He swallowed an acrid bad taste in his mouth. He'd conquered gangs, built an empire, claimed the most brilliant High Omega of his generation and none of it mattered if Xu Yichen couldn't…or rather didn’t love him.

Few nights after that conversation, for the first time in their marriage, Guo Longwei used Xu Yichen's omega biology against him. When Xu Yichen's next heat cycle began, instead of providing the pheromones and physical comfort his mate's body craved, Guo Longwei withheld them.

"Tell me you love me..," Longwei demanded as the omega writhed in desperate need.

"Please," Xu Yichen gasped, his military pride crumbling under heat which he had no control of, he felt like marionette tied down by the strings. "Please, I need..."

“Tell me you love me, and I'll give you what you need."

"I... I can't..." Xu Yichen gasped.

"Then beg for it. Beg me like the omega you are, satisfy me, and maybe I'll consider helping you." Guo Longwei coldly replied.

The proud general who had once commanded armies found himself reduced to desperate pleading, his dignity stripped away by the very Alpha who claimed to love him. When Guo Longwei finally provided relief, it felt like both salvation and defeat.

The pattern continued for months. Each heat cycle became a battle of wills, with Guo Longwei using Xu Yichen's biology as leverage for confessions that the general couldn't give.

Young Chengyu watched his omega father's gradual breakdown with the kind of horrified understanding that would shape his own approach to relationships decades later.

Ten years later

The turning point came when Xu Yichen made a desperate request that shattered both their hearts.

"I want a separation," he said one morning over breakfast, his voice steady despite the magnitude of what he was requesting.

Guo Longwei's cup shattered in his hand, hot coffee spreading across the table. "What did you say.?" He responded in a terrifying tone.

"A separation. I can't... I can't live like this anymore. The constant battles, the way you use my heats against me, the emotional manipulation.” Xu Yichen's voice was calm but final. “I want to take Chengyu and return to Taiwan...”

"No." Guo Longwei's voice was deadly quiet. "You are my wife. You will remain my wife until one of us dies. There will be no separation, no divorce, no escape."

"Then I'll spend the rest of our marriage giving you exactly what you've always demanded," Xu Yichen replied bitterly. "Duty without love and affection. Just remaining an empty shell of who I was."

The threat was clear, and it terrified Guo Longwei more than any business rival ever had. He could force Xu Yichen to stay, but he couldn't force him to love. And a marriage with this kind of a distance would be worse than no marriage at all.

That night, Guo Longwei made a decision that would change everything. Instead of demanding physical intimacy during Xu Yichen's next heat cycle, he simply provided his pheromones without any demands or blackmail. Just the basic care that a mate owed his partner.

"Why?" Xu Yichen asked afterward, confusion clear in his voice.

"Because I finally realized that forcing you to say words you don't feel isn't the same as earning your love," Guo Longwei admitted quietly. "I've been trying to conquer you the same way I conquered markets and territories. But you're not a business acquisition. You're supposed to be my partner."

The change wasn't immediate. Years of emotional damage couldn't be healed overnight. But slowly, carefully, Guo Longwei began to court the man he'd claimed rather than simply dominating him.

He stopped attending arms deals and began transitioning his empire toward legitimate businesses. He supported Xu Yichen's desire to write military strategy textbooks, even though it meant acknowledging the career he'd destroyed. Most importantly, he started treating his mate as an equal partner rather than a beautiful prize.

Back to the present

Guo Chengyu turned from the railing, beginning to pace the terrace with restless energy. Continuing from where he left. "Their meeting was inevitable S-Class Alpha encountering his desired High Omega. If anything, what my father did bordered on a possessive love, he used targeted pheromones to force my omega father into emergency heat. The biology was instant, overwhelming. They married within months. My omega father had no choice."

"It sounds horrible." Said a terrified Jiang Xiaoshuai.

"It should have, it was not romantic for sure." Guo Chengyu’s smile was bitter. " However I think, Later on they did love each other, in their way. But they were both proud, both used to command, both terrible at expressing vulnerability."

Jiang Xiaoshuai could see where this was heading, and his heart began to ache for the young Guo Chengyu who'd witnessed whatever came next.

"My S-Class Alpha father was jealous," Guo continued. "Jealous and very upset about Xu Yichen's ability to compartmentalize emotions for the sake of duty. My alpha father would ask, over and over, 'Xu Yichen, do you even love me?' And Xu Yichen, in his soldier's mindset, would respond, 'Does it matter? In the name of country and job, love takes a backseat.'"

"He did love him, though," Jiang Xiaoshuai replied back.

"I do not know, Shuai..It's hard for me to say. But even if my omega father loved him, he was terrible at showing it and I am not at all surprised, this was a bond that was forced on him to begin with, and Guo Longwei..." Guo Chengyu's voice turned cold with old fury. " He began to weaponize my omega father's biology against him."

Xiaoshuai felt his stomach clench with horror as he realized what Guo Chengyu meant.

"During Xu Yichen's heat cycles, when he was most vulnerable, most desperate for his Alpha's touch..." Guo Chengyu's hands clenched into fists. "My alpha father  would withhold his pheromones, his mark, his presence. He'd watch this proud general this man who'd commanded armies reduce himself to begging. And then he'd say, coldly, 'Satisfy me, Say you Love me, Xu Yichen, and maybe I'll comply.' "

Jiang Xiaoshuai's hand flew to his mouth, horror and pity increasing in his heart. "Oh, Chengyu.."

"I watched my High omega father, this brilliant, dignified man wget reduced to what my Alpha father called 'a whore in heat.' " Guo Chengyu's voice was raw with pain. "The complete dependence, the way biology could strip away everything that made him powerful..."

"How old were you?" Jiang Xiaoshuai whispered.

"Old enough to understand what I was seeing. Old enough to hate what my Alpha father was doing to someone I adored." Guo Chengyu stopped pacing, his shoulders sagging. "At one point, my omega father asked for separation. Begged for it, actually. But Guo Longwei told him that he would forever be his wife, until death."

Jiang Xiaoshuai rose from the sofa, moving to stand beside Guo Chengyu. "That's not love. That's control."

"I know that now. But for years, I thought that's what S-Class Alphas were supposed to do dominate completely, use biology as a weapon, never show weakness." Guo Chenyu looked at Xiaoshuai with haunted eyes. "I was terrified I'd become him. When I first met you, I hadn’t really looked into what it meant to be a High Omega, even though my own father was one. But after meeting you, I began to worry that I might end up falling into the same kind of obsessive spiral my dad once did."

"But you haven't..," Jiang Xiaoshuai said firmly. "Everything you've shown me proves you're nothing like that."

"The story has a better ending," Guo Chengyu said quietly. "Eventually, Guo Longwei stopped torturing my omega father during his heats. He started to court him, show affection, kept boundaries when asked to. Slowly things improved between them. They learned to communicate better, to show affection. By the time I left for university, they were genuinely happy together."

"They found their way back to each other." Jiang Xiaoshuai murmured.

"They did. But the damage was done for me. I'd seen what could happen when an S-Class Alpha let jealousy, obsession and insecurity drive his actions even though it was done wth the purpose of love." Guo Chengyu turned to face Jiang Xiaoshuai fully. "I swore I would never do that to my mate. Even if he had difficulty expressing love, even if his career came first sometimes, even if he needed space or time, I would never use his biology against him."

Jiang Xiaoshuai felt tears prick his eyes at the raw honesty in Guo Chengyu's voice. "Is that what you're afraid of? That I won't love you enough..?"

"I'm afraid that when you go into heat, when you're vulnerable and desperate, I'll remember my father's power and be tempted to abuse it." Guo Chenyu's voice was barely above a whisper. "I'm afraid I'll demand more than you can give and punish you when you can't provide it."

Jiang Xiaoshuai reached up to cup Chengyu's face in his hands, forcing the Alpha to meet his eyes. "Guo Chengyu, listen to me. You are not your father."

"How can you be sure..?"

"Because everything you've done proves it. You could have forced me to reveal my designation a week ago. You could have cornered me, threatened my job, used your power over the hospital." Jiang Xiaoshuai's voice was firm with conviction. "Instead, you gave me choice. You knelt beside my chair and asked for my trust. You've supported my career goals and respected my boundaries."

"That's before bonding. Before you're completely dependent on me." Guo Chengyu murmured.

"Then let me tell you something about your omega father that you might not have understood as a child," Jiang Xiaoshuai said gently. "Military leaders don't show vulnerability because they can't afford to. It's not that we don't feel love, it's that we've been trained to prioritize mission over emotion."

Guo Chengyu's eyes widened with realization.

"I'm a doctor, Chengyu. I've been trained to compartmentalize, to put duty first, to hide my emotions so they don't interfere with patient care." Jiang Xiaoshuai smiled sadly. I might have the same difficulty expressing love that Xu Yichen did. Not because I don't feel it, but because I've spent years learning to hide what I feel." Xiaoshuai said calmly.

"And if you do? If you struggle to show me affection the way I need..?"

"Then we'll work on it together. We'll learn each other's languages, find ways to communicate that work for both of us." Jiang Xiaoshuai's thumb traced over Guo's cheekbone. "But I promise you this, I will never doubt that you love me, even if you need patience while I learn to show it."

Guo Chengyu's composure finally cracked. He pulled Jiang Xiaoshuai into his arms, holding him tightly against his chest. "I love you already," he whispered into Jiang Xiaoshuai's hair. "I love your strength, your intelligence, your compassion. I love how you challenge me and comfort me and make me want to be better than my father ever was."

"I love you too," Jiang Xiaoshuai whispered back, the words feeling natural despite their relatively short courtship. "I love your gentleness with your power, your respect for my choices, the way you see my career as important rather than competition."

They held each other as the city lights grew brighter around them, two souls finding peace in twilight.

Guo Chengyu then leaned closer, his usual teasing grin slowly coming back as his eyes lingered on Jiang Xiaoshuai’s face. For once, Jiang Xiaoshuai didn’t pull away, his breath caught when their foreheads brushed. In the quiet tension, Guo tilted his head and pressed a tentative kiss against his lips, gentle but full of love. Jiang Xiaoshuai froze, then slowly let himself melt into it, heart pounding.

When they finally parted, Guo Chengyu’s lips lingered just a second too close, his smile faint but full of certainty. Jiang Xiaoshuai’s cheeks burned as he avoided his gaze, yet the trembling in his chest showed how deeply the kiss had affected him. He was covered in  Guo Chengyu's wine and cherry pheromones making him feel tipsy. Guo Chengyu buried his face against the curve of Shuai’s neck, drawing in the sweet blend of vanilla and honeysuckle that marked his omega mate. His fangs throbbed with the urge to sink in, to claim, but with effort, he forced himself to stop, pulling back at the very last moment.

"When we bond," Guo Chengyu said eventually, "when you go into heat and need me desperately, I need you to remember that I'll never withhold what you need. Never use your biology to hurt you. Even if you can't say the words I want to hear, I'll take care of you completely."

"And when you need reassurance of my love, when your Alpha instincts demand more affection than I know how to show, remember that my actions speak louder than my words." Jiang Xiaoshuai pulled back to meet Guo Chengyu's eyes. "I chose you, Chengyu. Despite my fears, despite my training, despite years of hiding. That choice is love, even when I'm too overwhelmed to say it."

Guo Chengyu's smile was radiant with relief and joy. "We're really going to do this, aren't we? Bond completely, build a life together, have children?"

"I want to carry your baby," Jiang Xiaoshuai said, the admission making both their hearts race. "I want to give you the family your parents couldn't quite manage to be. I want to love you the way you deserve to be loved."

"Even if it's complicated? Even if we both have to learn?"

"Especially then." Jiang Xiaoshuai's smile was mischievous. "Besides, we have excellent role models for what not to do."

Guo Chengyu laughed, the sound bright with hope and healing. "My High omega father would like you. He'd appreciate your tactical mind."

"And I'd like to meet the general who raised such a thoughtful S-Class Alpha, even indirectly."

As they settled back onto the sofa, Jiang Xiaoshuai curled against Guo Chengyu's side, both of them felt the last barriers falling away. The past had shaped them, but it wouldn't define their future.

They would build something better a partnership based on choice rather than control, trust rather than dominance, love that grew stronger with understanding rather than weaker with time.

The biological bond would come soon, but the emotional one was already complete.

 

---

 

The Chi family mansion was truly amazing, that was the thought that Wu Suowei had when he laid his eyes on it for the first time. Chi Cheng had brought him here for dinner with his parents, a significant step that both thrilled and terrified the young High Omega. Now, as they sat in Chi Cheng's childhood bedroom, surrounded by awards, photographs, and memories, Wu Suowei was getting an glimpse into the man he was falling in love with.

"Your parents are wonderful," Wu Suowei said softly, curled against Chi's side on the familiar bed. Dinner had been a proof that Chi Yuanduan and Zhong Wenyu were clearly devoted to each other despite decades of marriage, their easy affection and playful banter. It was a happy atmosphere of warmth that made Wu Suowei 's heart ache with longing.

"They've been my role model for what a bonded pair should be," Chi Cheng replied, his arm tightening around Wu Suowei's slender waist. "Growing up, I never doubted that this kind of love was possible."

Wu Suowei looked around the room, noting the family photos that was present the shelves. "Tell me about them. Your family."

Chi's expression softened with genuine affection. "My father, Chi Yuanduan, is an ordinary Alpha. He founded Chi Enterprises forty years ago with nothing but ambition and a brilliant business mind. But despite his success, his ruthlessness in business, he's never been anything but gentle with our family."

"And your mother?"

"Zhong Wenyu, my Maa is an Omega." Chi Cheng's voice carried deep love and respect. "She's brilliant in her own way, held executive positions in several companies before she chose to focus on family and philanthropy. But she never lost her independence or her fire."

Wu Suowei smiled at the obvious adoration in Chi Cheng's voice. "You really love them."

"They taught me what it means to be worthy of a High Omega's trust." Chi Cheng picked up a photograph from his nightstand, a family portrait showing his parents with their two children. "My older sister, Chi Jiali, is also an Omega. She married her college sweetheart, an ordinary Alpha. They have two beautiful children."

"She looks happy," Wu Suowei observed, noting the radiant smile on Chi Jiali's face in the photo.

"She is. But growing up, I was always different. More intense, more driven, more..." Chi Cheng searched for the right word.

"Dominant..?"

"Exactly. Even before I hit adolescence, it was clear I was going to be an S-Class Alpha. My parents sat me down and explained what that would mean."

Chi Cheng stood and moved to his window, looking out at the gardens where he'd played as a child. "They told me that S-Class Alphas have fated mates, High Omegas who are our perfect biological and emotional matches. They explained that finding that person would be the most important thing I ever did, but also the most challenging."

"Challenging how..?"

"Because High Omegas are rare, often hidden, and usually terrified of what S-Class Alphas represent." Chi Cheng's voice was gentle but serious. "My parents made sure I understood that when I found my mate, I would need to earn their trust, not demand their submission."

Wu Suowei felt his throat tighten with emotion. "What else did they tell you?"

Chi Cheng returned to the bed, taking Wu Suowei's hands in his. "That love isn't about power or control, it's about partnership. That a High Omega's strength isn't weakness to be exploited, but a gift to be treasured. That the most important thing I could ever do was prove myself worthy of that trust."

"They sound like incredible parents."

"They are." Chi Cheng's thumb traced over Wei Wei's knuckles. "But Wei Wei, you have to understand, watching them together was both inspiring and heartbreaking for me."

"What do you mean?"

Chi Cheng's expression grew wistful. "I'd watch my father bring my mother her favorite flowers every Friday for thirty years. I'd see how they still held hands during family dinners, how they'd steal kisses in the kitchen when they thought no one was looking. I'd witness these moments between them, this deep connection that seemed almost magical."

Wu Suowei could see where this was leading, and his heart began to ache for the lonely young man Chi Cheng must have been.

"And I wanted that so desperately," Chi Cheng continued, his voice rough with old longing. "From the time I was fifteen and understood what I was, I dreamed about finding my High Omega. I imagined what they'd look like, what they'd smell like, how it would feel to finally not be alone in my own intensity."

"Chi Cheng..."

"I waited so long, Wei Wei. Through university, through building my career, through watching friends find their mates and start families. I began to wonder if maybe I was the exception, the S-Class Alpha whose fated mate didn't exist."

Tears were gathering in Wu Suowei’s eyes as he listened to the pain in Chi Cheng’s voice.

"There were nights when I'd call my parents, feeling like something was fundamentally wrong with me. Why hadn't I found you yet? Why did other Alphas seem content with chosen mates when the thought of bonding with anyone but my desired High Omega felt like settling for half a life?"

Chi Cheng looked directly into Wei Wei’s eyes, his own shining with unshed tears.

"My mother would tell me to be patient, that good things come to those who wait. My father would remind me that the best love stories aren't easy they're worth it. And I held onto that hope, even when it hurt."

"How long?" Wu Suowei whispered.

"Thirteen years," Chi Cheng said simply. "Thirteen years of knowing exactly what I was missing, of feeling incomplete in a way that had nothing to do with business success or material wealth."

“Then slowly I started to lose myself in work. There were dark moments where I nearly promised myself, the moment I find my fated High Omega mate, I’ll claim them immediately. You have no idea Wei Wei, how close I was to claiming you when I initially laid my eyes on you. I was making my assistant stalk you, collecting intel on you. At one point I even considered caging you, making you mine by force if necessary…” Chi Cheng said seriously.

Wei Wei’s tears spilled over at the raw honesty in Chi Cheng’s voice. "I'm so sorry. I'm sorry you had to wait so long. I'm sorry I was hiding when you were looking for me. Even then Chi Cheng, you did not forcibly claim me. You gave me enough space and comfort. You made me feel comfortable. You followed what your parents told and completely won me over.”

"Don't apologize," Chi Cheng said fiercely, reaching up to wipe away Wei Wei’s tears. "You were protecting yourself. You were surviving. And maybe... maybe we both needed to become the people we are now before we could recognize each other."

"But thirteen years of loneliness..."

"Led me to you." Chi Cheng’s smile was radiant despite his tears. "Wei Wei, the moment you walked into that interview room 1 week 1 day ago, everything changed. That first hint of jasmine, the way my every instinct screamed 'mine' it was like coming home after the longest journey of my life, even though I harbored ill intentions of making you mine by force if necessary."

Wei Wei threw his arms around Chi Cheng’s neck, holding him tightly as they both cried, Chi Cheng from relief and joy, Wu Suowei from overwhelming emotion at being so deeply wanted and waited for.

"I never knew someone was looking for me," Wei Wei sobbed against Chi Cheng’s shoulder. "I never knew someone was incomplete without me. I thought I was just hiding from danger, not from love."

"You weren't just hiding," Chi Cheng murmured into his hair. "You were becoming the person I needed you to be. Strong enough to trust me, brave enough to love me, independent enough to choose me rather than just submit to biological inevitability."

They held each other for a long time, years of separate longing finally in them lying in each others arms.

"Your parents," Wu Suowei said eventually, pulling back to look at Chi Cheng through his teary eyes. "They raised you to be worthy of me."

"And yours raised you to be strong enough to see past my designation to the man underneath."

"We're really going to do this, aren't we? Bond completely, build the life you've been dreaming about?"

Chi Cheng’s smile was brilliant. "We already are. The bond isn't just biological, Wei Wei it's emotional. We are two souls that were always meant to find each other."

"I love you," Wu Suowei whispered, the words feeling natural and right. "I love how you waited for me, how you're patient with my fears, how you see strength in my independence rather than threat."

"I love you too," Chi Cheng replied, cupping Wu Suowei’s face gently. "I love your courage, your intelligence, the way you challenge me and complete me simultaneously."

As they kissed, lips pressed against each others, soft and sweet. The wait was over, the hiding was done, and the future stretched before them endlessly.

 

---

 

The Wu family home in the quiet residential district of Nanshan smelled of  ginger tea and home cooked dinner, but tonight the atmosphere was heavy with tension. Wu Suowei sat across from his parents at their familiar dining table, his hands fidgeting as he prepared to break the news about him being with Chi Cheng.

Wu Jun, his ordinary Alpha father, noticed his son’s tension immediately. At fifty two, the accountant had spent decades reading people’s emotions through numbers and body language, and right now everything about his son screamed anxiety.

"Wei-er, you’ve barely touched your food," said Qin Ran, his ordinary Omega mother, her maternal instincts in overdrive. "What’s wrong? You look like you haven’t been sleeping.'

Wu Suowei took a shaky breath, touching the suppressor patch beneath his collar one last time. “Ma, Ba… I need to tell you something important. Something that’s going to change everything.”

His parents exchanged worried glances. They’d raised their beautiful son with such care, protecting him from a world that would see his designation as either a prize to be won or a treasure to be caged.

"I’ve found my fated mate," Wu Suowei said simply.
The silence that followed was deafening. Qin Ran’s chopsticks clattered to her plate, while Wu Chen’s face went pale with understanding.

"No,” his mother whispered. 'Wei-er, no. You’re supposed to be safe. You’re supposed to be hidden..."

"Ma, it’s inevitable. The pre-bonding syndrome has already started. My suppressors are failing." Wu Suowei’s voice was gentle but firm. “My body has recognized its intended Alpha.'

"Who?" Wu Chen’s voice was tight with protective fury. 'Which Alpha dares to..!!"

"Chi Cheng...." Wu Suowei said in a firm tone.

Both parents stared at him in shock. The name was familiar, everyone knew of the powerful CEO of Chi Corporation.

"The S-Class Alpha,” Qin Ran said faintly, and then burst into tears. “Oh, Wei-er, my baby, what has he done to you? Has he forced you? Threatened you..?"

“No, Ma.” Wu Suowei reached across the table to take her hands. "He’s been nothing but respectful and considerate. He could have exposed me weeks ago, used his position to corner me. Instead, he’s been patient. He’s been courting me properly.'

"Courting?” Wu Chen’s voice was skeptical. "S-Class Alphas don’t court, they claim."

“Not Chi Cheng. Ba, he took me to dinner and asked about my dreams, my fears. He promised to support my career even after bonding."

Wu Suowei’s voice grew stronger as he spoke about Chi Cheng. "He waited thirteen years for me, Ba. Thirteen years knowing he had a fated mate somewhere, watching his friends settle for chosen bonds while he held out hope for the real thing...waiting for me.."

Wu Suowei's mother was still crying, but her sobs had gentled. "You love him..."

“I do. And he loves me, not just my designation, not just the biology, but me as a person.” Wu’s smile was radiant despite his parents’ distress. "Ma, Ba, I know you’re scared. I know this isn’t what you planned when you decided to hide my nature. But this is what I want."

"The pregnancy rates," Wu Chen said quietly. "Between S-Class Alphas and High Omegas…How will you..." the question just trailed off. Wu Suowei's father did not know how to word it.

“Nearly one hundred percent for the first bonding, yes. But Ba, we’ve learned that after the initial pregnancy, High Omegas can control conception consciously. It’s only the first child that’s biologically inevitable.”

His parents absorbed this information.
“You’ll be pregnant within months of bonding,” Qin Ran said, her voice still thick with tears.

"Probably. But Chi Cheng has promised complete support, financial, emotional, professional..everything. I won’t have to sacrifice my dreams to have his children."

"Children," Wu Chen repeated, and something in his expression began to soften. "Our grandchildren."

"Beautiful, brilliant grandchildren," Wu Suowei agreed with a soft laugh. "Can you imagine? High Omega beauty with S-Class Alpha intelligence and strength?"

Despite her fears, Qin Ran found herself smiling through her tears. "They’ll be extraordinary."

The family sat in silence for a moment before Wu Chen spoke again. “When do we meet him?”

"You want to meet Chi Cheng?" Wu Suowei asked nervously. This was a conversation he did not want to venture into.

“If our son is going to bond with an S-Class Alpha, if he’s going to carry his children, then yes, we want to meet the man who’s captured your heart.” Wu Chen’s voice was stern but loving. "We want to look him in the eye and make sure he’s worthy of our only son..."

"He is, Ba. I promise you, he is.." Wu Suowei reassured his father and hugged him.

Meanwhile, across the city, a similar but more dramatic conversation was unfolding in the Jiang household. The modest apartment felt cramped as Jiang Xiaoshuai faced his parents with news that would change all their lives.

Jiang Lou, his Alpha father, was pacing the small living room like a caged animal, while Yong Jie, his Omega father, sat frozen in shock on their worn sofa.

“The Guo family,” Jiang Lou repeated for the third time, his voice tight with panic. "Shuai-er, do you have any idea what you’re getting involved with..?"

"Ba, I know about Guo Chengyu’s parents, if that’s what you’re asking." Jiang Xiaoshuai replied. He knew this conversation would go towards Guo Chengyu's parents.

"Guo Longwei and Xu Yichen," Yong Jie whispered, his face pale. “We heard the stories when we were younger. Everyone in the Omega community knew about General Yichen and what happened to him after he bonded.”

Jiang Xiaoshuai felt his heart sink. The reputation of Guo’s parents had preceded him, just as he’d feared, he didn't know it was this bad, he expected that his parent's might know, but he was unaware of how much they know..

"The great General Xu Yichen," Jiang Lou said bitterly, "reduced to a kept Omega, dependent on an S-Class Alpha mate who used his biology as punishment. They say Guo Longwei would withhold his pheromones during Xu Yichen’s heat, make him beg like a….'

"Ba, stop!!” Jiang Xiaoshuai’s voice was firm. "Guo Chengyu is not his father.."

"How can you be sure..?" Yong Jie’s voice was thick with worry. “S-Class Alpha genetics, raised in that environment…Who knows..?"

"Because he told me the story himself...," Jiang Xiaoshuai interrupted. “He hates what his Alpha father did to his omega father. He watched it happen as a child and swore he’d never treat his mate that way."
His parents stared at him in surprise.

"Guo Chengyu was traumatized by his father’s behavior. He’s spent his entire adult life learning to be different, to be better. Pa, Ba..he knelt beside my chair in his office and asked for my trust. He didn’t demand my submission or threaten my job." Jiang Xiaoshuai said earnestly trying to convince then that his Alpha was good to him. 

"That could be manipulation..," Jiang Lou said, although his voice carried less conviction now.

"For nearly a week..? Consistently? While experiencing his own pre-bonding syndrome?" Jiang Xiaoshuai shook his head. "No, Ba. This is who he is. Besides..," he added with a slight smile, "I’m a doctor. I know manipulation when I see it..."

Yong Jie leaned forward, studying his son’s face. “You love him..”

"I do. And he loves me, my strength, my career, my independence. He’s not trying to cage me, Ba. He’s trying to build a life with me." Jiang Xiaoshuai replied in a loving tone.

"We want to meet him..," Jiang Lou declared suddenly.

"What!!!?" Jiang Xiaoshuai exclaimed.

"If our son is going to bond with the heir of the Guo empire, we want to look this Alpha in the eye. We want to judge for ourselves whether he is a good match for our loving son..."

Jiang Xiaoshuai felt a flutter of nervousness. “Ba, he’s incredibly powerful, incredibly wealthy...”

"And you’re incredibly precious to us," Yong Jie said firmly. “Designation doesn’t matter, you’re our only son, and any Alpha who wants to claim you will have to go through us, this is basic courtesy Xiaoshuai. How can you bond or marry a person without introducing  them to us. We are your parents..."

Despite his anxiety, Jiang Xiaoshuai felt warmth spread through his chest at his parents’ protective stance. "I’ll arrange a meeting."

"Good..." Jiang Lou’s expression remained stern. "And Xiaoshuai, if he shows even a hint of his father’s tendencies, if he tries to control or manipulate you…"

"You’ll be the first to know," Jiang Xiaoshuai promised. "But Ba, I truly believe that’s unlikely to happen. Chengyu’s greatest fear is becoming like his father. He’s bent over backward to prove he’s different."

"The pre-bonding syndrome,” Yong Jie said quietly. "How long do you have..?"

"Three to four days, maybe a week at most. My body is preparing for emergency heat to force the bonding." Jiang Xiaoshuai touched his neck unconsciously. "Ba, I need you to understand, this is going to happen whether we want it to or not. Our body has made the choice for us..."

"But you’re happy about it," his omega father observed.

"I am. Terrified, but happy. I found an understanding mate who sees my career just as important, who supports my dreams rather than trying to replace them."

Yong Jie was quiet for a moment, then his expression turned mischievous. "So what you’re telling us is that we’re going to have grandchildren soon?"

Jiang Xiaoshuai had just taken a sip of tea and promptly choked, spraying liquid across the table. “Ba!”

"What? S-Class Alpha potency with High Omega fertility, I'd say grandchildren are practically guaranteed." Yong Jie’s grin was wicked. “How many do you think you’ll have? Are Guo family genes strong...?"

"Ba, please." Jiang Xiaoshuai murmured, blushing.

"I’m just saying, we should probably start knitting baby clothes" Yong Jie continued, clearly enjoying his son’s embarrassment. “And maybe look into enlarging the apartment for visits..”

"Oh god," Jiang Xiaoshuai groaned, burying his face in his hands while his parents laughed.

But despite his embarrassment, he found himself smiling. His parents’ teasing meant acceptance, meant love, meant that no matter what happened with the Guo family, he would always have their support.

"You’re right though," he admitted finally. "Grandchildren are definitely in your future. Probably sooner than any of us expected..."

"Then we’d better make sure this Alpha of yours is worthy of producing our family’s next generation..," Jiang Lou said with renewed determination.

 It was all set, both families were now aware of the fact that their son's secret was out. Their children's future was now in the hands of S-Class Alphas who they had been reassured, were gentle, loving and most importantly gave freedom to their mates.

Notes:

The moment of bonding…the smut might be much closer than you think. Let’s see where this goes..

Chapter 7: Meeting the In-Laws

Notes:

I am really sorry, this chapter is short. Initially I thought I could try to combine meeting the in laws....then directly proceed to the day of bonding in the same chapter, but for some reason I felt the two would clash. Not to mention, I have realized that writing smut is hard as f**k! So as of now I am trying to work on the next chapter which hopefully will turn out fine.

Jiang Xiaoshuai's apartment  had never felt smaller as he paced nervously between the kitchen and living room, he was adjusting flowers and checking the tea for the fifth time in ten minutes. Today was the day he would introduce Guo Chengyu to his parents, and despite his usually calm demeanor, he was terrified. He was imaging scenarios of how this meeting can go wrong.

"Xiaoshuai, you're going to wear a hole in the floor," his omega father Yong Jie observed with gentle amusement from his position on the sofa. At fifty two, Yong Jie retained the beauty that marked omegas even in middle age, though his hair was now streaked with silver and his eyes held the wisdom of someone who had navigated through life.

"I can't help it," Jiang Xiaoshuai admitted, pausing his pacing to look at his parents with barely contained anxiety. "You're about to meet Guo Chengyu, and I have no idea how this is going to go.."

His alpha father, Jiang Lou, looked up from the newspaper he'd been pretending to read.  "We're going to meet the man who's been courting our precious child," Jiang Lou said in a deceptive calm that Jiang Xiaoshuai recognized as his father's protective mode engaging. " Knowing that his parent's reputation precedes him,  your parents cannot reassure that he is a good person unless we talk to him..."

"Pa, you promised you'd give him a fair chance..," Jiang Xiaoshuai pleaded.

"Oh, we will," Yong Jie said with a sweet smile that appeared more threatening than his mate's stern expression. "We'll be perfectly polite. As long as he proves worthy of our son."

The doorbell rang, and Jiang Xiaoshuai's anxiety spiked to new levels. He smoothed his clothes one final time and moved to answer the door, revealing Guo Chengyu in an nice tailored suit that probably cost more than his parents' monthly income combined.

"Xiaoshuai," Guo Chengyu said warmly, though his own tension was visible in the careful way he held himself. "Thank you for inviting me to meet your family.."

"Come in..," Jiang Xiaoshuai replied, stepping aside to allow Guo Chengyu to enter their modest home.

Guo Chengyu's presence seemed to fill the small apartment, his S-Class Alpha aura making everything around him seem somehow diminished by comparison. He carried an expensive bottle of wine and an elegant bouquet of flowers, gifts that were thoughtful but also clearly far beyond what the Jiang family would normally encounter nor afford.

"Guo Chengyu," he said formally, bowing respectfully to both parents. "It's an honor to meet Xiaoshuai's family."

Jiang Lou stood slowly, his expression carefully neutral as he studied the man who had been pursuing his son. "We've heard quite a lot about you."

"All good things, I hope," Guo Chengyu replied, though his slight smile suggested he was well aware of his complicated reputation.

"That remains to be seen," Yong Jie said sweetly, rising from the sofa with grace. "Please, sit. Xiaoshuai has prepared tea, and I've made some small dishes."

As they settled around the modest dining table, the atmosphere was polite but charged with underlying tension. Guo Chengyu’s attempts at casual conversation were met with courteous but probing responses from both parents.

"Your business interests are quite diverse," Jiang Lou observed, his tone conversational but his eyes sharp. "Medical holdings, manufacturing, international trade..."

"My family has been fortunate in our investments," Guo Chengyu replied carefully. "Though I've been working to transition more of our holdings toward healthcare and education."

"How noble," Yong Jie said with that same sweet smile. "And what are your intentions regarding our son?"

The direct question caught Guo Chengyu off guard, though he recovered quickly. " Uncle, I care for Xiaoshuai very deeply. I hope to earn his trust and affection, and eventually his commitment to building a life together."

"Building a life together," Jiang Lou repeated slowly. "That's an interesting phrase. In our and also in context your parent's experience , S-Class Alphas tend to build lives for their mates rather than with them."

Guo Chengyu's jaw tightened slightly, recognizing the challenge inherent in the comment. "I understand your concerns, Uncle. My designation comes with... certain assumptions about behavior and attitude. But I hope to prove that I'm not defined by those stereotypes."

"Our son is brilliant," Yong Jie said, his voice carrying quiet intensity. "He's going to be a doctor, a healer. He has dreams and ambitions that extend far beyond being someone's pretty trophy."

"I would never want to diminish his achievements or limit his potential," Guo Chengyu said firmly. "Xiaoshuai's intelligence and dedication are among the things I admire most about him."

"Admire is one thing," Jiang Lou said. "Support is another. Will you support his career even when it conflicts with your social expectations? Even when other Alphas question why you allow your mate to work?"

The question hung in the air, and Jiang Xiaoshuai found himself holding his breath as he waited for Guo Chengyu's response.

"Sir" Guo Chengyu said, his voice steady with conviction, " If Xiaoshuai chooses to bond with me, he will do so as my equal partner, not my subordinate. His career, his dreams, his freedom, all of those things will be important to me. Any Alpha who questions that will answer to me personally..."

The protective edge that crept into Guo Chengyu's voice at the end seemed to satisfy something in both parents, though their expressions remained carefully neutral.

"That's a good promise," Yong Jie observed. "But promises are easy to make and difficult to keep, especially when biology gets involved."

"I understand that trust must be earned," Guo Chengyu replied. "I'm prepared to spend however long it takes proving my sincerity."

The conversation continued for another hour, with Guo fielding increasingly pointed questions about his family background, his business, and his understanding of omega needs and rights. By the time he prepared to leave, a subtle change had occurred in the family dynamics.

"Thank you for dinner," Guo Chengyu said as he prepared to depart. "I hope we can do this again soon."

"Oh, we will," Jiang Lou said with a slight smile that held more warmth than threat for the first time all evening. "We'll want regular updates on how you're treating our son."

"And Chengyu?" Yong Jie added sweetly as he walked Guo to the door. "Xiaoshuai is the most precious thing in our world. If you ever do anything to hurt him, to diminish him, or to make him regret trusting you..." The omega's smile turned absolutely lethal. "Well, let's just say that omegas can be very creative when protecting their young."

"I understand completely," Guo Chengyu replied, and something in his tone suggested he was taking the threat entirely seriously. "I would expect nothing less from parents who love their son as much as you clearly do."

After Guo Chengyu left, Jiang Xiaoshuai turned to his parents with anxious hope. "So? What did you think?"

His parents exchanged a look that seemed to communicate entire conversations.

"He's better than we expected," Jiang Lou admitted grudgingly. "Still an S-Class Alpha with all the arrogance that implies, but he seems genuinely interested in you as a person rather than just a prize."

"And he took our threats seriously," Yong Jie added with satisfaction. "That suggests he understands exactly what he'd be risking if he hurts you."

Meanwhile, across the city

Chi Cheng stood outside the modest family home, staring up at the window where Wu Suowei's parents waited to meet him. Unlike Guo Chengyu's experience, Chi Cheng had received no warm invitation, instead, Wu Suowei had nervously informed him that his parents had "requested" a meeting, and the way he said it suggested this was more of a interrogation than polite conversation.

The door was answered by Qin Ran, Wu's omega mother, whose delicate features immediately explained where her son had inherited her beauty. But where Wu Suowei's eyes held warmth and gentle humor, Qin Ran's were cold.

"Chi Cheng," Qin Ran said with icy politeness. "Please come in." The house was small but well maintained, every surface clean and every decoration well arranged. Wu Chen, Suowei's alpha father, sat straight straight on the sofa, his expression making it clear that Chi Cheng was on trial and the jury was not much in his favour.

"Sit..," Wu Chen said curtly, gesturing to a chair that had clearly been positioned to put Chi Cheng at a disadvantage, facing both parents while backlit by the window. Wu Suowei was anxiously staring from the corner looking at this entire scene.

"Thank you for agreeing to meet with me, Uncle" Chi Cheng said, settling into the chair with as much dignity as he could muster. This entire situation felt uncomfortable.

"We didn't agree to anything...," Wu Chen replied coolly. "We demanded this meeting because our son has been... distracted lately. After he told us about you, we wanted to see for ourselves what kind of person was affecting his focus."

Chi Cheng felt his Alpha instincts bristle at the hostile tone that Wu Suowei's father held, but forced himself to remain calm and respectful. These were his future omega mates parents, and their opinion mattered more than his wounded pride."I care for your son very much," Chi Cheng said simply. "I hope to earn his trust and eventually his commitment to building a future together."

"How presumptuous..," Qin Ran observed, her tone suggesting she'd found something distasteful. "You assume he'd want a future with someone of your... reputation."

"My reputation?" Chi Cheng asked carefully. He did not know what Wu Suowei's mother was talking about.

"Ruthless businessman, known for acquiring companies and stripping them for profits," Wu Chen spoke and then continued. "Rumors of takeovers, questionable dealings, the kind of S-Class Alpha who takes what he wants without considering the cost to others.."

Chi Cheng felt heat rise in his cheeks, both from anger and uncomfortable awareness that some of those accusations weren't entirely unfair.

"I understand your concerns," he said through gritted teeth. "But I would never treat your son the way I handle business negotiations.."

"Wouldn't you?" Qin Ran asked pointedly. "S-Class Alphas have a tendency to view everything as an opportunity to own. Including High Omegas."

"Your son is not a business acquisition," Chi Cheng said firmly. "He's an intelligent, compassionate, remarkable person who deserves to be treasured, not owned."

"Pretty words," Wu Chen said dismissively. "But words are easy. Actions reveal character, and your actions suggest someone who takes what he wants through force and intimidation."

The conversation continued this way for nearly an hour, with both parents taking turns delivering criticisms and barely veiled threats. Chi Cheng endured it all with gritted teeth, understanding that this was the price of admission to Wu Suowei's life. Finally, as the evening came, there seemed to be a small change in the environment.

"You haven't lost your temper," Qin Ran observed with what might have been grudging approval.

"You haven't tried to intimidate us or assert your S-Class Alpha authority," Wu Chen added, sounding faintly surprised.

"You're Wu Suowei's parents," Chi Cheng replied simply. "Your opinion matters to him, which means it matters to me. I'd rather earn your approval than demand your approval."

The two parents exchanged a look similar to the one the Jiang parents had shared earlier.

"We don't entirely approve of you," Wu Chen said bluntly. "But... we approve of how you've behaved tonight."

"Our son could do better," Qin Ran added with characteristic omega sweetness that somehow made the insult worse. "But he could also do much, much worse. You seem to understand that he's precious, even if you don't yet understand how precious."

"I'm learning," Chi Cheng said honestly. "Every day I spend with him, I understand more about how remarkable he is."

"Good," Wu Chen said, standing to indicate the meeting was over. "Because if you ever hurt our son, if you ever make him regret trusting you, if you ever treat him as anything less than the treasure he is..." He smiled with the kind of paternal protection that was somehow more terrifying than any business threat Chi Cheng had ever received. "Well, Chi Cheng, you may own half the city, but you don't own us. And we will make your life very, very difficult."

"I would expect nothing less," Chi Cheng replied, standing as well. "I would be disappointed if you cared less about his welfare."

As Chi Cheng prepared to leave, Qin Ran spoke one final time.

"Chi Cheng? Our son has been happier lately. More confident. If you're responsible for that positive change..." The omega's expression softened almost imperceptibly. "Then perhaps we misjudged you. Perhaps."

Walking back to his car with Wei Wei, Chi Cheng reflected on what happened today. The meeting with Wu Suowei’s parents had been challenging in their own ways, but he understood the message his mates parents had delivered, their son was a treasure to be protected, and any Alpha who wanted to claim them had better prove worthy of that honor.

Chi Cheng then stared at Wu Suowei who had held his hands on Chi Cheng's arm, smiling happily. Chi Cheng’s gaze lingered on the omega, a soft smile curling at his lips as he took in the warmth radiating from him. Wu Suowei's face was flushed, cheeks were pink, his eyes bright with happiness. The subtle scent his jasmine pheromones filled the air around him, mingling with the charged atmosphere of the moment. Chi Cheng’s own senses heightened, his pheromones of whiskey and citrus weaving between them like an invisible thread.

Without warning, Chi Cheng reached out, gently circling his arms around Wu Suowei’s waist. Wu Suowei’s own hands found their way behind Chi Cheng’s neck, holding on softly as if afraid to let go. Their closeness created a pause in the chaos of the world outside.

"You’re happy, aren’t you...?" Chi Cheng’s voice was low, almost a whisper, his eyes searching Wei Wei’s face for confirmation.

Wu Suowei nodded, a shy smile breaking across his lips. "Yes… very happy..."

A quiet thrill ran through Chi Cheng. In that moment, he felt a surge of protectiveness and desire to hold this omega who had captured his heart close. Carefully, he leaned in, his hand gently resting at Wu Suowei’s waist, pulling him slightly closer. The air between them thickened, a mixture of anticipation and affection.

“Just… for bearing with everything today,” Chi Cheng murmured, his voice soft and warm, “a reward is in order..”

Wu Suowei’s eyes sparkled with mischief and trust. “You can take anything,” he whispered back, a playful tone in his voice.

Chi Cheng’s gaze softened as he closed the distance between them. Their lips met in a gentle kiss. The world outside faded away, leaving only the sensation of skin, scent, and shared warmth. Chi Cheng’s nose brushed against Wei Wei’s cheek, grazing softly, before he nuzzled into the curve of Wei Wei’s scent gland. The subtle scent of citrus and rum along with jasmine seemed to swirl around them, intoxicating and grounding simultaneously.

Chi Cheng then pressed his lips on to Wu Suowei's scent gland, sucking hard, he could taste the Jasmine pheromones on his tongue, his jaw started to ache, the familiar sensation of his fangs elongating had emerged. Chi Cheng then used this opportunity to graze his fangs on the exposed skin over Wu Suowei's scent gland.

Wu Suowei whimpered as he felt Chi Cheng’s canines brush over his tender scent gland. The all too familiar ache on his scent gland nowadays, the phantom pain was back. Wei Wei could also feel Chi Cheng's hard on through the fabric of his pants.  He started to reach out to Chi Cheng's zipper, but Chi Cheng suddenly held his hand. He growled "We are in public.."

Wu Suowei laughed saying, "Sorry, I guess in the end I am not able to restrain myself.."

And once more, Chi Cheng ended up kissing Wu Suowei. They stood there for a moment, caught in each others breath, each aware of the fleeting but profound connection. The air was thick with anticipation, Wu Suowei’s heat was still 3 days away, yet the tension between them was undeniable, a silent promise of what was to come.

Notes:

Well...Next chapter is where Chi Cheng and Wu Suowei bond and get mated. Will try my level best to make the chapter longer, with smut included.

Chapter 8: The Bond Complete

Notes:

This is it everyone, the long waited moment has arrived. Wu Suowei spends his imminent emergency heat with Chi Cheng. The smut actually took some time for editing. Please let me know what you think of the chapter considering this the first time I’m writing Smut. I always love reading your comments and inputs. Thank you.

Chi Cheng's penthouse had been transformed into a sanctuary over the past three days. Blackout curtains kept the space dim and soothing. The main bedroom had been prepared with soft linens, plenty of water, and everything they might need during the bonding period.

The bed in itself was Wu Suowei 's nest, having clothes that belonged to Chi Cheng laced with his alpha pheromones of rum and citrus.

Wu Suowei lay curled on the nest, his body wracked with tremors as the pre-bonding syndrome reached its inevitable conclusion. His careful suppressors had finally given up entirely, allowing his natural pheromones to flood the space with waves of sweet jasmine that seemed to pulse in rhythm with his distress.

"Chi Cheng," he whispered, his voice barely audible. Sweat beaded his pale skin despite the cool air, and his hands clutched at the sheets, tightly hugging Chi Cheng's jacket, as another wave of spiraling heat crashed over him.

Chi Cheng sat in a chair across the room, his own body rigid with the effort of maintaining control. Three days of exposure to Suowei 's intensifying scent had pushed his own pre-bonding syndrome to its limits. His jaw ached constantly now, his elongated canines a persistent reminder of what his body demanded. Ice-cold showers provided only temporary relief from the burning need to claim his mate.

"I'm here Wei Wei," Chi Cheng said softly, though he didn't dare move closer yet. "Just breathe, Baobei. Let your body do what it needs to do."

Jiang Xiaoshuai had been clear in his medical advice, the final transition into the emergency heat was a delicate process that couldn't be rushed. Wu Suowei 's body needed to complete its biological preparations before bonding could safely occur. But watching his omega mate suffer while being unable to provide complete relief was torture for Chi Cheng's Alpha instincts.

His mind screamed, begging him to give comfort to his suffering omega mate who was about to enter heat. All he could do right now was release his soothing alpha pheromones of rum and citrus which provided some temporary relief to his mate, however every time Suowei's imminent heat spiked, the distress returned.

"It hurts," Wu Suowei whimpered, pressing his face into the pillows. The sheets beneath him were soaked, his underwear clinging damp against his skin as slick trailed down his thighs, carrying the faint, intoxicating scent of jasmine. "Everything hurts, and I can't... I can't think clearly."

"That's normal, but I can understand this is distressing." Chi Cheng assured him, his voice strained with pain and need. " Just a few hours, Wei Wei. Your body is preparing for bonding. The discomfort will pass once we complete the process."

As the hours passed, Wu Suowei's condition intensified. His natural High omega scent grew stronger, more complex, carrying the all familiar Jasmine undertones that made Chi Cheng's vision blur with want. His mouth was pooling with saliva, and his jaw ached even more intensely. The young Omega's breathing became more labored, and he began to call out for his Alpha with increasing desperation.

By evening, it was clear that Wu Suowei had entered full heat. The process was an intense torture for both him and his S-Class Alpha mate, Chi Cheng.

"Alpha, please," Wu Suowei whimpered, his face flushed, eyes red, tears welling and voice breaking with desperate need. "I need... I need you. Your scent, your presence. Please don't make me wait anymore."

The raw desperation in Wu Suowei 's voice finally broke Chi Cheng's restraint. He crossed the room in quick strides, settling on the nest beside his suffering mate.

"I'm here," Chi Cheng murmured, allowing his own pheromones of rum and citrus to fully flood the space. Now he could completely release his alpha pheromones asSuowei had finally entered his heat. The effect was immediate, Suowei 's trembling eased slightly as his body recognized the presence of his intended Alpha mate. "You never have to beg me, Wei Wei. I'll always give you what you need. "Chi Cheng's rum and citrus scent mingled with Wu Suowei 's jasmine, creating a harmony that seemed to calm both of them. He gathered a trembling Suowei into his arms, providing the physical contact that his mate's body craved.

"Better?" Chi Cheng asked softly, pressing gentle kisses to Wei Wei's forehead.

"Yes," Wu Suowei breathed, his body finally beginning to relax. "Much better. But Chi Cheng... we need to complete the bond. I can't... my body won't settle until we do."
Chi Cheng nodded, understanding. They had discussed this moment extensively over the past week, planning for this inevitable conclusion to their courtship. After all, an omega heat ends early only after they are knotted by their alphas.

Wu Suowei's body was now ablaze with a primal, urgent need as his scent gland pulsed and his body ached, he yearned for his alpha's touch more than anything. His intoxicating Jasmine pheromones spiked intensely as he clung to Chi Cheng, his body pressing against the alpha's solid form. He could feel the alpha's hardness, hot and insistent, against his hip, and he whimpered, his need growing more intense.

Chi Cheng's hands roamed over his body, firm and possessive, igniting sparks of pleasure wherever they touched. Wu Suowei moaned wantonly as more slick began to run down his thighs. His lower side was fully wet, a tell tale sign of an omega in heat.

"Chi Cheng," Wu Suowei pleaded, his voice barely a whisper. "Please..."

Chi Cheng's response was a low growl, a promise of fulfillment. His mouth found Wu Suowei's lips, kissing him deeply, their tongues entwining in a battle.
Wu Suowei surrendered to the kiss, his body melting against Chi Cheng's. The Alpha's hands moved over his chest, his fingers finding and teasing Wu Suowei's perky nipples. Each touch sent jolts of pleasure straight to his core, making him arch and moan. Chi Cheng's touch was confident and knowing, playing with the sensitive buds until they were hard and aching.

Chi Cheng's mouth then trailed down Wu Suowei's neck, nipping and sucking, marking his territory. Suowei's hands fisted in the alpha's hair, holding him close, his body trembling with need. Chi Cheng's hands continued their exploration, tracing the slender curves of Wu Suowei's body, teasing the soft skin of his inner thighs, that was wet with his slick. Chi Cheng with a growl, started to suck on the Suowei's scent gland located on the nape, his mouth filled with sweet tase of Jasmine. His fangs were elongated and aching as they scraped against the soft skin over Suowei's scent gland causing it to bleed, which ended up getting lapped by Chi Cheng's eager tongue.

Suowei moaned and whimpered as his hands were curled over his alphas head. He had never felt this kind of pleasure before. He trembled with anticipation.Wu Suowei's cock was now hard, leaking copious amount of precum. He started to beg his alpha for more as heat curled all over his body.

Chi Cheng once more couldn't keep his hands of Suowei's chest as he stared at Wu Suowei's enticing perky nipples, he then covered the omegas right nipple with his mouth, slowly nibbling and sucking on it, while his left hand kept teasing the other nipple, tweaking it, tugging between his fingers.

The smell of Wu Suowei's slick got more heavier in the air as his Jasmine pheromones spiked in intensity with each intense pull of his nipple in Chi Cheng's mouth. Chi Cheng then moved on to the perked up left nipple, teasing the nub with his tongue. Wu Suowei hissed and whimpered in intense pleasure when he felt Chi Cheng lightly nip and suck on his left nipple. ' Wei Wei gets turned on more when played with his left nipple than right' Chi Cheng registered the information in his mind, cataloguing it for future use.

The aroused alpha then slowly removed Wu Suowei's underwear, wet with his omega slick, which was then discarded on the floor. He then stared lustfully at Wu Suowei's ass, it was perfect. Luscious pale mounds of flesh that almost made him want to bite them. Saliva pooled his mouth when he saw the glistening slick from Suowei's light colored pink hole, that had coated his ass, and inner thighs, smelling of Jasmine. This sight alone almost made Chi Cheng cum, his already large cock twitching harder, the tip leaking transparent drops of pre-cum.

No other omega could compare to this person who was in front of him, seductive, overwhelmingly beautiful and nude. This sight was meant only for him, being his rightful Alpha mate alone. Anyone else seeing this sight, coveting Wu Suowei would end up dead. Chi Cheng growled as his Alpha instincts flared with possessiveness, once more releasing more pheromones of rum and citrus which intensely dazed an already pleasure loaded Wu Suowei.

The Alpha pheromones clung to Wu Suowei like an invisible cloak, scent marking him and making him absolutely reek of Chi Cheng's pheromones. Anyone smelling Wu Suowei would definitely run away now, know that this beauty belongs to a top tier Alpha.

Chi Cheng then spread apart a a very cooperative Suowei's thighs with his hands and he lurched forwards tasting the slick that coated Wu Suowei's pale soft inner thighs. The slick tasted lightly of Jasmine and Chi Cheng couldn't stop. Chi Cheng's tongue was drawing and slurping the liquid. After a while, his tongue flicked over slick that covered Wu Suowei's pink hole.

The High Omega moaned and panted in pleasure as he felt his alpha's tongue probing his hole and entering him. He felt as though he was not in earth but rather a heavenly paradise. His thighs trembled as more slick gushed out of his hole under the intense stimulation.

He then felt Chi Cheng remove his tongue from his gaping hole, which was replaced with his finger. One finger followed by two, then three as the hole stretched with the slick acting as a natural lubricant. "Chi Cheng.." Wu Suowei moaned feeling the fullness down there. Chi Cheng continued thrusting the fingers, in and out of his omega mates slick coated pliant hole, as he licked his lips which still had traces of Wu Suowei's slick which lightly had traces of Jasmine.

Wu Suowei suddenly keened, eyes rolling back, his body arching as Chi Cheng's fingers brushed over his prostate. Suowei felt he was close to cumming but he wanted something more than fingers. He wanted his Alpha mates cock, he wanted to be knotted, to fulfill his role fully as an omega and be impregnated by Chi Cheng.

"Alpha..Chi Cheng, I want your knot" Wu Suowei pleaded in desire. Chi Cheng looked at his mate his hand reaching out for Wu Suowei's hardened length which was covered in precum. Suowei groaned and whimpered as Chi Cheng's fingers wrapped around his cock, and started moving up and down.

Wu Suowei gasped as red hue of blush spread all over his body. His eyes appearing as though doped, stared at his Alpha mate who was jerking him. As Chi Cheng quickened the pace, Suowei felt it coming closer. He felt the pressure and heat coiling below his abdomen. All he could do was clench his eyes, moaning his mates name again and again as he came hard, his head turned sideways and his back arched beautifully in an intense orgasm. 

Wu Suowei now out of breath stared at his Alpha, Whose eyes were dark with possessiveness and need, who was now sliding his tongue down his fingers, licking Wu Suowei's pearly white semen that was dribbling down his fingers, not missing a drop. The mere sight was stimulating enough for Suowei making his soft erection go hard once more with need.

Wu Suowei's legs fell open, inviting, his body ready and eager as he begged his alpha to claim him. Chi Cheng then positioned himself at Wu Suowei's entrance, his large length thick and hard. He pushed in slowly, giving Wu Suowei time to adjust to his size. Wu Suowei gasped, his body stretching to accommodate the alpha, the sensation of being filled overwhelming and perfect. Slick began to coat Chi Cheng's hardened length as it entered into Suowei's hole. Chi Cheng gasped and growled as he felt Suowei's hole gripping his large erection. "Wei Wei, You're so tight, so warm.." Chi Cheng spoke as he slowly buried himself into his omega mates pliant hole.

Wu Suowei's lips parted in a moan as he clenched his fists. He felt good. Too good. His hands wanting to find support found themselves around Chi Cheng's neck

Chi Cheng began to move, his powerful hips thrusting in a steady rhythm, his large length stretching Wu Suowei's pink hole, in and out. Wu Suowei met each thrust, his body clinging to the alpha, his legs wrapped around a thrusting Chi Cheng's hips. The omega was pounded with the relentless force by his Alpha on the mattress, waves of pleasure coursed through his body. Their connection deepening with each movement. The room filled with the sounds of their pleasure, Wu Suowei's moans and Chi Cheng's growls a symphony of desire.

Chi Cheng's hand returned to Wu Suowei's chest, his fingers teasing the omega's nipples. Each pinch and roll sent waves of pleasure through Wu Suowei's body, his orgasm building with each touch. Chi Cheng's movements grew more urgent, his body demanding release.

Wu Suowei's body tensed, his muscles clenching around the Alpha as his second orgasm crashed over him. "Chi Cheng" He cried out, his voice raw with pleasure, as he came once more, his body shuddering with the force of it. Chi Cheng, feeling the omega's release, let out a groan as he found his own fulfillment, his cock was now fully deep inside Suowei, his knot swelling to lock them together as he cums and fills Suowei with large amounts of his seed. A small white stream managed to trickle from the place where the knot was buried in Suowei's hole. They were physically tied now, neither could move away.

Chi Chen’s fangs pressed into Suowei’s tender scent gland, claiming him with a slow, deliberate bite. A flood of concentrated Alpha pheromones spilled into Suowei's veins, making his body shiver as the intoxicating essence spread through him. Every pulse of it branded him deeper, binding him irrevocably as Chi Cheng’s mate, his, for life. Wu Suowei cried out again and keened the pain and pleasure mixing into a sensation that left him gasping and breathless. He could very intimately feel Chi Cheng's knot which held them together, his seed still filling him and the bite on his neck marking him as claimed and possessed.

As they lay there, locked together, their bodies still trembling with the aftershocks of their pleasure, Wu Suowei knew he was home. Chi Cheng's arms wrapped around him, holding him close, his possessive growl a promise of protection and devotion.

"Mine, My one and only mate, Wei Wei" Chi Cheng whispered against Suowei's neck, his voice rough with emotion and possessive satisfaction. 

"Yours," Wu Suowei agreed, tears streaming down his face as the bond settled into place. "Always yours."

They remained joined, tied by the knot for nearly an hour, their bodies reluctant to separate even as the immediate intensity faded and the knot slowly deflated. When they finally did part, both felt fundamentally changed, no longer two separate individuals, but a bonded pair connected in every meaningful way.

"How do you feel?" Chi Cheng asked softly, gathering a content Suowei close against his chest.

"Complete," Wu Suowei said simply, his voice full of wonder, still recovering from the intense activity he had just engaged with Chi Cheng. "For the first time in my life, I feel complete."

Chi Cheng pressed a gentle kiss to the fresh bonding mark on Wu Suowei's neck, already beginning to heal but permanently marking him as claimed. "No more hiding. No more fear. You're mine now, and I'm yours."

"The pregnancy," Wu Suowei said sleepily, one hand moving unconsciously to his stomach. "Do you think I have...?"

"Almost certainly," Chi Cheng replied with soft satisfaction even before his mate completed the question. "Your body was perfectly prepared for conception. We'll know for sure in a few days, but..."

"But you're confident." Wu Suowei replied.

"I'm confident that whatever happens, we'll face it together. As mates, as partners, as a family."
As they settled into sleep, their bodies intertwined and their scents of rum, citrus and Jasmine permanently mingled, both felt the profound peace that came with finding their destined place in the world.  

Outside the penthouse windows, the city continued its eternal rhythm, unaware that two souls and body had just found perfect harmony in each other's arms.

The bond that would last a lifetime had finally begun.

Notes:

Next chapter focuses on how Jiang Xiaoshuai spends his emergency heat with Guo Chengyu. Let's see how that goes.

Chapter 9: The Bond Complete-Part 2

Notes:

This chapter picks up where the last one left off, focusing on the completion of the bond between Jiang Xiaoshuai and Guo Chengyu. I hit a bit of a block while writing it, especially since the previous chapter dealt with a similar situation with a different characters, but I tried my best to make this one feel fresh and different. Do let me know how was the chapter. Any feedback is well appreciated. Thank you!

Guo Chengyu's private residence in the hills overlooking the city had been carefully prepared for the upcoming heat of Jiang Xiaoshuai. He ensured that everything was in place and order just to keep Jiang Xiaoshuai comfortable.

Jiang Xiaoshuai  laid across the king sized bed, his nest layered with Guo Chengyu’s clothes, still carrying the trace of his alpha’s pheromones, rich with wine and cherry. He was following his own medical advice as his body went through the inevitable would also claim his best friend. His white coat and stethoscope hung neatly on a chair nearby, the last remnants of Dr. Jiang the professional before he became simply Xiaoshuai the High Omega entering emergency heat.

"This is ironic.," he managed to say through gritted teeth, his body shaking with tremors. "Giving medical advice is so much easier than following it."

Guo Chengyu perched on the bed’s edge, every muscle taut as he fought to keep his composure. For three relentless days, the rise of Jiang Xiaoshuai’s omega pheromones had pushed his body into a storm of pre-bonding fever, bringing him dangerously close to breaking. Heat coursed through his veins until every nerve felt stretched to its limits, trembling on the edge of collapse.

His jaw ached with a deep, pulsing throb, the pressure of his elongated canines biting into the tender flesh of his lower lip every time he struggled to draw breath. His hands gripped the armrests with force, fingers digging in so tightly that his knuckles became pale, the whiteness sjowing the sheer willpower it took to resist the insticts clawing at him from within..

"Your bedside manner was impressive," Guo Chengyu remarked, his tone steady though edged with strain. “You explained everything to Wuo Suowei and Chi Cheng clearly and left nothing out.”

A breathless laugh slipped from Jiang Xiaoshuai’s lips, only to end up in a trembling whimper as the next wave of heat tore through his body, leaving him shuddering. “It’s easy to speak of the theory,” he gasped, voice raw and uneven, “but enduring it… is an entirely different ordeal.”

The high omega's skin burned with flush, every part of his body showing how the heat was affecting him. He was the very picture of fragile omega temptation, beauty sharpened by suffering, as the sheets beneath him grew steadily damp, stained by the spreading slick from his lower side that betrayed his body’s desperate surrender.

The room was saturated with the cloying sweetness of honeysuckle laced with warm vanilla, Jiang Xiaoshuai’s natural fragrance thickened with every passing hour until it seemed to weave itself into the very air. The suppressors he had relied upon and carefully maintained had at last failed him completely, crumbling under the intense heat. Freed of their restraint, his High Omega essence surged and saturated the space in waves of intoxicating pheromones. The sheer potency of it clawed at Guo Chengyu’s senses, fogging his mind and reducing every thought to the raw primal hunger, he had never felt this horny in his life.

"The pain in my scent glands… it’s sharper than I thought it would be.." Jiang Xiaoshuai whispered to his alpha, his words breaking with a low tremor as his fingers lingered at the curve of his neck. The swollen glands pulsed beneath his touch, tender, sending waves of aching phantom bite sensation radiating through him.

His fever made his skin glisten with sweat, every breath shallow and uneven. A soft, helpless sound escaped him, caught between a moan and a sigh. “If it feels this overwhelming for me…" his lashes lowered, voice dipping into something hushed and vulnerable, "…how could Wei Wei possibly withstand such fire?"

"The same way you are," Guo Chengyu said softly, his tone laced with quiet intensity. "With remarkable strength and courage.” His gaze hardened a fraction, possessiveness flickering beneath the gentleness as he added, “But don’t speak of Wu Suowei again.... I don’t want his name on your lips when you’re like this, when all I want is you."

Jiang Xiaoshuai let out a breathy laugh at Guo Chengyu's possessiveness, only for it to break off into a low, helpless moan as the next wave of heat went through his body. His body trembled, thighs parting instinctively as the heat wave spilled over him, slick already sliding down the soft pale skin of his inner thighs, a proof that a emergency heat would consume him soon.

As the hours slipped by, the omegas body unraveled exactly as he had known it would. Each breath was heavier, dragging through  his lips, chest rising and falling in an erratic rhythm. A fevered flush painted his skin in shades of pink, sweat was glistening at his temples. He had fully entered into emergency heat.

The dampness beneath his clothes grew more, his underwear clinging obscenely with the spreading slick. What unsettled him most, however, was not the physical discomfort but how his omega instincts gradually crumbled his composure. In any other situation, he would have felt unsettled by this feeling but staying near his alpha helped, however he still wanted more pheromones of wine and cherry, it soothed him in ways he could not put in words.

"Guo Chengyu…”  the omegas voice cracked with desperation, his voice quivering.  "I can catch traces of your alpha pheromones, but it isn’t enough… it’s driving me mad.." His fingers curled helplessly into the sheets, body trembling as he pressed on, a raw, pleading edge breaking through. "Please… give me more. I need to be wrapped in your scent, need it all over me, only then can I breathe..."

Guo Chengyu's control wavered. His own body was screaming at him to claim his mate, to provide the pheromones and physical contact that Jiang Xiaoshuai's heat demanded. But he held back, remembering his promise to let Jiang Xiaoshuai set the pace.

"Tell me what you need..," Guo Chengyu said, his voice rough with strain.

"You. Here. Please." Jiang Xiaoshuai's composure finally shattered completely. "I can't think anymore. I can't... Guo Chengyu, please don't make me beg."

The raw desperation in his omegas voice, so different from his usual calm behavior, finally broke the alpha's restraint. He fully released his pheromones of expensive wine and cherries, flooding the space as he settled on the bed beside his suffering mate.

The effect was immediate and intoxicating. Jiang Xiaoshuai’s trembling softened, his body melting at the presence of his destined Alpha. Each ragged breath gradually deepened and steadied, his skin recognized the touch of the scent and warmth that belonged only to Guo Chengyu.

"You never have to beg me for anything..," Guo Chengyu murmured, gathering the trembling omega into his arms. "I told you I'd take care of you completely, and I meant it.."

Wine and cherry mixed with honeysuckle and vanilla, creating a harmony that seemed to calm both of them. Jiang Xiaoshuai melted into his alphas embrace, finally finding some relief from the emergency heat that had been tearing through him.

"Do you feel better..?" Guo Chengyu asked, pressing gentle kisses to Jiang Xiaoshuai's feverish forehead.

"Much better..," Jiang Xiaoshuai breathed, his body finally beginning to relax.

Guo Chengyu then slowly leaned down, capturing the feverish omegas alluring lips in a fierce, demanding kiss.  Jiang Xiaoshuai moaned softly, his hands reaching up to tangle in Guo's hair, pulling him closer. Their tongues tangled, the kiss deepening as Guo Chengyu’s hands went over the omegas body with possessive reverence, lingering on every curve and memorizing them. His omega’s vulnerability and natural allure ignited a fierce possessiveness and wave of unrestrained lust within him. Right now all he wanted to do was to claim, protect, and savor every inch of Jiang Xiaoshuai without haste.

As their lips joined together in an intense kiss, Guo Chengyu became aware of the heat radiating from from his omegas body. The slick  that gathered at his omegas entrance and thighs teased his heightened senses. The air itself grew thick with Jiang Xiaoshuai’s arousal and slick, blend of honeysuckle and vanilla wrapped around Guo Chengyu like a drug, sweet, intoxicating, and utterly irresistible.

He broke away from the kiss, his eyes dark with desire as he trailed kisses and small bites down Jiang Xiaoshuai's neck, his collarbone, and finally to his chest. Every nip of his canines painted the omegas bare skin with blossoms of crimson, a trail of hickeys that screamed possession. It was a silent declarations that this body, this Omega, belonged to him alone

Jiang Xiaoshuai's nipples were already hard, begging for attention. Guo Chengyu teased them with his fingers, rolling and pinching them until the omega was writhing beneath him, his breath coming in short, sharp gasps. Guo Chengyu's mouth closed over one nipple, sucking and nipping at the sensitive bud.

Jiang Xiaoshuai cried out, his back arching off the bed as pleasure coursed through him. His slick came in hot waves, until it glistened down the curve of his thighs, leaving a shimmering trail that betrayed his need. 

The fabric of his underwear was drenched with slick, a sight that did not escape his Alpha’s sharp gaze. A flicker of mild displeasure crossed Guo Chengyu's expression, such a flimsy barrier had no right to cling to what was his. The thought alone was enough to stir his impatience, a low growl rising in his throat as he resolved to get rid of that obstructing underwear on his Omega.

"Does it feel good when I touch you here, baobei...?" Guo Chengyu’s voice was low and rasping, thick with need as he leaned closer, pressing the question against his trembling omega. "Tell me… tell me where you ache for me the most, where you want me to touch you."

Jiang Xiaoshuai's dazed response, soft whimpers and moans spilled uncontrollably from his lips, set Guo Chengyu's blood alight. The sight of his usually very composed High Omega looking so vulnerable, so utterly undone by lust, was intoxicating, each moan and shiver fueling a possessive, hunger that pulsed through every inch of his body. Seeing this scene, Guo Chengyu's enlarged length twitched in desire as more pre-cum dribbled from the tip.

"More…" Jiang Xiaoshuai's whimpered pleas broke from his lips, raw and hoarse with need. "Please, Chengyu… I need more..." His body burned with pleasure, every inch of him alive beneath his Alpha’s touch.  He couldn’t even form an answer, everywhere felt too good he wanted to be touched, but he did not know where.

Guo Chengyu’s fingers lingered on Jiang Xiaoshuai's nipples, kneading and teasing them drawing shivers and gasps from his omega. His hands went lower, tracing the outline of Jiang Xiaoshuai's underwear, teasing the sensitive skin beneath with light touches before tugging the fabric with firm intent. In one decisive motion, he tore it away, the sudden exposure drawing a sharp, breathless yelp from the trembling that only fueled his hunger. 

Guo Chengyu watched this scene once more in admiration and intense lust. His omega was sprawled across the sheets, nude, black hair messy and damp with sweat, skin flushed from the heat that soaked his body. The subtle rise and fall of his chest, the curve of his hips, the soft, trembling shiver that ran through him with each breath, it all made the Alphas mouth pool with saliva and heart quicken.

Guo Chengyu leaned in slowly with possessive hunger, until his lips hovered over the slick that glistened along his omega’s pale, trembling thighs. As his tongue traced the heated, sensitive skin, the taste hit him in waves, sweet, heady honeysuckle intertwined with soft, creamy vanilla. It was utterly intoxicating, almost maddening.  Jiang Xiaoshuai's hands gripped the bed sheets, knuckles whitening, as Guo Chengyu drank in the scent, the taste, the warmth of his omega, each lick causing Jiang Xiaoshuai to moan wantonly with need.

Guo Chengyu’s gaze lingered shamelessly, brazen and unapologetic, as he drank in the sight of Jiang Xiaoshuai's pink entrance, slick glistening and slowly oozing over his ass and thigh. He bent closer, letting his tongue exploring and tracing the soft, sensitive rim of his omega mate’s supple entrance.

A low, breathy moan escaped the omega as the wet, probing motion sent shivers of pleasure spiraling through him. His fingers were on his alpha’s hair, clutching and tugging with need, body trembling as wave after wave of pleasure rolled over him, leaving him helpless under the assault of Guo Chengyu's tongue over his sensitive hole.

Then Guo Chengyu leaned back, his fingers started to glide over the omegas slickened hole before teasingly pressing inside. He began with two fingers, sliding them in slowly, savoring the way his omega's body trembled and writhed beneath his touch. Each deliberate thrust drew soft, breathless moans from Jiang Xiaoshuai, urging him further, until he added a third finger, filling and stretching him. He moved in and out, his fingers fucking Jiang Xiaoshuai, leaving him gasping and shivering beneath him. His fingers curled to hit Jiang Xiaoshuai's prostate, drawing out a deep, guttural moan from his omega.

"Please… more, I need more," Jiang Xiaoshuai gasped, his moans trembling with desperate longing.

Guo Chengyu obeyed without hesitation, his fingers plunging deeper and moving with increasing speed. At the same time, his mouth lavished attention on Jiang Xiaoshuai's hardened nipples, alternating between gentle sucking and teasing nibbles that sent shivers rippling through his omega. Jiang Xiaoshuai’s hips arched against the relentless rhythm of his Alpha's fingers, chasing the release that threatened to overwhelm him. Every gasp, every tremor of his body seemed to pull Guo Chengyu further into the heady, intoxicating dance of desire between them.

Guo Chengyu could feel the heat pooling within him, his huge leaking cock straining with need and aching for release. Slowly, deliberately, he withdrew his fingers, bringing them to his lips to savor the slick that coated them. Jiang Xiaoshuai's gaze followed every motion, dark with hunger and molten desire, eyes fixed on his Alpha as he tasted him, each lick and press of his tongue causing him to feel more aroused.

Jiang Xiaoshuai’s breath hitched into a moan as another searing wave of heat tore through his body. His hips trembled instinctively, pressing desperately against Guo Chengyu, voice trembling yet urgent as he pleaded, “Please… give me your knot, I need it… I want it..."

"Lie down completely," Guo Chengyu commanded, his voice low, rough with burning need. The omega obeyed instantly, body arching as the peak of his heat coursed through him, skin flushed and slick glistening under the dim light.

Guo Chengyu moved behind him with deliberate, predatory grace, hands gripping Jiang Xiaoshuai's hips possessively, feeling the quiver of his omega beneath his touch. He aligned himself with Jiang Xiaoshuai’s hole, the hard length of his desire pressing against him, fully exposed and waiting. Jiang Xiaoshuai's legs rested high on his alpha’s shoulders, opening him completely, every vulnerable curve and tremble laid bare, intensifying the delicious, intimate tension between them.

Guo Chengyu leaned forward with deliberate, torturous slowness, inch by inch, until he was fully seated inside Jiang Xiaoshuai, every inch of him claimed. The slick that coated his omega’s entrance spread over him as well, coating his hardened length as he sank deeper, filling Jiang Xiaoshuai completely. the omega's moan escaped in a long breath as he writhed and adjusted to the huge cock of his S-Class alpha mate. 

Guo Chengyu began to move, his initial thrusts slow and deep, savoring the sensation of his cock being fully enveloped within Jiang Xiaoshuai's hole. Gradually, his rhythm intensified, each powerful thrust driving him deeper, eliciting gasps and moans from his omega. The omega under him arched in pleasure, meeting every thrust with eager,  their bodies colliding and slapping together in a raw rhythm. Waves of pleasure coursed through him as Guo Chengyu’s impressive length pressed against him, teasing and battering his prostate, while his own arousal rose uncontrollably, erect and slick with pre-cum.

Guo Chengyu’s hands wandered possessively over Jiang Xiaoshuai's back, trailing down his sides and gripping his ass with a firm, insistent force as he deeply thrust into him with great force. Each thrust sent Jiang Xiaoshuai's wanton moans spilling into the room. Guo Chengyu could feel the swell of his knot, his orgasm coming closer each deep thrust. With a rough hand, he reached around, closing his fingers around the omega's cock and moving them in perfect rhythm with his own thrusts. Jiang Xiaoshuai cried out sharply, body arching and trembling as waves of orgasm washed over him, coating his alphas's hand with his cum.

Guo Chengyu followed soon, his cock throbbing and pulsing with a heat , close to release. With each powerful thrust, he filled the omega completely with his seed. His knot swelled, locking them together and even as it held them, he continued to spill inside his omega mate, each pulse, each release a declaration of ownership. The omega trembled feeling the spill of his alpha's cum inside him, heat coiling in his abdomen.

They sank together onto the bed, Guo Chengyu’s body wrapped possessively over Jiang Xiaoshuai, pressing him close as their chests heaved and breaths came in pants. Sweat gleamed across their skin. Guo Chengyu's lips traveled hungrily over his fully claimed omegas neck and shoulders before finding his mouth, deepening the kiss until their tongues tangled. 

Guo Chengyu broke the heated kiss then leaned in with claiming intent, his canines pierced Jiang Xiaoshuai’s neck scent gland in a possessive bite. The bite sent a surge of his potent alpha pheromones coursing through Jiang Xiaoshuai's body, overwhelming him in waves of heat. Every inhale drew in the essence of Guo Chengyu, the bond was formed, permanent, unbreakable leaving the omega trembling beneath him, utterly claimed by the S-Class alpha.

"Mine," Guo Chengyu whispered against Jiang Xiaoshuai's nape, his voice rough with emotion and possession. Their bodies were drenched in each other’s intoxicating scents, a mix of wine and cherry blending seamlessly with the sweet, notes of honeysuckle and vanilla

"Yours," Jiang Xiaoshuai agreed, tears streaming down his face as the permanent bond settled into place. "Always yours. And you're mine too."

"Always," Guo Chengyu confirmed, understanding exactly what Jiang Xiaoshuai meant. This wasn't just Alpha claiming Omega, after all it was two souls choosing each other completely.

They lay like that for a long time, Guo Chengyu's knot still locked inside Jiang Xiaoshuai, their bodies entwined as they basked in the aftermath of their passion. Guo Chengyu's hand rested on Jiang Xiaoshuai's stomach, a possessive, protective gesture.

They remained locked together for nearly an hour, their bodies tied by swelling knot that held them fast, each pulse and throb a constant reminder of their union. Even as the searing intensity of Xiao Shuai's emergency heat slowly ebbed, neither could bring themselves to break apart, lingering in the intimate, possessive closeness and breaths mingling in the quiet aftermath of their shared release.

"The medical textbooks really don't do it justice," the high omega said with wonder, his voice hoarse but peaceful as he curled against Guo Chengyu's chest.

"What do you mean..?"

"The descriptions of bonding focus on the biological mechanics, knotting, marking, pheromone exchange. But they don't mention this feeling." Jiang Xiaoshuai pressed his hand over his heart. "Like I've been incomplete my entire life and just now found the missing piece..."

Guo Chengyu pressed a gentle kiss to the fresh bonding mark on Jiang Xiaoshuai's neck, already beginning to heal but permanently identifying him as claimed. "That's because most researchers aren't S-Class Alphas bonded to High Omegas. They can't study what they've never experienced."

Jiang Xiaoshuai laughed softly, then grew more serious as one hand moved unconsciously to his stomach. "The conception rate..."

"Almost certainly successful.," Guo Chengyu replied with quiet satisfaction. "Your body was perfectly prepared, and the timing couldn't have been better."

"Our child," Jiang Xiaoshuai said, still marveling at how natural those words sounded.

"Our child," Guo Chengyu confirmed, his voice full of wonder and possessive pride. "The first of many, I hope."

"Eventually..," Jiang Xiaoshuai agreed sleepily. "After I finish my residency and we've established our family dynamic. But yes... eventually."

As they settled into peaceful sleep, their bodies held together and their scents permanently mingled, both felt very satisfied. The careful deceptions were over, the bonding complete, and their future bright with possibility.

Outside the bedroom windows, the city lights twinkled like stars. The bond that would last a lifetime had finally begun, and somewhere across the city, their best friends slept in similar peace, all four of them finally complete.

Notes:

The next chapter will dive into the pregnancy arc, let’s see what fate has in store for our omega fathers, Wu Suowei and Jiang Xiaoshuai.

Chapter 10: New Beginning

Notes:

So this chapter’s all about the fluff, our couples enjoying some quiet, domestic moments while their high omega mates start showing those early signs of pregnancy. We’ll go through the labor, and of course the nursing. A bunch of you have been asking me to give Guo Chengyu and Jiang Xiaoshuai twins (and trust me, I thought about it!), but it just didn’t quite fit here. I cannot promise anything as of now regarding that..but perhaps I explore it in an epilogue, if possible.

Three weeks had passed since the bonding, and both couples had settled into the bliss of newly mated life. Wu Suowei had taken extended leave from Chi Corporation, while Jiang Xiaoshuai had arranged a temporary pause in his residency, both decisions fully supported by their devoted Alphas who wanted nothing more than to care for their precious Omegas during this crucial time period.

The morning sun came through the windows of Chi’s penthouse as Wu Suowei curled deeper into the bed sheets, unwilling to face the day. He had slept nearly twelve hours. This had become his new normal, exhaustion that seemed to seep into his body, coupled with an appetite that swung wildly between ravenous hunger and complete revulsion.

"Still tired..?" Chi Cheng asked gently, settling on the bed beside his mate with a cup of ginger tea. Wu Suowei looked lovely, his hair was messy, half of his face was pressed on to the pillow. Chi Cheng couldn't help but think of how cute his mate looked.

"Mmm..," Wu Suowei mumbled into his pillow. “And I’m craving those weird pickled plums again..."

Chi Cheng’s smile was indulgent as he helped his mate sit up. He carefully propped up a soft pillow, then leaned the back of a very tired Wu Suowei against the pillow. " I'll have them sent up with breakfast. Anything else?" Chi Cheng asked in a loving tone. He also released his pheromones of rum and citrus that seemed to soothe his mate.

Wu Suowei also had another type of food he craved but he did not know how to word it. Would Chi Cheng judge him? Then he replied in a meek tone. "Ice cream. Vanilla ice cream with… don’t judge me… soy sauce..."

Chi Cheng’s expression didn’t even flicker. “Of course, Wei Wei darling. Whatever you need.”

Across the city, a similar scene was playing out in Guo’s residence. Jiang Xiaoshuai sat cross legged on the kitchen counter, tears streaming down his face as he stared at a perfectly innocent bowl of fruit.

Guo Chengyu who had woken up had noticed the empty spot on the left side of his bed. He was concerned about where his mate had gone and had followed Jiang Xiaoshuai's trail of omega pheromones of honeysuckle all the way to the kitchen. There he saw his mate having tears in his eyes. For a moment, Guo Chengyu was alarmed. He felt worried thinking whether he had upset Jiang Xiaoshuai. As he went near his mate, he was suddenly hugged. "The oranges are so beautiful," Jiang Xiaoshuai sobbed to a bewildered Guo Chengyu. "Look how orange they are. It’s overwhelming..." he sobbed once more.

"They are very orange..," Guo Chengyu agreed carefully, he did not know exactly how to reply but he had learned over the past days that logic had no place in these moments. "Would you like me to put them away?" he asked in a concerned tone.

"No! They’re beautiful! Why would you put away something so beautiful..?" Jiang Xiaoshuai’s sobs worsened. "You don’t understand aesthetic appreciation!!!!!"

Guo Chengyu simply pulled his mate into his arms, letting him cry against his chest while making mental notes to research Omega emotional outbursts more thoroughly.

Later that afternoon, the two couples met for their now regular video call, both Omegas looking simultaneously radiant and exhausted.

"Please tell me you’ve been having weird cravings too," Wu Suowei asked as soon as Jiang Xiaoshuai’s face appeared on screen.

" Wei Wei, Yesterday I ate pickles dipped in chocolate.., can you imagine pickles!! in chocolate!! " Jiang Xiaoshuai confessed. "And then cried for twenty minutes because Chengyu looked concerned about my new food fads.."

"I wasn’t concerned," his alpha mate protested from off-screen. "I was impressed by your creativity..." Jiang Xiaoshuai felt ridiculous and snorted at Guo Chengyu's response.

"The crying though..," Wu Suowei said seriously. "And the exhaustion. Shuai, I slept fourteen hours last night and still needed a three-hour nap today..."

Jiang Xiaoshuai’s expression grew thoughtful, his medical training kicking in despite his current emotional state. He knew both of them were likely to be pregnant considering the symptoms, but they still hadn’t confirmed it with a test. "Wei Wei how long has it been since our bondings?"

"Three weeks and two days.” Wu Suowei replied after glancing at a nearby calendar.

Jiang Xiaoshuai took in that information. Things were beginning to add up.  "And when was your last heat cycle before bonding..?"

"Six weeks before that, so… almost ten weeks total." Wu Suowei ’s eyes widened as he did the math. "Shuai, you think we definitely are…?"

"I think we need to take some tests,” Jiang Xiaoshuai said quietly. "Like, immediately..."

An hour later, both couples stood in their respective bathrooms, staring at pregnancy tests with a mixture of anticipation and eagerness.

What does this mean? was the thought that went through both omegas when they started at the test. They knew the answer but still their mind generated the question that their mind already knew the answer for.

"Two pink lines," Wu Suowei whispered, his voice filled with wonder and happiness . "Chi Cheng, am I dreaming?…there are definitely two lines."

"Two lines here too," Jiang Xiaoshuai called out from across the city, his voice shaking. "Chengyu, we’re really… we’re actually…"

"Pregnant," both Alphas said simultaneously, their voices thick with emotion.

The weeks that followed passed in a blur of doctor’s appointments, prenatal vitamins, and the careful attention of two S-Class Alphas who treated their pregnant mates like porcelain. Chi Cheng rearranged his entire schedule to accompany Wu Suowei to every appointment, while Guo Chengyu used his medical connections to ensure Jiang Xiaoshuai and his best friend had access to the best obstetric care available.

"Single fetus, developing normally," Their doctor announced during their twelve-week ultrasound, moving the ultrasound probe across Wu Suowei’s barely visible bump. "Would you like to know the gender?"

Wu Suowei and Chi Cheng exchanged glances. "We want it to be a surprise," Wu Suowei said, squeezing Chi Cheng’s hand.

The same conversation played out at Jiang Xiaoshuai’s appointment, both couples choosing to wait and discover their children’s genders at birth.

By the sixth month, both Omegas were unmistakably pregnant. Wu Suowei’s slender frame now curved with the clear evidence of the life growing within him, while Jiang Xiaoshuai had developed the same beautiful roundness that marked expectant High Omegas.

"You’re glowing," Chi Cheng murmured one evening, his hands gentle on Wu Suowei’s belly as they lay together on the couch.

"I’m huge," Wu Suowei protested, though his smile was radiant.

Chi Cheng never understood why his mate always underestimated his own beauty. "Wei Wei, You’re perfect. You’re carrying our child, how could you be anything but perfect?"

Similar conversations happened daily in the Guo household, where Guo Chengyu had become even more attentive and protective as Jiang Xiaoshuai’s pregnancy progressed.

"I can still walk up stairs by myself," a very pregnant Jiang Xiaoshuai protested as Guo Chengyu insisted on helping him up to their bedroom.

"Indulge me," Guo Chengyu replied, his arm steady around his mate’s waist. "I need to take care of you both..." That tone left no room for argument.

The eight month brought early labor for both Omegas, a common occurrence with High Omega pregnancies, their bodies designed to deliver healthy babies a bit earlier.

Wu Suowei’s labor began at dawn on a Tuesday, contractions waking him from peaceful sleep in his alpha mates arms.

"It’s time..," he whispered, his voice filled with excitement and anticipation rather than fear.
Chi Cheng was immediately alert, helping Wu Suowei through the early stages while their medical team prepared for delivery. Hours later, their son entered the world with a strong cry that filled delivery room with joy.

“He’s perfect," Chi Cheng breathed, tears streaming down his face as he held his newborn son for the first time. "Wei Wei, he’s absolutely perfect..."

"Chi Yu," Wu Suowei said softly, exhausted but radiant. "His name is Chi Yu..."
"Chi Yu," Chi Cheng repeated reverently. “Our little Alpha.”

Because that’s what the initial tests revealed, despite his tiny size, Chi Yu already showed the early markers of S-Class Alpha designation.

The same afternoon, jiang Xiaoshuai went into labor during what was supposed to be a routine check-up. Guo Chengyu barely had time to inform Chi Cheng with the news.

"He’s beautiful..," Guo Chengyu whispered, cradling his newborn son while Jiang Xiaoshuai recovered from the surprisingly swift delivery. “Xiaoshuai, look at him. Look at our boy.”

"Guo Zirui," Jiang Xiaoshuai said with a tired but brilliant smile. "Strong and wise, just like his father.."

"Just like both his fathers," Guo Chengyu corrected gently, bringing the baby closer so Jiang Xiaoshuai could see their son’s face clearly. And like his best friend’s son, little Guo Zirui also showed early signs of S-Class Alpha designation, a gift that would ensure both boys grew up with the strength and presence their bloodlines demanded.

Two days later later, both families gathered in Chi Cheng's penthouse for the first meeting between the kids. Chi Yu and Guo Zirui lay in their carriers, two tiny S-Class Alphas who would grow up as best friends just like their parents had.

"They’re going to be trouble," Jiang Xiaoshuai laughed, watching as both infants seemed to sense each other’s presence.

"The best kind of trouble," Wu Suowei agreed, his heart full as he looked around at their chosen family. “Strong, intelligent, beautiful trouble.”

"With four parents who’ll teach them how to be worthy of their eventual mates," Chi Cheng added, his arm around Wu Suowei ’s shoulders.

"And grandparents who’ll spoil them absolutely rotten," Guo Chengyu finished with a grin, thinking of both sets of parents who were eagerly awaiting their turn to meet the babies.

 

---

The soft afternoon light filtering through the penthouse windows showed the scene of Wu Suowei who sat propped against silk pillows on their bed, his dark hair slightly messy from exhaustion, cradling their one month old son Chi Yu against his chest.

The baby was undeniably beautiful, a perfect blend of both parents that drew loving comments wherever they went. Chi Yu had inherited his Alpha father’s strong jawline and aristocratic bone structure, but his eyes were pure Wu Suowei, large, expressive, and a striking amber colour that seemed to glow with intelligence even at such a young age.

"Again?" Wu Suowei murmured with fond exasperation as Chi Yu began the familiar fussing that came before his demands for feeding. "It’s barely been an hour since your last meal, little emperor..."

Chi Cheng watched from the doorway as his mate adjusted his silk robe with practiced ease, the fabric sliding off one shoulder to accommodate their hungry son. Despite the exhaustion that shadowed Wu Suowei’s delicate features, there was something beautiful about this scene, his Omega mate feeding their child with such tenderness.

Chi Yu latched on to the nipple immediately, his tiny fists curling and uncurling against Wu Suowei’s pale skin as he fed with the greedy hunger that had become his trademark. The baby’s satisfied little sounds filled the quiet room, punctuated by Wu Suowei’s soft murmurs of comfort.

"He really is insatiable," Chi Cheng said quietly, settling on the edge of the bed beside his small family.

"Just like his father," Wu Suowei replied cheekily with a tired but affectionate smile. “S-Class Alpha appetite starts early, apparently.”

Chi Cheng reached over to stroke his son’s downy black hair, he was admiring how one tiny person could be such an important person in their family unit. "Is he causing you too much discomfort?" He asked in concern.

Wu Suowei shifted slightly, "Oww..!" wincing as Chi Yu adjusted his position on his omega fathers nipple. "Shuai had warned me, but I never realised how draining it could be, the way a child nurses as if he’ll never be satisfied. And yet, in the middle of that exhaustion, there’s relief too, I had feared that nursing would change me, make me more like women with full breasts. But it isn’t like that. I can still keep my chest flat, my body my own, and still give my son everything he needs..."

"Wei Wei, Maybe we should supplement with formula…" Chi Cheng spoke feeling concerned for his omega mate.

"No, way..." Wu Suowei’s voice was firm despite his exhaustion. "He needs the antibodies and nutrients from nursing, especially as a future S-Class Alpha. His immune system and development depend on it for at least the first few months."

Chi Cheng nodded, understanding but concerned about the toll this was taking on his mate. Wu Suowei had lost weight since the birth, his already slender frame becoming almost fragile as he poured all his energy into caring for their demanding son.

"Wei Wei, At least tell me you’re getting some rest when he sleeps," Chi Cheng said, brushing a gentle hand over Wu Suowei’s forehead.

"When he sleeps..," Wu Suowei agreed with a rueful laugh. "Which seems to be about two to three hours at a time." As if on cue, Chi Yu’s feeding slowed, his tiny eyelids growing heavy as satisfaction and warmth lulled him toward sleep. But he remained latched on to his omega fathers nipple, unwilling to give up his connection to his primary source of comfort and nutrition.

"He’s going to fall asleep there again," Chi Cheng observed with amusement.

“Every time,” Wu Suowei confirmed, looking down at their son with a mixture of love and gentle exasperation. "Little tyrant refuses to let go even when he’s unconscious."

They sat in comfortable silence for several minutes, watching as Chi Yu’s breathing deepened into a nice peaceful sleep. His tiny fist was still curled against his omega fathers chest, his perfect features relaxed in absolute contentment.

"Now comes the fun part," Wu Suowei whispered, beginning the delicate process of detaching his sleeping son without waking him. "If I move too quickly, he’ll wake up screaming. Too slowly, and my back will cramp from this position.."

Chi Cheng held his breath as Wu Suowei carefully shifted Chi Yu, supporting the baby’s head while gently breaking the latch. For a heart-stopping moment, Chi Yu stirred, his little face scrunching  with displeasure. But Wu Suowei ’s gentle shushing and the familiar warmth of being held kept him settled.

'Success,' Wu Suowei breathed, slowly lifting their son to his shoulder for burping. Chi Yu was surprisingly good about this part of the process, usually producing one satisfactory burp before settling back into sleep.

"There we go," Wu Suowei murmured as their son delivered his expected burp. "Much better, isn’t it, little one?"

Moving with the careful precision he’d developed over the past weeks, Wu Suowei rose from the bed and walked across the room to the cradle that had been custom made for their son. Chi Yu settled into the soft blankets with barely a murmur, one tiny fist curled near his face in the gesture that never failed to make both parents’ hearts melt.

"He really is perfect," Chi Cheng said softly, joining his omega mate beside the cradle.

"Perfect and exhausting,” Wu Suowei agreed, retying his silk robe around himself. He glanced down at the fabric with mild dismay. "And I seem to go through about six robes a day now."

Chi Cheng had already anticipated this, producing a fresh robe in deep blue silk from their wardrobe. "Here, let me."

Wu Suowei allowed Chi Cheng to help him out of the milk-stained robe and into the fresh one, leaning into his Alpha’s gentle touch. These small acts of care had become precious to him, moments when Chi Cheng could provide comfort and support even when there was little he could do about the demands of infant care.

"Sometimes I think he inherited more than just your appetite,” Wu Suowei said, settling back onto the bed with a grateful sigh. "He’s got your single minded determination too. When he wants something, he wants it immediately and completely."

Chi Cheng laughed quietly, mindful of their sleeping son. “Is that such a bad thing?”

“Not bad, exactly. Just… intense. Even as a baby, he knows exactly what he wants and refuses to accept bottle feeds." Wu Suowei stretched carefully, working out the kinks from maintaining nursing positions. "I can only imagine what he’ll be like as he gets older."

“Probably a handful,” Chi Cheng agreed cheerfully. “But he’ll also be strong, intelligent, and capable of great things. S-Class Alpha traits aren’t always easy to manage, but they’re usually worth the effort.”

"Speaking of effort," Wu Suowei said, "I’ve been thinking about his future Bai Ri Yan celebration (100 days celebration). We should start planning for it if we want everything to be perfect."

The traditional hundred day celebration was an important milestone, marking the point when Chinese families formally introduced their children to extended family and friends. For the heir to Chi Corporation and the first child of a newly bonded S-Class Alpha pair, it would be a significant social event.

"Whatever you want," Chi Cheng assured him. "I can handle all the arrangements."

"No, I want to plan it with Shuai. We’ve already talked about having a joint celebration since Zirui was born on same day as Yu-er." Wu Suowei’s eyes brightened with the first real enthusiasm Chi Cheng had seen from him in days. “It would be meaningful for the boys to share this milestone, and it would give both families a chance to celebrate together."

"That sounds perfect." Chi Cheng was glad to see some of Wu Suowei’s energy returning. “When were you thinking?”

"In some few month, probably. That gives us time to plan properly and for both boys to be a bit more settled in their routines." Wu Suowei paused, looking down at his hands. "And hopefully after that, in five months I’ll be ready to start the weaning process."

Chi Cheng understood the emotions in his mate’s voice. Nursing was both a bonding experience and a source of exhaustion for his omega mate, and the prospect of eventually getting back some independence was both comforting but also emotionally difficult.

"You’re an amazing father," Chi Cheng said quietly. "Yu-er is lucky to have you.."

"Some days I feel like I have no idea what I’m doing," Wu Suowei admitted. "Everything about this is new and overwhelming and wonderful and terrifying all at the same time.."

"That’s normal,' Chi Cheng assured him. "My mother told me that every new parent feels that way, regardless of their designation or experience..."

Wu Suowei leaned against Chi Cheng’s shoulder, finally allowing himself to relax for the first time in hours. " I love him so much it scares me sometimes. This little person who’s completely dependent on me for everything, it’s such a huge responsibility.."

"You’re not alone in it," Chi Cheng reminded him, wrapping his arms around his exhausted mate. "We’re partners in this Wei Wei, just like everything else."

"I know. And you’ve been wonderful, handling all the night diaper changes, bringing me everything I need during feedings, taking care of all the business things so I can focus on Yu-er." Wu Suowei ’s voice was thick with gratitude and love. "I couldn’t do this without you..."

"You shouldn’t have to," Chi Cheng replied simply. “This is our son, our family. Taking care of both of you is exactly where I want to be."

A soft whimper from the cradle indicated that Chi Yu’s brief nap was coming to an end. Both parents turned toward the sound with the mixture of affection and resigned exhaustion that they had experienced since the time their son was born.

"Feeding time again..?" Chi Cheng asked with amusement.

"Probably," Wu Suowei sighed, but his smile was warm as he looked toward their awakening son. "Little emperor keeps very regular hours.."

Despite the exhaustion, despite the overwhelming nature of caring for his son, Wu Suowei felt a contentment settle over him. This was his life now, demanding and more fulfilling. Their son might be a handful, just like his father, but he was their handful. And that made all the sleepless nights and milk-stained robes worth every moment.

Meanwhile..

In the living room of Guo’s residence, Jiang Xiaoshuai sat curled on the plush sofa, his silk robe draped loosely around his shoulders. At one month old, Guo Zirui had settled into a more predictable routine than Chi Yu, but his nursing sessions needed patience and endurance that left his Omega father drained.

Jiang Xiaoshuai looked down at his son with his eyes filled with love, watching as the baby nursed with the focused intensity that seemed to be a family trait. Unlike his best friend’s voracious little emperor, Zirui was less frantic in his demands but more thorough in his approach. Each feeding session could last minimum twenty minutes or more, the baby seeming to savour every moment of connection with his omega father.

"There’s no rushing you, is there, little one?" Jiang Xiaoshuai murmured softly, shifting slightly to ease the soreness that had  become present almost all the time. "You take your time with everything, just like your Alpha father."

The baby’s dark eyes, gazed up at him with that uncanny awareness that marked future S-Class Alphas. Even at this young age, his son seemed to study the world around him with careful attention.

Jiang Xiaoshuai winced slightly as his son adjusted his latch, the sensitive skin of his sore nipple paining due to prolonged contact. His medical training told him this level of soreness was normal but temporary, a small price to pay to ensure that his baby would not go hungry. His body as a High Omega was designed for this purpose.

"It doesn’t matter," he whispered, gently stroking his son’s black hair. "This is my son, and I’ll give him whatever he wants. Whatever he needs..."

The words were both a promise and a reminder to himself during tough times. Every discomfort, every sleepless night, every drop of energy he poured into caring for his son was all for his future health and development.

Gradually, Guo Zirui’s suckling began to slow, his tiny fist uncurling from Jiang Xiaoshuai’s chest. The baby’s eyelids grew heavy with satisfaction and sleep. But he seemed reluctant to release his connection to his omega father.

"That’s it, sweetheart," Jiang Xiaoshuai murmured, recognizing the signs of approaching sleep. "Take your time..."

Finally, Zirui’s mouth relaxed, and he naturally let go, a small smile of contentment crossing his perfect features as he slept in his father’s arms. A tiny drop of milk clung to the corner of his mouth, evidence of another successful feeding session.

Jiang Xiaoshuai reached for the soft cloth he always kept nearby, gently wiping away the milk while being careful not to disturb his sleeping son. These quiet moments after feeding were precious, when Zirui was completely relaxed and peaceful, his small body warm and trusting against Jiang Xiaoshuai’s chest.

"Up we go..," Jiang Xiaoshuai whispered, slowly lifting his son to his shoulder to burp him.  

His son produced one small burp, then settled back into sleep. The omega father slowly rose from the sofa and walked across the room to place the sleeping baby on the cradle. Jiang Xiaoshuai settled his baby among the soft sheets, tucking a light blanket around him.

Only when the baby was safely settled did Jiang Xiaoshuai allow himself to address his own discomfort. He reached for another soft cloth, carefully cleaning the milk residue from his chest and nipples while trying not to wince at the soreness that seemed to worsen after he fed his son.

From his position near the window where he’d been quietly working on his laptop, Guo Chengyu watched his mate with growing concern. Over the past weeks, he’d observed the toll that nursing was taking on his mates slender frame. The wince he had done was clearly noticeable.

"The soreness is getting worse.." Guo Chengyu observed quietly, closing his laptop and moving to sit beside his mate on the sofa.

"It’s normal.." The omega replied automatically, retying his silk robe with hands that trembled slightly from fatigue. " My body is designed for extended nursing, but that doesn’t mean this time period is comfortable."

"Xiaoshuai… darling…" Guo Chengyu’s voice carried gentle authority. "You’re in pain..."

"Manageable pain….."  The omega father corrected, though he couldn’t quite hide the tiredness in his voice. "And it’s worth it for what my son gains from nursing..."

Guo Chengyu reached out to cup his mate’s face gently, his thumb tracing the dark circles that had become permanent fixtures beneath Jiang Xiaoshuai's eyes. "What if we supplemented with formula? Just for a few feedings a day, to give you some relief..?"

"No." The response was quick and firm, Jiang Xiaoshuai’s medical background overrode his personal discomfort. " Chengyu, exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months is the WHO’s gold standard recommendation. The antibodies, the nutrition, formula can’t replicate what my milk provides."

"But if you’re suffering…"

"I’m not suffering, Jiang Xiaoshuai interrupted, though his voice softened. "I’m tired, yes. Sore, definitely. But this is what’s best for our son. He needs every advantage we can give him, especially in terms of immune system development and growth..."

Guo Chengyu studied his mate’s determined expression, recognizing the stubborn streak that had helped Xiaoshuai excel in medical school. “The future pediatrician has spoken?”

"The future pediatrician knows exactly what he’s talking about," Jiang Xiaoshuai replied with a slight smile. "If my son wants milk, he gets my milk. No substitutes, no shortcuts. At least not for the first six months.."

"Six months," Guo Chengyu repeated, calculation clear in his voice. "That’s still over five months away..."

"Five months and a week, to be precise..." Jiang Xiaoshuai leaned into Guo Chengyu’s embrace, allowing himself to accept comfort even as he maintained his position. "I know it seems like a long time, but this foundation period is crucial for his development.."

Guo Chengyu pressed a gentle kiss to the top of his omegas head, understanding that arguing further would be pointless. His mate’s medical knowledge and parental instincts were in completely firm on this issue.

"Then we’ll find other ways to help..," Guo said instead. “Better nutrition for you, more help with everything else so you can rest between feedings, whatever you need.”

"Thank you..." Jiang Xiaoshuai’s voice was thick with gratitude. "I know this isn’t easy for you either, watching me struggle sometimes..."

"You’re not struggling," Guo corrected gently. “You’re being an exceptional father. There’s a difference..." They sat in silence for several minutes, both watching their sleeping son with the mixture of awe and love that seemed to increase daily.

“I’ve been thinking about something,” Xiaoshuai said eventually, his voice carrying a hint of excitement that had been missing for weeks. “The Bai Ri Yan celebration.”

"The hundred-day ceremony?" Guo Chengyu’s interest was immediate. Traditional milestone celebrations were important to both their families, and marking Zirui’s first major developmental achievement would be significant.

"Wei Wei and I have been discussing it during our calls. Since Chi Yu and Zirui were born so close together, we thought it might be meaningful to have a joint celebration." Jiang Xiaoshuai’s eyes brightened as he warmed to the subject. "The boys could share this milestone, and it would give both families a chance to come together."

Guo Chengyu considered this proposal, immediately seeing the advantages. “It would be quite an event. The heirs of both Chi Corporation and Guo Medical Holdings celebrating together."

"More than that," Jiang Xiaoshuai said, his voice soft with emotion. “It would be two best friends celebrating their sons’ first major milestone together. The continuation of the bond that brought us all together in the first place.." "When were you thinking?”

“When both boys are closer to their hundred-day mark. That gives us time to plan something truly special.” Xiaoshuai paused, his medical mind already working through the logistics. “By then, both boys should be more settled in their routines, and Wei Wei  and I might have more energy to actually enjoy the celebration.”

"I think it’s a wonderful idea," his mate said warmly. "Our families deserve a proper celebration of the next generation..."
"And it would give our parents a chance to meet their grandsons properly," Jiang Xiaoshuai added. "Both sets have been so patient, waiting for us to feel ready for larger gatherings.."

“Whatever you and Wu Suowei want to plan, you’ll have my complete support,” Guo Chengyu assured him. “Resources, connections, whatever it takes to make this celebration perfect.”

Xiaoshuai leaned more fully into Guo’s embrace, feeling some of the constant tension leave his shoulders. Planning something positive and celebratory felt like a light at the end of the tunnel of exhausting newborn care.

"I love you," he murmured against mates chest. “Thank you for understanding about the nursing, about everything.”

"I love you too," Guo Chengyu replied, his arms tightening protectively around his mate. "And I love watching you be such a devoted father to our son. Even when it’s difficult, especially when it’s difficult..."

As if responding to the love in their voices, Zirui stirred slightly in his cradle, one tiny fist uncurling before he settled back into peaceful sleep. His parents watched him with the same expression of wonder that never seemed to fade, no matter how many times they witnessed the miracle of their child simply existing. This was bliss. Their son was healthy, their bond was strong, and their future was bright with possibility.

Notes:

PSA for all future parents out there, remember, first six months of exclusive breastfeeding is what’s usually recommended. Just putting that out there. Anyways…can you believe we’re already so close to the end? Only a few more chapters left! Writing this has been such a ride, and honestly, reading all your sweet comments has been the best part. You guys keep me going. So do let me know, how was this chapter?

Chapter 11: A Celebration of Heritage

Notes:

Well, this one’s a short and sweet chapter! We’ve got the babies' 100-day celebration, a little family reunion to add to the warmth, and then the great weaning battle begins! Our poor high omega dads, Jiang Xiaoshuai and Wu Suowei, really have their hands full this time. It’s all soft domestic fluff.

The grand ballroom of the Chi family estate had been transformed into an amazing display for celebration of the 100 day ceremony. Red and gold lanterns cast warm light over tables contaning food, while traditional musicians provided a gentle tunes to the gathering of two powerful families celebrating their newest heirs.

At exactly one hundred days old, Chi Yu and Guo Zirui were the stars of the evening, both babies dressed in cute silk outfits , Chi Yu in deep blue with gold embroidery, Zirui in royal blue with silver threads. They slept peacefully in their carriers, blissfully unaware of the why the celebration was taking place.

Wu Suowei moved gracefully through the crowd, accepting congratulations and good wishes with the poise he'd developed over months of public appearances as Chi Cheng's mate. His recovery from childbirth was remarkable, the glow of new motherhood had replaced his intial few months of exhaustion and he looked beautiful in his formal silk robes.

"They're absolutely lovely..," gushed one of Chi Cheng's business associates, peering into Chi Yu's carrier. "He has your eyes, Wu Suowei, but also our boss Chi Cheng's strong features."

"Thank you," Wu Suowei smiled and replied warmly, unconsciously straightening the baby's perfectly arranged outfit. "We're very blessed..."

Across the room, Jiang Xiaoshuai was engaged in similar conversations, although him being a doctor led many guests to seek his advice about baby care. He handled those questions with a  polite tone, even while keeping one eye on his son's carrier.

"Dr.Xiaoshuai," called out one of Guo Chengyu's board members, "my daughter is expecting her first child. Any advice for new parents..?"

"Trust your instincts," Jiang Xiaoshuai replied with a gentle smile. "Every baby is different, but parents usually know what their child needs better than they give themselves credit for..."

The atmosphere was festive and warm, with multiple relatives of both sides of family catching up for small talks. Chi Cheng's sister Chi Jiali had brought her own children, who were fascinated by their new baby cousins.

However, the most anticipated and potentially volatile introduction of the evening was yet to come.

Guo Longwei  and Xu Yichen arrived fashionably late, their entrance causing small rush of gossip and whispers the gathering. Guo Longwei still carried the commanding presence that had made him legendary in international business circles, while Xu Yichen moved with the controlled grace of someone who had once commanded armies. Despite being in their fifties, both men remained striking figures who drew attention wherever they went.

Guo Chengyu's expression tightened almost imperceptibly as his parents approached. The complicated relationship he'd described to Jiang Xiaoshuai was immediately evident in his body language, respectful but distant, especially toward his S-Class Alpha father.

"Chengyu," Guo Longwei said, his voice carrying the same authoritative tone that had once intimidated business leaders. "Congratulations on your son.."

"Thank you, Father" Guo Chengyu replied formally, his tone carefully clipped and neutral.

The awkward tension was broken by Xu Yichen, who moved directly to Jiang Xiaoshuai with the purposeful stride of someone who was used to go through diplomatic small talks.

"So you're the High Omega who finally tamed our stubborn son," Xu Yichen said, his eyes bright with curiosity and approval as he studied Jiang Xiaoshuai. "You're even more handsome than the photos suggested."

Jiang Xiaoshuai blushed under the intense scrutiny, feeling like he was being evaluated by a legendary figure, was scary but receiving praise from that figure also made him feel a little nervous. "Thank you, General Yichen. It's a great honor to meet you."

"None of that, I am no longer a General" Xu Yichen smiled and waved dismissively. "You're family now. Call me Uncle or Dad, whichever suits you."

Both Guo Longwei and Xu Yichen were immediately captivated by their grandson, bending over Zirui's carrier with expressions of wonder.

"He's perfect," Guo Longwei murmured, his voice softer than anyone had heard in years. "Look at those strong features, he'll be formidable when he's grown."

"He has Xiaoshuai's intelligent eyes," Xu Yichen observed, gently adjusting the baby's silk blanket. "And that alert expression suggests he's already analyzing everything around him."

As if summoned by his grandfather's voice, Zirui stirred and opened his dark eyes, gazing up at the faces surrounding his carrier with the solemn attention and curiosity that marked him as a future S-Class Alpha.

"May I.?" Xu Yichen asked, already reaching for his grandson.

"Of course," Jiang Xiaoshuai replied, though he couldn't hide his nervousness as the legendary general lifted Zirui with surprising gentleness.

"Hello, little warrior," Xu Yichen murmured, cradling his grandson with the expertise of someone who had raised his own children. "You're going to do great things, aren't you?"

Zirui seemed to study his grandfather's face with intense concentration, one tiny fist curling around Xu Yichen's finger in a gesture that made the former general's eyes mist with emotion.

"He recognizes family," Guo Longwei observed with satisfaction. "S-Class Alpha instincts start early."

As the evening progressed, Jiang Xiaoshuai found himself drawn into conversation with Xu Yichen while the baby dozed peacefully in his grandfather's arms. The former general's direct manner was both intimidating and oddly comforting.

" My son tells me you're planning to continue your medical training," Xu Yichen said, his tone approving. "Good. High Omegas need purposes beyond childrearing, no matter what traditional thinking suggests."

"It's important to me," Jiang Xiaoshuai replied. "I want to specialize in pediatrics, help other children the way I'm helping my own son develop."

"Admirable. And how is Chengyu adjusting to fatherhood...?"

Jiang Xiaoshuai's expression grew fond. "He's wonderful with Zirui-er. Very patient, very devoted. Though he does worry sometimes about whether I'm getting enough rest during the nursing period."

Xu Yichen's smile turned mischievous, he shook his head in exasperation. "Ah yes, the nursing period.  My son was exactly the same when he was young, constantly demanding attention, never satisfied with just one feeding..."

"BABA..!!," Guo Chengyu protested from nearby, his cheeks flushing with embarrassment.

"What? It's true!" Xu Yichen continued with obvious enjoyment at his son's discomfort. "He'd nurse for a long time, fall asleep still latched on, and wake up screaming if I tried to put him down. Drove me to nuts.."

"Please stop," Guo Chengyu muttered, while Jiang Xiaoshuai tried unsuccessfully to hide his amusement and inward glee seeing his mate being embarassed.

"The point is," Xu Yichen said, ignoring his son's protests, "some babies are more demanding than others, but they usually turn out to be the strongest adults. Zirui's nursing habits suggest he's going to be formidable like his father."

Meanwhile, across the room, a much warmer scene was unfolding as Wu Suowei's parents met Chi Cheng's family. Wu Suowei's alpha father Wu Jun and omega mother Qin Ran were clearly overwhelmed by their surroundings as they had never been to any high end parties, encountering this kind of a luxury was foreign to someone like them who were from middle class background, but Chi Yuanduan and Zhong Wenyu put them at ease immediately.

"Your son is extraordinary.," Zhong Wenyu told Qin Ran as they watched Wu Suowei expertly handle a fussing Chi Yu. "The way he's adapted to this lifestyle while maintaining his own identity, it's remarkable."

"We worried so much," Qin Ran admitted, her eyes following her son's graceful movements. "When he told us about Chi Cheng, we thought... well, we feared the worst about S-Class Alphas."

"Many people do," Chi Yuanduan said gently. "But power without love is just tyranny. We raised Chi Cheng to understand that strength serves love, not the other way around."

"It shows," Wu Jun said, watching as Chi Cheng carefully adjusted his grandson's outfit without being asked. "The way he looks at Wei-er, at little Yu there's such devotion there."

"Thirty five years of marriage has taught us that real strength comes from partnership," Zhong Wenyu added, her hand finding her mate's automatically. "Your son chose well, and so did ours."

Once the formalities were over, the blessings for the babies, the gifts exchanged, and the special foods shared to mark the milestone, everyone finally eased into a warmer and more relaxed kind of celebration.

Chi Yu and Guo Zirui were happily passed from one pair of arms to another, soaking up all the attention as if it were their birthright. Even when they fussed or let out a cry, it wasn’t the usual baby tantrum, it felt more like a protest, a tiny show of displeasure at some small inconvenience.

"They're going to be best friends, just like their fathers," Chi Cheng's sister, Chi Jiali observed, watching as both babies seemed to settle more peacefully when their carriers were placed side by side.

"Best friends and probably partners in mischief," Wu Suowei added with a laugh. "Can you imagine what these two will get up to when they're older?"

"The city won't know what hit it," Chi Cheng smiled and agreed, his arm settling around Wu Suowei's waist as they watched their son sleep peacefully beside his future best friend.

As the evening drew to a close and the guests started to drift away, both couples felt a deep sense of fulfillment. Their sons had been officially welcomed into the world, showered with blessings, and wrapped in the love of family.

"Thank you," Jiang Xiaoshuai said quietly to Guo Chengyu as they prepared to leave with their still sleeping son. "This was perfect.."

"Thank you for sharing it with Chi Cheng and Wu Suowei," Guo Chengyu replied. "Our sons' friendship starting from their very first celebration, it feels right."

"Like it was meant to be," Wu Suowei agreed, carefully settling Chi Yu from Chi Cheng's arm into his travel carrier. "Just like everything else about how we all found each other."

The ceremony had been a success, marking not just the babies' hundred day milestone, but it also showed how the friendship between the two families became much more stronger.

 

---

At exactly seven months old, both Chi Yu and Guo Zirui had reached the milestone that their omega fathers had been both anticipating. They had also dreaded this because this probably would turn out more difficult than they expected. They started to begin weaning from exclusive breastfeeding. What had seemed like a straightforward medical process in textbooks had become an emotional battlefield that tested the resolve of even the most patient omega fathers.

Jiang Xiaoshuai sat on the sofa in their living room, staring down at his son with a mixture of love and exasperation. Guo Zirui was firmly latched onto his chest, tiny hands curled possessively against his skin as he nursed with the same intensity he'd shown since birth. This was supposed to be a feeding of solid food, carefully prepared boiled vegetables that Jiang Xiaoshuai had spent an hour making but his son was fussy and had rejected every spoon. He made it very clear which food source he preferred.  

"This is supposed to be simple..," Jiang Xiaoshuai muttered to himself, remembering all the advice he'd given to worried parents during his pediatric rotations. "Gradual introduction of solids, slowly reducing nursing sessions, natural progression toward independence." But the reality was proving far more challenging.

For the past two weeks, both he and his best friend Wu Suowei had been attempting to slowly wean their sons. They'd started with single ingredient purees, offered at regular intervals, while gradually spacing out nursing sessions. If things had gone what was supposed to happen, their sons should have been curious about new flavors and textures, eagerly exploring solid foods, but that did not happen.

Xiaoshuai's phone buzzed with a text from Wei Wei: Day 14 of Operation Solid Food. Yu-er threw  mashed sweet potato at the wall. Currently nursing because I couldn't stand the crying anymore. How's it going with Zirui..?

Jiang Xiaoshuai typed back with one hand while his son continued his nursing: Same boat. He ate three spoonful's of rice cereal, then demanded "real food." I've officially given up for today.

His phone buzzed back with a reply : Want to video call later? Misery loves company.

Jiang Xiaoshuai texted back : Definitely. Maybe we can figure out where we went wrong.

Guo Chengyu entered the living room carrying a laptop and found his mate in the familiar position of reluctant nursing and untouched bowl of  carefully prepared baby food on the side table.

"The rice cereal didn't work either?" Guo Chengyu asked gently, settling beside them on the sofa.

"He ate exactly three spoonfuls, gave me a look that clearly said 'this is inferior,' and then started rooting and crying for milk." Jiang Xiaoshuai sighed in defeat. "I know all the medical reasons why weaning is important after six months. I've counseled dozens of parents through this process. So why does it feel like I'm failing my own child..?"

"Because theory and practice are different things," Guo Chengyu replied, stroking his son's hair, then hugging his mate. "And because you're emotionally invested in a way you never were with your patients. This is our son and not a patient"

"I used to be so confident giving advice to other parents," Jiang Xiaoshuai continued, his voice tinged with self-doubt. "I would talk about how important it was to give them different kinds of food, how learning to chew would help their development, even how sitting together at mealtimes mattered. On paper, it all made perfect sense."

As if sensing his father's distress, his son paused in his nursing to gaze up at Jiang Xiaoshuai with those intelligent dark eyes, one tiny hand patting his chest in what seemed like reassurance before returning to his meal.

"He knows exactly what he's doing," The omega father observed with reluctant admiration. "Future S-Class Alpha manipulation skills are already developing."

Meanwhile, across the city, Wu Suowei was experiencing his own moment of  doubt as Chi Yu rejected yet another attempt at introducing solid foods. The seven month old had developed an impressive range of techniques for showing his displeasure. This included, 1) turning his head away from spoon  2) Sealing his lips shut, and  3) His personal favorite, grabbing handfuls of food and flinging them with surprising accuracy.

"Maybe we're pushing too hard," Chi Cheng suggested, watching his son's latest food throwing demonstration. "Some babies take longer to adjust to weaning...."

"The guidelines are clear, I had asked Shuai about it...," Wu Suowei replied, though his voice lacked conviction as he wiped sweet potato from the high chair. "Seven months for iron-rich foods, gradual introduction of new textures, establishing healthy eating patterns."

Chi Yu chose that moment to let out a wail that expressed his opinion of how he did not approve of 'healthy eating patterns'.

"Okay, okay..!! ," Wu Suowei sighed, lifting his son from the high chair. "One more nursing session. But this is the last time today."

Within moments of settling into their familiar nursing position, Chi Yu's cries stopped, replaced by the contented sounds of a baby getting exactly what he wanted.

That evening, both couples connected over video call, their babies finally settled after what had become known as the "dinner battle."

"I'm starting to suspect they've formed some kind of alliance..," Wu Suowei said, shifting Chi Yu to a more comfortable position as the baby dozed against his chest. "Like they're coordinating their resistance efforts."

"Zirui-er definitely has opinions about what constitutes acceptable food," Jiang Xiaoshuai agreed, gently burping his own sleepy son. "And apparently, anything that doesn't come from me isn't making the cut..."

"Maybe you guys need to try a different approach...,"Chi Cheng suggested, glancing up from his laptop as he overheard his mate talking to Jiang Xiaoshuai. "Or maybe you should ask someone who’s already went though this and managed to succeed..."

"Chi Cheng!! That's it," Jiang Xiaoshuai smiled suddenly, his expression brightening. "We need to talk to our mothers-in-law or rather omegas-in law. Well, in my case, Uncle Yichen."

"Your what now..?" Wu Suowei looked confused.

"Xu Yichen, Chengyu's omega father. I should call him. He successfully weaned Guo Chengyu, and from what he told us at the Bai Ri Yan, Guo Chengyu was just as stubborn about nursing just like my son."

"Then I should talk to Chi Cheng's mother," Wu Suowei added, warming to the idea. "She raised Chi Cheng, and he turned out fine despite probably being just as demanding.."

Chi Cheng nearly choked on his own breath when Wu Suowei said that, his fingers freezing over the keyboard. “Hey, what’s that supposed to mean?” he muttered, ears turning pink as he shot his omega mate a half-glare, half-pleading look. “I wasn’t that bad…”

Jiang Xiaoshuai tried to hide his laugher not wanting to wake his son, while Wu Suowei himself couldn’t hold back a grin. Their shared amusement only deepened Chi Cheng’s blush, and he ducked his head, pretending to type furiously on his laptop to hide it.

The next morning, Jiang Xiaoshuai found himself on the phone with Xu Yichen, describing their weaning struggles in detail.

"Ah, the famous weaning battles," Xu Yichen said with obvious amusement. "I remember those well. Chengyu was convinced that solid food was some kind of punishment I was inflicting on him."

"What did you do?" Jiang Xiaoshuai eagerly asked.

"Several things. First, I stopped thinking of it as weaning and started thinking of it as expanding his menu options. Second, I let him see me eating the same foods I was offering him. Babies are curious, they want what we have.." Xu Yichen replied.

"I tried that," Jiang Xiaoshuai said. "He watched me eat rice cereal and then looked at me like I'd lost my mind."

Xu Yichen's laugh was warm. "Try feeding him while he's sitting on your lap during family meals. Not in a high chair where he feels alone, but as part of the family. And here's the important thing, don't completely stop nursing. Just reduce it slowly while increasing other foods.."

"The gradual reduction is where we're struggling. He cries, and I give in." Jiang Xiaoshuai replied in distress. He did not like it when his son cried pitifully to him when he asked to be fed. His fatherly omega instincts would flare up and he would end up nursing his son. 

Xu Yichen understood where his son in law was coming from. He spoke in a soothing tone. "I understand what you are going through because you're a good omega father. Listen Xiaoshuai, weaning isn't about denying your child what he needs. It's about teaching him that he can get what he needs in different ways. Some days he'll want more milk, some days more food. Follow his lead while gently encouraging variety.."

Meanwhile, Wu Suowei was having a similar conversation with Zhong Wenyu, who listened to his struggles with the patience. After all she was someone who had raised her own challenging S-Class Alpha.

"Chi Cheng was exactly the same," she assured him. "Stubborn, opinionated, and absolutely convinced that my milk was the only acceptable nutrition in the universe."

"How did you manage it?" Wu Suowei asked eagerly.

Chi Cheng's mother tried to recollect what she had done back when Chi Cheng was a baby ready to be weaned. "Basically I saw weaning as a process, not an event. Some days he'd eat wonderfully, others he'd refuse everything except nursing. I learned to celebrate the small steps, one spoonful of rice cereal was progress, even if he spent the rest of the day demanding milk."

Wu Suowei remembered how upset he felt when he saw his son throwing any kind of baby food. He felt that the problem had lied in him and not Yu-er. "I feel like I'm failing him somehow. Like maybe I'm not patient enough or creative enough."

"You're not failing him.," Zhong Wenyu said firmly. "You're learning to be his parent, and he's learning to be your son. Neither of you has done this before.."

Wu Suowei felt a bit better. He spoke for some more time with his mother in law before cutting the call. He then looked at his sleeping son and firmly decided he will work on whatever advice that was given to him. After all..you miss one hundred percent of shots you don't take.

Armed with advice from experienced Omega parents, both Wu Suowei and Jiang Xiaoshuai did the weaning with different plans. They began including their babies in family meals and offering food to them when they were lying on their laps. They mixed tiny amounts of solid food with expressed breast milk to create familiar flavors with new textures. Most importantly, they stopped seeing nursing as the enemy of solid foods and started treating it as one option among many.

The results were slow but was slowly showing good results.  Jiang Xiaoshuai's son began showing interest in the colourful vegetables on his father's plate during dinner, reaching out with curious hands. Chi Yu discovered that banana mixed with a little breast milk was actually quite tasty.

There were still days when both babies refused everything except nursing. That happened usually when they were tired or overstimulated. But their omega fathers had learned to see these as normal variations rather than step backs.

"One step at a time," Jiang Xiaoshuai said during their evening video call, watching as his son took a small bite of soft steamed carrot before immediately reaching for his usual bedtime nursing session.

"One step at a time," Wu Suowei agreed, settling in for Chi Yu's own pre sleep nursing demand. "Maybe we were trying to rush something that's supposed to happen naturally.."

"The theory doesn't really prepare you for the emotional component," Jiang Xiaoshuai slowly said. "When your baby cries, you can’t help but feel guilty. You wonder if you’re messing something up, and every part of you just wants to soothe them the way you always have."

"Or the pride when they actually eat something new," Wu Suowei added with a smile. "Yu-er had three whole spoonful's of sweet potato today, and I felt like he'd just graduated from university."

As both babies settled into their familiar bedtime nursing routine, their fathers recollected what happened in these past weeks. Weaning wasn't just about changing what their sons ate, it was about learning to balance their children's needs with gentle push toward independence.

It was messy, definitely emotional and hard. But then they were new parents who were figuring out and learning slowly, just taking it one day at a time. 

 

Notes:

We’re slowly inching toward the end of this story. For this chapter, I actually had to do a bit of research on weaning just to figure out how it's done. I still have a few more things planned for the last few chapters but I’m not sure if I can incorporate all plans into them. In the meantime, I’d love to hear what you thought of this one! Any feedback is always super appreciated. Thank you.

Chapter 12: Six Years Strong

Notes:

Chapter twelve had been lying around for a while because I was really struggling with how to handle the time skip and portray the growth of the couples while dealing with their children so after much thought, I had to sit and cut down on some parts of the story and make it a six year time skip instead of three. Also prior to that, While I felt the path i.e. domestic fluff was good, deep down I kept wanting to explore just how obsessive and possessive Chi Cheng and Guo Chengyu could become if the story had gone that way. That thought eventually pushed me into starting my other work, 'Pathological Desire', and that was a rabbit hole, which is why there was such a long delay in uploading this chapter...

Tianhua International Preschool was the one that Chi Cheng and Guo Chengyu had chosen for their children after discussing with their omega mates. Security guards stood at the gates, cameras were present in every corner, and the whole place gave off a sense of safety. At six years old, Chi Yu and Guo Zirui were finally ready to take their first big step into the world outside home, and their parents had gone all out to make sure they started off with the best foundation possible.

"Baba..I don't want to go..," Chi Yu declared with a displeased tone that had marked his personality since birth, clinging to Wu Suowei's hand as they approached the school entrance. He stared at his omega father with those wide amber eyes, the same one that was inherited from Wu Suowei "I want to stay home with Baba.."

"You're going to love it, little emperor," Wu Suowei said gently, crouching down to meet his son's amber eyes. However he too felt a twinge of sadness in his heart, the thought of his only son being alone made his omega paternal instincts flare with longing and protection. "There will be other children to play with, new games to learn, and so many interesting things to discover."

"But what if I miss you..?" Chi Yu's lower lip trembled. He had never strayed too far from his omega father. The dynamics in their family was clear, Chi Yu loved both his parents but he was more attached to his omega father who always comforted him and made him feel good. Any grievances he had was immediately addressed by Wu Suowei and he was worried he wouldn't get that support if his omega father is not around.

"Then you tell Miss Zhang, and she'll give you a hug until you feel better," Wu Suowei replied, straightening Chi Yu's neat school uniform. "And remember, Zirui will be in your class. You'll have your best friend with you." At least that part was reassuring, his was not alone in this as Shuai's son was going to be in same class to give his son company.

Sure enough, Guo Zirui approached with his characteristic calm, his small hand firmly clasped in Jiang Xiaoshuai's hand as they joined the farewell scene.

"Hi!," Zirui said with a sweet smile. "My Baba says we're going to learn about numbers and letters and maybe even animals.."

"Animals..?" Chi Yu's distress immediately transformed into curiosity and excitement. "Like visiting the zoo?"

"Maybe..," Zirui replied thoughtfully. "We'll have to ask our teacher."

Getting the kids into the classroom turned out to be much easier than either parent had anticipated.

"They'll be fine..," Jiang Xiaoshuai said quietly to his best friend as they watched through the classroom window. He knew what Wu Suowei was thinking because the same thoughts were in his mind. Worrying thoughts about whether their children will get comfortable with the new surrounding when their omega fathers are not around. "Look how quickly they've adapted.."

"I know," Wu Suowei replied in a fond tone, watching his child take another step toward independence. "It's just hard to believe they're already old enough for school. It seems like yesterday when I held his tiny body in my arms as he fed from me. How time flies..."

That afternoon, for the first time in over six years, Wu Suowei walked through the familiar halls of Chi Corporation as an employee than just the CEO's mate. His new position as Chi Cheng's personal assistant felt strange, a return to work life after years of being devoted entirely to home and family.

"Wu Suowei," Chi Cheng's beta secretary Gang Zi greeted him. "Welcome back to Chi Corporation."

"Thank you, Gang Zi," Wu Suowei replied, sitting on a chair behind the desk that had been positioned near Chi Cheng's office door. "It feels strange to be back here once more..."

The morning passed in a blur of going through corporate systems, reviewing Chi Cheng's schedule, and handling all calls and emails. It was surprisingly satisfying to use his mind in new ways after spending so much time managing home and taking care of kids.

But the most interesting part of returning to work was discovering the professional dynamic with Chi Cheng and how completely it dissolved the moment they were alone.

"How was your day back..?" Chi Cheng asked, closing his office door behind him as he returned from a board meeting.

"Challenging but good..," Wu Suowei replied, maintaining his professional composure even though they were now alone. "I had forgotten how complex your schedule can be..."

"You'll get back into the flow quickly," Chi Cheng assured him, moving to stand behind Wu Suowei's chair. "You always were well organized...even back when you interned under me."

 Wu Suowei felt familiar butterflies as the alphas hands settled on his shoulders. He could slowly smell Chi Cheng's pheromones of rum and citrus which slowly started to made him feel relaxed.

"Chi Cheng..," Wu Suowei said with mild warning, though he made no move to slip away from the contact. "We're at work."

"We're in my private office with the door closed," Chi Cheng corrected, his hands beginning a gentle massage over his omega mates shoulders. "Besides, I've missed having you close during the day."

What started as an innocent shoulder massage quickly evolved into Chi Cheng pulling Wu Suowei up from his chair and settling him on his lap.

"This is embarrassing," Wu Suowei protested, though his cheeks were flushed with happiness rather than genuine discomfort. "What if someone walks in ?" Wu Suowei's head then settled on the firm chest of his alpha sighing as he inhaled the air suffused with rum and citrus.

"This is my office..," Chi reminded him, his arms tightening around Wu Suowei's slender waist. "I own this entire building, and we're completely alone. What's embarrassing about showing affection to my wife..?"

 Wu Suowei rolled his eyes at the casual use of the title, though his heart fluttered with the same happiness it had for years whenever Chi Cheng claimed him so possessively. Although the term Wife did bother him at times. Technically he was still a guy.

"You're impossible..," Wu Suowei said, though he settled more comfortably against Chi Cheng's chest. "We're supposed to be maintaining professional boundaries..."

"Professional boundaries are for people who aren't married with children.," The S-Class Alpha replied, pressing a gentle kiss to the side of Wu Suowei's neck, his nose dove into the skin over his omegas scent gland trying to tease out Wu Suowei's Jasmine pheromones and inhale them. "We're allowed to be affectionate..."

They remained like that for half an hour with Chi Cheng holding Wu Suowei close while they discussed the day's agenda. It felt nice, on one hand they were clearly in what people would say, in a 'inappropriate position in work place' but at the same time they were also talking about work, to them it felt natural.

By evening, both had settled back into their roles as they prepared to leave the office together. The drive home was filled with conversation about work projects and family plans, any fool hearing their conversation will get to know that these are married couples.

Chi Yu was waiting for them at home, bursting with excitement about his first day of school and eager to share every detail of his adventures.

"Baba, we learned about butterflies..!" Chi Yu announced, launching himself into Wu Suowei's arms the moment they walked through the door. "And Zirui knew all about caterpillars already, so he helped me with the worksheet!"

"That's wonderful, little emperor," Wu Suowei said, settling onto the living room sofa with Chi Yu curled against his side. "Tell me everything.."

As Chi Yu chattered about his classmates, his teacher, and the fascinating world of how a worm becomes a butterfly which was taught to them via pictures, Wu Suowei helped him with his simple homework, tracing letters and identifying numbers that seemed almost too easy for his bright son.

"This is baby stuff..," Chi Yu complained as he carefully traced the letter 'A' for the fifth time. "I can already write my whole name." He replied in a bored tone.

"Everyone starts with the basics,"  his omega father explained patiently. "Even Papa had to learn to write letters before he could run a company.."

"Really ?" Chi Yu looked skeptical.

"Really," his S-class Alpha father confirmed who was sitting on the chair nearby, where he was reviewing some documents from the office. "I practiced writing letters for hours when I was your age.." He recollected how his omega mother was teaching him letters just like how Wu Suowei was doing the same for their son.

Dinner was a peaceful family affair the three of them sharing the day's experiences while Chi Yu demonstrated his new knowledge about butterfly life cycles using his food as visual aids.

"First there's an egg..," Chi Yu explained seriously, pointing to a grain of rice. "Then a caterpillar." He indicated a piece of broccoli. "Then a chrysalis." A dinner roll became his example. "And then a beautiful butterfly!" he finished as he pointed out to an arrangement of salad and veggies showing a crude version of a butterfly.

"Very educational," Chi Cheng said with amusement. "Though perhaps we should eat our science demonstration before it gets cold.."

After dinner came the bedtime routine that had evolved over the years bath time, pajamas, teeth brushing, and the selection of bedtime stories that remained one of Chi Yu's favorite parts of the day.

"Can we read about dragons tonight..?" Chi Yu requested, settling under his covers with his collection of stuffed animals arranged around him.

"Of course," Wu Suowei agreed, settling into the familiar chair beside his son's bed. "Which dragon book would you like?"

"The one about the brave dragon who makes friends with the princess," Chi Yu decided after thinking for sometime.

As Wu Suowei read the story, he watched his son's eyes grow heavy with sleep, though his son fought to stay awake through the entire tale. When the story ended, Wu Suowei began the gentle lullaby that had been part of their routine since infancy. Chi Yu's breathing deepened into peaceful sleep, and Wu Suowei pressed a gentle kiss to his son's forehead before quietly leaving the room.

When he reached the master bedroom, he found his alpha already changed into comfortable pajamas and waiting with an expression of longing.

"Successful first day back at work?" Chi Cheng asked in a playful mocking tone as Wu Suowei settled beside him on their bed.

"Better than I expected..," Wu Suowei admitted, curling against Chi Cheng's side in the position that had become second nature over the years. "It felt good to use my mind in different ways, but I'm glad to be home."

"I loved having you close during the day," Chi Cheng said, his arm tightening around Wu Suowei's shoulders. "Reminds me of the time when you worked as an intern under me."

"And back then you had better boundaries compared to now..," Wu Suowei pointed out with amusement.

"I have no self control when it comes to you," Chi Cheng admitted without shame. "I never have."

They lay in comfortable silence for several minutes, both reflecting on what happened today. Chi Yu starting school, Wu Suowei returning to work, their family entering a new phase of life together.

"Can you believe how far we've come..?" Wu Suowei said softly, his voice full of wonder. "Six years ago, I was a terrified intern trying to hide my designation. Now I'm your mate, the omega father of your son, and your business partner."

"Six years ago, I was a lonely CEO who had given up hope of ever finding my fated mate," Chi Cheng replied, his voice equally filled with amazement. "Now I have everything I ever dreamed of and more than I knew was possible."

"What do you think the next six years will bring?" Wu Suowei asked in curiosity, his hand finding Chi Cheng's over his heart.

"Watching our son grow into the remarkable young man I know he'll become. Maybe giving him a little brother or sister when you're ready. Building our life together in ways we haven't even imagined yet." Chi Cheng's voice was warm with anticipation. "What about you? What do you hope for..?"

"All of that," Wu Suowei agreed. "And maybe expanding my role at the company as Yu-er gets more independent. I'd like to be more than just your assistant maybe develop my own projects, my own contributions to Chi Corporation."

"You can be anything you want to be," Chi Cheng assured him. "CEO's wife, business partner, devoted father, you are good at everything you set your mind to."

"And you'll be there with me through all of it?"

"Always," Chi Cheng promised, pressing a kiss to the top of Wu Suowei's head. "For the rest of our lives and beyond. You're stuck with me, Wu Suowei and I swear to god, if you try to escape I will drag you back to my side and kiss you to death." The alpha had ended the sentence in a very possessive tone.

"Good," Wu Suowei replied with deep satisfaction, he actually loved how possessive Chi Cheng could be. "I wouldn't have it any other way."

As they settled into sleep, both men felt the profound contentment. The future stretched ahead of them bright with possibility their son growing, their marriage stronger than ever, and their love story continuing to exist.

They had come so far from that first day when a nervous intern had walked into a CEO's office trying to hide his true nature. Now they were partners in every sense of the word, main leads of their romance story. They would never have anything other than this bond and themselves together.

---

The night air was clear and smelled of wet soil, it had rained a bit in evening. Inhaling the petrichor, Jiang Xiaoshuai had settled onto the cushioned chair on their apartment's balcony, his iPad balanced on his lap displaying another set of practice questions for his upcoming MD entrance examination. After six years away from academic medicine, the material felt both familiar and tough and he needed to brush up and revise, study hard and regain old information.

Inside their apartment, His son was finally settled for the night after their usual routine of helping with his homework, eating dinner, and the bedtime story that remained his favorite part of the day. At sixyears old, Zirui was proving to be every bit perfect about his studies as he was about everything else. He was approaching his simple preschool assignments with the same analytical way his omega father had done while managing patients.

"Zirui-er, can you tell me what happens after  caterpillar makes a cocoon..?" Jiang Xiaoshuai had asked earlier as they worked through his science worksheet, which had pictures of caterpillar becoming a butterfly.

"It changes into a butterfly..," Zirui had replied with careful pronunciation. "The caterpillar sleeps inside the cocoon and after sometime, becomes a pretty butterfly."

"Very good, little prince. You understand the concept perfectly.."

"Like how Baba is transforming back into a doctor ?" his son had asked with the kind of innocence that often took his omega father's breath away.

"Yes, something like that. Though Baba's transformation is about learning new things rather than growing new body parts." Jiang Xiaoshuai smiled as he hugged his son. Sometimes he wondered what did he do in his past life to get such a lovely son.

Now, with his son peacefully asleep in his room, Jiang Xiaoshuai could focus entirely on his studies. The MD residency entrance exam was notoriously difficult, covering everything from basic sciences to clinical branches, and competition for the government spots was fierce and limited. 

Question 47: A 3-year-old presents with fever and respiratory distress. Physical examination reveals stridor and drooling. The most likely diagnosis is...

Jiang Xiaoshuai selected his answer and moved on to the next question, but found his concentration wavering. He became aware of the peaceful night around him. The city lights twinkled below while above, the actual stars gleamed against a dark sky. A crescent moon hung low on the horizon, its gentle light casting everything in silver tones. It was a beautiful sight.

He set down his iPad and leaned back in his chair, allowing himself a moment of rest from the endless studying.  Today the moon drew his attention. He felt the moon was big, very visible, luminous, attracted attention without effort. The moon reminded him of his S-Class Alpha mate, Guo Chengyu in ways that made his chest tight with a feelings of love and insecurity.

Guo Chengyu was still at the office, attending some late night board meeting or international conference call. Such was the life of someone who commanded a medical empire. After all his decisions affected thousands of employees and millions of patients. Jiang Xiaoshuai understood the demands of Guo Chengyu's position, but nights like these always left him feeling somewhat lonely.

He looked up at the stars once more scattered across the dark sky, small, distant points of light that seemed insignificant beside the moon's presence. That's how he felt sometimes in relation to Guo Chengyu, like a star trying to shine next to the moon.

Guo Chengyu had everything that marked S-Class Alpha perfection. The kind of devastating good looks that made people stop and stare on the street. A hot body he got from genes and maintained by the best personal trainers money could hire. His intelligence was top notch, that itself had enabled him to command medical empire. Of course, he also had lot of money, something that Jiang Xiaoshuai could never earn in his lifetime even if he worked hard as a doctor.

And what did Jiang Xiaoshuai have to offer in return..?

Yes, he was a High Omega, handsome in the ethereal way that marked his designation. Yes, he'd given Guo Chengyu a son who would grow up to be everything their bloodlines promised. But beyond the biological aspects of their bond, what else did he bring to their partnership..?

The entrance exam fees alone were a reminder of their different circumstances. The MD program needed lot of money for application fees, examination costs, eventual tuition that would run into hundreds of thousands. Guo Chengyu had offered to pay for everything without even blinking, the way he might cover a dinner bill or new clothes for Zirui.

But Jiang Xiaoshuai was determined to earn a scholarship, to prove that his value extended beyond being Guo Chengyu's handsome High Omega mate. He needed to demonstrate that his mind was sharp enough, his dedication strong enough, his potential was significant enough to get financial support based on his won merit rather than his mate's generosity.

I have to get this through scholarship somehow, he thought, staring at the practice questions glowing on his iPad screen. I need to prove I'm more than just a pretty face and functional biology.

"You're thinking too hard."

Jiang Xiaoshuai startled violently, nearly dropping his iPad as he spun toward the familiar voice. Guo Chengyu stood in the balcony doorway, having apparently arrived and moved through their apartment so quietly that Jiang Xiaoshuai hadn't heard him at all.

"Chengyu! When did you get home?" Jiang Xiaoshuai's heart was still racing from the surprise. "I didn't hear you come in.."

"About ten minutes ago," his Alpha mate replied, moving to sit in the chair beside Jiang Xiaoshuai with fluid grace. "You were so deep in thought you didn't notice me checking on Zirui or getting changed."

Jiang Xiaoshuai glanced down and realized that Guo Chengyu had indeed changed from his business suit into casual clothes, meaning he had been home long enough to go through his usual arrival routine.

"I was studying," Jiang Xiaoshuai said, gesturing vaguely toward his iPad. "The entrance exam is only three weeks away..."

"Mmm..." Guo Chengyu's dark eyes studied Jiang Xiaoshuai's face with the kind of attention that always made him feel cherished and but also transparent. Jiang Xiaoshuai hated how his mate could always read him too well like an open book. "But that's not what had you looking so sad. What's really bothering you?" Guo Chengyu continued in a concerned tone.

Jiang Xiaoshuai felt heat creep up his neck. Sometimes his mates EQ to guess his emotions was unnerving in its accuracy.

"Nothing's bothering me..," he protested weakly. "I'm just tired from studying."

"Xiaoshuai." Guo Chengyu's voice carried gentle authority. "We've been bonded for over six years. I can tell when you're upset, and I can tell when you're lying to avoid discussing what's upsetting you. Isn't that whats's happening right now?""

The direct question, delivered with such patient understanding, cracked the omega's resolve completely. He set down his iPad and looked out at the night sky, gathering courage to voice the insecurities he'd been carrying for months.

"I was looking at the moon," he said quietly. "And thinking about how it outshines all the stars around it, even though the stars are suns in their own right."

The alpha followed his gaze upward, studying the dark sky with interest. "It's a beautiful night. Very clear."

"You're the moon," Jiang Xiaoshuai continued, his voice barely above a whisper. "Brilliant, commanding, impossible to ignore. And I'm just... a star. Trying to shine beside someone whose light makes everything else seem dim..."

The words hung in the air between them, heavy with vulnerability and self-doubt. Guo Chengyu was quiet for a long moment, processing not just the words but the pain behind them.

"You think you're not enough," Guo Chengyu said finally, his voice soft with understanding.

"I think I don't know what I have to offer you beyond being a High Omega..," Jiang Xiaoshuai admitted, the confession feeling like removing a weight from his chest. "You're successful, brilliant, gorgeous, wealthy. You could have anyone you wanted. And I'm... what..? Pretty..? Good at having your children...? Dependent on your financial support for everything from groceries to medical college applications?"

"Stop." Guo Chengyu's voice was firm enough to cut through the omega's spiral of self-doubt. "Just stop..."

Jiang Xiaoshuai finally looked at him, finding Guo Chengyu's expression intense with an emotion he couldn't quite identify.

"First of all..," the Alpha said, reaching over to take Jiang Xiaoshuai's hands in his own, "your analogy is backwards. You're not a just star trying to shine beside the moon. You're the sun which is a star, and I'm just a planet that's learned to reflect your light."

"That's not.."

"Let me finish..." Guo Chengyu's thumbs traced over Jiang Xiaoshuai's knuckles in the soothing gesture, something he had done many times over the years of comforting his mate. "You want to know what you offer me..? You offer me perspective. Every major business decision I make is better because I consider how you would approach the problem. You offer me compassion, I've become a better leader because you've taught me to consider the human cost of corporate policies.."

"....."

Jiang Xiaoshuai felt his throat tighten with unexpected emotion as his Alpha continued to go on.

"You offer me real life wisdom. When I'm dealing with difficult board members or tough negotiations, I find myself asking 'What would Xiaoshuai do?' You approach problems with the combination of analytical thinking and genuine empathy that I never learned in business school."

"But I'm not contributing financially.."

"You're raising our son," Guo Chengyu interrupted. "You're turning our son into someone who will be both powerful and kind, both intelligent and compassionate. Do you have any idea how rare that is? How valuable..?"

Jiang Xiaoshuai's eyes were beginning to blur with tears he hadn't expected.

"And yes, I offered to pay for your graduate program," Guo Chengyu continued, "but not because you're dependent on me. Because I believe in your potential so much that I consider it an investment in the future of pediatric medicine. The children you'll help, the research you might contribute, the other doctors you'll train. I personally feel that's worth any amount of money..."

"I want to earn a scholarship," Jiang Xiaoshuai said quietly. "I need to prove I'm good enough on my own merit..."

"Then you'll earn a scholarship," Guo Chengyu said with absolute confidence. "Because you're brilliant and dedicated and exactly the kind of doctor the medical field needs. But if you don't get one, or if you get a partial scholarship and need additional support, accepting my help doesn't reduce your worth or your achievements."

"But.."

"Xiaoshuai, this isn't a transactional relationship!!" Guo Chengyu's voice was gentle but firm. "I don't love you because you're a High Omega who gave me a son, though I'm grateful for both of those things. I love you because you're the person who sees the best in everyone, who makes me want to be worthy of your respect. I love you because you challenge me intellectually, support me emotionally, and somehow manage to be both strong enough to handle my intensity and gentle enough to soothe it!!"

The tears Jiang Xiaoshuai had been fighting finally spilled over, and he found himself pulled into Guo Chengyu's strong arms, held against the chest that had become his safest place in the world. He could slowly smell his favourite scent in the world, wine and cherries, his alphas pheromones as they soothed him, made him feel a bit at ease.

"I love you because you're Jiang Xiaoshuai," Guo Chengyu murmured against his hair. "Not because you're a High Omega, not because you're beautiful, not because of what you can give me. I love you because you're you and you are absolutely irreplaceable."

"I love you too," Jiang Xiaoshuai whispered, his voice muffled against Guo Chengyu's shirt. "So much that sometimes I can't believe you chose me.."

"We chose each other," Guo Chengyu corrected gently. "And I'd make the same choice every single day for the rest of our lives..."

They held each other in the peaceful night air, surrounded by the twinkling lights of the city and the gentle glow of the moon and stars above.

"Will you help me study for the exam?" the High Omega asked eventually, pulling back slightly to meet his Alpha's eyes.

"I thought you'd never ask..," Guo Chengyu replied with a warm smile. "Though I should warn you, my knowledge of medicine is pretty bad."

"That's okay. You can quiz me on the practice questions. And maybe just... sit with me while I study? Having you close makes everything feel more manageable."

"Always," Guo Chengyu promised, pressing a gentle kiss to Jiang Xiaoshuai's forehead. "Although I reserve the right to distract you occasionally with completely inappropriate displays of affection.."

"I'd be disappointed if you didn't," Jiang Xiaoshuai said with a laugh. The entire conversation he had with his mate made his heart feel lighter.

As they sat back into their chairs,this time with Guo Chengyu's hand resting on Jiang Xiaoshuai's knee, showing his silent supoort. Jiang Xiaoshuai looked up at the night sky with new eyes. The stars and moon weren't competing for attention; they were part of the same beautiful sky, each doing its part to light the sky.

Maybe that's what he and Guo Chengyu were too. Not competing forces, but lights in the sky that made each other shine brighter...

With better focus and the comforting presence of his mate beside him, the omega picked up his iPad and returned to his studying, ready to prove to himself and the world that he had much more to offer than just his designation.

The future was unknown, but with Guo Chengyu, it was bright with support and possibilities, and he was determined to earn his place in it.

Notes:

I had to go back through all previous chapters and reformat the names into Chi Cheng, Wu Suowei, Guo Chengyu and Jiang Xiaoshuai. I was told multiple times to follow one format while using chinese names. Anyways, I am planning to wrap up this story in next chapter. Thank you so much for the patience and I apologise for the delay.