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Chapter Text

A shiny black car with no template number and letters dashed through the night around the far end of the downtown in the busy night city. The lights from different establishments blinking like starlights at the shiny exterior paints of the vintage vehicle - though the lively and colorful night life outside was nowhere near exhilarating than the tension within the car’s occupants. 

“Stay still.” said one man in black uniform in a not so quiet way. 

Wang Yibo huffed, not daring to fight back but kept his stand against the adults who had just yanked him on the way home. 

He is not the smartest kid in his class but anyone could tell what was happening in this situation. He is no way a rich kid and his gambler of a father is missing since last week, then suddenly mug faced men in suits came, asking for his time as if a statement and not a request. So he’s no way in a good situation. 

Wang Yibo had been cursing his whole life, being born poor, with a good for nothing parents and in a town where one wrong move and you would be silenced, not a word from the local authorities and filing missing persons would be futile when the protectors of the society themselves are leashed, who would even bow down to the rulers in the underworld. 

The only thing he thought he got lucky with was being born as an alpha. But what can a 19 year old high schooler do when the system is crap and him being an alpha could only influence some kids' school circles and rotten brained adults who only looked at him as if he’s just a tryst potential and not as a kid, almost half their age? Ridiculous as it is, being an alpha is not as lucky as it sounds to others for him. 

The slick black vintage car transversed now to the red district of the downtown part of the night city. Wang Yibo kept his guard up, he was seated between two betas whom he isn’t sure he could take ever since he was ambushed earlier in his neighborhood. The two betas who looked in their 30’s had serious tight expressions, one had a scar on his eye and the other one had a pinky missing in one hand. 

While he was checking the two, the driver suddenly stopped as the underground parking lot elevator took them below. One, two and the third, the heavy steel elevator doors split open and they entered the floor stopping after parking next to other two slick vehicles and black vans. Wang Yibo felt his chest constrict and his breathing shortened because of his upcoming fate, he knows that whatever happens, he must survive. 

The first man in black came down from the car, him next then the other man in black following them quite closely, clearly ready to hit him to the ground in case he ever did something. As soon as he came out of the vehicle, Wang Yibo observed the place. It was dark with lights flickering from time to time, there was no sound other than their footsteps echoing the whole place and a distant noise from the other parking lots above.  

“No funny movements.” one man in black said as he walked next to him, Wang Yibo knew the other had one eye on him then an ear around them. 

They walked into another elevator-like portal with a different size, clearly to another room or place other than the surface’s exit. When they entered the elevator, Wang Yibo noticed how the space was large enough to fit more than ten people, the design was made of marble-like materials and gold like motifs. The other man in black pushed a button with 0 symbol before backing up and stood next close to him like the other man. 

It was an excruciating ride up, Wang Yibo was getting antsy as he looked at the numbers getting smaller in value in the elevator screen indicating the floors they have passed. The number was still in double digits and Wang Yibo braced himself to ask, “Where are you taking me?” he asks in a tense but resolute voice, he wanted to appear calm and unthreatening but his alpha nature would never make his appearance and aura nowhere docile and harmless like betas and omegas do. 

One guard answered, “Our Laoshi just wanted to ask how was your father, Wang Bin.” 

Wang Yibo mentally berated his father for the millionth time. 

It was a single digit now and Wang Yibo’s nerves were getting heck out of him, he kept clenching and unclenching his fists, flexing his muscles just in case of anything when the digits got closer to 0. Then when the elevator number gets to 1, then 0, stopping at that, the elevator doors split to reveal a spacious foyer with black and white granites from the floor to the ceiling greeting him - then a certain smell knocked him out of his nerves. Before he could even react, both of his arms were tugged by experienced grips of adults getting him on the floor. 

As they walked the foyer to the living room like space, the smell kept assaulting Wang Yibo’s senses and the alpha in him screamed at the person in the floor who had that pheromones. There’s only one other type of secondary gender that gets an alpha feral and drunk. 

Surely, when they turned a corner in the dark ambient lit hallway to an office like hidden room, a person on a velvet chair was seated comfortably facing the tall glass windows looking over at the vibrant night city life below. 

“Laoshi.” 

Wang Yibo was pushed to the center, facing the man behind the wooden desk and on a velvet swivel chair. He was yet to compose himself to the place and the pheromones that kept assaulting his senses when the swivel chair turned, his eyes meeting a pretty face with a chilling gaze. 

Wang Yibo’s breath was knocked out of his lungs when he realized the other’s pheromones were not just making him drunk, but also subservient and imposing. 

The man on the swivel chair was very beautiful, dark and also like a devil himself for the way he looked at him as if he’s looking at a prey. The man who most likely in his mid 20’s, long black hair kept on one shoulder to his chest, he wore a black dress shirt made out of silk, unbuttoned showing a bit of his lean smooth chest, crossed legs that quite long with sculpted like proportions, a skin on the ankles peaking a bit its position then an expensive looking black shoes that has a bit of a pointy end. He wasn’t built like a gangster, more on the delicate side instead. Overall the man must be an omega, a dominant one at that. 

“Wang Yibo, correct?” A female voice stops him in his stupor, he keeps his guard up again, looking at the female guard wearing a black suit standing next to that person he didn’t notice until the woman spoke. 

“Yes.” 

“Don’t worry, we will not do anything to you, we just wanted to ask a few questions.” 

Bullshit . He felt another wave of tingling sensation from a piercing gaze, he must have shown his disbelief on his face when the man sitting in the chair had a look ‘really?’ on his face. Somehow, Wang Yibo had an urge to wipe that arrogant face and submit to him. 

“Look, I don’t know what that man did to you but I have no idea where the heck he is.” 

“Indeed, Wang Bin had not been contacting you for the past days nor he had been supporting your finances since the beginning, quite a problem indeed.” 

Wang Yibo frowned. 

The man sitting at the velvet chair from the mahogany desk added, voice low, almost breathy yet hard, “You see, he took out a loan in the casino we’re managing.” He paused, putting the stapled papers from his hold on top of the desk, “Of course we gave him ample time to get back on that but then he suddenly disappeared, it’s a business so we expect a return somehow, but no - he disappeared along with a letter saying he had a son of an alpha.” 

What the hell , Wang Yibo’s heart dropped. 

“Why do you think that is?” the man spoke, inhaling the distress pheromones that came from the young alpha in the room.

Truth to be told, the reason why he goes to different part time jobs is to support his education, meals and their rent. But deep down, a part of him was still hoping, silently and blindly expecting one day his irresponsible father would come to his senses and be the adult he should have been. That maybe, there will be a day he can see his father sober and not a sobbing mess whenever he's at home, waiting for his mother who left them one day when he was younger. 

While Wang Yibo had yet to school his expression and control his pheromones, gritting his teeth as he tried to keep his calm, “Like you just said, you didn’t just want to talk. You drag me in here, knowing that I have no contact with your ‘customer’ - I don’t have anything in me to pay off the debt.” Wang Yibo gritted, not letting their silent intimidation get to him, “Then what now?” 

His tone made the other guards twitch and Wang Yibo knew he was testing his luck. 

Then so be it. 

The two made eye contact, the female guard who is clearly a beta knew without fully looking at his Laoshi that the man was amused. 

Xiao Zhan stood from his chair, his long slick black hair slid from his shoulder from the action. He slowly walked from his chair and desk, his long lean fingers tracing the shiny desk and documents with a profile picture that has the young alpha’s face on it. 

Wang Yibo didn’t look away from the man when the other finally stood in front of him, there was an inch difference and somehow it didn't faze the younger one at all as he met the other’s eyes - the beautiful devil incarnation’s had a bright yet dangerous expression on him. 

“Why don’t you become mine?” 

Wang Yibo looked at the other incredulously. 

Then the pheromones hit him again, Wang Yibo had been bathing in that scent for a minute now but somehow he couldn’t stand it. It was very different from all the omega pheromones he had experienced. Xiao Zhan looked down at the other, and Wang Yibo felt his lungs constrict from this proximity. 

“It is unusual for Laoshi to welcome new ‘customers’ in the office.”

“Is it?” Xiao Zhan hummed, his hand flipping playfully at the papers on the desk. 

“Yes, Laoshi is humming as well, it made me wonder what’s so special about the young man.” Meng Ziyi spoke, her tinted lips quirked up in a teasing but respectful tone. 

Xiao Zhan whose head is resting on his half curled fingers, arm up on his armrest, glanced at his right-hand Meng Ziyi before going back on Wang Yibo’s profile details printed and stapled. He sighed, but a smile appeared on his face afterwards. His eyes forming crescents and his cherry lips quirked up, amused, “He’s just a cheeky brat.” 

“I know.” 

Xiao Zhan ignored the disapproving look on his right hand, twirling on the fountain pen between his thin fingers as he thought of a certain little alpha who came into his turf in an unexpected, best timing. 

He finally met a good specimen of an alpha. 

Xiao Zhan’s pheromones are almost like a poison to other secondary genders. He knows he’s like a hybrid of an omega. He doesn’t get inebriated in his heat like other omegas nor affected and get feral whenever an alpha’s pheromones get to him, instead, his pheromones would react violently to the point it became a toxin to alphas exposed to it. 

A curse? No, considering how patriarchal and alpha-driven this society is. 

Wang Yibo, a high schooler, six years younger and also a trapped alpha who’d surely bite his hand if he would ever step within his territory. Although he got a leash on the little alpha’s thick neck, he knows he should take his time taming him. 

What’s the fun if they're not gonna put up a fight? 

Wang Yibo found himself in a compromise with the devil. 

He isn’t well informed but he was not a hermit not to know about the Xiao Triad. They are the backbone of the Chinese underground world, the dragon in the east and one of the forefathers in mafia history, such nicknames are used to describe the group. He can’t believe he had to deal with one of those crazy people. 

Wang Yibo sat in the spacious, white and marbled receiving room. The mansion was nestled in a mountain uptown residence but the view from the living room where he had been walking around earlier had a large green lawn with a fantastic view of the whole city below but with trees and greenery. The place was almost like a hideout, a perfect place for a snake to live in. 

It’s been a few days now since he signed a contract with the snake. Wang Yibo can’t believe his father had sold him, he knew his father had been gambling but his disappointment reached another level from the fact that his father is wasting his life away in a crazy establishment owned by a crazy family. 

Based on his contract, Wang Yibo has to accompany that person, Xiao Zhan, as an escort and companion and will be of service at that person’s beckon. He was given allowance and other necessities but will be monitored almost 24/7. According to the woman last time, Meng Ziyi, that person’s right hand, his role is to regulate Xiao Zhan’s mood while the two male guards who took him, stated specifically for him to be useful for the Laoshi. 

Wang Yibo had a bad feeling about it but knowing that in the contract, he was not expected to give any forms of surgery without his sober consent (which lowkey states he’s not required to give up one kidney when things fail in this situation, for instance). 

While at it, the allowance a week that he gets is almost ten times more than his six part time jobs combined in a month so Wang Yibo was determined to save up. To keep his situation underwraps, he also decided to quit those jobs, stopped attending school and use his savings from this situation for his college.  This way he gets to pay off the 1 billion debt. Calculating, he has around three years before he can be free from this contract. 

Wang Yibo was absorbed in his thoughts when a smell suddenly assaulted his senses, he knew the omega was nearby. Surely, soft footsteps echoed at the quiet place against the marble floors and Xiao Zhan’s voice rang next to his ear, “You’re an early riser, I see.” 

The other’s voice was deep but the obvious smell of an overripe fruit kept telling him that this man who is an inch taller than him is an omega through and through. 

Xiao Zhan noticed how the other’s shoulders were tense when he got near, hovering over the young alpha’s back, “Good sleep?” his voice low, breathy while his hands support his position, leaning on both the sofa’s backrest as he looks down on the other over the alpha’s shoulder. 

Wang Yibo hid the goosebumps from his shoulder and back, he cleared his throat, “Thanks to you.” on his peripheral, he can see the other’s long black hair and the distinct mole below those plump lips. 

Xiao Zhan chuckled, he then strutted away, his back on the other’s burning gaze to his back. The omega purposely slowed his struts, moving his body in a way his peaches visible form his thin nightgown. The omega walked to the kitchen to get his first meal of the day. For some reason, he wanted to get wine instead of his usual Earl Grey. 

Wang Yibo groaned when the overripe fruit smell dispersed around him, palming his face. He was determined to purchase all the scent fresheners, storing in bulk in his drawers, drowning those pheromones the other emits even though there is a thick wall and wide hallway separating their quarters. 

For the past few days, Wang Yibo accompanied Xiao Zhan around, from the office to social gatherings. 

In social gatherings, he’d be wearing expensive attires to match the other, Xiao Zhan. The omega’s hand would be hooked on his arm while the other was talking with other people, whose faces were plastered on some magazines and televisions. At first, Wang Yibo felt out of place and judged by the people while he was escorting the omega, but one night after the third time he accompanied the other, Xiao Zhan had said to him he looked good in the tux. 

That one shot of alcohol might have been expensive but somehow, Xiao Zhan’s words made him blush. Wang Yibo looked away after, looking out of the window on his side as the vehicle took them back to the mansion. The alpha knew Xiao Zhan knew he had an effect on him but kept silent, but their pheromones gave it all away.    

On normal days at the office, Wang Yibo would just sit around the next room, a guard on him while he can hear Xiao Zhan and his subordinates do their business. Then whenever those meetings end, he’d be called to the office and he can immediately tell based on the pheromones that the other is pissed, so he releases calming pheromones. The other isn’t always in a bad mood but Wang Yibo could tell that his pheromones calmed his nerves. Wang Yibo knew he was instructed to pay off his debt this way but he still doesn’t get the reason why the other proposed it like this. 

When he had asked Meng Ziyi one time by slip of tongue, the female beta dead replied, “He likes your pheromones.” 

Wang Yibo's skin crawled. 

The female beta added, her eyes on her computer as she worked on the tabulations and the alpha on the velvet couch in the office waiting for Xiao Zhan from another meeting, “Although Laoshi is an omega, his pheromones are like the alpha’s. Didn’t you notice how other people, beta or alpha cower in his presence whenever he's pissed?” 

Like alpha’s?

A flash of realization came to him, indeed, Xiao Zhan looks and smells like an omega, but for some reason, he doesn’t have the aura of a normal omega. He didn’t think too much about it when he first met the other, he just concluded the reason for it is because he is from the Xiaos, a mafia, kings of the underworld. Now it makes sense. 

Still, Wang Yibo had never heard such requests since he was diagnosed as alpha. In all honesty, he was grateful but also apprehensive considering the other being omega - what would an alpha and omega get when they're with the other’s presence other than exercising their needs right? Still, Xiao Zhan was a complete mystery. 

“...Should I pleasure you?” 

Xiao Zhan didn’t hide his snort, “Don’t bother, I’m not expecting a sorry work from you. Just stay by my side and use your pheromones whenever you see I’m pissed.” 

Wang Yibo nodded, but somehow he was pissed as well. Not expecting? Bullshit , so he’s just gonna sit there like a doll next to this haughty mistress? 

Xiao Zhan was like a rose with thorns. Irresistible yet hard to touch, grasp and attain at the most. Although he was presenting himself in every way, flaunting what he has to offer, yet people didn't get to be near him, but perhaps can’t get to stand near him. He did understand based on the omega’s right-hand person’s answer about the omega’s case but still. In the end, he is an enigma in alpha’s eyes. 

“A new plaything?” 

Wang Yibo glared at this new face. 

Xiao Zhan didn’t lift his eyes away from his paperworks, his feet crossed in a usual relaxed way while sitting at the soft sofa in the living room opposite to Wang Yibo who was playing on his phone as distraction. He was just getting bored in this arrangement and was about to ask Xiao Zhan to let go when a man, clearly an alpha, barged his way in the other’s residence. 

It is one of the rare days where the Xiao heir was at the mansion. Wang Yibo was honestly more at ease in the mansion rather than the office at the casino or at expensive gatherings, he’d never felt secure with a crowd especially when he was accompanying the infamous Xiao heir. 

On days like this, the two of them would just lounge in the living room, the high ceiling was interesting enough at times for the younger alpha’s eyes before going back to observe the other person in the space. Xiao Zhan would still bring work, currently, he was typing on his laptop, his legs crossed and hair flipped to one side like it was his branding. Instead of wearing his casual working attire, he wore a satin cream two piece spring nightgown. Due to his sitting position and loose attire, his creamy white skin was exposed. 

The scene is making the alpha’s mood tense more than they were outside. 

“Xiao Zhan, you’ve been ignoring us.” 

The intruder huffed, Xiao Zhan continued to type as if there was no person talking to him. 

From the way he speaks and acts, this seems like a person from Xiao Zhan’s history. Wang Yibo was getting annoyed, “Laoshi, can I go out?” he asked, cutting the silence when the recipient of the two’s questions didn’t answer. 

Though this time, Xiao Zhan looked up from his paperworks straight into the young alpha’s eyes, “Hm, should we go out? I’m also bored.” 

The intruder let out a loud tsk, he stomped his way towards Xiao Zhan until he stood in front of him in the living room, “Xiao Zhan, what’s fun playing around this kid! The circle got a new gathering and the guys are back from Sicily! Let’s go out, hm?” 

Xiao Zhan stood up, dropping his laptop and paperworks to the side before looking at the younger alpha, Wang Yibo nodded. Seeing that the omega has yet to regard his presence, he snapped and grabbed Xiao Zhan’s wrist, tugging the omega towards him, “I’m still talking to you!” 

Wang Yibo strode fast, grabbing Xiao Zhan in the waist, easily manhandling him despite their height difference but it’s no problem to him - he stood between the two, “Back off… sir.” 

The other alpha let out an exasperated sigh, “You’re a civilian, back off.” 

The two glared at each other, the alpha pheromones were strong which made the nearby house maids and workers flinch at the strong smell. Although normal people, or betas couldn't pick up pheromones, it's another matter if they are strong dominant pheromones, especially if alphas felt threatened or angry. 

Xiao Zhan hid a smile, this time, he intervenes, tilting his head to get the other alpha’s attention, and it worked with the way the pheromones immediately shifted. Wang Yibo noticed how the other’s tension changed and he also knew the omega contractor of his is the one who placated the other, like a flick of his hand, he can easily affect alphas. 

Including him. 

“Xiao Zhan, it’s been a long time, I heard you’re taking off your time from the office, it’s the best time to get together y’know!” the other continued to convince the other. 

Xiao Zhan sighed, his cherry lips curled up before his eyes traveled around his form. Then the lips dropped, “If I feel like it.” 

Like a finality, the other’s face broke into a comical expression of rejection and the younger alpha smirked. A hand hooked on his arms stopped him in his thoughts, “I am tired.” Xiao Zhan sighed playfully, “Yibo, carry me.” 

Wang Yibo bobbed his Adam's apple, gulping at the proximity. 

If he’s not Wang Yibo, he would have dropped then and there on his knees to heed this devil’s request. But he is Wang Yibo, so he just turned, bending a little, one hand on the back of the knees, his other hand around the omega’s back. The milky smooth skin was like a cold magma on his touch. Xiao Zhan’s arms and hands easily slide around his shoulder, he can feel the other’s breath when the omega snuggled between his neck and collarbones, the spot was tingly for some reason. 

As they retreated to Xiao Zhan’s bedroom, he could hear the sound of footsteps that was about to catch up to them but Meng Ziyi’s voice stopped the other alpha. On the other hand, Wang Yibo could hear the omega giggled, his form in his arms was surprisingly lighter than he expected but also so heavy that he felt his chest about to burst out of his ribs for a different reason. 

He got played , Wang Yibo thought when he remembered they weren’t completely alone in the living room. The other guards and Xiao Zhan could very well defend themselves against the intruder but chose not to.

This vixen , Wang Yibo cursed himself. 

Then again, he took his time walking that supposed short corridor to the master’s bedroom, the sly omega on his arms was relaxed - said omega’s fingers playing at the hair on his nape, twirling it and Wang Yibo used the other half of his strength not to get hard at the action. 

This is the first time that Wang Yibo had another person touching his bare skin. 

Wang Yibo thought he was prepared to do anything to survive, but life has its way to test that resolve of his. Currently, he sat next to Xiao Zhan in the same vintage vehicle. At first it was like the usual day, they rode from the mansion to downtown in the casino but today, Meng Ziyi had a serious look on her when they entered the office. 

“There is a rat at the branch in Y City, Elder Xiao had specifically requested for Laoshi to come into the playground.” 

Just like that, Xiao Zhan’s mood changed and his pheromones relatively affected the people present. Even he could tell it doesn’t sound like a playdate. 

Xiao Zhan didn’t tell him to stay behind so he followed the others afterwards to the parking lot and rode in the car with him. He sat stiffly at the other’s side in the vehicle, it was almost suffocating now that the two of them are near and he doesn’t know if he should release more calming pheromones for the omega. In the end they arrived at a vast piece of land, almost like a palace. The location was on another island, fortified with thick fences and armies of men. The entrance to the place was through a rock carved like a tunnel and in between bodies of water and rocks. When they got nearer, Wang Yibo saw how the whole place was more like a military headquarters with more flair than a palace. 

The double doors opened and guards bowed to them at Xiao Zhan’s presence, Wang Yibo followed the other one step behind but no one dared to look towards him, keeping their head low when they walked to the large halls. 

They were greeted at the end of the hall by a middle-aged man in black tux uniform. He looks like an elegant butler if not for his missing eye and pinky. They were directed by the middle-aged man, whose name was Claus, to a golf cart, driving around the vast land. The group stops at a forested part of the land, a rocky mountain behind it but fenced. 

The place would have been breathtaking and zen if not for a sack covered people kneeling in hard ground in the middle of the forest. There are torii-like gates around, circling the place. Wang Yibo was breathing carefully, as if his movements could trigger any that would fire those guns directed at him. 

They came down from the golf carts, a man who was sitting in one of the outdoor chairs, some men in the same printed uniform around him and some in expensive suits. As they came near the man, Xiao Zhan released a certain pheromone and like that, the man sitting in a chair spoke, “You’ve come.” 

Xiao Zhan stood next to the other, Wang Yibo stood with the others from a distance but he could hear the two clearly. 

“You summoned me, what else can I do?” 

“Feisty as ever, my dear grandson.” 

Wang Yibo had a clearer view now, the man stood up from his chair and his breath slightly hitched, the ‘old man’ didn't look five decades older than Xiao Zhan, what’s stranger as well is that the ‘old man’ is just as slightly older, alpha version of the omega. 

Xiao Muyang looked at his grandson, “You’ve done a good job in the casino, thank you for coming to my request.” 

Xiao Zhan didn’t reply, he looked around, then his eyes rested on the men in the judgment stone platform, “Where do we start?” 

A similar smile appeared on the elder man’s face and the two looked more alike than ever, he gestured for a man behind him and the lackey handed an ipad. He handed it to Xiao Zhan and the other had an indifferent look at first, but a few seconds passed and the omega quirked up a smile, he handed back the ipad to the other, before releasing an exasperated sigh. 

Xiao Muyang had a similar look as well, he turned to the sack covered men, “Idiotic, isn’t it?” 

“I can’t believe you didn’t take them out sooner, old man - now you gonna make me clean after you?” 

“What’s the fun if they’re not gonna fight back?” 

Wang Yibo who can hear those words clearly felt his skin crawl, a chilling sensation on his spine and he can’t point out what it is about but he had a gist of the events that’s gonna happen in the next hour. 

He must’ve released a certain pheromone when Xiao Muyang looked back at their direction, caught off-guard, the younger alpha unconsciously released a defensive pheromone. On the other hand, the older alpha wasn’t fazed one bit, only smiled, Wang Yibo felt the same chilling gaze from the other when he first met Xiao Zhan. 

Meng Ziyi stepped forward, directing the older alpha’s attention to her, “Greetings, all the fortune and health unto you elder Xiao.” the female beta respectfully bowed her head. 

Xiao Muyang hummed, “How have you been, Xiao’yi? Did this grandson of mine make you work hard?” 

“I’ve been well elder Xiao, Laoshi is taking care of me very well.” 

“Drop the honorifics Xiao’yi,” the other laughed, “Yes, you’ve worked hard, request a leave soon. This kid must’ve given you a lot of work while he slacks off.” he glances back to the back to the younger alpha, Wang Yibo held his breath, his shoulders tense and knuckles white from the scrutinizing gaze. 

Xiao Zhan sighed, “You’re going senile now old man, let’s get this over with.” 

Wang Yibo was tense the whole time when he saw a man handing Xiao Zhan a pistol on a golden platter. Another person did the same with the older alpha, the two clicking the gun at the same time. While they were checking the pistol, some manservants put some gears on them. When the pistols were put in the leg holster, the two identical Xiaos were handed another gun, a rifle for hunting deers. 

No wonder Xiao Zhan changed his clothes on the way, he was gonna get around a lot. Wang Yibo’s knuckles were white more than ever. 

The older Xiao gestures for a lackey to take off the sack from the men and untie them. As expected, the moment those men didn’t see the two Xiaos and other people aside from the two lackeys that untied their hands, they toppled over and ran to the forest mountain with heavy breaths and sweat. 

Wang Yibo stood behind with the others as Xiao Muyang and Xiao Zhan went after the traitors in calculated strides. 

Soon after, gunshots echoed around the mountain, and based on the monitors and sensor screen in the tents, the number counts had eventually hit the number of the traitors number. Every time a gunshot echoed, but there were no birds in the mountain as if the whole was made up ground for hunting a different type of mammal. 

Before dawn, the two Xiaos arrived with just a little bit of blood splattered and stained on their attires and faces. 

Wang Yibo should be terrified, those gunshots echoed within the whole place and the monitors put in the forest's hidden corners had a clear view and sounds of the scenario happening. It would be justified to be afraid, mad, and question the man before him, who was taking the gears one at a time like he does whenever he got home from office. This pretty omega was dropping the gears on the ground unceremoniously yet all he could see is a beautiful devil who just had gone and took the form of the Grim Reaper. 

They didn’t stay for dinner as per Xiao Zhan’s command, the older Xiao was not even surprised and bid them goodbye with a pleased smile, it would’ve been convincing if not for the older alphas dense, dark and heavy pheromones engulfing them even after sitting back in their vehicles. Wang Yibo had felt a lingering chill from the way the older alpha looked at him as they drove away from the rock island back to the city. 

Xiao Zhan took a break from work after that, claiming the hunting always exhausts him. Wang Yibo didn’t say anything but the way Xiao Zhan acts around him made him realize that this break wasn’t because of the ‘hunting,’ but because of him. 

“How would you serve me if you can’t even control your pheromones right now?” 

Xiao Zhan said to him one night before they retreated after lounging the whole day in the living room of the omega’s mansion. 

Wang Yibo looked at the other in disbelief, a suppressed annoyance rising up in his throat. But he gritted his teeth, “I’m sorry.” 

Xiao Zhan sighed in annoyance, jumping out of the soft couch, going to his quarters and leaving Wang Yibo in his nerves and thoughts. 

Fuck . 

Indeed, life has its way to put fear - and reality is he’s just as scared as the traitors that were disposed of, and of the omega who had a leash on him. 

Wang Yibo is scared of this growing dependency, and desire.

The next weeks had gone on and eventually Wang Yibo controlled his pheromones, Xiao Zhan didn’t say anything when the alpha said they can go back to work now. When the omega touched his nape, the other finally smiled when he didn’t flinch from the touch, but the omega still had the same cold and calculative look on his face. Without realizing, Wang Yibo has gotten used to the omega’s touches. 

Chapter Text

Somewhere in the southeast asian country downtown city, two figures entered the old establishment. When their shadows vanish from the neon lights and humid alleyway, a man in the establishments flips the sign, shooing away people even though it's the middle of the business’ peak time. 

“The usual sir?” 

One of the two sole customers in the bar raised its finger and the bartender immediately get to work, mixing the drinks. The other figure slams his hands on the counter, an opened brown envelope, pictures scattered from the action, “Doesn’t this piss you off?” the woman asked, voice strain in a controlled volume. 

“It pissed me, alright. What can we do?” 

The woman looked at the other, searching for signs in the male’s face but the other had a cold indifferent expression on him. She huffed, “I need your help.” 

The bartender handed the male the whisky, the male took it, two fingers touching its rim as the neon lights reflected the shiny cold crystal of the glass and his eyes glimmered in a glassy layer, yet he emits sharp and almost acrid pheromones. “Do tell.” his eyes glanced over the female. 

Seeing the expression she wanted, the woman’s eyes glinted and her lips quirked up in satisfaction. 

It's been a few months and Wang Yibo found himself on edge most of the time - since recognizing the unbelievable possibility of him developing a thing for the omega. 

He knew he had dug his own grave, he knew he started this to survive but now he is on the verge of another cliff, which might actually crash him and his soul, instead of just being forced to give up his organs to the underground markets. 

It didn’t help when the omega began to leave lingering touches all over him, although they didn’t have skin contact other than he was asked to carry the omega to bed or when the other just wanted to be massaged in the head. 

“Right there.” The omega instructed while the alpha kneaded his temples. 

The two of them just got home from a branch meeting in Q City. The meeting consisted of the ‘associates’ and Xiao Zhan wasn’t obligated to attend to those below his status as the second in command. But the omega decided to drop by, listening from another room in the traditional abode. The meeting was going smoothly at first until one of the associates pointed fingers and the conversation drifted from business to personal gains - in the end, the mug faced one-eye guard shot the person in the arm when they slid the partitions, revealing the group. The other associates who sided with the wounded associate Immediately groveled on the carpeted floor, begging to spare them. Xiao Zhan didn’t acknowledge them and let Meng Ziyi handle it. Wang Yibo could hear from the pavements to the entrance body falling down and the slight smell of metallic and sulfurs. 

“Your mind is wandering around, focus.” The alpha snapped out of it and continued to massage the temples. Xiao Zhan was laying on his leather soft massage chair while Wang Yibo stood behind the backrest. He always gets caught by the other, it’s starting to piss him off. 

Sensing his subtle annoyance and silence, the omega, humming, “That scared you?” 

Is he psychic?, “Of course, I’m just an ordinary citizen.” he huffed, he doesn’t like being seen through but the way Xiao Zhan talks to him is somewhat soothing, it makes his guards down. 

“You’re adorable.” 

“I’m not, you’re the only person who’d say that.” 

“It’s true,” the omega chuckled dryly, “Why am I arguing with a brat.” 

“How about you? Do you ever get scared?” 

A drop of silence followed, and Wang Yibo regretted asking. He suddenly felt stupid for asking the obvious question while trying to regain his dignity as an alpha. Xiao Zhan didn’t answer right away, he was about to change the topic when the omega replied, “I do.” 

The alpha was taken aback by his response. He stopped massaging the other’s temple but he continued again when the omega casually shifted from his comfortable seat, as if gesturing for him to continue. Now the alpha doesn’t know what to do so he religiously did the massage, trying to distract the simmering questions. 

“You can go now.” Xiao Zhan said after a few minutes. Wang Yibo secretly released a sigh of relief, he didn’t say anything as he exited. As he was about to close the door, he saw the omega standing from the chair and walked around the room. It was his study and home office so there are books. He saw the omega, took a book from one of the shelves and sat at the swivel chair facing the large windows to the moonlit back gardens. 

While he was staring at the omega’s back, Wang Yibo felt the other's back form was so small and vulnerable, very different to his usual proud posture and imposing aura. He wanted to say something but didn't know what to say. In the end he quietly closed the door and retreated to his room. 

“Hello.” Wang Yibo’s eyes twitch, the alpha from last time came to visit again, sitting in the living room when they came back from the office. 

As usual Xiao Zhan didn’t react to him, passing by the alpha as he went to the kitchen. The other immediately went after. Wang Yibo was about to follow them but Meng Ziyi called him back, a hand on his arm, when their eyes met, the female beta shook her head. Wang Yibo mouthed why, but the others didn’t appear to show any alertness and such. He then realized that the same as last time, they didn’t appear to be wary of the alpha so he conceded, and went to his bedroom albeit reluctantly. 

Changing to his comfortable casual jacket over flannel shirts and denim pants, Wang Yibo sat at the end of the bed as he tried to control his thoughts. He spent the rest of the dinner there when one kitchen lady personally sent his dinner meal. He was surprised, it was the first time it happened he had to eat alone and in his room. 

He asks the kitchen lady carefully, “Is Laoshi unavailable?” 

“Yes, the young master is busy right now so he sent your dinner in your quarters, young man.” The kitchen lady replied nonchalantly. 

The kitchen lady added when the younger alpha didn’t say anything, expression unconvinced, “Although the young master Chen is a bit clumsy, he is a good friend of the young master, there’s nothing for you to be worried about. So please eat at ease.” she lightly chuckled, a smile appeared on her wrinkled face. 

Wang Yibo ate his meal, trying to gauge out the noise outside but the walls were apparently an inch thicker so he didn’t hear a thing aside from his utensil clacking as he finished his meal. The next few nights, the alpha came to visit again and as usual, Wang Yibo was sent away and ate his dinner alone. He didn’t ask again after one time. 

The morning after the 5th night the alpha visited, Xiao Zhan appeared in the car as if nothing happened and Wang Yibo didn’t bother greeting the others like the usual mornings where he greets the other out of courtesy. They sat quietly in the car, when the omega noticed how the younger alpha was quieter than usual, he glanced to his side. Wang Yibo who was looking outside, noticed a pair of eyes burning behind his back, he cautiously raised his eyes to see the omega from his windowside’s reflection, Xiao Zhan was looking at him in his windowside reflection. 

As if caught in the act, he looked away immediately, he coughed, voice hard, “What?” 

“What are you up to?” 

“Nothing.” 

Xiao Zhan released a sigh of annoyance, crossing his legs, he wore the same dark monochromatic slacks and loose dress shirt, “It’s not nothing if your pheromones are bitching about, spill it.” 

His pheromones? Wang Yibo glances at the others present in the vehicle. They didn’t appear to be affected by his pheromones but somehow this guy next to him said as if it’s obvious? 

The others sat in their seats, the guy with one eye missing was murmuring something in his earpiece so quiet he didn’t notice it the first time until he saw the other move his mouth. The other guy with a missing toe finger was checking the monitor in front while the driver just did his job, swiftly turning around the intersections to the busy streets to the downtown city. 

“It’s nothing really, I slept at a wrong angle yesterday.” 

Xiao Zhan didn’t appear to be convinced but didn't press the matter furthermore. When they arrived at the office, Meng Ziyi had a look of bewilderment the minute she saw Wang Yibo’s face. She sighed in defeat when the alpha finally spilled what’s up with him (and Xiao Zhan ) when the two of them were left alone eating lunch while Xiao Zhan left without saying where he goes. 

“Young Master Chen is a good friend of Laoshi.” 

“I already knew that, nana said it from the first night.” 

Meng Ziyi looked at him, one eyebrow raised, the younger alpha didn’t look at her fully, chomping down the meat somewhat afraid to look at the female beta’s scrutinizing gaze. The female beta lightly chuckled and the younger alpha regretted talking to her now, “I don’t know what’s they were doing exactly but I’m sure it’s not like what you think it is.” 

“I’m not thinking of anything.” 

The female beta snorted, she put her glass down, they were eating face to face in the adjacent room but the female beta is always alert if their boss enters the office. Meng Ziyi spoke, “Although other alphas and omega have a hard time with Laoshi, there are always exceptions. Although young master Chen is a special case.” 

Wang Yibo was half-listening, half absorbed in his frustration. The female beta continued, “Just like any other people, some alpha’s got an unfortunate thing hanging on their shoulders. Chen Feiyu is one of them.” 

The young alpha looked at her, the other didn’t look at him and continued to talk as if it doesn’t matter if the young alpha would listen to her, “It was years ago that the young master Chen was diagnosed with a rare genetic disorder thus his alpha side was drastically affected, making him no more than a beta, perhaps even less. He does still have a little bit of pheromones but he can’t sense others, but what can a halfling of an alpha do without their sense fully functioning. He was also born from a branch family of the triad so he was supposed to support Laoshi when he came of age.” 

“Right now, Laoshi took him under his wing and sees him as his own brother. The young master Chen is also a bit clumsy and arrogant but Laoshi doesn’t mind it, instead he finds amusement whenever he gets the rise out of the young master.” Meng Ziyi glanced to his side, the other was silent, poking mindlessly the last piece of meat on his plate, she added after, “Right now, young master Chen is spending his time with sulking to Laoshi coz he knows he will only have time to talk to him when Laoshi is at home, exhausted perhaps, from the casino.” 

Wang Yibo doesn’t know what to feel when he finally hears about the other alpha. He never thought there would be such a thing to happen to other alphas. All his life, he hated being born to his parents, his mother was always out of the house with his flings while his father worked to death until his mother finally snapped and left them, his father who never knew would drink and gamble away, completely forgetting his existence because of his mother. He always thought he was the most unfortunate kid, an alpha, but then now, looking at it in a different setting, he felt somewhat bad for the older alpha. Then a part of Wang Yibo knew the two of them are still different and he has less choices than the other. 

Wang Yibo doesn’t like being seen as weak and useless, although he loved the attention in school as the only alpha, he doesn’t like being seen through bits and pieces of him. Yet he also chose it to be this way when he can perhaps make an effort to reach out to people, make proper connections, and maybe others wouldn’t see him as just the pretty face alpha, like the way Xiao Zhan does sometimes. . 

When they came home and Chen Feiyu was there, he didn’t retreat right away. Xiao Zhan noticed how the younger alpha was rooted in his place in the living room to the hallways to his quarters facing them with a tight expression, he sighed, “Feiyu, this brat thinks you’re fucking me.” 

The two alphas were beet red after Xiao Zhan blurted the allegation. Chen Feiyu took large strides, hitting Wang Yibo in the arms, the younger alpha jumping defensively, but the older alpha was so red that he raised his voice in disbelief, “A’Zhan is like my brother, what the hell are you thinking? I was correct, this guy is a pervert, A’Zhan!” 

“No, I’m not!” 

“Yes you are!” 

Meng Ziyi and Xiao Zhan snorted simultaneously, then the omega coughed, catching the two’s attention, “That’s it, now go and talk to that person. You wasted your time here too much already.” 

The older alpha was beet red, he huffed, turning on his heels, “I’m not gonna ask for your advice again, A’Zhan!” like a kid, he walked out of the door stomping his feet. Xiao Zhan chuckled. 

Finally when the door closed, Meng Ziyi bid her goodbye while the two guards patrolled outside and Wang Yibo and Xiao Zhan were the only ones left. The kitchen lady left them to their meals but Xiao Zhan denied it saying he wants to rest in his study and bring him snacks instead. Wang Yibo was left in the living room awkwardly until the kitchen lady, Nana, asked him to send the tray of snacks to the study instead. 

Wang Yibo knocked on the door, but there was no reply. A bout of courage suddenly surged up in him, so he pushed the door open. He slowly peaks inside the room, looking around afraid to be reprimanded. When he fully swung the door open, there was no shadow of the omega inside the study room. Still he proceeded to put the tray of snacks on the table near the study desk, looking around until he saw feet peeking from the corner of the curtains separating the study room to an extended sunroom. 

Xiao Zhan was lying on his stomach in his canopy bed, an open book near his head. The night wasn’t chilly so Xiao Zhan was dressed in his usual night robe, and appeared to have fallen asleep while reading a book. 

Wang Yibo doesn’t know what to do aside from staring at the other, thinking back then, he felt ashamed for throwing a tantrum when Xiao Zhan wasn’t doing anything. He sighed, berating internally, he was about to leave when he heard a shuffle, when he looked back to the omega, Xiao Zhan kicked the covers off of him to the carpets and his long creamy legs were exposed to the bright evening moonlight, looking as if it glowed with the moon. 

The younger alpha felt his full body tense and chest pounding. Xiao Zhan was so beautiful under the cold moonlight, his white skin looks ashen and porcelain against his usual dark colored night robes. After almost an hour of debating, he went towards the other, taking the blanket cover off the carpeted floor and putting it on the sleeping form of the omega. Xiao Zhan didn’t react much to it even when Wang Yibo didn’t take careful steps as he retreated and left the room. The sleeping omega heard the door close, he opened his eyes and an unreadable expression was on his face.

Normally, the entrance to the casino isn’t exactly the entrance for most of the patrons, it would be the parking lot with each part lot levels having different elevators for different types of patrons. The entrance was just an entrance for normal people while the special guests, vips and high profile ones were on completely different floors. The casino doesn’t look that grandeus from the exterior yet if specialists could tell, the first 20 floors are made of windowless thick blocks of materials and the upper are thick glass windows that are anti-snipers. It was a normal weekday when a particular limousine went into the casino. 

“Laoshi, Sir Jamal from the new group in the middle east came by the casino.” 

Wang Yibo, who was sitting at the sofa in the office eating his lunch, heard Meng Ziyi who came over the omega’s side. Xiao Zhan was drinking his tea after eating his soba, the attendants quickly cleaned the take out packages, “So what does he want?” 

“He said he had information for the next elections.” 

“You think that’s new?” 

“It’s not, but perhaps Laoshi would be interested since he plans to come by again.” 

“You take care of it.” Xiao Zhan had a look that he’s interested in but he’s not gonna fold until the opponent shows all of his cards. 

It was the first time Wang Yibo heard of foreigners coming by the casino, while specifically asking for the omega’s time. He didn’t think too much of it until they bumped into the said foreigner at the casino’s middle floors five days after. The said foreigner was a handsome middle-aged foreigner dressed in cape and suits like he was a pirate, Wang Yibo expected a stout man but never expected a handsome, yet short, businessman. 

“It was a pleasure to meet you, Xiao Zhan of the Xiao Triad.” The said man, Jamal, smiled at the omega but Xiao Zhan didn’t react to it, nodding a little, “Fate must have been playing with me to meet you here. Nevertheless, I’ve been waiting to meet you.” 

Xiao Zhan gestured with his hand to one attendant in the hallway to lead them to a room. Few minutes passed and the group settled to one private lounge in one of the VIP areas of the casino, a light music in the background and few attendants manning the bar on another side of the glass windows. Wang Yibo and the others stood behind Xiao Zhan who sat at one comfortable wing chair, while the foreigner sat at the opposite chair, behind him were ten petite figures wearing foreign two piece sheer fabric and another ten bodyguards wearing all black suits. In comparison, the omega’s group were smaller but in a way Xiao Zhan had always carried the same group, now including Wang Yibo everywhere, and together they look intimidating. This is true especially when the younger alpha noticed how the veiled petite figures and ten bodyguards, as well as the foreigner react to them, especially in front of the casino master. 

“I’ve been told a lot how beautiful the Golden Rose’ owner is but no words could justify you, I’m really glad to have finally met you Laoshi.” 

“Oh, you’ve heard about me?” Xiao Zhan asks, a sly smile appears on his lips. Wang Yibo had a bad feeling about this. 

The foreigner smiled when the casino master responded, he then added, “Yes, all of them were about your greatness in this field of business! I have always admired the blooming market in the east so I wanted to see the center of it all.” 

“Then, did it satisfy your curiosity?” Xiao Zhan gestured for the waiter who bought them cocktails and finger foods. 

“I’ve learned a lot thanks to Laoshi,” the other raised his glass and Xiao Zhan did the same, the foreigner added after one sip, “Though I was also hoping to explore more the vibrant market but I couldn’t find a connection to build it with.” the other said sadly. 

“So a higher view, where the bridges are all connected and intercepted clearly from above, hmm, is that right?” 

The foreign man Jamal was slightly taken aback then he smiled satisfactorily, he asked, “Perhaps this Laoshi could take me to a good spot to see the view from above?” 

Isn't he brave? Meng Ziyi said under her breath. 

Xiao Zhan propped back the empty class at the waiter’s platter before he looked at the other, raising one brow, “Then, what do you have for me?” 

“Delicate flowers from the desert.” 

Unlike the others, Wang Yibo didn’t understand so he didn’t react to much of it until he saw Meng Ziyi’s stance stiffened beside him. The female alpha wasn’t giving any reaction but they've been together for awhile so he noticed the difference between the female beta’s reaction. Unlike her, Xiao Zhan didn’t react much to it. 

The recipient of the deal, Xiao Zhan put a salted cookie to his mouth, biting it and the others can’t help but follow the person’s actions. Even the foreigner who is twice thicker and heavier than Xiao Zhan, followed like a duckling to his every movement like any time the other would lay some golden eggs. 

“I’m not interested.” 

The group all stiffened by the tone of the man sitting in front of them, crossing his legs like this is just an afternoon tea conversation. 

The foreigner was about to say something when one of the petite figures came forward, dropping to his legs in front of Xiao Zhan, Wang Yibo was in time to come in between them like the Meng Ziyi but just at the contact, Wang Yibo winced when the foreign scent mix of pheromones and perfume like spiciness hits his nostrils. His brain sends electric shocks after shocks to his whole body until his mind registers what that type of smell is. 

He dropped to his one knee, the other unconsciously clutched to Xiao Zhan’s propped leg for support. He didn't know what happened next since it was hazy, all he remembered before he blacked out was intense headache and pain in his pants and Xiao Zhan’s look of coldness and disdain who didn’t catch his slumped form on the carpet. 

Wang Yibo had a weird dream, it was too real but also too strange to have as a dream. He can feel a hand behind his nape and one on his cheeks. He can feel a different kind of hotness burning his skin against something, and a sweet feeling between his mouth as he tries to breathe and drink from something at the same time, he can’t remember what it was but he feels a muffled, guttural voice below him.  He can feel a long leg surrounding his torso, his hands supporting one leg and another on the other’s curves. Wang Yibo fumbled on the silky fabric and creamy skin, his hands knowing his kneading at the hot skin below him, while he leaned into the pair of cherry lips, hungry for more. The dream must’ve gone on for a white since Wang Yibo felt he’d gone for more hours at that moment. 

Wang Yibo woke up to his room’s ceiling, bed and his pajamas with a good stretch. It has been awhile since he had a good nap so he took his time stretching. When he looked next to his bed, he was delighted to see a tray of breakfast pancakes and smoothies. It was a lot more than the usual he gets. 

After he finished eating, he showered and changed after and when he saw his dishes were already taken to wash he went out to the living room to ask for Xiao Zhan’s permission to go out. He felt it must have been a holiday since he wasn’t woken up to escort the omega. 

When he got out of the room to the living room, he saw Nana the kitchen lady and other manservants but a single figure of the omega’s bodyguards and the omega himself was nowhere to be seen. So he asked while asking for another pancake in the kitchen with a younger kitchen lady, “Is Laoshi in the casino?” 

“Hm, yes, he had yet to come home since last night.” 

Last night? He then remembered that dream, he was surprised he didn’t have a boner earlier in the morning when he had such wet dreams. 

“Here, I know you’re starving since you had a rough day yesterday, can’t believe an omega would attack the young master-ah, sigh, tsk tsk.”  

Wang Yibo almost dropped his fork, a rush of memory and realization hits him. Yesterday, there was indeed a foreigner who came by the casino and met with Xiao Zhan. Before he knew it, he came in defense when one of the petite figures with the foreigner suddenly approached the omega, he came in between only to be hit with a strong pheromone, it was heat. It was an omega in heat. He didn’t know how he was able to conceal his heat before the meeting but at that moment, all of his senses heightened but also overdosed so he had blacked out. It was the first time it happened. 

Xiao Zhan came home that night and Wang Yibo was curious how the talk turned out, but he didn’t get the chance to ask since the moment Xiao Zhan came he immediately retreated to his study, prohibiting all of them knocking his doors except nana to serve his meals. 

It was the next day and Wang Yibo stumbled with the omega, lounging next to the indoor pool. He had a large book covering his face, torso was bare and his shorts were bright red, his white skin was a little bit blushed and golden from the ambient lights from the walls with ferns and other greens, and the high ceilings chandeliers shaped like parallel, like falling stars from infinity and universe. 

Wang Yibo stood from the door a few feets away from the omega, he was about to leave after deliberate debate when the sound of the book fell, echoing the large ceiling hall. The alpha turned around and saw Xiao Zhan sitting up, “Come over here if you have nothing to do.” His voice was hard, commanding at the same time threatening. 

Wang Yibo didn’t move for a good few seconds, thinking if he should be doing that when Xiao Zhan’s voice is telling him not to? “What, don’t you want to know what happened to that white bastard?”

“Yeah, I mean, I was the one who got knocked out so I have to know what happened afterwards.” 

Xiao Zhan didn’t reply for a good few seconds, he sighed, “I kicked him out of the country that’s all. I kept his other nut in my casino for display for future morons. Those subordinates wearing almost nothing are in my other building if you want to see them again.” 

Now that’s two, Wang Yibo doesn’t get what’s up with the other, he is almost accusing Wang Yibo of something he was even a victim of. Feeling wronged, Wang Yibo stomped forward but stopped five feets away from the other, taking the fallen book then putting it on top of a rattan poolside table before looking at the still turned back omega, Xiao Zhan had a stiffer posture than usual. 

“I don’t know what’s up with you but can’t just a person ask for nothing? I know you’re not doing that for my sake but can’t I just ask, like, how are you?” 

 The large hall and ceiling felt somewhat small at that moment. 

“Hah, you brat.” Xiao Zhan's voice was  hoarse, although his voice isn’t that loud, the large ceiling and walls made his voice reverberate, somewhat caging the alpha. 

Wang Yibo was so pissed with the other, he wanted to lash out, he wanted to grab this man right this moment but he didn't know what to do after that. So breathed out, closing his eyes to collect himself. A few beats and he walked away. Before he got out of the glass partitions to the exit, he heard a loud splash of water and when he turned around back the omega, Xiao Zhan’s shadow was nowhere to be seen aside from ripples of water from the splash. 

Wang Yibo cursed, he didn't know what to do so he stood there, waiting for a head or back to emerge a second after, only for about almost a minute and the alpha’s chest throbbed and he ran quickly towards the pool and diving finger to head first. 

The water below the pools was bluish and also gold from the surroundings and he saw Xiao Zhan diving like his life depended on it - he wanted to release a sigh of relief when Xiao Zhan emerged first at the surface and he followed the other back up and breathed in oxygen. 

When the two of them made eye contact, floating in the pool, Xiao Zhan had a scowl, very different to his usual indifferent and cold expressions. Wang Yibo didn’t notice that they were swimming back to the lower level pool until he felt the cold tiles at the edge of the pool and Xiao Zhan slowly swimming towards him. 

Wang Yibo stopped breathing the moment Xiao Zhan was a few inches away from his face. Xiao Zhan’s hair was dumped and shiny from the water, his lashes wet and his lips red from the water, he had a different feel that Wang Yibo couldn't help holding his breath, afraid to shoo away the siren-like omega at the moment in the waters. 

Xiao Zhan’s hands emerged from the surface and cups his cheeks, the gesture sends an electrifying sensation in the coldness and hot from the touch than a memory comes flashing back to him - the dream where a body lie beneath him, gasping small hot hairs and smooth lean hands on his cheeks - as if to confirm, Xiao Zhan’s other hand came up from the surface as well and slides between his nape and fringes. The two had a momentary trance looking into each other's eyes, then their lips crashed into each other’s mouth.