Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

The heat rose in the hotel room, sage and iris mixing, aware of each other, mingling together as the Alpha cornered the Omega, his Omega.

The air was thick with anticipation as the dominant Alpha male, towering over his Omega counterpart, closed in on his frame. He radiated an aura of raw masculinity, while the Omega seemed to quiver under his intense gaze.

With a low growl, he claimed his lips in a searing kiss, his tongue delving past to explore every nook and cranny of his mouth. The Omega struggled against him, hands pressing on the Alpha’s chest to push him away, but his hands were simply pinned above his head as the Alpha bit his heart-shaped lips, making them plump from the kissing.

The Omega let out a muffled whimper, trying to turn his face away but that only made his glasses fall, crashing somewhere with a thud, his body arching involuntarily into the touch as he tried to pull away. His hips rocked forward, grinding against the bulge in the Alpha’s pants as he felt himself growing hard.

Gao Tu whined as Wenlang, his boss, the Alpha he's pinnend after for 10 years in silence, pulled at his clothes, mindless as an Alpha under the control of his Omega’s heat. Sage scent released from Gao tu’s gland, slick dripping from his rim as he fought the urge to surrender to the strong Alpha’s iris pheromones.

With a grunt, the Wenlang tore open Gao Tu’s shirt, buttons flying everywhere as he exposed the trembling Omega’s chest. Rough palms slid across the smooth skin, pinching and rolling Gao Tu’s nipples until they hardened into peaks.

“Mine,” He snarled, nipping at the Omega’s earlobe before sucking it between his teeth. He couldn’t even see the Omega, the filth that seduced him by his pheromones, making him lose control like this. He had to knot this sage-scented Omega, “You’re mine.”

“Wait—“ Gao Tu whimpered from the Alpha’s touches. Wenlang pushed the Omega down on the bed, yanked down Gao Tu’s pants to his thighs, exposing his ass as Gao Tu squirmed beneath him, unable to move his legs as his own clothing restricted him. Wenlang spanked his slick-leaking ass hard, leaving a red handprint behind. “This ass belongs to me.”

Gao Tu cried out, tears welling up in his eyes from the pain as Wenlang's hand dilivered the hits at a punishing pace, not letting him recover before another strike landed on his already reddened ass, but his cock throbbed, leaking pre-cum and slick onto the sheets below. His hole clenched, craving the fullness only his Alpha could provide.

Wenlang’s fingers found Gao Tu’s entrance, circling it teasingly before pushing inside. Gao Tu gasped, his body instinctively trying to clench around the invasion, getting breached for the first time in his life. Wenlang pumped them in and out, stretching the tight ring of muscle, preparing it for him.

“Slower—” The Omega gripped Wenlang’s wrist to stop him from fingering and stretching him. The Alpha growled lowly at being stopped, driven by lust, he pulled his tie free, pulling the Omega’s hands up, tying his wrists together so tightly it hurt.

Wenlang smirked, pleased with his captive state. “Patience, little sage,” he purred, releasing Gao Tu’s bound hands to trail his fingers down the Omega’s sides, tracing the curves of his slim waist and curving hips, marking him with his nails, leaving behind red lines. “I’m going to enjoy claiming every inch of you. So stay.” He ordered as the Omega's body fought against the command.

He leaned in, his hot breath fanning over Gao Tu’s ear as he whispered, “Your sweet little hole is going to milk my cock dry.” He chuckled lowly, body leaking strong iris pheromones, “Isn’t that what you wanted when you drew me here, Mm,  filthy Omega?”

Gao Tu tried to struggle, but his pants at his hips and the open shirt tight on his shoulders made it hard for him to move. He turned his head, hoping Wenlang wouldn’t know it’s him who’s the Omega.

Wenlang chuckled darkly at Gao Tu’s struggles, his fingers deftly tearing the Omega’s shirt to expose more of his sweaty, bare torso, throwing the two pieces of the dress shit on the floor “Let’s get you comfortable,” He rasped before focusing on the Omega’s pants. He hooked his thumbs in the waistband and slowly dragged them down Gao Tu’s legs, better revealing his toned thighs and the glistening wetness between them.

As Gao Tu lay exposed and vulnerable, Wenlang’s eyes raked over his nude form, drinking in the sight of the trembling Omega. He dipped his head, dragging his nose along the curve of Gao Tu’s neck, inhaling deeply. The intoxicating mix of sage and iris filled his senses, heat and rut of the most compatible of Omega and Alpha pair coliding, stoking his desire to new heights, “Fuck, you smell so good.”

Gao Tu shivered, goosebumps rising on his skin as Wenlang breathed in his scent. The Alpha’s touch ignited sparks of pleasure through his body, despite his efforts to resist. He bit his lip, fighting back a moan as Wenlang’s fingers brushed over his sensitive inner thigh, trailing closer to his dripping slit.

Wenlang groaned, his cock throbbing painfully in his trousers at the feel of Gao Tu’s slick arousal. He needed to taste him, claim him utterly. Gripping Gao Tu’s knees, he spread the Omega wide, baring his glistening entrance to Wenlang’s hungry gaze.

“You’re so fucking gorgeous like this,” Wenlang growled, dipping his head to lap at Gao Tu’s weeping entrance. His tongue swirled around the rim, savouring the tangy flavour of the Omega’s essence. “Mmm, so delicious…” He trailed the kiss up his groin, taking the Omega’s pretty cock into his mouth.

Wenlang wrapped his lips around Gao Tu’s length, suckling gently as he worked his way down. The Omega’s cock twitched in his mouth, leaking pre-cum which Wenlang eagerly swallowed. He bobbed his head, taking more of Gao Tu into his throat with each downward motion.

Gao Tu’s body twisted in the sheets, a ragged moan escaping his lips as Wenlang’s skilled mouth brought him mind-numbing pleasure, hands struggling in the Alpha’s tie. The Alpha’s tongue swirled around the sensitive head, lapping up every drop of precum before diving back in to take him deeper.

Wenlang hummed around his Omega’s cock, vibrations sending jolts of ecstasy through Gao Tu’s body. He looked up, meeting the Omega’s desperate gaze as he continued to suck him off, watching him tremble.

Gao Tu’s climax hit him like a tidal wave, his orgasm crashing over him as he spilt his release into Wenlang’s eager mouth. The sensation of the Alpha’s tongue swirling around his sensitive tip and the feeling of being consumed sent him spiralling into blissful release.

“Wen… Lang…” Gao Tu’s voice was a mere whisper, breathless and shaky as he rode out the aftershocks. His thighs quivered, muscles lax as he lay there, completely spent, tears slipping from his eyes. He’d never let himself dream about a night like this, Wenlang pleasuring him, he’d never expected to end up under him, the feeling overwhelmed the Omega, broken sobs leaving his lips as tears dripping down his temples.

But Wenlang wasn’t done yet. He licked his lips clean of Gao Tu’s cum, then crawled up the Omega’s body, pinning him to the mattress with his weight. Their hips pressed together, hot and hard, as Wenlang captured Gao Tu’s mouth in a bruising kiss, all teeth and tongue, forcing him to taste his own release from the Alpha's tongue, cutting off the Omega’s crying.

Gao Tu whimpered into the kiss, his lips swollen and tender from Wenlang’s earlier biting. The Alpha’s hardness ground against his own spent cock, sending jolts of pleasure-pain through his oversensitive body. He tried to turn his head, but Wenlang held him firm, claiming his mouth ruthlessly.

When the Alpha pulled away, they stared into each other’s eyes. Gao Tu’s heart cracked at the sight. Wenlang’s eyes were so… Empty. Dread replaced the arousal in the Omega’s belly. Wenlang would never touch him if he wasn’t this lost in the rut his own heat had sent him in; he was crying more before he could help himself.

Wenlang’s expression softened slightly at the sight of the Omega's tears, the sight bothered him more than he could understand, but his hunger remained unabated. He reached down, kissing the Omega’s eyes, releasing pheromones to provide comfort as he pulled at his own clothes till they too joined the Omega's on the floor, standing over his Omega fully bare.

The Alpha’s large hands stroked soothingly over his back, attempting to calm the Omega’s shaking form. But Wenlang’s touch only heightened Gao Tu’s sensitivity, sending shivers down his spine. His spent cock twitched, betraying its interest in the Alpha’s proximity and form.

Wenlang flipped the Omega on his stomach, for a deeper access, he tried convincing himself, although deep down, he simply didn't wish to see the Omega cry. Thick fingers prodded at Gao Tu’s entrance, the slick coating easing the way as he pushed two fingers inside. The Omega let out a choked sob, his body tensing at the invasion, back arching. Wenlang’s fingers stretched and prepared his hole, pumping in and out to loosen the tight ring of muscle.

“Relax…” Wenlang cooed, his thumb brushing over Gao Tu’s fluttering hole. “You’re going to take my cock so well.” He added a third finger, scissoring them to widen the opening further, so the Omega wouldn’t hurt on his cock.

Gao Tu whimpered, his face buried in the pillow as he felt himself being stretched impossibly wide. His body was traitorously responding to the stimulation, his cock beginning to stir once more. He hated how much he craved Wenlang’s touch, even as fear clawed at his insides.

“Please…” Gao Tu whispered, unsure whether he was begging for mercy or more of Wenlang’s touch, he gasped as the Alpha found the spot inside him that had his feet kicking, body cunvulsing as he came with his cock untouched, release coating the sheets.

Wenlang removed his fingers, bringing them to his lips and licking them clean of Gao Tu’s slick arousal. The salty taste of the Omega’s pleasure only fueled his desire further. He positioned his thick cock at Gao Tu’s sensitive entrance, applying gentle pressure as he worked the tip inside.

Gao Tu’s body resisted at first, squirming from oversensitivity, the tight ring of muscle refusing to yield to the intruding girth. But Wenlang’s harsh thrusts gradually breached the barrier, his girth sinking deeper into the Omega’s welcoming heat. A low moan escaped Gao Tu’s lips as he felt himself being filled, his inner walls clenching around the thick invader, just spent cock giving a twich in its own release between his body and the sheets.

Gao Tu whimpered and struggled under his Alpha’s dominance as his body stretched to accommodate him.

Wenlang grunted, his hips flexing as he sank deeper into Gao Tu’s tight heat. The Omega’s body felt like heaven around his cock, squeezing and milking him with each inch. Once fully sheathed, Wenlang paused, savouring the incredible feeling of being buried to the hilt within his mate.

Gao Tu’s muffled cries and writhing body only spurred Wenlang on. He began to move, withdrawing until just the tip remained inside before slamming back in, setting a relentless pace. The force of Wenlang’s thrusts jolted Gao Tu forward, the headboard banging against the wall with each powerful stroke.

Wenlang’s hands gripped Gao Tu’s hips, holding him steady as he pistoned in and out, the sound of skin slapping against skin filling the room.

Gao Tu’s mind went blank, his body operating solely on instinct as he bucked back against Wenlang, meeting each brutal thrust. His cock throbbed, already leaking precum as his body responded to the overwhelming sensations. He was so close to coming again already, so much so it pained, but he knew it wouldn’t matter—Wenlang would keep going until he’d emptied inside the Omega’s willing body.

“Please… Please…” The Omega begged, voice broken as his orgasm crashed into him, the sage scent firing, heat pheromones leaking as the Alpha's cock brushed against his prostate over and over again the second he found it.

Wenlang roared as Gao Tu’s inner walls clamped down on his cock painfully tightly. He pounded into Gao Tu’s heat relentlessly, chasing his peak as the pleasure built to a crescendo. Finally, with one last deep thrust, Wenlang buried himself to the hilt and erupted, his thick seed flooding Gao Tu’s insides, cock knotting the pair together.

“Fuck… Take all of me,” Wenlang growled, his hips jerking as he emptied himself within the Omega. He collapsed on top of Gao Tu, panting heavily as their bodies merged in a sweaty, pulsing embrace.

Gao Tu lay there, his body still spasming from the intensity of his climax, ears ringing, Wenlang’s still hard cock lodged inside him, gushing his seed so deep inside him that it settled. He felt used, claimed, owned, and somehow, inexplicably, cherished.

Wenlang’s heavy frame pinned Gao Tu to the mattress, their sweat-slicked bodies entwined as they caught their breath. The Alpha’s knot throbbed gently within the Omega’s stretched passage, sealing them together intimately. Gao Tu could feel Wenlang’s heartbeat against his back, slow and contented now that the frenzy of rut had passed.

As the Alpha’s breathing steadied, he nuzzled into the crook of Gao Tu’s neck, inhaling deeply. The musky scent of their combined exertions mingled with the lingering notes of sage and iris, a potent reminder of their primal connection. A soft rumble vibrated through Wenlang’s chest as he murmured, “Mine…” The possessive declaration hung in the air, a promise and a warning in equal measure.

“I want to be…” Gao Tu whispered, sniffing slightly again as the emotions crashed into him harsher than Shen Wenlang’s thrusts, as if that were even possible.

Gao Tu’s words trailed off, his voice cracking with emotion as he felt the truth of his feelings settle deep within his soul. In this moment, with Wenlang’s warm body enveloping his own and the Alpha’s knot still nestled inside him, Gao Tu finally acknowledged the depth of his devotion.

“I… I’m yours,” he managed to choke out, the admission a painful relief after years of suppressing such desires. Tears pricked at the corners of his eyes as he surrendered to the realisation that he belonged to this fierce, dominant man who had taken him so thoroughly.

Wenlang’s grip on Gao Tu tightened, his fingers digging into the Omega’s hips as if to brand him, to ensure he’d never forget this declaration of ownership. The Alpha leaned down, kissing over his Omega’s scent glands, neck marked red, hand prints on the Omega’s ass, clawed marks on the tiny waist.

As Wenlang marked Gao Tu with his kisses and bites, the Omega trembled beneath him, a symphony of emotions playing out across his expressive face—submission, vulnerability, and a quiet acceptance of his place at the Alpha’s side.

Gao Tu’s body seemed to melt into Wenlang’s, his slender frame yielding to the Alpha’s strength as if he’d been moulded to fit perfectly against him. Their hearts beat as one, chests rising and falling in tandem as they basked in the afterglow of their passionate mating.

They slept deeply, their bodies intertwined, Wenlang’s knot still firmly lodged inside Gao Tu. The Alpha’s arms kept the Omega secure against his chest, as if afraid to let go, even in slumber.

Hours later, Wenlang woke up first, groaning as he blinked, body aching from his forced rut, eyes adjusted to the darkness, eyes landing on the body in his arm, and around his cock, phoenix eyes widening in slight horror, “Gao Tu!?”

Chapter Text

Gao Tu… Gao Tu…

The name was haunting the S-Tier Alpha president of HS Group for three days. He sat by his desk, waiting for the man he had mated in his heat to show up.

His heat. His childhood crush wasn’t a Beta, but one of the Omegas he despised, yet despite the lying, he couldn’t seem to hate the man. Yeah, he had wanted to yell at him, but after three days of absence, he just hoped Gao Tu would grace him with his presence at least.

After all, it might’ve been his own hatred that made Gao Tu hide; even though he hated Omegas, he didn’t hate Gao Tu after finding out he was one, he couldn’t. Every time he thought of him, he saw the cute boy in his school uniform looking up at him from the floors below in wonder.

How could he have been so stupid about the signs? It made perfect sense now, the so-called Omega partner of his that he had never even seen a picture of, someone who was never mentioned until it was time for a rather irregular heat cycle.

Wenlang stopped typing on his laptop for a second, glancing down at his own hand. Had he been sending Gao Tu into heat unknowingly? He never restrained his pheromones around him since he thought his secretary was a Beta; the thought put a sick feeling in his stomach. He needed to see the man fast before he lost his mind overthinking everything.

He’d done his research after that night and only Alpha-Omega couple pairs with over 90% compatibility lose control over each other’s rut or heat. And he was sure he had lost his mind, ten years of silent longing, and one night changed it all.

Wenlang stood abruptly, pacing back and forth across his rich office as thoughts swirled through his mind like a hurricane. The sleek black leather of his chair creaked under his restless weight. His piercing phoenix gaze darted around the room, taking in the towering bookshelves, the polished mahogany desk, and the floor-to-ceiling windows that offered a breathtaking view of the city skyline. But none of these familiar comforts seemed to soothe the turmoil within him.

Three days. Three unending days since that night when his long-suppressed desires had finally burst free, consuming him utterly. And still, no sign of Gao Tu. The Omega’s absence gnawed at him like a persistent itch he couldn’t scratch.

He couldn’t wait any longer. Grabbing his keys, he rushed out of his office. He had to go to Gao Tu’s apartment to check on the Omega. Right now.

Wenlang strode purposefully through the gleaming marble halls of the HS Group headquarters, his designer suit rustling softly with each determined step. The hum of activity around him—the soft murmur of conversations, the clacking of keyboards, the occasional ring of a phone—faded into background noise as his focus narrowed to a single point: reaching Gao Tu.

Wenlang stood outside Gao Tu’s beaten-down apartment. He knocked on the door. When no one answered, he tried to look through the window to find no one inside. He pulled out his phone and texted the Omega, “Gao Tu where are you?”

“At Home.” Came the quick reply.

Wenlang’s eyes widened at the text. LIAR! He instantly called his little liar, “Where the hell are you?”

“Mr Shen, I’m at home.” Gao Tu said again, hearing his voice after days, Wenlang found himself relaxing, yet his Omega still wasn’t telling him the truth.

“I’ll ask again, where are—” As Wenlang’s voice was beginning to rise, Gao Tu climbed up the steps and was standing right in front of him. he turned to face the man, air so thick with tension a butter knife could cut it.

“Mr Shen,” Gao Tu slid his phone down his ear. Wenlang noticed the Omega looked tired, darkness under his eyes showing he hadn’t been sleeping

“Open the door,” Wenlang knocked on the door again to motion to it. He wanted to spend time with his… Friend. Yet he didn’t know how to say it.

Gao Tu’s slender fingers trembled slightly as he reached for the doorknob, his heart pounding in his chest like a caged bird fluttering around, desperate for freedom. The sound of Shen Wenlang’s authoritative voice, laced with barely contained frustration, sent a shiver down his spine. He knew he should feel more intimidated, perhaps even afraid, given the Alpha’s formidable reputation and imposing presence, and what they had done that night, drunk on his heat. But instead, Gao Tu felt an inexplicable sense of calm wash over him, as if the very air around them had grown heavier, charged with an electric tension that left him breathless.

As the door swung open, Gao Tu stepped aside, allowing Shen Wenlang to enter first. The Omega’s gaze lingered on the Alpha’s broad shoulders, the way his tailored suit hugged his muscular frame, and the confident stride that filled the small apartment with an aura of power.

Gao Tu asked if he wanted some tea, and Wenlang agreed without even properly listening, his eyes set on every single thing in the Omega’s place. Warmth in his chest at the thought that the Omega stocked up on tea for him.

His eyes landed on a box in inhibitors, something Gao Tu probably took to pretend to be a Beta. As Gao Tu bustled about the kitchen, preparing the tea with practised ease, Wenlang’s thoughts raced. How long had Gao Tu been taking those inhibitors? Since their school days, or was this a recent development? The former didn’t sound healthy at all.

The Alpha’s hands clenched into fists at his sides, the urge to confront Gao Tu head-on almost overwhelming. “What’s so important that you skipped three days? Is that Omega in heat again?”

His words made Gao Tu stumble, splashing hot water on his hand, his hand instinctively curling into a fist.

Shen Wenlang immediately moved closer, his concern evident in the gentle way he touched Gao Tu’s arm. “Let me see,” he murmured. His touch was feather-light, yet it sent a jolt of electricity coursing through Gao Tu’s body, making him acutely aware of the Alpha’s proximity.

“It’s ok, the water spilled.” The Omega whispered, trying to move away, but Wenlang was already examining his hand, thumb gently stroking the back of it.

Wenlang gently released soothing pheromones, just enough to be barely noticed, but Gao Tu relaxed completely, letting the Alpha check his hand. As the Alpha inspected Gao Tu’s injured hand, his touch remained tender and deliberate, a stark contrast to the dominant, scary president he was known to be. Gao Tu’s skin tingled wherever their skin met, a delicate dance of heat and coolness that left him breathless and wanting more.

Wenlang’s eyes trailed up to his face, eyes lingering on the red love bite markings on the Omega’s neck, his head was nearly beating out of his chest, he’d left that there. With a deep breath, he took a step closer, and Gao Tu took one back.

With a low growl, Wenlang closed the distance between them, his large frame looming over the smaller Omega. Gao Tu’s retreat was halted by the solid wall behind him, leaving nowhere to escape the Alpha’s advancing presence. “Please sit and have tea.” The Omega whispered, back pressed against the wall, sage scent rolling out from his glands, soured in confusion.

Gao Tu swallowed hard, his pulse racing as Wenlang loomed over him, the alpha’s intense gaze burning into his very soul. The Omega’s body trembled, caught between the wall and the imposing figure of his mate—Sage pheromones wafted from Gao Tu’s glands, an instinctual response.

How foolish Wenlang had been to assume the sage scent came from his Omega instead of him being the Omega. The Alpha nodded, leaning back onto the chair, bringing the tea to his lips, “Mmm…” He’d been missing tea by his hands, a wave of pleasure coursed through him, warmth spreading in his chest. “This tastes wonderful.”

Wenlang watched Gao Tu wash his hands before turning, and he pulled out his phone. “Look at this email you send last week,” he said, setting his phone down so that Omega could see. “You messed up half-width and full-width characters—” Instead of anger in his tone, like there usually would be if one of his workers messed up, concern laced each word.

Gao Tu frowned, peering at the screen, his brow furrowing in concentration as he scanned the email. A flush crept up his cheeks as realisation dawned. He’d been so distracted, his mind consumed by thoughts of that night with Wenlang, that he’d overlooked such a basic mistake. “I’m sorry,” His head dropped, “Since it was a spam unsubcription reply—”

“Even junk mails need care,” Wenlang cut him off, knowing it was just an excuse since the Omega wasn’t well, he would’ve taken care of that email himself if he knew, “It goes out under my name.”

“Sorry…” Gao Tu whispered again, shrinking into himself. He hung his head, shame and embarrassment washing over him as he absorbed Wenlang’s gentle rebuke. The Omega’s apology hung heavy in the air, each syllable weighted with remorse. His shoulders slumped, and he avoided meeting the Alpha’s gaze, fearing the disappointment he’d surely find there.

But instead of scolding further, Wenlang surprised him by rising from the chair and closing the distance once more. This time, however, his touch was not to inspect injuries, but to cup Gao Tu’s chin, tilting his face upwards. Their eyes locked, the intensity of the Alpha’s phoenix gaze searing through the Omega’s defences.

“You’re tired,” Wenlang stated matter-of-factly, touching gently before he dropped his hold on the Omega’s chin. “Is the work too much? Or is somthing else bothering you?”

Gao Tu blinked rapidly, caught off guard by the sudden shift in Shen Wenlang’s demeanour. The Alpha’s concern was palpable, his voice softening to a gentle rumble that resonated deep within the Omega’s chest. For a moment, Gao Tu forgot to breathe, his heart stuttering in his ribcage as he stared up at the man who had become his entire world in the last ten years.

“I…I don’t know,” He admitted, his voice barely above a whisper. “Everything feels so overwhelming lately. Work, life… And then there’s yo—Nothing.”

Wenlang ignored the way Gao Tu nearly slipped up, “Also, when we were at the X Hotel, why did you dissapear?” He asked, pulling the Omega closer subtly, knowing the chances of Gao Tu telling him he knew what they did, or even remembered, were highly unlikely.

Hearing those words, Gao Tu backed away from Wenlang, eyes almost shaking. That was all Wenlang needed to know that the Omega did know. He started to shake, so Wenlang sighed, continuing their conversation himself, “When you return, investigate X Hotel, find the Omega who slept around the staff lounges.”

“What will you do if you find out?” Gao Tu asked; he was clearly scared for himself since no one knew of Wenlang’s hatred for Omegas better than the Omega himself.

Shen Wenlang’s expression hardened, his jaw clenched as he fought to keep his emotions in check, since his Omega was clearly terrified of the consequences, “I haven’t decided it.”

An earthquake in Jianghu? Wenlang was panicked, already in his car driving to Gao Tu’s house with the Omega on dial, “Hello, the user you dialled…” He cut the call and redialed, “Gao Tu, pick up!”

“Hello?” Came the Omega’s voice; it was gentle, and Wenlang instantly started driving slowly.

“Where are you?” He asked without any introduction, “There’s an earthquake in Jianghu! Where are you? I’ll come and get you!”

“Mr Shen, I’m at the hospital with my sister.” Gao Tu whispered, leaned against a hospital wall, and talked in a gentle whisper.

Wenlang’s car came to a screeching stop. “Good, your place is too dangerous!” He said, already looking for a turn to drive to HeCi, “Don’t go back yet.” The Alpha’s voice was firm, brooking no argument as he instructed Gao Tu to remain at the hospital. “Stay at my place if you have nowhere to go.”

“Thank you Mr Shen, but my sister had an invasive procedure today. I need to stay and take care of her, so don’t worry.” Gao Tu's chest was warm at the thought of Wenlang worrying over his safety.

“Stay at HeCi,” Wenlang pulled his car to the side, holding his phone to his ear, “I’ll come visit Qing soon.”

The second the call ended, Hua Yong’s text came through: “Earthquake, he’s hurt!” Shit!

When the dust settled, Wenlang offered to drive Gao Tu home from the hospital the next day, after Hua Yong and Shaoyou’s surgeries; the Omega had tried to refuse; he had been slightly distant when Wenlang had walked in on him and Hua Yong talking. But the Alpha wasn’t taking a no for an answer.

What they found was that Gao Tu’s rundown apartment had suffered horribly in the earthquake. While the tremors were mild, the building was old and cheap, and the support pillars had taken a hit, making the place almost unlivable, locking everything Gao Tu owned inside, while police tape wouldn’t let them through.

As they surveyed the damage from where they were allowed to stand, Gao Tu’s shoulders sagged under the weight of his misfortune; everything he owned was inside, their framed photo, the old limey juice, and most importantly, his suppressants.

The Alpha’s protective instincts flared to life, seeing Gao Tu's posture sag, his chest tightening with a mix of concern for his mate’s well-being and urge to protect him skyrocketing. “I meant what I said, Gao Tu,” He spoke softly, hoping the Omega would take his help, “If you have nowhere to go, come with me.”

Gao Tu turned to face Shen Wenlang, his eyes red-rimmed and puffy from lack of sleep. He looked utterly defeated, “Everything I own is inside, things I can’t leave…” He protested weakly, gesturing towards the sealed-off building. “And I certainly don’t want to impose on you.”

Despite his words, Gao Tu’s body betrayed him, leaning involuntarily towards the comforting warmth of Wenlang. The Alpha’s offer was tempting, too good to resist. But pride and stubbornness held him back, refusing to accept charity, even from the man he loved.

“You’re never imposing,” Wenlang insisted, then looked at the tape warding them off, “If something really that important is in there, let’s go get it.” When Gao Tu made a sound of surprise, the Alpha turned to face him, his tall frame a protective shadow over the Omega. “What? If we’re caught it’ll probably just be a fine.”

The sincerity in Wenlang’s voice was unmistakable, his confidence unwavering as he gazed down at Gao Tu with a fierce determination. The Omega’s resistance crumbled under the weight of the Alpha’s persistent support over the past few days, and he found himself nodding in reluctant agreement.

Together, the pair slipped past the police tape, navigating the rubble-strewn hallways with caution. The musty smell of damp concrete and decaying plaster filled their noses as they ascended the creaky stairs, the structure groaning ominously under their footsteps.

Finally, they reached Gao Tu’s apartment, the door hanging crookedly on its hinges. Wenlang ripped it open, his eyes scanning the room for any signs of danger before gesturing for Gao Tu to enter ahead of him. “Go get your things, I’ll be here.”

Gao Tu nodded, stepping inside. Not much seemed to be destroyed, and he was happy about that. Grabbing his suit from the rack in front, he went further in, grabbing the juice, then he felt stupid. If he were living with Wenlang, what if the Alpha saw it? It would be too embarrassing, so with a heavy heart, he put it back. But he wanted to keep their photo; how could he leave that behind? So he hid it around his suit, grabbing a handful of clothes, and as many suppressants as he could stuff in his coat's pockets before he made it back outside.

“Did you get everything already?” Wenlang was where he said he would be, right outside. When Gao Tu silently nodded, the Alpha was already moving, “Alright, let’s get out of here.”

As they descended the stairs, Wenlang kept a watchful eye on Gao Tu, noticing the slight tremor in the Omega’s hands as he clutched his belongings close. The Alpha’s heart swelled with empathy, understanding the depth of emotional turmoil his mate must be experiencing amidst this chaos. Ever since their school days, the Omega hated depending on anyone; it had taken a lot of convincing on his part to let him fund his education through his scholarship. Still, Wenlang was glad he would always accept his help in the end.

Once they emerged into the fresh air, Wenlang wrapped an arm around Gao Tu’s shoulders, guiding him towards his car. “We’ll sort everything out,” he reassured, his voice a gentle rumble. “First, let’s get you somewhere you can sleep.” With Gao Tu’s things in the backseat, Wenlang took the driver’s seat, motioning the Omega to take the passenger’s seat beside him.

As they drove away from the ruined apartment complex, Gao Tu couldn’t help but steal glances at Wenlang, marvelling at the Alpha’s composed demeanour despite the chaotic scene they’d just left behind. The steady thrum of the engine, slight iris pheromones from the Alpha and the softness of the leather seats created a soothing atmosphere, helping to ease the Omega’s frayed nerves.

He soon found himself asleep in the car seat, tired from not sleeping for hours on end, worried over his sister, and the night he shared with the Alpha weighing heavily on his mind. His head lolled back in the seat, and Wenlang noticed. The Alpha smiled, moving over to help push the seat back so the Omega could lie better.

It took a while for the complexes Wenlang basically owned to appear; he drove the car to the underground parking, sliding it in easily into his reserved spot before he turned to Gao Tu. He didn’t want to wake him up; the man looked so peaceful, glasses askewed, softly snoring.

He got out of the car, opening the passenger’s door—Only Gao Tu’s from now on, he decided—And quietly scooped up his slumbering Omega, making his way to the elevators.

Inside the sleek glass elevator, Wenlang pressed the button for the top floor, his heart rate increasing slightly at the prospect of having Gao Tu in his personal space, especially now that the Omega was vulnerable in sleep. As the doors slid shut, he nuzzled his nose against Gao Tu’s temple, inhaling deeply the familiar sage scent of his mate. When the Omega moved, he stopped.

Minutes later, the elevator dinged, and Wenlang stepped out into the opulent threshold of his penthouse suite. He carried Gao Tu across the polished marble floor, ascending the sweeping staircase to the private rooms on the second level and placed him in bed in the guest room. “Rest well, alright?” He couldn’t help but want to place a kiss on his head, barely restraining himself, taking off his glasses to put them on the side table before pulling the covers over him. “I’ll make sure you never lack anything ever again.” He had the man he had wanted for ten years in his home; the feeling warmed his heart, and the sight of Gao Tu sleeping in a bed in his place found its permanent spot in his heart.

When the door was shut, the Omega’s eyes shot wide open, a gentle, almost inaudible, pathetic whimper tore through his throat, eyes lined with tears rolling down his temples, heart beating so loud he could hear it in his ears, the feeling of being carried by the man he loved still tingling his body. Was… Did Wenlang like him? It must be the Beta persona he put on, it had to be… How was he going to survive living with the man he loved like this?