Chapter Text
The silence of the night was shattered by a loud gunshot.
Lu Guang stood, but the more he tried to resist a direct command, the more the scent of fresh strawberries lost its sweetness, turning overripe and rotten in disapproval of his resistance.
Cheng Xiaoshi growled low in his throat, warning Lu Guang to just stay down!
Why did his partner resist him so much? Why couldn't he get it through his thick skull that Cheng Xiaoshi only meant to keep him safe?
We’re definitely talking about the alpha-typical bull-headedness that rears its head when it shouldn’t.
The redhead assassin wasn't just a threat because of his gun.
He was a threat because he trespassed in an omega’s territory and started destroying Cheng Xiaoshi’s extended nest — the Photo Studio.
Years spent in the place as a lone omega and the two-story building had become his home.
His territory.
Despite being alphas, even Qiao Ling and Lu Guang tried not to disturb anything without his permission.
And then there was this man. Did owning a gun make him think he was hot shit? That the unspoken laws that governed all omegas and alphas wouldn't apply if he came armed?
Fat chance. No omega tolerated dumb alpha audacity.
Out of the corner of his eye, he caught sight of Lu Guang trying to get up again and Cheng Xiaoshi released more of his scent, imbuing it with a reprimand along with the compulsion; telling him to let Cheng Xiaoshi handle it and stay out of the fucking way. Lu Guang grumbled but crawled under the counter.
Good.
The other alpha laughed harshly, smoke and ozone overwhelming Cheng Xiaoshi’s omega compulsion with an unspoken alpha command of his own. The scent of burning wood made him almost gag and drop the command that was keeping the intruder away from him and Lu Guang.
The scent of the incoming storm and acrid smoke sharpened in the air and Cheng Xiaoshi felt a headache making itself known. He rubbed his temple, dropping out of stance for a few seconds.
The opportunity that presented had the alpha advancing in his space, a punch directed at his face and Cheng Xiaoshi barely skipped back to dodge, a hand going to press against the stabbing pain at his side — the bullet wound he had acquired all thanks to the intruder.
Or maybe he shouldn't have tried using an omega’s last line of defence against a man aiming a loaded gun at Lu Guang before diving into a photo and appearing in front of him…
At least now he’s not going for the gun anymore. Hand-to-hand combat, I can deal with.
The alpha smiled, fangs bared as he eyed Cheng Xiaoshi. The grin was as surprised as it was threatening. It was the kind of expression all young omegas are warned about. A hint of metal sharpened his already asphyxiating pheromones and Cheng Xiaoshi startled, looking up into the scarlet eyes of the assassin.
Bloodlust. This man’s just getting started.
Fuck!
A kick was aimed at his head along with a punch to his throat and Cheng Xiaoshi sidestepped, slapping the fist away with surprising strength. Before he could marvel over the stunningly good deflection, the alpha was upon him, a barrage of fists and kicks directed at him and he had to put all his strength and anticipation skills to dodge and sidestep, sure to move the fight from where Lu Guang hid.
“I like it. Didn’t know I’d meet my match like that. Not a bad way to go, eh, Cheng Xiaoshi?” He sounded too happy for someone who seemed to be in the studio to kill one or both of its owners.
With that, the alpha released his command and Cheng Xiaoshi breathed shakily, some strength returning to his limbs along with a sharp stab of pain in his bleeding wound.
“Cheng Xiaoshi! Don't engage with him! Come here!” Lu Guang yelled desperation coating his words in a way Cheng Xiaoshi didn't know he was capable of feeling.
And yet it was plain as day now.
Fuck! Okay, calm down. If I go down, I go down protecting my home and Lu Guang. But first, I need to tire this man out so he can't go after Lu Guang later.
The concrete goal gave him the much-awaited adrenaline rush. The one he very much needed as the alpha kneed him in the ribs, pulling a gasp from dry lips, pain pulsing through his chest and thrumming in time with the bullet wound.
Cheng Xiaoshi bit his tongue to stifle a scream, tasting blood.
I have to… stop him.
He spat out the blood pooling in his mouth and settled into a shaky stance, trying to centre himself for the upcoming attack. The alpha didn't disappoint, launching at him with inhuman speed. Brown eyes widened as the flash of red drew closer.
Cheng Xiaoshi gathered all his willpower and threatened omega ferality in his heart.
This is it. I have to end this now or I won’t be able to go on. The pain is becoming unbearable so I most likely made the wound worse.
They didn't just fight with their bodies, they fought with their biologies too. Throwing out commands and compulsions at each other — weapons in their own right and as powerful as their strikes.
Cheng Xiaoshi tried his best not to inhale the suffocating pheromones as the alpha growled at him to stand down. In response, his own scent sharpened to a sickeningly sweet degree, the alpha bringing a hand to his nose and mouth as he thrashed out.
End it.
Lu Guang didn't speak again, and Cheng Xiaoshi channelled all his attention towards what felt like a masochistic mating dance, slipping out of grasp and landing a few hits through sheer power of will.
Blood soaked his shirt, irritating the wound when the fabric pulled from where it was stuck. He raised his leg for a roundhouse kick at his opponent, aiming true. The red-haired alpha gritted his teeth, shielding the side of his head before the foot connected, as the air crackled with something.
Whatever it was made Cheng Xiaoshi freeze, the omega in him recoiling as the man turned to him, sanguine eyes filled with lust of a different kind.
Pre-rut.
The scent surrounding him mellowed out into an inviting petrichor and pine and Cheng Xiaoshi found himself swaying, his compulsion wavering with him before he gained control of his limbs and stopped the next punch before it made contact with his torso.
He was fighting but he was flagging, the addition of inviting pheromones pushing him closer and closer to a forced adrenaline-crash.
Blood flowed down his side, going from a few drops to a steady trickle with every move he made. It was under his clothes, making a sticky mess of his body and tightening his skin as it began drying in patches.
Cheng Xiaoshi wanted to groan at the ridiculous feeling, at the pain that kept reminding him of how he had been worsening an injury that could've been minor.
“Cheng Xiaoshi! Stop! Stop, you’re making it worse!” Lu Guang yelled, standing up and Cheng Xiaoshi turned to see his grey eyes filled with panic.
Oh. So it's bad, huh? Worse than I thought?
A hint of ozone bled into the petrichor —a warning for Lu Guang— as the other alpha bared his fangs at him.
Cheng Xiaoshi watched, confused before shaking his head and slowly walking backwards, putting distance between himself and the pissed redhead. He was fine with being taken down in a fight but this?
Was he even strong enough to resist an alpha who had displayed his combat prowess so openly, one who was now scenting his home?
Petrichor.
Cheng Xiaoshi never liked the rain. But why? Why was his scent making his knees tremble, making his eyes droop with every inhale?
Confused and scent-drunk, Cheng Xiaoshi slipped, falling backwards before he had a chance to realise there was a puddle of blood under him. It was only the alpha’s inhumanely quick reflexes that saved him from acquiring a few more aches and bruises.
He found himself pinned against a wall, a hand gripping his uninjured hip, supporting his weight as he rested his back against the hard surface.
The alpha leaned closer, breathing into his pheromones and running his nose along Cheng Xioashi’s jaw. He inhaled, short and sharp, the pain and intoxicating pheromones muddling his thoughts.
Thinking felt like he was walking through sludge, trying to advance but failing and failing until he was sinking…
“You put up a good fight. I'm surprised. It's a good surprise, by the way. But I think we can come to a compromise.”
“Compromise? You ruined my nest, you fought me and I'm going to die because you got trigger-happy. What compromise can we ever come to?” Cheng Xiaoshi huffed, shaking his head. “Not to mention, I don't have any guarantee you won't go back on your word.”
“Please stop calling me whatever demeaning names you’ve been referring to me as in your mind. My name’s Vein. And I think you’ll like what I have to say.” The redhead — Vein — breathed against his throat and Cheng Xiaoshi shuddered — terror and lust warring inside him as he got more and more lightheaded.
“Make it quick.” He would roll his eyes but he was losing his fight with consciousness.
“Come with me and let me mate you. I know you don't hate me as much as you wish and honestly, I do like you. A lot more than I expected to like anyone. I wonder if this was fate, meeting you here and like this…” Vein rumbled, fangs grazing his throat every few seconds later, reminding Cheng Xiaoshi who had the upper hand.
“You’re perfect, the flawless blend of qualities I like and a stunning omega at that.” The fangs raked over his pulse point and Cheng Xiaoshi inhaled sharply before wincing at the throbbing on his side.
Nevertheless, he huffed out the question in his mind: “What do I get in return? Please don't say ‘me ’ or I’ll die because of how ridiculous that is.”
Vein laughed and Cheng Xiaoshi almost swooned. He was only now realising how good the man’s voice was.
Or maybe it was all the blood he had been losing.
“Your family will be my family too. I won't hurt anyone you care for and I’ll make sure they all stay protected, pay off your debts and give Lu Guang full ownership of the studio.” Cheng Xiaoshi wasn't surprised. Vein had known who he was, of course he knew Lu Guang too.
Vein put his hand on the wound and Cheng Xiaoshi flinched, baring his fangs, scent sharpening in the air once more, this time devoid of the lethal compulsion.
Pine and petrichor surged forward, mixing with strawberries, and Cheng Xiaoshi flagged, falling into Vein's arms.
“Fine. Deal.” Vein pulled back to grin at him before he bent down and carefully picked Cheng Xiaoshi up in a bridal carry.
“Keep applying pressure to your wound. I'm going to get you to the ER soon but you need to hold out, sweetie. I don't honour deals I made with dead omegas.” Cheng Xiaoshi did as told and rested his head against his future mate’s chest.
Mate.
Funny how the man who was trying to kill him had now promised to become the very person who protected him. The irony was too much but he didn't have the energy to waste on laughing.
“It seems there's been a change of plans,” Vein announced, walking towards where Lu Guang stood.
“What?” Lu Guang sounded a mix of confused and terrified. Cheng Xiaoshi turned his head to look at him, trying to reassure him with his eyes.
It did nothing to lessen the fear in his partner’s eyes.
“Originally, I came for revenge, but fate seemed to have a different plan.” Vein looked down at Cheng Xiaoshi and grinned as if he had won the lottery and not gotten his arms full of a dying omega. “Though I guess claiming someone you were sweet on as my mate would be an alternate punishment for your transgressions.”
“What are you talking about?” Cheng Xiaoshi couldn't help but ask but Vein pretended not to hear him.
Curiously enough, Lu Guang seemed to know what it meant because his face paled.
“I'm taking him away. He'll get treated and then I'll mate him. The bond will speed up his healing and then he's mine. If you ever cared for him, don't follow us.” Vein spoke with a smile but anyone with eyes would know it was far from genuine. “I don’t want to engage with your pathetic combat abilities and put my mate even closer to dying before we seal our bond.”
Huh? Since when did I gain the ability to gauge his expressions? Vein walked over, manoeuvring Cheng Xiaoshi to rest in one arm while the other moved to open the door.
Black spots danced in front of his eyes, threatening to drown him in darkness. He blinked, trying to get rid of them but they stubbornly got worse.
“Cheng Xiaoshi!” Lu Guang called, panicked and pleading.
The front door shut behind them with a decisive creak as Cheng Xiaoshi lost the battle with consciousness.
The door to his room slid open and Cheng Xiaoshi caught sight of familiar fiery hair.
“You look tasty,” Vein said, by way of greeting and Cheng Xiaoshi wondered what it meant.
At least I know it’s in English.
“How are you feeling?” Vein walked closer, eyes scanning over the room before a frown formed on his lips.
“I'm fine. The pain’s pretty much gone… or maybe it's the IV.” Vein leaned closer, fluffing the pillow Cheng Xiaoshi reclined against with a disapproving huff. He couldn't gauge what Vein was feeling with the tight reign the man had on his scent. “What's got you all fussy? Finally realised you can't or don't want to be stuck with me?” he tried to say it lightly but the way Vein’s red eyes snapped to meet his told Cheng Xiaoshi he had done a piss-poor job of acting like he didn't care.
“I’d never.” Vein wrapped his arms around Cheng Xiaoshi in a loose hug and he relaxed with a sigh. “Do you think I'm a kid? That my wants change every day, huh?”
“What should I think? We just met two days ago,” he mumbled, clutching Vein’s shirt, pulling him closer. The arms surrounding him tightened and Cheng Xiaoshi relaxed, letting himself enjoy the embrace, unfamiliar as it was.
“I'm about to go into rut so I won't see you for a few days. I need to be confined every time I go into one.”
“Why? Aren't ruts a normal alpha thing? Are yours intense?” The question was muffled against Vein’s chest. A beat of silence and Vein let go, straightening up.
“I’ve always had very intense ruts. I do get violent on occasion and if that happens, even alphas can't restrain me. I don't want to hurt you by being around you, especially as you’re injured and shouldn't be overexerting yourself.” Vein explained, walking to the other side of Cheng Xiaoshi’s bed, an unspoken question in his eyes.
“Climb in and hold me, Alpha,” he demanded and a corner of Vein’s lips twitched up in a small smile. He took off his shoes and folded his overcoat, placing it on the foot of the bed before climbing into the bed carefully.
He wrapped an arm around Cheng Xiaoshi’s shoulders, gently manoeuvring him into leaning against him while the other grabbed Cheng Xiaoshi’s hand and rubbed his knuckles. Finally, Vein let some of his scent seep out and Cheng Xiaoshi relaxed as the soothing pine wrapped him in its embrace.
“How are Lu Guang and Qiao Ling?”
“Lu Guang hasn't made a move yet and seems to be concealing your whereabouts from Qiao-Mei.” Cheng Xiaoshi couldn't have helped it if he had tried so he let his natural jerk make a reappearance.
“Qiao-Mei? How presumptuous,” he teased and Vein huffed out a laugh. They didn't have too long before Vein left, he could smell it in the way the air felt harder to breathe in since Vein walked into the room. The bond would take the edge of Vein’s rut and speed Cheng Xiaoshi’s healing.
They had to do it soon.
The humour drained out of him as the clock in his mind ticked away, drawing closer to Vein’s loss of control.
“You promise to keep my friends and family safe, right?” He asked, needing reassurance before they sealed their fates together.
“I would. Apart from you, I, Xiao Weiying, will put them above anyone else,” the Alpha vowed and Cheng Xiaoshi exhaled slowly. It would be so easy to lie, yet he found himself believing.
“Xiao Weiying?” Cheng Xiaoshi turned his head to look up at Vein and found his gaze already fixed on his face.
“I keep my identity a secret from anyone but you’ll be my mate soon. I don't want us to start our bond based on half-truths.” Vein rested his head over Cheng Xiaoshi’s. “If there's anyone in the world who should know my name, it's you.”
Xiao Weiying. Xiao Weiying. Xiao Weiying.
It was an elegant name, it fit what he knew of Vein very well.
He could've just told me his name but he had to say all those things. Does he intend to kill me right here? With sweetness?
Heat flared into his cheeks as Vein — Xiao Weiying — picked his hand up and placed a soft kiss against the gland in his wrist.
Cheng Xiaoshi closed his eyes, just basking in the knowledge that Vein wasn't playing around as he had been afraid of, that he was just as serious and willing to try.
“Lu Guang especially would be safe. Even if he shouldn't be, take it as a mating gift, a little secret between us, a proof of my devotion.”
He’s willing to let go of whatever vendetta he has against Lu Guang just for me?
Cheng Xiaoshi bit his lip to stifle a smile.
He failed.
Vein continued placing little kisses on his hand and Cheng Xiaoshi tilted his head the other way, baring his mating gland.
“Go on, I know you’re itching to sink your fangs in my glands… and I’m ready.” The last part was a hushed whisper, Cheng Xiaoshi was too flustered to say those words normally.
“You know I’d wait if you want me to, right?” the alpha breathed, nosing along his throat, making him shiver in anticipation.
“Yes Alpha, I know.” He did. Vein had been considerate, more than Cheng Xiaoshi would've expected from an alpha of his calibre. “Do it, I'm ready.”
Vein nuzzled against the gland, licking it and Cheng Xiaoshi stifled a moan, letting his alpha scent him for the first time. He extracted his hand from Vein’s, rubbing the gland in his wrist against Vein’s mating gland, scenting him back.
When he was content and Cheng Xiaoshi was drowning in the potent scent of an alpha about to go into rut, Vein helped him rest his back against the pillows and crowded over him, leaning in to bite his lower lip.
A gasp left his lips and Vein connecting their lips into a soft kiss. Cheng Xiaoshi’s first.
He closed his eyes tightly, not wanting to see what he looked like in Vein’s eyes, cheeks feeling a little too hot as the alpha licked into his mouth. He followed the alpha’s lead, inexperienced as he was.
Cheng Xiaoshi felt unmoored as if he was free-falling. He clutched the back of Vein’s shirt, not wanting to fall into the abyss he felt himself hurtling towards and Vein tangled a hand into his hair, tilting his head and kissing him harder.
The only sounds in the room came from his breathy pants and the slick sounds of their lips moving against each other. Vein pulled back, biting his lower lip and soothing the sting with a lick and Cheng Xiaoshi finally opened his eyes to meet sanguine ones. His pupils were wide, lit with a fire Cheng Xiaoshi felt deep in his gut.
Licking his lips, Vein used the light grip he had on his hair to tilt his neck and sucked on the sensitive mating gland there, pulling a moan out of Cheng Xiaoshi’s kiss-swollen lips.
A sharp prickling sensation replaced the sucking and he opened his eyes, feeling a rush of emotions slam into his mind — strange but not unwelcome — temporarily marking Cheng Xiaoshi as his mate.
Pulling away, Vein licked at the gland, smug satisfaction bleeding into Cheng Xiaoshi’s mind through the newly formed bond.
Vein would have to claim him during a heat to seal the bond. For now though…
Cheng Xiaoshi wasted no time, hooking a finger in Vein’s necklace and tugging him closer.
The alpha smiled, tilting his head and Cheng Xiaoshi licked once before biting down on the mating gland, blood trickled into his mouth as the sensitive skin gave, marking the alpha as his.
Once he was sure it was done, Cheng Xiaoshi gently released the gland and leaned back resting his forehead against the alpha’s. Vein hummed softly, stroking his hair and the bond sang with contentment, making his chest rumble with a satisfied purr.
“I can't promise you love but I can promise you protection and my devotion. I’ll never put another before you and any children we have. You're mine now and I'm fiercely protective of what's mine, Cheng Xiaoshi.”
“I want to love you, I think it's not impossible, not because of the bond or my attraction to you but because I can feel it in my bones. You honour your words and promises and that's more than good enough.” Cheng Xiaoshi opened his eyes, smiling softly at his mate.
Vein threaded their fingers together. “We can make it permanent after you've recovered enough. Sounds good?” Cheng Xiaoshi nodded. “I still hate that it was my gun that was responsible for hurting you.”
“Don't blame yourself for things I'm partly responsible for. I shouldn't have tried to compel an armed alpha,” he shook his head, not wanting Vein to beat himself up anymore.
“Be more careful in the future alright? I’ll teach you to fight and shoot so you're never in danger again,” Vein huffed, and Cheng Xiaoshi leaned forward, kissing the pout away.
“Sounds fair.”
He had been too busy with the bonding that he had stopped paying attention to his surroundings. Now that he was, Cheng Xiaoshi sensed how much heavier the air had gotten, the scent of ozone sharpening, signalling how close to his rut Vein was.
With a disappointed sigh, the alpha patted his hand and slowly got off the bed. Picking up his overcoat, Vein wrapped it around Cheng Xiaoshi’s shoulders, shrouding him in the warm comfort of his scent.
“I’ll see you in a few days. Listen to the nurses and don't do anything to set your recovery back,” Vein listed and Cheng Xiaoshi rolled his eyes, biting back a laugh.
So overbearingly protective. Vein was already attuned to his plans, huh?
“Of course! Whatever my alpha says, I’ll do,” he teased and Vein stumbled over his feet before tossing an exasperated look at him. “Go go, stop wasting time here.”
When he was about to open the door, Cheng Xiaoshi called out:
“You owe me some good old-fashioned wooing, A-Ying. Don't think you can get into my pants that easily.”
Vein turned to look at him, cheeks dusted in pink. “Whatever A-Shi wants, he gets. So prepare to get swept off your feet, my sweet mate.”
The door slid closed behind the redhead and Cheng Xiaoshi buried his face in his hands, screaming embarrassedly at how pleased those words made him.