The phone rang sharply in the suddenly silent room. Yu Shiqing confirmed Lin Shuang’s door was closed and strode toward the entrance.
“Jiang Yu?” he called out.
After a moment, Jiang Yu replied softly, “It’s me.”
Sensing restraint in his voice, Yu’s brow furrowed. He hadn’t seen him yet but asked urgently, “Did you prepare any alpha-phase suppressant?”
Jiang Yu emerged from around the corner. “In the bedroom.” He paused, still steady. Yu nodded and said, “Come with me.”
Jiang Yu followed, trying to stay composed, though warmth flared inside him. The air felt thick with pheromones from Yu, overwhelming and charging the space. Jiang Yu loosened his tie, breathing heavier, his gaze sharpening.
“Yu Shiqing…” he said.
“Hmm?” Yu turned, but his words halted as he smelled intensely powerful alpha pheromones carrying tequila’s bold scent.
Jiang Yu pressed his palm to Yu’s neck and leaned in.
“Jiang Yu,” Yu interrupted, placing a hand on his face. “Stay awake.”
Their eyes locked; Jiang Yu cleared a fog of desire from his mind and said softly, “Yu Shiqing…”
“I’m here,” Yu answered. He guided Jiang Yu’s hand by the wrist toward the bedroom.
Jiang Yu pressed his palm to his forehead. Meanwhile, dizziness and a fierce inner heat threatened to drown him. Heart pounding, his breath grew heavy; his wrist tingled warmly in Yu’s grip.
They reached the bedroom. Yu asked clearly, “Where’s the suppressant?”
“On the nightstand,” Jiang Yu whispered.
Yu’s grip loosened. Jiang Yu, eyes dark and desperate, grabbed Yu’s wrist. “Don’t leave.”
Yu, surprised by the hold, blinked and forced his rising instincts down. “Let go, Jiang Yu.”
The urgency in Jiang Yu’s eyes didn’t subside; he stepped closer.
Yu’s instincts surged, overwhelming. His breath grew heavy. Yu stared at him, recognizing its intensity.
“Jiang Yu?” he asked softly.
Jiang Yu moved his waist around Yu’s and whispered, “Don’t go.”
Yu turned and let him hold him, then gently led him to the bed.
Jiang Yu’s palm traced Yu’s robe to the back of his neck, driven by desire. Before Yu knew it, Jiang Yu kissed him fiercely wild, impulsive, yet gentle as he tugged Yu closer. Just as hands reached lower, Yu pressed them firmly away.
He’d been here before. Now, with his injured arm and grips faltering, Yu realized Jiang Yu’s intimate needs were overpowering. Yu’s heart clutched as Jiang Yu surged forward, flinging them onto the bed.
Jiang Yu avoided Yu’s injured arm and straddled him, pressing another urgent kiss. His touch burned like fire, hot and demanding. Yu stilled, tense with confusion and desire.
But then Yu’s focus came back. He shifted and covered Jiang Yu’s mouth, pushing him back.
An echo of a heartbeat, then a whispered voice—Yu’s:
“Just hold on…”
Jiang Yu paused, groggy, chest heaving. He looked into Yu’s eyes.
“Was I—” he began tentatively. “…in heat just now?”
Yu nodded softly. “Yes.”
Jiang Yu’s relief washed over him. His hold eased, and he sat up.
“Your wrist I’ve been holding it.” He glanced there, then looked up at Yu, eyes wary.
Yu coolly met his gaze. “Flag’s raised?”
Yu paused. “The living room still has pheromones. Stay here a bit while I clear them.”
Focusing on Yu’s calm, his racing anxiety eased. Then he asked quietly, “Earlier, weren’t you helping me handle my alpha cycle?”
Yu paused at the window, opening it. “Yes. That’s normal.”
Jiang Yu shook his head. “It’s not. Before, you never reacted.”
Yu turned enough to ask in return, “And you?”
“I was in cycle,” Jiang Yu said plainly, sitting upright. “Do I help you?”
Yu released a breath, closing the window. “No.”
“And what will you do?”
Yu gave a quiet look. “Don’t mess around.” He retrieved the suppressant from the nightstand.
“No need,” Jiang Yu said, hands gently grazing his neck. “You’ve already helped enough.”
Yu put the pill down and nodded toward the door, heading to the bathroom.
Jiang Yu watched him go, feeling drained. When Yu didn’t close the bathroom door, Jiang Yu glanced through the mirror and saw the faint marks on his neck, a kiss imprint.
Suddenly, a thump came from behind. Yu stepped out to find Jiang Yu seated on the floor near the bed.
“What happened?” Yu asked, pulling him close.
Jiang Yu clung to him, slumping. “I tried to stand.”
Yu smiled gently: “Don’t do that again.” He helped Jiang Yu back onto the bed and settled him against pillows.
Jiang Yu lifted his eyes. “Next time?”
Yu seated beside him, calm and steady. He gently touched Jiang Yu’s neck. “Your sensitivity isn’t gone. Is there another way?”
Jiang Yu shook his head, then spotted the suppressant. “You finished already?”
Yu looked calmly. “Let go.”
Jiang Yu’s eyes narrowed. “Aren’t you afraid?”
Yu smiled and looked down briefly. “Okay.”
Before he could ask further, Yu lifted him bridal-style and carried him to the dining room.
Lin Shuang had nearly finished cooking. Sensing the moment, soup and congee were ready. Yu placed a full meal in front of Jiang Yu: “Time to eat.”
Jiang Yu took the chopsticks. “Yes.”
Silence followed for only a few seconds.
“Yu Shiqing,” Jiang Yu started.
Yu looked up. “Hmm?”
“You raised a flag for me this stubborn alpha because you’ve been single too long?” Jiang Yu remained calm and low: “If that’s bothering you, I’m happy to help.”
Yu’s expression softened as he reached across the table.
