The sharp “snap” of a hardcover folder hitting Shang Yichen’s head jolted him back to reality. The sudden pain seemed to clear the fog in his mind. He blinked, dazed, and when he saw the chaotic scene in front of him, he closed his eyes in disbelief. After a brief pause, he opened them again, making sure he wasn’t imagining things.

Jumping to his feet as though electrocuted, Shang Yichen stumbled back several steps. His mind flashed back to the way he had just treated Zhou Yi — the desire, the anger, and the near loss of control. He had almost marked him.

Breathing heavily, Shang Yichen could only feel a mix of shame, embarrassment, and confusion. Physically, he wanted Zhou Yi, but rationally, he despised him as a Beta. The emotions swirling within him only made it harder to figure out what he should do.

Before he could process further, his phone rang, interrupting the tense silence. Glancing at the caller ID, his mind cleared momentarily. Without sparing Zhou Yi another glance, he grabbed the phone, his body still restless. He couldn’t stay there any longer — who knew what might happen if he did.

Without looking back, Shang Yichen rushed out of the room.

Zhou Yi, left alone in the study, slipped off the table and collapsed onto the floor. His body was overcome by a rush of pheromones, and despite his best efforts to suppress them, the influence was undeniable.

Sweat poured down his face as the glands at the back of his neck burned painfully. Even with the suppression patch, the overwhelming heat and pressure were nearly unbearable. Zhou Yi’s head throbbed, and he felt a deep sense of need creeping over him.

In desperation, his mind wandered to Liang Xianzhang. He longed for his presence, his pheromones, the comfort he had given him before. But he forced himself to move, stumbling towards the door.

He knocked on Liang Xianzhang’s door, but no one answered. Luckily, he remembered the code and shakily pressed the buttons.

Once inside, Zhou Yi could faintly smell Liang Xianzhang’s scent. It was faint, not strong enough to calm him, but enough to make him move toward the bedroom where it lingered the most.

Exhausted, he collapsed near the wardrobe, barely able to stand. The bed was just within reach, but he was too weak to make it. All he could think of was the yearning for the Alpha’s pheromones to fill the void.

Dizzy and on the verge of breaking down, Zhou Yi turned towards the closet filled with Liang Xianzhang’s clothes. He couldn’t resist the pull, the familiar scent, even though it had faded. He needed it now more than ever.

He pushed open the door to the closet and crawled inside, curling up among the clothes.

Meanwhile, Liang Xianzhang, feeling uneasy throughout the day, checked his phone to see that none of his messages had been returned by Zhou Yi. Though he understood why, his frustration still lingered. He wanted to kick Shang Yichen out of Zhou Yi’s life, but he had to be patient.

He checked his schedule and decided to leave work early. When he arrived at the apartment building, something felt off. The door opposite was open, and his door was ajar.

His eyebrows furrowed. Stepping inside, the strong scent of mint hit him. The smell grew stronger as he walked further in, making him feel restless.

He quickly took some inhibitors from his cabinet, swallowing them to suppress the urge building inside him. The scent of Zhou Yi’s pheromones was thick in the air.

Entering the bedroom, he saw that Zhou Yi was not on the bed. He looked around, his eyes landing on the slightly open closet door. The faint sound of sobbing and rustling reached his ears.

Without hesitation, Liang Xianzhang rushed forward and pushed the closet door open. There, he found Zhou Yi curled up inside, looking pale and distressed. His clothes were in disarray, and his face was flushed with fever. His eyes were unfocused, and he looked dazed.

A hint of tobacco mixed with Zhou Yi’s pheromones filled the room, and Liang Xianzhang’s rage simmered. He clenched his fists, the chill in his eyes unmistakable.

Zhou Yi blinked slowly, his gaze struggling to focus as he confirmed Liang Xianzhang’s presence. A small flicker of hope appeared in his eyes. Was this really him?

Shaking, Zhou Yi reached out, his trembling hand seeking contact.

In an instant, Liang Xianzhang pulled him into a tight embrace, his strong arms wrapping around him protectively. Zhou Yi, unable to hold back, sobbed against his chest, finding comfort in the Alpha’s warmth.

Liang Xianzhang felt the heat radiating from Zhou Yi, his body burning with the fever that had taken over him. The smell of mint, thick with pheromones, filled the air, but Liang Xianzhang had already taken inhibitors. Still, the intensity of Zhou Yi’s scent made him weak.

Gently, he cupped Zhou Yi’s face in his hands, his voice trembling, “I’m sorry… I should’ve been here sooner. I should’ve done more.”