Zhou Yi felt something wet on his cheek, and even though his mind was still hazy, his heart trembled. He instinctively raised his head, wrapping his arms around Liang Xianzhang’s neck, and kissed him on the face, as if trying to offer comfort.

As soon as Zhou Yi pressed his lips against Liang Xianzhang’s, both of them trembled. It was the first time Zhou Yi had kissed him. They stayed still, not moving, but the softness of his lips was as sweet as ever.

Without warning, Alpha pheromones began to surge out of Liang Xianzhang. Their pheromones blended together in a subtle, unconscious mix.

Liang Xianzhang held his head gently, kissing him almost greedily. It wasn’t just a casual kiss — it was deeper, the trembling between them spreading uncontrollably.

Zhou Yi, feeling the closeness, could no longer ignore the surge of excitement within him. The scent of the Alpha, and the embrace he so desperately craved, seemed to take over.

The intensity of their contact only fueled the fire that was already burning between them.

At around 2 a.m., Liang Shaowen, who was about to sleep, received a call from his brother. After picking up the phone, Liang Shaowen asked, “What’s wrong, brother?”

“Shaowen, I need to ask you something. Xiaoyi’s fever hasn’t subsided, and I’m worried he won’t be able to handle it if it continues like this,” Liang Xianzhang’s voice was hoarse, and it didn’t take long for Liang Shaowen to understand the situation.

He coughed uncomfortably. “In that case, what about a temporary mark? He’s an Omega who lacks Alpha pheromones. Marking him could stabilize his pheromones.”

“Can we use inhibitors?” Liang Xianzhang asked, his concern evident. “He’s not fully aware right now, and I’m afraid he might make rash decisions because of the pheromones.”

After thinking for a moment, Liang Shaowen responded, “For a typical Omega, inhibitors would suffice. But for a dominant Omega like him, whose pheromones are disrupted, marking is safer and less harmful than using inhibitors.”

There was a brief silence. “I understand,” Liang Xianzhang murmured.

“Brother, are you being too cautious?” Liang Shaowen teased.

Liang Xianzhang sighed, looking down at Zhou Yi, whose eyes were glazed from the fever. “I know, but he’s not someone who can be treated carelessly. I don’t want to hurt him.”

After hanging up, Liang Xianzhang’s hand lingered on Zhou Yi’s face. “Can I mark you?” he asked softly.

Zhou Yi, in immense pain, could barely respond. He whimpered, his body instinctively seeking comfort. Just moments before, Alpha pheromones had filled the air, making him crave the safety of Liang Xianzhang’s touch.

Liang Xianzhang, conflicted, sighed. He leaned over and gazed at the back of Zhou Yi’s neck, his breath steady but his heart heavy. For a long moment, neither of them moved.

Zhou Yi, aware of the scrutiny, lifted his neck slightly, offering his most vulnerable spot, hoping that the Alpha would take control.

With a tremor in his hand, Liang Xianzhang gently traced his fingers over Zhou Yi’s neck, sending a shiver through his body.

The sharp pain of Liang Xianzhang’s teeth breaking the skin sent Zhou Yi into a haze. A flood of pheromones rushed in, his heart hammering as the sensation overwhelmed him.

Zhou Yi’s body shook violently. His ears rang, his breaths came in short bursts, and he felt tears streaming down his face. Was it pain? Was it pleasure? He couldn’t tell anymore.

He clung to Liang Xianzhang’s arm, refusing to let go until everything around him faded to darkness.

Once the temporary marking was done, Liang Xianzhang looked down at Zhou Yi, now asleep in his arms. He tenderly wiped the tears from Zhou Yi’s face, then glanced at the scar on his neck, still stained with fresh blood.

Liang Xianzhang lightly brushed his fingers over the mark. Though the timing was wrong, a deep sense of satisfaction filled him.

When Zhou Yi woke up, his body felt heavy, and his eyes ached with a pain that made it hard to open them. He tried to open his eyes, but the sting around his eye sockets made him close them again.

“Would you like some water?” he heard Liang Xianzhang’s voice, low and hoarse.

Zhou Yi, his throat dry and sore, nodded. “Yes…”

Liang Xianzhang supported his back, holding a cup of water with a straw. “Drink,” he said gently.

Zhou Yi drank greedily, downing the water in one go. Liang Xianzhang poured him another cup, and after two more full glasses, Zhou Yi finally stopped drinking.

Instead of letting him lie down again, Liang Xianzhang propped him up with a pillow, allowing him to rest half-upright.

Zhou Yi blinked, slowly opening his eyes. Liang Xianzhang sat beside him. Though Zhou Yi recalled the events of the previous night, the marks on his skin made him feel embarrassed.

Noticing his discomfort, Liang Xianzhang gave him a small smile before it quickly faded. There were more pressing matters at hand.

“What happened yesterday?” Liang Xianzhang asked seriously.

Zhou Yi felt a pang of guilt, unsure whether he could tell Liang Xianzhang everything. He feared that if he did, the situation would only get worse.

He kept his answer brief. “He was in heat, and I was slightly affected…”

Liang Xianzhang’s expression darkened. The warmth in his gaze seemed to vanish as he absorbed the information. Zhou Yi could see the growing tension in his features, his body tensing with frustration.

Zhou Yi remained silent, feeling like a child caught in a mistake. Liang Xianzhang reached out and gently pinched his chin, his touch light, almost cautious despite the anger brewing inside him.

“Do you know that if an Alpha is in heat, and an Omega is exposed, you could be forcibly marked?” Liang Xianzhang’s words were sharp, his concern evident.

Zhou Yi swallowed nervously. “It was an accident this time. Next time, I’ll protect myself…”

“Next time?” Liang Xianzhang’s voice rose in disbelief. He nearly laughed, but the anger in his tone was unmistakable. “Isn’t it enough that I’ve already seen you like that once?”

Zhou Yi clutched the blanket, his voice soft and helpless. “That’s not what I meant…”

Seeing his distress, Liang Xianzhang’s expression softened again. He pulled him into a gentle embrace. “I’m sorry. I just don’t want you to be with him like this anymore.”

Zhou Yi, confused, met his gaze. “Are you worried?”

Liang Xianzhang touched his face lightly, his voice soft but firm. “Yes, I’m worried. Worried you’ll be bullied by him, hurt by him… I can’t stand the thought of it.”

Zhou Yi hesitated, a flicker of understanding in his eyes. “Is that so? He gave me money, so I thought it was no big deal if he yelled at me or hit me. But… you’re worried about me. No one’s ever worried about me like this before.”

A pang of sadness gripped Liang Xianzhang’s heart. He tightened his hold around Zhou Yi. “You don’t have to get used to that kind of treatment. You deserve better.”

Zhou Yi buried his face in Liang Xianzhang’s chest, feeling a sudden wave of emotion. “Okay,” he whispered softly, the warmth of his words lingering in the quiet room.