Sleeping in an Embrace

This out-of-control susceptible period had been like one-sided violence. Never before had Si Jinyan encountered an omega during a susceptible period who made his heart tremble and left him unable to control himself. Silver-black patterns had even faintly appeared across Si Jinyan's skin.

Chi Li could only judge whether it was day or night through the gap in the curtains.

His entire body felt as though it had fallen apart, and in the end, he lost consciousness completely.

By the time he woke again, two weeks had passed. This susceptible period had lasted a full week.

A stark white ceiling filled his vision. Before his awareness fully returned, Chi Li was briefly disoriented, not knowing where he was.

The doctor who came into view made him realize what had happened. He opened his mouth to speak, but his voice was terribly hoarse.

One of the doctors handed him a cup of water. Chi Li hurriedly took a few drinks, accidentally choked, and apologized with a flushed face.

Several doctors examined him in turn before finally reaching a conclusion. "Mr. Chi, you've recovered very well."

The doctor who said this even carried a trace of barely perceptible satisfaction and surprise.

The doctor said, "We'll need to trouble you to cooperate with us for a few more examinations."

The young man on the bed looked at them nervously. "Then I..."

"According to the agreement, Mr. Chi, you've already passed the preliminary examination. If there are no issues with the following tests, you'll be escorted to the Marshal's residence."

This had been Si Jinyan's request. Lu Jiu, Si Jinyan's personal doctor, had originally advised against it, suggesting that Si Jinyan come to the research institute whenever his susceptible period approached. But Si Jinyan had rejected his advice.

The young man's eyes widened slightly. "The... the Marshal?"

"Yes." The one who answered was the doctor who appeared to hold a high position.

The doctors all understood his surprise. When omegas came to register, they did not know who the alpha behind it all was.

Almost no one in the Empire was unfamiliar with the Marshal. Even children only a few years old knew that the Empire had a hero-like figure. Much less someone Chi Li's age, who had practically grown up immersed in the stories of that war, one that had been etched into history like an epic.

Lu Jiu continued, "You are the Marshal's compatible omega. You should have seen that already. From now on, you'll be responsible for the Marshal's susceptible periods. Someone will explain the relevant matters to you later. Also, you'll need to sign a confidentiality agreement. Please keep anything related to the Marshal confidential. The first payment has already been transferred to your account."

The young man froze for a moment, seemingly still unable to process that the person he was going to help was the Marshal. "O-okay. Thank you."

The several doctors present had all witnessed this project from the start. Ever since the Marshal's susceptible periods had become increasingly unstable, they had secretly begun searching for a compatible omega for him.

Finding a compatible omega or alpha was not uncommon in the Empire. Many pheromone defects could be treated with medication, but more serious cases required a compatible alpha or omega. That consumed enormous manpower and resources, and families without wealth or status would rarely make such a tremendous effort to find a compatible partner.

The omegas who came this time did not know who the alpha they were being matched with was. They only knew he was a powerful and influential figure who offered generous compensation. Although they knew they might be treated as bed partners—though some only needed to provide pheromones—the payment still attracted many omegas.

Even so, very few omegas made it through the final selection.

Si Jinyan's susceptible periods were too unusual, with far too many unpredictable factors. It was entirely possible that the selected omegas would not survive more than a few days at Si Jinyan's side.

Therefore, while examining Chi Li, the two doctors repeatedly reminded him of the relevant precautions, telling him to stay in contact with them, report back regularly on his condition, and come in for checkups.

As he rode away from the research institute, Chi Li's vision was blocked once more. His body still ached somewhat, but he could finally let out a slow breath. There would be chances to come back in the future. There was no need to rush.

With his eyes closed, Chi Li recalled what the doctors had told him. From those scattered clues, he realized that Si Jinyan himself did not seem particularly willing to cooperate with this plan.

The lead doctor had repeatedly warned him to pay attention to Si Jinyan's emotions. Chi Li did not think that was merely because Si Jinyan was more dangerous during his susceptible periods.

The personal information report on Si Jinyan provided by the intelligence department stated: approachable and down-to-earth was the image portrayed in the news. In private, Si Jinyan was taciturn. When dealing with matters, his methods were ruthless and decisive. He possessed judgment beyond that of ordinary people in war, and there were almost no rumors concerning his private life...

Chi Li recalled that susceptible period again, and his face suddenly grew a little warm. Frowning, he shook those thoughts away.

When he arrived at Si Jinyan's home, the butler had already received word and prepared a room for him.

The butler said, "Sir is still at the base and may return late. You may go back to your room and rest first."

Si Jinyan seemed to have left the research institute long ago, while he himself had lain in bed for an entire week. As an alpha himself, Chi Li quietly sighed at that.

Chi Li lay on the bed, seemingly staring blankly at the ceiling, while his mind calculated his next steps.

At dinner, Chi Li was the only one at the table. He asked a few questions about Si Jinyan. "When will the Marshal return?"

The butler said, "Sir has his own arrangements. When he isn't here, Mr. Chi may arrange his own schedule as he pleases. If you need anything, you may tell me."

Chi Li said timidly, "Just call me Chi Li."

The butler smiled and nodded.

Unable to learn anything more, Chi Li finished dinner, washed up early, and lay down in bed.

Perhaps he had not rested enough these past few days. Before long, drowsiness washed over him.

Late that night, Chi Li was startled awake by the sound of a door opening. Though it was so quiet it was nearly soundless, his usual vigilance made him wake instantly.

Realizing who the person entering might be, Chi Li's eyes shifted slowly before he became still again.

To the person entering, the young man on the bed appeared completely undisturbed.

Si Jinyan lifted one corner of the blanket and slowly wrapped his arms around the omega's soft body.

The scent of creamy pheromones immediately filled his nose, mixed with a faint sandalwood pheromone scent.

Si Jinyan had not planned to return today, but when he heard from the butler that Chi Li had arrived, he came back.

He had to admit that he missed this scent.

Chi Li waited for a while and discovered that Si Jinyan truly was only holding him. After that, there was no further movement.

Chi Li shifted slightly, the movement so subtle it resembled the natural reaction of someone asleep.

Si Jinyan's breathing was even and quiet.

Yet Chi Li could not sleep. He was unaccustomed to sharing a bed with others, and the relentless susceptible period from a few days ago remained vivid in his mind. Si Jinyan was a ferocious beast that could erupt at any moment.

Chi Li closed his eyes. Don't think about it anymore.

Only after a long time did Chi Li finally fall asleep again.

When dawn broke the next day and Chi Li opened his eyes, the person beside him was already gone.

For a moment, Chi Li even thought he had dreamed everything that had happened last night.