Sleeping in His Arms

This out-of-control rut had been like one-sided violence. Si Jinyan had never encountered an omega during his rut who made his heart tremble and left him unable to control himself. Faint silver-black patterns had even surfaced on 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. The rut had lasted an entire week.

A stark white ceiling filled his vision. Before his awareness fully returned, Chi Li was briefly lost, unsure where he was.

The doctors who came into view made him realize what he had gone through. He opened his mouth to speak, but his voice was terribly hoarse.

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

Several doctors took turns examining him 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, "Next, we'll need to trouble you to cooperate with us for a few more examinations."

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

"According to the agreement, Mr. Chi, you've passed the preliminary examination. If there are no problems with the following examinations, you will be escorted to the Marshal's residence."

This request had been made by Si Jinyan. Lu Jiu, Si Jinyan's personal physician, had originally advised against it, suggesting that Si Jinyan come to the research institute whenever his rut approached, but Si Jinyan had rejected his suggestion.

The boy's eyes widened slightly. "The... the Marshal?"

"Yes." The speaker was the doctor who appeared to hold the highest rank.

The doctors all understood his surprise. When omegas came to apply, 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 heroic figure. Much less someone Chi Li's age, who had practically grown up under the influence of that war, one forever etched into epic history.

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

The boy froze for a moment, seemingly unable to recover from the fact that the person he was supposed to help was the Marshal. "O-Okay, thank you."

The several doctors present had all witnessed this project. Ever since the Marshal's ruts had become increasingly unstable, they had secretly begun seeking 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, while more serious cases required compatible alphas and omegas. This consumed enormous manpower and resources, and families without wealth or status would hardly go to such lengths 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 that he was an influential figure of high status and that the compensation offered was generous. Though they knew they might be treated as bed partners—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 rut was far too unusual, with too many unpredictable factors. It was entirely possible that the selected omegas would not survive more than a few days at Si Jinyan's hands.

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

When he left the research institute by car, Chi Li's vision was blocked again. His body still ached somewhat, but he could finally let out a slow breath. He would have chances to come back in the future. There was no rush.

With his eyes closed, Chi Li recalled what the doctors had told him. From those scattered clues, he discovered 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 rut.

The intelligence department's personal report on Si Jinyan stated: approachable and close to the people was merely his image in the news. In private, Si Jinyan was taciturn. When dealing with matters, his methods were ruthless and decisive. He possessed judgment beyond ordinary people in warfare, and there were almost no rumors concerning his private life...

Chi Li recalled that rut again, and his face suddenly grew a little hot. 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 later. You may go back to your room and rest first."

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

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

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 is away, Mr. Chi may arrange his own time 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.

Chi Li could not get any further answers. After dinner, he washed up early and lay down in bed.

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

In the middle of the night, Chi Li was jolted awake by the sound of a door opening. Though it had been nearly soundless, his usual vigilance made him wake immediately.

Realizing who the person entering might be, Chi Li slowly shifted his eyes before becoming still again.

To the person who entered, the boy in bed appeared utterly undisturbed.

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

The scent of cream pheromones immediately filled his nose, mingled with a faint sandalwood pheromone scent.

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

He had to admit that he missed this scent very much.

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

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

Si Jinyan's breathing was even and quiet.

Yet Chi Li could not sleep. He was not used to sharing a bed with someone else, and the endless rut 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. I can't keep thinking about this.

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

When dawn came 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 it all last night.