Kiss

Due to Gland Atrophy Syndrome, Shi Qi's Pheromone levels were lower than those of a typical Omega.

Unless it was during Heat Phase, he couldn't release a large amount of Pheromone in a short time.

He didn't know what Shang Sui meant by 'enough Pheromone,' nor did he have time to think much about it. The hand gripping his neck loosened, then changed to interlace fingers with him.

Dazed and disoriented, still immersed in the shock that Shang Sui could actually perform Mind Manipulation on others, he obediently let himself be led by the hand back into the Art Studio.

It wasn't until Shang Sui stopped that Shi Qi looked up.

This corner was covered with an irregular-shaped wool rug in ice blue threaded with gold, like a frozen lake under warm light. A huge floor-to-ceiling mirror was pressed down on top of it.

The top layer of a walnut side cabinet nearby was encased in transparent glass, displaying bracelets and bangles. Shi Qi guessed the entire cabinet was used by Shang Sui for storing jewelry.

Shang Sui led him to kick off his slippers and step barefoot onto the soft rug.

'Xiao Qi, do you know where the Pheromone is most concentrated besides the gland?'

Shi Qi had listened to every health education class, so of course he knew.

For an Omega, it was the reproductive cavity.

Although he had Gland Atrophy Syndrome, Shi Qi's reproductive cavity had developed very well, which also made his waist and abdomen area exceptionally sensitive.

Shang Sui's fingertip touched his waist and tapped lightly: 'It's here, isn't it?'

Shi Qi shuddered, and before he could even mind whether this counted as harassment, he felt a strange, aching weakness.

He didn't know this was the effect of flirtation, and said instinctively: 'Don't touch there, it tickles!'

But the Alpha behind him said flatly: 'Stand still.'

Once again, Shi Qi fell into that state of being unable to resist, only to obey, like a manipulated puppet on strings.

He bit his lip and was forced to raise his head and puff out his chest, standing straight in front of the mirror.

He absolutely hated it when anyone spoke to him in a commanding tone. If someone else did this to him, he'd want to kick them away.

But when Shang Sui did it, he only felt a little annoyed and shy.

'You don't have to do this, I won't run away,' Shi Qi thought he was worried about him leaving, and explained, 'I was just too shocked just now. I didn't expect you could tear off the Bite Inhibitor with your bare hands.'

There were too many things he hadn't expected.

He silently added another sentence in his mind.

Shang Sui gave a noncommittal smile: 'Is that so?'

'You'd better still be able to say that in a little while.'

He took something out of the jewelry cabinet. Shi Qi could only see roughly through the mirror: two five-finger-wide white Lace Ribbons, a fluffy white-gold Cat-ear Hairband, and it seemed there was something else that Shi Qi couldn't make out.

Shang Sui gently placed the hairband on Shi Qi's head.

This style was somewhat similar to the cat ears he had worn at the Amusement Park, but more delicate and realistic, with clusters of fine, dense fuzz inside. The cat ears were also bigger, making Shi Qi's face look smaller.

He was silent for a moment, then said defiantly: 'It's just wearing cat ears, why would I run—'

Shang Sui interrupted him: 'Baby, look in the mirror.'

Following his command, Shi Qi raised his eyes.

In the mirror, the Omega's clothes were slightly disheveled, his delicate face flushed with a peach-blossom pink, his eyes sparkling as if holding a pool of shimmering spring water.

Shi Qi stared blankly at this unfamiliar version of himself.

Had he always had this expression in front of Shang Sui?

He felt an indescribable shyness, shook his head slightly, and the cat ears trembled along with it.

Seeing this, Shang Sui lowered his head and murmured: 'You're so cute.'

The Alpha's flawless face loomed closer, and the faint red marks from the Bite Inhibitor still lingered on his high nose bridge.

Shi Qi's chin was gently hooked by a finger, and something soft and fragrant brushed against his cheek.

Like the touch of a butterfly's colorful, soft wings.

Shang Sui leaned in and kissed his cheek.

Shi Qi's cheeks flared bright red: 'You—!!'

It was just a brief, peck-like touch, but Shi Qi felt that small patch of skin burning. He almost wanted to touch it with the back of his hand to make sure the kiss wasn't an illusion.

Shang Sui quickly let him go: 'Do you like this?'

'...' Shi Qi answered softly, 'I like it.'

So fragrant, and so soft.

Hearing the affirmative answer, a smile crept into Shang Sui's eyes and brows.

Shi Qi stared at him blankly, not realizing that his hands were being caught, and the intricately patterned white lace was winding around his slender wrists.

It wasn't until the lace suddenly tightened that Shi Qi let out an 'Uh!' and asked in confusion: 'What are you doing?'

His arms were tightly bound behind his back, and the long Lace Ribbon hung down like a beautiful tail.

Shi Qi vaguely felt that after Shang Sui secured the lace, he tied a bow on his wrists.

Jiang Yoning used to love messing with him when they were kids. Apart from not putting him in a skirt, what Shang Sui was doing wasn't much different from what she did.

Was Shang Sui treating him like a doll?

No, who would tie up a doll?

'Come on, touch this.'

Following Shang Sui's voice, Shi Qi's fingers touched something furry.

It was a white-gold cat tail, fluffy and soft, long and slender, clearly a pair with the cat ears on his head.

Unable to turn around, he could only see from the mirror that the cat tail was pressing against him, moving up and down as if searching for the right spot.

'How about putting it here?'

Shi Qi was suddenly poked, froze for a moment, then suddenly realized how the tail was used: 'No! I don't want this!'

Shi Qi seemed terrified, his small face turning pale, even his eyelashes trembling, yet he couldn't dodge because of Shang Sui's command.

The lace tied around him swayed slightly, and with the pointed ears on his head, he looked like a cat that had puffed up in fright and didn't know what to do.

After all, it was the first time, and he didn't want to use something like that either.

He only wanted to tease Shi Qi.

Shang Sui tossed the fluffy cat tail aside, cupped his face with both hands: 'Then we won't use it. Don't be scared, don't be scared. Come here for a kiss.'

As Shang Sui spoke, his fingers pressed against Shi Qi's cheek, scratching his chin with a comfortable pressure, and his lips also pressed against Shi Qi's cheek, giving him occasional pecks.

Such gentle, pure touches quickly made Shi Qi forget the fright from just now, and even the Alpha's abnormality was thrown to the wind, a blush of ambiguous red spreading across his face.

His hands itched, wanting to grab Shang Sui's shoulders to vent, but were restrained by the supple lace, so his slender fingers could only rub against each other in frustration.

'Untie me,' Shi Qi's breathing was unsteady, panting in small gasps, 'untie me, okay?'

'No.'

'Shang Sui!' Shi Qi called him in dissatisfaction.

'I'm here,' the one being called responded gently, but his fingers slipped into the knot of the lace and viciously pulled it back, nearly making Shi Qi stumble, 'Call me again and I'll gag you and tie your legs too.'

'...'

This person really was moody during his Sensitivity Period.

He glared at Shang Sui, but the blush on his face spread all the way to his neck.

The pecks gradually moved from his cheek to the side of his neck, naturally going further back, slowly approaching the gland.

Shi Qi squinted slightly, seeing in the mirror that the Alpha had buried his head in the back of his neck. Feeling the gland being nibbled, Shi Qi trembled all over.

The next moment, sharp teeth pierced the skin without hesitation—

'Mmn...!!'

Whether it was the effect of the Sensitivity Period or not, the other person's Pheromone was both manic and suppressed, displaying an almost insane desire to plunder. The pressure of being prey enveloped Shi Qi's nerves from head to toe, like a dark cage imprisoning him, leaving no escape.

Shi Qi's dark gray eyes rolled up slightly, and he nearly lost consciousness, finally understanding the meaning of Shang Sui's words.

If he hadn't been forced to stay in place by the command, he would have run away long ago.

As the marking deepened, Shi Qi's breathing grew more rapid, and his legs were so weak he couldn't stand. The fluffy cat ears and white lace trembled incessantly.

His voice was almost tearful: 'Enough, it's enough now!'

The scent of Lily of the Valley spread out, exceptionally rich, as if the flower's core had been dampened with dew.

A wet, fragrant aroma filled the surrounding space. Feeling the marking continue, Shi Qi said weakly: 'I can't stand anymore.'

His voice was soft and limp: 'My legs are so sore, let me go... Shang Sui, Shang Sui!'

He wasn't the type to enjoy begging for mercy, but in front of Shang Sui, the act of acting spoiled and pleading came naturally.

To him, the other person was like family, someone he could act spoiled with freely.

'Relax.'

When the marking ended, Shang Sui finally gave the command that set him free.

Shi Qi's knees gave way, and he knelt on the rug.

The Alpha behind him also crouched down. Shang Sui took something from the cabinet, and Shi Qi heard a crisp, pleasant sound.

Click.

Something tightened around his neck.

Shi Qi dizzily looked up and saw a collar fastened around his newly marked neck.

It was a dark red leather collar, adorned with a strawberry-sized golden bell.

The style was very much like a pet collar for a cat; as soon as the bell rang, you'd know where your cat was.

'Fits perfectly,' Shang Sui said admiringly, half-forcing Shi Qi's flushed face up.

Long, powerful fingers pinched the Omega's cheeks, making him look at himself in the mirror: 'You look so beautiful now, baby.'

Shi Qi's eyes reddened, and he let out a whimper.

The more he was praised, the shyer he became, even wanting to curl up into a ball.

Knowing how to pry open his clam shell, Shang Sui's grip was unyielding, forcing him to look in the mirror, but his voice was exceptionally soft, with a seductive tone:

'Our baby is very smart, right? Good and obedient.'

Shi Qi looked into the mirror and inadvertently met a pair of slightly upturned eyes.

Shang Sui smiled at him, his light brown eyes exceptionally bright, as if they could only see him.

'Yes,' as if seduced, Shi Qi repeated, 'I am very good.'

The smile in Shang Sui's eyes deepened, and the tear mole at the corner of his eye added a touch of decadent allure: 'Then tell me, whose little cat are you?'

'...Yours.'

All strength drained from Shi Qi's body, his voice almost taking on a coquettish tone as he was guided to say the answer Shang Sui wanted to hear: 'I am yours.'

Shang Sui leaned closer, about to say something.

A slightly harsh ringtone suddenly cut through the air, shattering the thick, syrupy atmosphere.

Shang Sui stared darkly at the phone ringing not far away. The destructive urge that was already strong during the Sensitivity Period surged forth, and his previously tender expression instantly turned gloomy.

He had finally managed to bring Shi Qi into that dazed state, and this damn thing...

Shi Qi couldn't help saying: 'So noisy.'

Shang Sui grabbed the phone, then paused for a moment, realizing he was gripping it too hard.

Careful, he couldn't crush this thing.

Seeing the note 'Xiao An's Dad,' Shang Sui ground his teeth hard, a dull, subtle sound that was chilling.

During the Sensitivity Period, an Alpha's possessiveness and desire for control both peaked, and he didn't want the Omega to have any contact with the outside world. Even Shi Qi's family instinctively repelled him.

He forcefully suppressed the urge to destroy, and held the phone to Shi Qi's ear.

The moment the call connected, Shi An said anxiously: 'Xiao Qi? Are you okay?! Why haven't you been replying to my messages?'

From behind came Jiang Yoning's protest, as if saying he was being too intrusive.

Shi Qi didn't answer immediately, but instinctively looked at the Alpha beside him.

Shang Sui closed his eyes briefly and said softly: 'Tell your dad we're playing a game.'

Shi Qi echoed softly: 'We're playing a game... mm.'

Shi An was alarmed: 'What are you doing?!'

Jiang Yoning tried to stop him from the side: 'Oh, don't bother them, really! Haven't you ever been through an Alpha's Sensitivity Period yourself?'

'It's fine, baby. Xiao An's dad is just worried and overreacting. We just need to confirm we don't need to call an ambulance.'

Jiang Yoning knew showing up at a time like this was too annoying, didn't want to leave a bad impression on Shi Qi's boyfriend, and quickly left a blessing before hanging up: 'Happy New Year! And to Shang Sui too!'

As if he hadn't expected Shi Qi's family to know his name, Shang Sui showed a hint of surprise.

Shi Qi took the initiative to toss the phone aside: 'Don't mind them.'

He could no longer tell whether it was Shang Sui going through his Sensitivity Period, or if he too had entered a state driven by instinct.

He turned and pressed close to the other, burrowing into Shang Sui's arms, the bell on his neck ringing with the movement.

Even without saying it, his actions conveyed the meaning.

Let's continue.

Shang Sui was very surprised, then smiled and hugged him: 'You're so clingy.'

He had thought the interruption would snap Shi Qi out of it, but instead, he became even more clingy.

Shang Sui cupped Shi Qi's face in his palm, pulled over the other Lace Ribbon that hadn't been used yet, wrapped it around the Omega's wet eyes, and finally tied a perfectly symmetrical bow at the back of his head.

The semi-transparent white lace covered Shi Qi's eyes like a blindfold, but didn't completely block his vision.

The ornaments on his body were gradually increasing, making him look like a small animal that had been captured and carefully raised.

Shi Qi blinked, his long eyelashes brushing against the soft fabric. The intricate white patterns cut the world before him, blurring even the face so close to his.

'Shang Sui...?'

'Good,' he heard him say, 'this is beautiful.'

Beautiful?

He could no longer tell if it was beautiful or not, could only whimper in agreement, then realizing something, curled up uncomfortably: 'I've dirtied your rug.'

'It's okay, you smell very nice, and you're very clean.'

The Alpha's palm carried a rich Pheromone, hot and comforting, as it slowly stroked Shi Qi's thin back: 'I want to hold you.'

His voice was like a bewitching spell: 'Let's do it, okay? I'll make you happy.'

Shi Qi already loved being touched, and such comfortable caresses left him with no power to resist.

He let out a faint hum from his throat, like the sticky, clingy sound a cat makes when it gets close to a human it likes:

'O-okay.'

He saw Shang Sui's eyes curve into a smile, his lips parting slightly, a flash of a bright red tongue, reminiscent of a pomegranate's translucent seeds.

Wanted a kiss.

Shi Qi thought amidst the chaos.

He had cooperated with the marking, released a lot of Pheromone.

Whether it was the cat ears, the bell collar, the white lace... he had accepted all of these, so why wasn't Shang Sui coming to kiss him yet?

He didn't want to stop at kisses on the cheek and neck; he wanted to kiss Shang Sui on the mouth, preferably with tongues.

Once the desire for intimacy surfaced, it couldn't be stopped. Shi Qi was about to recklessly lean forward.

Suddenly, a dazzling light flashed outside the window. The world fell into a river of rose, as if a brilliant star was burning overhead.

The dark thunderstorm had stopped at some point, and fireworks for the New Year bloomed across the sky.

'Happy New Year,' Shang Sui's fingers pinched his chin first, 'Don't be apart in the new year, stay with me forever.'

Shi Qi stared at him in a daze.

He could no longer tell whether this was a command imbued with Mind Manipulation or a simple wish.

Either way, that heart-shaking feeling flowed through his limbs and bones, his whole body as if electrified.

Shi Qi also silently repeated it in his heart.

Don't be apart in the new year, stay with me forever.

Before he could finish reciting the sentence, Shang Sui's thumb brushed over his lips.

Shi Qi's eyelashes fluttered slightly, already sensing what was coming.

Through the thin layer of white lace, soft lips gently pressed against his wet eyes, then slowly moved downward.

As their breaths intertwined, Shang Sui opened his mouth and kissed Shi Qi's eager lips.