“May I touch you?” Shan Xianyan doesn't know any other way to word it.
“Please hurry up,” says Liu Zuan, averting his eyes from Shan Xianyan now as he lays down on his stomach.
Shan Xianyan moves his hands and gently caress his friend's back. Liu Zuan tenses at first but then relaxes into the touch. Experimenting, Shan Xianyan closes his eyes while massaging to focus on Liu Zuan's qi. Similar to what he received, Shan Xianyan tries to redirect the energies so Liu Zuan is in less pain. Rubbing his thumb into a qi point, he hears Liu Zuan gasp at the touch. Shan Xianyan asks, “Are you okay?”
“Yes,” he responds. “Keep going...”
Shan Xianyan continues releasing a calming scent as he continues to rub the knots he finds. Liu Zuan almost seems to go tense at first then limp after each one is worked out. Shan Xianyan thinks Liu Zuan can't surprise him but then he does. After about ten minutes, he hears Liu Zuan start to purr from comfort. The sound affects him on the deepest levels because Omegas only purr around those who they completely trust. Shan Xianyan can't help the flush in his cheeks, feeling honored to have earned the Omega's purr.
It isn't until Shan Xianyan speaks that Liu Zuan stops. He says, “I-I'm done. Feel better?”
Liu Zuan seems sleepy but responds, “Yes. Thank you, Alpha.”
Not completely sure why, Shan Xianyan feels a bit of possessiveness from hearing that. Like, Liu Zuan claimed him as his with those words.
As if realizing what he did, Liu Zuan goes wide-eyed and very red in the cheeks before he says, “I-I have business to attend to.” He quickly re-adjusts his robes, standing and saying, “Thank you for the company.”
“No problem,” says Shan Xianyan before Liu Zuan leaves him there by himself. What the fuck just happened?
◆◆◆
Shan Xianyan realizes Liu Zuan is avoiding him for the rest of winter. He's sure it's because of the 'Alpha'-calling and purring incident. In lessons, Liu Zuan won't look at him and is back to glaring. It puts Shan Xianyan in a terrible mood because he doesn't quite understand why his friend is mad at him or what is wrong. He has odd feelings blooming in his heart that wasn’t there before and to be ignored and treated like an enemy again is crushing his spirit. He tries to find Liu Zuan outside of lessons but it turns out that Liu Zuan either holes up inside the Omega housing area so he can't approach him or does his duties stealthily to avoid Shan Xianyan.
Shan Xianyan is upset that his friend is ignoring him but there's another feeling his Alpha is causing that makes his feelings much more confusing. His Alpha produces thoughts of 'why is my Omega ignoring me?' and that makes Shan Xianyan really evaluate his relationship with the Omega. His Alpha is taking claim of Liu Zuan when it shouldn't. They're just friends, not mates. But then, he thinks about it and realizes he wouldn't mind Liu Zuan being his mate. They've only known each other over six months but he must have fallen for the stoic Omega during that time. He misses the Omega's sandalwood scent and his presence. He misses talking for hours with Liu Zuan, even if his only responses are quiet hums. He wants Liu Zuan and only wants him. He might be a cutsleeve for thinking like that but he can't help it. His heart wants what it wants.
He finally can't take it and rants his dilemma to Nuo Fang, ending with, “And what is so important about him calling me 'Alpha'? I called him 'Omega' and he got so upset, why is it such a problem anyway?”
Nuo Fang is quiet for a moment before he informs, “The Liu clan teaches that you shouldn't refer to someone by their dynamic unless you're lovers. Liu Zhaoxian told me that after we shared a mating cycle. It's the same reason why the Liu clan doesn't take off their clothes unless it's in front of a romantic partner.”
With a soft 'oh', Shan Xianyan now understands why Liu Zuan was so angry about their first encounter. But at the same time, he softly blushes remembering Liu Zuan call him 'Alpha'. Liu Zuan must be starting to consider him in a romantic light to have called him that but why is he avoiding him now? He asks Nuo Fang, “Why do you think Liu Zuan is ignoring me?”
Nuo Fang shrugs as he says, “Maybe he's embarrassed he called you 'Alpha'? Maybe he's just as confused on how he feels as you are? I wouldn't know. All you can do is give him space, even if it hurts.”
“How are you doing with your Omegas?” Shan Xianyan tries to deflect the conversation, not wanting to linger on his own pining and problems with love.
That makes him sigh and answers, “Mother and Father already know, and they're absolutely furious, but if I tell you this, you won't tell Liu Zhashi?”
Shan Xianyan is extremely curious about what's going on, giving him a nod. Nuo Fang takes a deep breath and admits, “Liu Zhaoxian is likely pregnant with my child.”
Absolutely shocked, Shan Xianyan responds, “W-What?!”
“Quiet down! I didn't mean to do it during our mating cycle. Wu Shenxin is on suppressants so he's infertile until he goes off them but that wasn't the case with Liu Zhaoxian. We're waiting until he's farther along to inform the rest of the Liu clan.” Nuo Fang holds his head in his hands and says, “Fuck, I'm not ready for this. What am I to do?”
“I... have no idea what to tell you.” Shan Xianyan is stumped. “Fuck, I guess congratulations but that's not what you want to hear. How is Wu Shenxin taking it?”
“Better than me. He's fretting over him like a mother hen, making sure he's fed and comfortable.” Nuo Fang smiles a bit. “I'm glad to know that even if I'm not a good father, that Wu Shenxin is willing to fill that role.”
Shan Xianyan frowns and demands, “Quit putting yourself down. You'll be a good father if you try. There is no such thing as perfect parents but I believe in you.”
Nuo Fang doesn't seem convinced but he replies, “Thanks. I will try. Right now, I'm trying to figure out how to ask Liu Zhashi and Wu Xinshi if I can marry their Omega family.”
Shan Xianyan grits his teeth at that but helps him think it over. Liu Zhashi might be strict but Nuo Fang is playing with death asking Wu Xinshi for Wu Shenxin's hand in marriage. Thankfully, Shan Xianyan doesn't have to think about his own situation because he realizes Nuo Fang is much more screwed than he is right now.
◆◆◆
Spring comes when the snow melts and the sprouts of new life arrive. The weather is getting warmer and everything is mostly peaceful. Eventually, the healers start noticing Liu Zhaoxian's morning sickness and growing belly. It becomes obvious what happened and everyone can tell Liu Zhashi is on the edge of punching someone (mainly Nuo Fang) for the situation at hand. Regardless, it leads to some pretty interesting drama in Shan Xianyan's eyes. Madame Yang and Nuo Feng'en, Nuo Fang's parents, are called to Anxiang Valley for a meeting of what to do. With lots of arguing on both sides, they end up agreeing on what should happen. As much as Liu Zhashi despises the idea, he agrees for Liu Zhaoxian to marry into the Nuo clan. He is an Omega with Nuo Fang's child so it only seems fair.
Shan Xianyan is present at the meeting and is kind of eager to have Liu Zhaoxian join their family. He's not a bad person to be around. But then the topic of Wu Shenxin comes up because Nuo Fang refuses to choose one Omega or the other. Madame Yang seems irritated but she agrees to have a talk with Wu Xinshi for Nuo Fang and explain the situation.
Before the meeting is over, Liu Zhashi makes a comment about Shan Xianyan. “If another Omega gets pregnant because of him as well, I'm banning disciples from the YoushenNuo sect to come under my teaching.”
Nuo Feng'en suggests to Shan Xianyan, “Please don't impregnate any Omegas, okay?”
Shan Xianyan feels a little scandalized but says, “I think I can keep that promise.”
Madame Yang and Liu Zhashi seem to be on their last nerves and both say, “You better.”
After that, everything seems to return to normal... until suddenly Liu Zuan stops coming to lessons.
◆◆◆
It's raining when Shan Xianyan starts to get really worried about Liu Zuan. It's the third day in a row that the Omega hasn't come to lessons. Liu Zhaoxian hasn't
been coming to lessons either but that's more common because of his pregnancy. Maybe it's because Shan Xianyan feels like he's on edge these days and his body feels hot but not getting to see Liu Zuan makes him think something is really wrong with him. He feels the need to go and search for him, to check on him and make sure he's okay even if Liu Zuan is ignoring him.
Liu Zhashi finishes up a lesson and dismisses everyone, his eyes suspicious on Shan Xianyan for some reason. Shan Xianyan doesn't know why but ignores it because after three days, he needs to find Liu Zuan and see how he's doing.
He gets a quarter of the way to the Alpha housing area when Nuo Fang stops him by saying, “What are you doing? You better be going back to our room.”
Shan Xianyan turns, his Alpha annoyed, and snaps, “Why should I?”
Nuo Fang softens and informs, “Shan Shui, you reek of pre-rut. You've been scenting really aggressively for two days and the other Alphas are starting to notice. Haven't you noticed?”
Shan Xianyan considers it and realizes he has been ignoring his own body. He's been easily agitated and moody the past two days, his nose seeks out the scent of a certain Omega, and his body feels like it itches from being too hot. The signs of being in pre-rut were there; he just willingly ignored them because he's worried about his Omega. His Omega; his thoughts really have changed since the winter. He longs to have Liu Zuan comfort and touch him. He really is going into his first mating cycle already. He responds, “... Well, shit.”
Shaking his head, Nuo Fang makes a comment to that. “If you're going into rut... then Young Master Liu might also be going into his own mating cycle. That's probably why he's missing lessons and Liu Zhashi seems to hate you more these past few days.”
“I need to see him,” Shan Xianyan says, determined. “I need to make sure he's okay. My Alpha won't rest until I know.”
Nuo Fang doesn't fight it, saying, “I guess go see him... but I'm not going to let myself get punished for your rule-breaking.”
Shan Xianyan smiles and starts to run towards the Omega housing area now. That must be where he is, right?
◆◆◆
He's almost soaked from the rain by the time he gets to the Omega housing area. Some Omegas notice him and murmur in surprise and suspicion over an Alpha in pre-rut being there. Shan Xianyan lets his nose lead him where he needs to go, tracking his Omega's scent. The scent is so strong he could pick it up way before he even arrived at the housing area. The sandalwood aroma is heavy with lust and want, something that drives Shan Xianyan's Alpha crazy. His Alpha wants to claim and protect, to make sure no one can get to his Omega first.
So close to the source of the scent, he pauses when he sees who is standing outside Liu Zuan's living quarters. It's Liu Zhaoxian. He has a concerned gaze but seems to catch Shan Xianyan's scent and turns to face him.
Shan Xianyan approaches carefully and asks, “Is he okay?”
Liu Zhaoxian nods and with a soft smile, saying, “He's been waiting for you, actually. He's been in heat for two days and all he cries out in his sleep is your name.”
Shan Xianyan feels his heart breaking to hear that. He asks, “May I see him?”
With a snort, Liu Zhaoxian replies, “Of course, you're the only one who will be able to fill his desires.”
Letting him through, Shan Xianyan goes past Liu Zhaoxian and enters Liu Zuan's living quarters. The room is thicker with his Omega's aroma than the outside. It blankets him like a cocoon and he can't stop the growl that comes to his throat. It's heavenly. When he actually sees the room, he's in awe of it. Liu Zuan is laying on his bed in a nest of fabrics that must have been collected while he was in pre-heat. Instead of his usual sky-colored robes, he's in a simple, gray heat robe. Heat robes are easy to clean fabric that is absorbent to accommodate the slick that Omegas produce during their heats. Liu Zuan himself makes Shan Xianyan's heart jump because he's flushed in the face and looks desperate for any kind of release.
Liu Zuan catches the sight and smell of Shan Xianyan and sits up, calling out in a pathetic voice, “Shan Shui...”
Shan Xianyan goes forward and plops into Liu Zuan's nest, immediately assaulted by the odors that come from the fabrics. He realizes many of these fabrics are missing robes and towels that belong to Shan Xianyan. He suspects Nuo Fang and Liu Zhaoxian have been stealing his things to help Liu Zuan make a nest of his scent. He's not even angry because there's a sense of pride knowing Liu Zuan wanted his scent, wanted him for his heat.
Even with the overwhelming urge to claim and mark Liu Zuan, Shan Xianyan controls himself enough to talk to his Omega. “Are you okay? Have you eaten?”
Liu Zuan nods with a whimper. It's obvious he wants to pounce on Shan Xianyan and encourage him to take him but his Omega instincts must be telling him that his Alpha should take the lead. Shan Xianyan takes advantage of that and finally asks what he's wondered for over two months. “Why have you been ignoring me? I... I missed you.”
Liu Zuan turns away from him and admits quietly, “... I thought if I avoided you, I could delay my heat. It didn't work. I just kept wanting you more and more the longer I stayed away from you.”
With a hum, Shan Xianyan scoots closer before saying, “You left me wanting you more and more... idiot.”
Liu Zuan gives him a narrow gaze, countering, “No, you.”
For a tense moment, they stare at each other before meeting in a kiss. With eyes closed, Shan Xianyan can't stop the growl in his throat as he pushes Liu Zuan into his nest. He's not denying his Alpha anymore. He will do whatever he likes as long as Liu Zuan will have it. There are soft moans from Liu Zuan as he's pushed into the nest, his hair fanned out across the pile of fabrics. They pull away for a moment to catch their breath and Shan Xianyan says, “I need you.”
“I need you more.” That's Liu Zuan's reply as he moves to get out of his heat robe. Shan Xianyan takes the opportunity to get out of his own clothes, discarding every single piece of clothing until he's completely naked. When they're pressed against each other for another kiss, Shan Xianyan groans at the feeling of their lengths pressed against each other. He wants more friction; they both do. However, Shan Xianyan is even more aware of the dampness between his Omega's legs. He saw that the heat robe is already soaked in slick but now he sees just how wet Liu Zuan is by himself. He really does need Shan Xianyan and Shan Xianyan is eager to be inside his mate.
Mate. He didn't think that would cross his mind yet but he supposes it fits considering their position. He's faced with a dilemma; how will he fuck Liu Zuan? Should they do it face to face with Shan Xianyan fitting between his legs or take him from behind and hold him by his hair for leverage? Both options seem very appealing but he feels Liu Zuan should decide. Sure, it's both their first time but he feels it's more of a courtesy to let the Omega decide how this should go.
“Liu Zuan.” Their eyes meet before Shan Xianyan asks, “How would you like my cock? I'm letting you decide.”
There's a whimper before Liu Zuan wraps a leg around Shan Xianyan to pull him closer and he begs, “Please just fuck me. I don't care how you do it but I would prefer to see your face while inside me.” He licks his lips and adds, “I want to kiss you more. To make up for the kisses I didn't give you the past two months.”
If Shan Xianyan wasn't sure if his rut is fully starting, he is now sure that Liu Zuan just kick-started it. His heart also beats faster at those words. He didn't say 'I love you' but it felt like he implied it. Shan Xianyan moves a hand to caress Liu Zuan cheek and says, “Alright, love. I'll do as you say.”
Shan Xianyan is no expert since he has never had sex before but he's heard a lot about it from his peers and read his fellow disciples pornography. He knows the basics of sex but putting it into practice might be tough. He tries something he saw in one of the books. He takes two fingers and gently tries to work them inside Liu Zuan.
As it turns out, Liu Zuan's body greedily accepts the fingers and Shan Xianyan groans at how smooth and wet it feels. It's not going to take much
for him to be able to fit his cock if Liu Zuan takes him this easy. Regardless, he will be considerate and gentle as possible with his mate. Liu Zuan whimpers at the loss of the fingers and begs, “Give it to me. I want you.”
Reaching down to grab his own cock, Shan Xianyan can feel that he's completely hard. In fact, his knot is half swollen because he's so turned on. He mentally curses himself for not being able to last longer because his knot shouldn't be swelling already. Liu Zuan notices and says, “You don't need to last, just please get it in me while you can.”
Feeling a little bit better about himself, Shan Xianyan guides his cock to Liu Zuan's entrance and starts to push in. It seems Liu Zuan easily takes him in and Shan Xianyan shudders at the pleasure of the squeeze around himself. When he's fully sheathed, he looks Liu Zuan in the eyes again. Liu Zuan moves to wrap his arms around Shan Xianyan before asking, “Can you move? Feels good with you inside.”
Obliging, Shan Xianyan pulls back his hips and starts a slow rhythm he can handle. He pants a bit with pleasure and his rhythm increases to encourage the sounds coming from Liu Zuan. With his strokes, Liu Zuan's voice starts out with whispers and moans but gets louder as his pleasure builds. Shan Xianyan asks, “Does it feel good?”
“Y-Yes. Please, I n-need-” Shan Xianyan changes his angle and Liu Zuan makes a sound that is higher pitched and needy. He must have found his sweet spot directly instead of barely brushing it with his past thrusts. He aims for that spot because he's getting close himself and wants to get Liu Zuan to orgasm first if he can. His knot starts to lock him inside Liu Zuan and makes his thrusts shorter, more concentrated on his sweet spot.
It seems to drive Liu Zuan crazy because he cries out, “I never want anyone else to do this to me! I only want my Alpha and no one else!”
“Call me that again, Omega.” Shan Xianyan feels his Alpha need that encouragement. He sees the debauched look on his mate's face and knows he's close.
Scents of Sandalwood and Rain Page 3