My husband
The morning light streamed into the bedroom through the cracks in the curtains. When Si Qi woke up, he found Shao Wei already awake, lying on his side, looking at him. In those eyes, usually as calm as water, there was now a gentle ripple that Si Qi had never seen before.
"Good morning." Si Qi's voice was hoarse, and he reached out to brush away a strand of black hair that fell on Shao Wei's forehead.
Shao Wei didn't look away as usual, but gently grasped Si Qi's wrist. His fingertips were a little cold, leaving a slight electric shock on Si Qi's skin.
"Last night..." Shao Wei began, then paused, his ears slightly reddened, "I didn't hurt you, did I?"
Si Qi raised the corner of his mouth and deliberately moved his shoulders: "It's a little sore, but..." He leaned close to Shao Wei's ear and lowered his voice, "I like it very much."
Shao Wei's eyelashes fluttered rapidly, but he didn't shy away. This was an unprecedented reaction—in the past, Shao Wei always immediately put up an ice wall when it came to intimate topics. Si Qi couldn't help but kiss the tip of his red ear, feeling the other person tremble slightly.
"What are your plans for today?" Si Qi asked, his fingers unconsciously stroking the scars on Shao Wei's back.
Shao Wei was silent for a moment. "There's a business dinner tonight, hosted by the Lin Group."
Si Qi frowned. Ever since the incident with the Lin family's little Omega, he had no fondness for these kinds of occasions. "Must I go?"
"Yes." Shao Wei nodded. "The new project needs their technical support."
Si Qi noticed that when Shao Wei said this, his fingers unconsciously clenched the sheets. He knew Shao Wei too well - this subtle movement meant uneasiness.
"I'll go with you." Si Qi said, not asking, but stating.
Shao Wei looked up at him, a complex emotion flashing in his eyes: "You don't have to..."
"I want to go." Si Qi interrupted him, lifting Shao Wei's chin with his fingers, "And by the way, let everyone know that you are mine."
Shao Wei's breathing paused for a moment, and then he nodded imperceptibly. This simple gesture brought a warm feeling to Si Qi's heart - Shao Wei was learning to accept his protection, which was no easy task for an Alpha used to being independent.
After breakfast, Shao Wei went to his study to work. Si Qi stood outside the door, catching a glimpse of his focused profile through the half-open door—the sunlight shone on his features, casting a soft golden edge. Several documents lay spread out on the table, and Shao Wei alternately frowned, scribbling something quickly, completely absorbed in his work.
Si Qi didn't bother him, but went to the kitchen. Half an hour later, he returned to the study with a cup of coffee and a small plate of blueberry muffins, which he placed gently next to Shao Wei.
Shao Wei looked up, a hint of surprise flashing in his eyes - the pancakes were perfectly shaped, golden and crispy, a far cry from the burnt ones Si Qi had made last time.
"Did the housekeeper help?" Shao Wei asked with a hint of ridicule in his tone.
Si Qi smiled and shook his head. "I made it all by hand. It took me three practice sessions to get it right." He pointed to the band-aid on his left index finger. "And it cost me blood."
A trace of heartache flashed in Shao Wei's eyes. He put down his pen and gently held Si Qi's hand: "There's no need to do this."
"It's necessary." Si Qi leaned over and placed a kiss on Shao Wei's forehead. "I want to make you happy."
Shao Wei's eyelashes trembled, and then he did something that made Si Qi's heart beat faster - he raised his head slightly and brushed his lips against Si Qi's. This was not the passionate kiss he had given last night when he was very sensitive, but a gentle, tentative touch, but it was more powerful than any words.
Si Qi didn't deepen the kiss, but let it linger on the surface, letting Shao Wei take full control. When Shao Wei pulled away, Si Qi saw the uncertainty flickering in his eyes, so she gave him a reassuring smile.
"Keep working." Si Qi ruffled his hair. "I'm going to the gym. See you in the evening."
Leaving the study, Si Qi leaned against the wall and took a deep breath. Every little progress Shao Wei made made his heart beat faster. The Alpha, who had been extremely closed to emotions, was gradually opening up to him.
At 7 p.m., the Lin Group's dinner was held at the most exclusive hotel in the city center. Si Qi stood in the cloakroom, looking at himself in the mirror—a custom-made black suit, a dark red tie, every detail impeccable. But what caught his attention even more was Shao Wei standing behind him.
Shao Wei wore a dark blue suit that accentuated his fair skin. He was adjusting his cufflinks, his slender fingers moving nimbly. When he noticed Si Qi looking at him in the mirror, his fingers paused slightly.
"What's wrong?" Shao Wei asked, his voice a little lower than usual.
Si Qi turned around and reached out to straighten his already perfect tie: "Nothing, just..." His fingers gently brushed Shao Wei's Adam's apple, "You look great tonight."
Shao Wei's Adam's apple rolled, but he didn't shy away from such an intimate touch like before. Instead, his pheromones fluctuated slightly, carrying the crispness of cedar, but he no longer had the defensiveness of the past.
"Let's go." Si Qi took his hand, "Let's finish this quickly and go home early."
The banquet was filled with elegant people and clinking glasses. As soon as Si Qi entered, he felt countless eyes on them—specifically, on Shao Wei beside him. Alpha-alpha pairings were rare, let alone two top-tier Alphas. Some were curious, some were disdainful, and most were waiting for a good show.
Shao Wei seemed oblivious to these glances, or perhaps he had grown accustomed to ignoring them. He quietly followed Si Qi, occasionally exchanging pleasantries with necessary business partners, his voice always calm and restrained.
"Boss Si!" A resounding voice came from behind him. Si Qi turned around and saw Lin Zhenghao, the chairman of the Lin Group, striding towards him, accompanied by the little Lin family omega who had tried to approach him before.
"Mr. Lin." Si Qi nodded and quietly took a step closer to Shao Wei.
Lin Zhenghao glanced between the two of them, his smile carrying a bit of scrutiny: "I didn't expect you to actually bring Mr. Shao here."
"Why didn't you think of that?" Si Qi raised his eyebrows. "He is my spouse, it is normal for him to attend such occasions."
Lin Zhenghao smiled and patted his son's shoulder. "Xiaozhe has always wanted to apologize to Mr. Shao in person. What happened last time was so rude."
Lin Zhe, the Lin family's little Omega, lowered his head and spoke in a voice as thin as a mosquito: "Mr. Shao, I'm sorry... I didn't know you two were so close."
Shao Wei's expression remained unchanged: "No need to apologize, it's just business dealings."
The words seemed tolerant, but in reality they were alienating. Si Qi noticed that Shao Wei's fingers were slightly tightened at his sides—a habit he used when he felt uncomfortable.
"Mr. Shao is really generous." Lin Zhenghao smiled, and suddenly lowered his voice, "But to be honest, two Alphas together is indeed... against nature. I know a few very good psychologists, maybe-"
"Director Lin." Si Qi interrupted him, his voice as cold as ice, "Are you questioning my choice of marriage?"
The atmosphere froze instantly. The surrounding guests stopped talking and focused their attention. Lin Zhenghao's smile froze, clearly not expecting Si Qi to be so direct.
"I just care—"
"No need." Si Qi released a trace of the pheromone of a top-level Alpha, just in time to make several people around him unconsciously take a half step back. "Shao Wei and I are fine, don't worry about it."
Lin Zhenghao's expression turned ugly, but he quickly adjusted his expression: "Of course, of course. Come, let me toast you a glass."
The waiter brought the champagne in due time. Si Qi took the glass and clinked it with Lin Zhenghao's, but didn't drink it—his stomach problem wouldn't allow him to drink, and Shao Wei... Shao Wei never touched alcohol.
Just then, a tall figure approached them—Chen Rui, the young master of the Chen Group and a renowned Alpha. His gaze passed directly over Si Qi and unscrupulously sized up Shao Wei.
"I've heard of Mr. Shao's name for a long time." Chen Rui raised his glass, his eyes provocative. "I didn't expect he's even more... charming than the rumors say."
Siqi's pheromones instantly became extremely aggressive, causing even the surrounding Omegas to flinch unconsciously. But Chen Rui, seemingly intent on provoking him, moved a step closer to Shao Wei.
"I heard that Mr. Shao has made great achievements in the financial circle. Why don't we talk alone some other day?" Chen Rui's voice carried obvious hints.
Shao Wei's expression remained calm, but Si Qi noticed that his fingertips had begun to tremble slightly - a sign that he was about to explode. Just as Si Qi was about to make a move, Shao Wei suddenly made a move that shocked everyone.
He turned to face Siqi, held his face in his hands, and kissed him.
This kiss wasn't filled with the aggressiveness of an Alpha like last night, but rather gentle and firm, with a clear declaration of intent. After a moment of surprise, Si Qi immediately responded, wrapping his arm around Shao Wei's waist and pulling him closer.
When they parted, the entire banquet hall fell silent. Chen Rui's expression was extremely grim, and Lin Zhenghao coughed awkwardly.
"I think our position is clear." Si Qi looked around and spoke in a low voice, each word clearly. "Commissioner Shao is my man. Any disrespectful words or actions are a provocation to the Si Group."
After saying that, he took Shao Wei's hand and left the banquet hall in full view of everyone.
Back in the car, Si Qi noticed that Shao Wei's fingers were cold and his breathing was faster than usual. He turned on the heater, held Shao Wei's hand and rubbed it gently: "It's okay."
Shao Wei turned to look at him, his eyes flashing with complexities: "I... shouldn't have done that."
"Why not?" Si Qi raised his eyebrows, "I like it very much."
"Too impulsive." Shao Wei lowered his head. "It will affect your business relationships."
Si Qi smiled and reached out to lift Shao Wei's chin. "Listen, Shao Wei. No business relationship is more important than you. And..." His thumb gently brushed Shao Wei's lips. "That was the bravest thing I've ever seen you do."
A flicker of uncertainty flashed across Shao Wei's eyes, but it was quickly replaced by a determined glint. He took a deep breath, as if making up his mind. "I want to... reduce the dosage of the inhibitor."
Si Qi's heart skipped a beat: "Are you sure?"
"Yeah." Shao Wei nodded. "Like you said...be true to yourself."
Si Qi couldn't help but kiss his forehead: "Take your time, there's no rush. I will always be with you."
On the way home, Shao Wei took the initiative to lean on Si Qi's shoulder, which was rare. This small gesture made Si Qi's heart warm - the iceberg was melting, and he was willing to wait patiently for a lifetime.
That night, Si Qi was awakened by a soft sob. He opened his eyes and found Shao Wei curled up on the other side of the bed, trembling all over. In the moonlight, the tear marks on his face were clearly visible.
"Are you having a nightmare?" Si Qi asked softly, reaching out and pulling him into his arms.
Shao Wei didn't answer, but his trembling only intensified. Si Qi gently stroked his back, feeling the bulges of the scars beneath his shirt.
"Tell me." Si Qi coaxed in a low voice, "What did you dream about?"
Shao Wei was silent for a long time, so long that Si Qi thought he wouldn't answer. Then, a nearly inaudible voice came: "...When I was fourteen, they locked me in the basement... and told me I couldn't come out until I admitted I was an Omega."
Si Qi's heart felt like it was being gripped by an invisible hand. He tightened his arms and hugged Shao Wei even tighter: "It won't happen again, I promise."
Shao Wei slowly relaxed in his embrace, his breathing becoming steady. Si Qi listened to the wind outside the window and vowed to himself—no matter how many obstacles lay ahead, he would protect this scarred yet resilient Alpha.
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