Chapter 22

Hua Ren gazed into Sheng Fei's golden eyes as he coldly said; "I told you since the beginning. I have no Alpha."

As Sheng Fei heard Hua Ren's words, a chill swept through him, freezing him to the core despite the warmth of their close proximity. The disbelief etched into his features mirrored the shock that reverberated through his mind and heart. How could Hua Ren, his own mate, deny their connection so vehemently? Couldn’t he feel anything?

His golden eyes, usually filled with a fierce intensity, searched Hua Ren's face for any hint of jest or deception. But what he found there sent a shiver down his spine—a coldness that seemed to seep into his very soul. The warmth and affection he had expected were absent, replaced by an icy resolve that pierced through him like shards of ice.

Unable to tear his gaze away, Sheng Fei stared into those unique, mesmerizing white eyes, searching for any flicker of emotion, any sign that this was merely a facade. But there was nothing—no hint of affection, no trace of the bond that should have bound them together.

It was a realization that struck him like a physical blow, leaving him reeling with disbelief and a profound sense of loss. How could anyone deny their Alpha, their mate, in such a way? The realization dawned on him with a sinking certainty—Hua Ren was being entirely serious.

He did not consider him his Alpha.

********

Perched atop the sturdy branch of a towering tree, Sheng Fei gazed out into the night sky, his mind swirling with turbulent thoughts. The branches beneath him swayed gently in the cool breeze, a stark contrast to the turmoil raging within him.

Above, the stars twinkled like distant beacons of light, scattered across the velvet canvas of the night. The moon, a luminous orb hanging in the heavens, cast its ethereal glow over the world below. But despite the beauty surrounding him, Sheng Fei found no solace in the celestial spectacle.

‘I told you since the beginning. I have no Alpha.’

Hua Ren's words echoed in his mind like a haunting refrain, refusing to be silenced. How could his own mate, deny their connection so brazenly? The weight of that revelation hung heavy on his heart.

In that moment, the foundation of Sheng Fei's world crumbled around him. He used to believe that he didn’t want or need an omega or any sort of partner. Even when he found out that Hua Ren was his omega seven months ago on a battlefield, he didn’t think much of it and never planned to pursue things with him but after feeling the sheer strength emanating from him during their short fight, after using his pheromones to subdue him, after knowing what it felt like to have his own omega in his arms, his initial decision did a 180.

He had never met an omega like Hua Ren. An omega who was so strong, independent and decisive. An omega who could fight on par with an Alpha yet smell so sweet. He felt attracted to him in such a strong and incredible way. Especially after Hua Ren responded by releasing his own pheromones that smelled of peaches. Light and sweet. He really couldn’t get him out of his mind.

With a heavy sigh, Sheng Fei leaned against the sturdy trunk of the tree, his gaze still fixed on the beautiful night sky above. His omega wanted nothing to do with him. Although he tried not to let it show, it hurt like hell.

Ah, so this was what they called rejection.

He closed his eyes as memories of their encounter flooded his mind. He remembered the warmth of Hua Ren's body against his own, the delicate scent that enveloped him, and the way their closeness had stirred something within him. It was clear that Sheng Fei's desires had shifted, and within a very short period of time, Hua Ren had captivated him in ways he hadn't expected.

As Sheng Fei stood lost in contemplation among the branches, a voice called out to him from below, breaking through the silence of the night. Startled, he glanced downward, his gaze falling upon the figure of Jade standing amidst the shadows of the forest floor.

Surprise flickered across Sheng Fei's features. “You’re awake.” He said then jumped down the tree, landing gracefully before her.

Jade held a revered position within the group despite her status as an omega, due to her adeptness at gathering intelligence. She played a pivotal role in the group's operations and her Intel had saved them during many dangerous missions. The group wouldn't have come so far without her help and Sheng Fei was ever grateful.

She possessed a dainty, graceful form typical of an omega, with waist-length black hair framing a heart-shaped face and deep blue eyes that sparkled with kindness and intelligence. She wore a sleek black crop top paired with a long skirt boasting a daring slit, hinting at her sultry charm. Despite her alluring appearance, Jade exuded quiet confidence and resilience, her every movement carrying a sense of strength and poise.

"Sheng Fei," she called again, her voice carrying a note of urgency. "I've been looking for you everywhere. Are you alright?"

Her concern was evident in the furrow of her brow and the way her eyes searched his face for any sign of distress.

Sheng Fei felt a warmth spread through him at the sight of her, grateful for her unexpected presence in his moment of solitude. His head was beginning to ache form all the thinking.

"I'm fine, Jade," he replied, his voice carrying a hint of gratitude. "Just needed some time alone to clear my head. How is your wrist?” He gestured towards the cast that encased her wrist, the white plaster a stark contrast to her skin.

“Huifang loaded me up with painkillers. It doesn't hurt for now.” She replied, shaking it a little bit.

Sheng Fei nodded. “I'm glad. You'll be off missions until your wrist gets better.”

Jade knew better than to argue with Sheng Fei especially once his mind was made up so she just nodded.

“Oh yes, why were you looking for me?” Sheng Fei asked, recalling her earlier words. “Is something wrong?”

She shook her head slightly. "Not really. I just wanted to see you," she admitted, her voice soft. Her blue eyes glistened with concern as she continued, "Qi Zhen mentioned you fought with the Ivory Warlord. You're not hurt, are you?"

With each word, she took a bold step closer, her heartbeat quickening in rhythm with her increasing proximity to Sheng Fei. The gentle breeze carried a hint of Sheng Fei's distinctive scent, which only seemed to heighten her emotions and draw her closer.