Sheng Fei exhaled heavily. “I’m not sure. If it’s been weeks... he may have already been sold and it would be wrong to give her false hope.”
“I thought so too,” Hua Ren replied. “But we can still keep an eye out, right? Just in case.”
Sheng Fei’s lips curled into a smile, especially when Hua Ren stopped trying to remove his arm. “Of course, wifey. Whatever you wa—ugh!”
He doubled over slightly, clutching his stomach where Hua Ren’s elbow had just jabbed him. He groaned dramatically, straightening with a wince. “You know, what you’re doing to me is called domestic abuse.”
“And what you’re doing to me, is called harrassment.” Hua Ren retorted, rolling his eyes.
Sheng Fei gasped. “Harrassment? It’s only harassment if you’re not my wife.”
Hua Ren raised a hand immediately after Sheng Fei uttered the word ‘wife’ and Sheng Fei quickly jumped back, afraid of being hit again.
“It’s also harrasment if I don’t want it.” Hua Ren muttered, turning away.
“But, do you really not want it?” Sheng Fei asked as he rubbed his stomach. Although Hua Ren didn’t use much strength, it still hurt. His omega was extremely strong and he liked it like that but not when he was the one on the receiving end. He’d rather watch his omega pound the life out of someone else.
He really liked Hua Ren. Hard on the outside but soft on the inside, especially after smelling his pheromones. He loved how weak it made Hua Ren in his arms and he was glad that it was only him who could make Hua Ren feel that way.
He knew the Ivory Warlord wasn’t in love with him yet. But at least, he didn’t hate him. Slowly and surely, he would make the white haired beauty his. Marking him was just the first step. Capturing his heart would be the next.
Hua Ren didn’t bother answering Sheng Fei’s question. And although he tried to frown, his lips twitched faintly with amusement for he noticed that Sheng Fei was somewhat restless. As if he was contemplating asking him the same question again.
But the truth was, no matter how many times he asked, Hua Ren would never tell whether he liked being randomly touched and held or not for he was unsure of his own feelings.
Though, he had warned Sheng Fei to stop calling him that ridiculous name, ‘Wifey’. He was a former general, a warrior feared across lands. Why should he accept such an embarrassing nickname? Besides, it wasn’t like they were married or anything. Sure marriage was just a formality between mates but he still wanted it to happen. Especially if Sheng Fei wants to keep using the nickname.
He hadn’t fully come to terms with being marked by an Alpha. Yet, he couldn’t deny that it wasn’t so bad.
He didn’t feel any different from before, aside from the quiet, unexplainable calm that washed over him whenever Sheng Fei was near.
Like last night, after their fight with the bandits and stuffing himself full with food, he’d fallen asleep wrapped in Sheng Fei’s arms and he hadn’t even fought it. Sheng Fei’s scent had grounded him, soothed him, and he had to admit that he hadn’t slept that peacefully in years.
And then, after everything Sheng Fei had said, after that earnest declaration of wanting a place in his heart...
How could Hua Ren keep pushing him away?
No one has ever said those sincere words to him before.
All his life, he had devoted himself to one man. He had even resigned himself to a fate of being by that man’s side forever, just watching him, protecting him, and never daring to want more but deep deep down, Hua Ren had always wanted more.
“Our saviours!” they heard a familiar voice shout. They turned to see the town chief walking towards them with tow horses, his face stretched wide with a smile.
“Here are two of our finest horses. A gift, for saving us from those bandits. The people insisted you have them, to ease your journey.”
Sheng Fei frowned a little when he saw the horses. He had actually thought of buying horses. He was just thinking whether to buy a carriage along with them or not. Getting individual horses would make their journey to the base faster but a carriage would create a close proximity situation for him and Hua Ren, where he would be able to put his seduction skills to good use.
Now it didn’t matter anymore since the chief brought two horses.
“Ah, Chief, that’s so kind of you.” He said with a smile as reached out and grabbed Hua Ren’s hand, pulling him close. “My wife and I thank you.”
Hua Ren didn’t flinch at the word, but under his veil, a flicker of annoyance shimmered in his pale eyes. Though the hat shaded his face, Sheng Fei sensed it in the subtle way Hua Ren’s fingers tensed in his grip, and it made him smile.
The town chief waved off the thanks. “It’s nothing, nothing! We’ve also packed you food for the road. Please accept them. it’s the least we can do for the people who saved our town.”
The townspeople began to gather around them. In twos and threes at first, then in whole clusters. Men, women, elders, and children approached them, carrying baskets of fruits, sacks of rice, bundles of dried meat, and homemade talismans for protection. Even small children tugged at their parents’ sleeves to get closer to the heroes.
Hua Ren instinctively took a half-step closer to Sheng Fei, unconsciously tightening his grip on his hand. He felt nervous for he wasn’t used to such situations. Sure, he had saved many lives, rescued villages, liberated captives—but he never stayed long enough to see the aftermath. He never lingered for the gratitude, the praise, or the kindness so it felt strange to receive it now.
But it was not unpleasant. It felt good. Warming, and almost humbling. He was smiling before he even realized it.
Sheng Fei noticed and chuckled softly. Hua Ren could pretend to be all tough and strong but there was a softness in him that made him want to pull the omega into his arms and kiss him all over again. He shook his head, wondering how he became such a lovesick man.
He nudged Hua Ren gently. “You should thank them,” he whispered, helping him accept a basket from an old woman. “Come on, don’t just stand there.”
Hua Ren blinked and stiffly moved to accept a bag of candied chestnuts from a young boy. He could tell from the boy’s features that he was an omega, no older than 14 or 15. “Thank you.” He said shyly.