Alas everyone fear of Mitch turning out to be a bloodthirsty killing machine was all for naught.
He still likes to hug and kiss , he still liked to eat till his mouth puff up with food , he still liked to smile and he still liked to hang out with Iran.
The only thing different was that he now had an interest in Martial arts and the acts of war.
Bei Shang had asked Nick about who sent the assassin ; Nick claimed that it was one of the supporters of Uncle summer.
Seeing how calm he is , Bei Shang almost ran mad.
" Why aren't you angry? Why aren't you and Kate doing anything? He tried to kill your son and I twice !!!"
"The first one was Uncle summer himself and he attacked you by accident, the second one is political rivalry… " He looked up to see Bei Shang face turning red , he let out a sigh " Bei Shang…"
"Don't talk to me " he turned around and looked at a vase with Lazer sharp focus" Your voice is pissing me off "
"I know you're pissed , and to be honest I have the even greater urge to drag out the culprit and tear him into pieces but we can't do it . The rivalry is the minister of finance and he have been managing the Huli Jing region for almost 400 years now; even if he did bad , he did protect the citizens for so long…"
"Then does he get away with it ?!"
Nick shook his head; amusement in his eyes "Of course not , Queen spring dismissed him from his post and exiled him. There are other punishment apart from killing"
Bei Shang blinked before coughing " I didn't mention killing, my mind didn't even go there …wait don't let me divert , what about uncle Summer? What did you do about him ?"
"We can't remove him "
"Why ?!!"
Nick continued with working on the wooden sword , he acted like he didn't see Bei Shang was about to near explode from rage .
"It's complicated"
"What's complicated is that you guys have an awful lot of secrets !!!" He plopped down on the chair beside him "Is he really you guys uncle? Because even if he's evil , blood is still thicker than water "
"No he isn't... he's my Dad best friend , we just call him uncle because of how close he and Dad was "
"Huh ? But he has white hair"
"He and Dad were created at the same time by different moon gods ... they wanted to see who was going to rule the Huli Jing clan better "
Bei Shang looked genuinely confused " But why didn't you just say they were best friends ?"
"That's why I said it's complicated" Nick went back to work , his focused gaze on the sword showed that whatever they were saying was out of discussion for now " The banquet is the day after tomorrow , have you gotten the clothes I told Iran to give you?"
Bei Shang really wanted to pursue the topic but one don't force a predator mouth open ,he swallowed the discomfort in his heart.
"No i haven't checked it out but..."
"Have you taken your medicine?"
"None of your business"
Nick stopped his work and stared blankly at Bei Shang, his tone was cold "I'm not above doing what I did last time"
Bei Shang lips twitched.
The last time he was talking about wasn't the time he forcefully fed him in the Huli Jing hall, the last time he was talking about was last week.
Nick had dried the heart , grind it and mixed it with other leaves before giving it to him hoping it won't disgust him as much.
The medication time was flexible, the rule was that he used it at least once a week. However he didn't like medications, not to talk of medication made through canibalistic means.
He had missed the medication as a form a retaliation and guilt to the little demon sacrificed.
As a result, his disease flared up. His temperature fell , his lips became blue , his breathing slowed and the feeling of something hot moving around his body turned his pain sensitivity higher.
But he didn't die , it looked like his yin body was getting used to the poison.
Nick had come in the middle of the night , took the medicine and some water .
Then grab his hands and locked it in an upwards position, Put his lips against him and force fed him.
Everytime he tried to escape, he would bite his lips till he bleed. His tongue pressed against the roof of his mouth to prevent him from throwing up and his legs caged his escape route.
By the time, Nick was done, Bei Shang was so worn out ; he just lied there glaring at him.
He didn't want such an embarrassing thing to happen ever again.
"Its just once a week, don't rush me"
"Im counting the days for you"
"Fuck off "
He could swear Nick gaze moved downwards to his lips before he blinked and went back to what he was doing.
"I'll leave once I'm done "
Weirdo.
💖💖💖
Soon the day of the banquet arrived . Despite that the event was still going to hold in the evening , Iran woke him up early in the morning.
"Mitch mom , this is an event that you have to look good"
Bei Shang rubbed his ears and threw a small fit before sitting up.
"Aren't you supposed to prepare Mitch for the event first?"
"His own will be later in the afternoon"
"Why ?!!"
"Because he doesn't need much work when it comes to dressing up "
"Iran ..."
"Yes "
"Just say that you wanted Mitch to have a bit more sleep and you used this opportunity to torture me for all the bullying "
Iran opened her mouth then closed it ; then she shrugged with a familiar nonchalant attitude.
"Let's just start with the petals bath "
Each procedure took at least 2 hours long. A thorough perfumed bath followed by an oil bath , then massage , then his nails and toe nails manicured , then a face massage , then another massage.
Bei Shang body have never been more lighter.
Iran brought out the clothes and jewels and placed it on the bed " When it's time ,you can wear the robes ; I want to go and prepare Mitch "
"What about you ? aren't you dressing?"
"Oh I will , I just want to quickly take care of everyone "
Bei Shang waited till Iran was out before closing his eyes to take a nap. He didn't know how long he slept for but it was already late when he opened his eyes.
Seeing how no one woke him up till now, Iran bad memory have struck again.
"Guess I have to dress up myself"
He put on the white robe. The robe was soft and fluffy against his skin making it feel like a coat , Whenever he moved towards the direction of light; it would sparkle bringing out an angelic illumination.
The jewelries were nice but he didn't need any of it ; most of them were large with complex design. The only one he can still swallow his pride to wear is simple dropping diamond earrings and a pendant diamond necklace.
He sighed and put on the earrings , it was a bit hard putting on the necklace so he decided that he would ask Iran to help him it put on before grabbing the invitation card ( a shiny green stone ).
He proceeded to wait for another 30 mins but no one was here yet. He had no choice but to test his legs.
Like Nick had promised, his ankles healed within the full month he had spent in the demon realm. When he placed it on the floor, he didn't feel much except a slight soreness.
He placed pressure on them , seeing no ache ; he stood up and tried walking. His legs were unstable at first but later on , he got used to walking again.
He started walking to the banquet hall; his steps were slow and sometimes a sweat rolled out of his forehead but he was satisfied.
"They should do something about the lightning of the hallway…I can barely see anything.."
He bumped into someone,he lost his balance and almost tumbled down. Thankfully,the person who grabbed his waist on time.
There was a thick silence between them before the stranger spoke in a baritone voice.
"Wow ... never thought I'll meet a mortal in the Huli Jing clan "
Bei Shang raised his head . The man that helped him was good looking even with a long scar running though his left eye , his long grey hair fell in soft waves to frame his face and his sliver eyes stared at him as if he was the only person in the world.
But there was something unnerving about his cologne.
Bei Shang discreetly rubbed his nose and gently pushed him aside.
"Thank you"
"No problem " He still haven't let him go yet , he was still staring at him" I don't know why but have we met before?"
"No " The cologne was getting stronger and his head was starting to pound as a result; he tried to leave but the grey haired man isn't moving " I have somewhere I'm going to "
" I can carry you there " he walked even closer, his chest loomed over Bei Shang and he used his free hand to truffle his hair "Nice perfume you're wearing "
With the intimate closeness , Bei Shang was now surrounded by the scent; something in his head snapped and he pushed the stranger.
"Don't come close! I don't like your cologne"
Wolf king was shocked by the sudden push, fortunately he didn't fall so he couldn't get embarrassed by finding himself on the ground.
He wanted to get annoyed but seeing the stranger face , he couldn't muster up his anger.
There was something familiar and comforting about her ; perhaps it was her face , perhaps it was her eyes, perhaps it was the soft peach blossom scent coming out of her.
It was like he have met an old friend.
He swallowed and stood up;
"I'm sorry, don't get mad "
Bei Shang lips twitched but his face softened, this was the first time someone coaxed him since he got here.
Nick just do whatever he wants, he often mumbled a sorry but his sorry felt fake and his interior harsh.
"It's okay…" He tried to leave again, but the man was still standing there like a tower; the vein on his forehead started twitching "Move out of the way "
" Is my smell bothering you ?"
" Yes , it smells like mango" I hate mangos
The corner of the man's mouth raised ; he started whispering " My cologne doesn't smell like mango , it smells like coconut"
Bei Shang rubbed his nose.
"The scent you're speaking about, is my pheromones.."
A wolf demon pheromones are unique, but it can't be smelled at will. The only people capable of knowing one's pheromones are parents, children , gods and potential mates.
Since this mortal was neither a god, his parent or his child, it only meant one thing.
Wolf king eyes turned sliver and his mind went though many calculations . She's married already but he could kidnap her ; If he makes her unconscious and then take her and leave, no one will know right? Besides no one have seen him yet …
"Excuse me sir , I'm getting late for a party"
"Oh " Wolf king smiled and moved aside "Sorry "
Unlike Nick fake politeness, this demon felt rather sincere; but his 'intuition' feelings have gotten him into several troubles now so he dare not trust anything.
He have not even walked 3 steps when he felt an explosion of malicious intent; Bei Shang froze and looked at the back.
Nick had arrived out of no where and the grey haired man was already deep in the wall.
Both of them were looking at each other, The grey haired man looked frustrated and Nick looked moody; his eyes were even purple like it was all his strength he was using to hold down his bloodlust.
Bei Shang blinked; what the hell just happened?
Nick looked at Bei Shang and his eyes sparkled with electricity; he groaned and then encircle his arm around his body so tight , Bei Shang couldn't breathe.
Bei Shang felt irritated by the hug and pushed him , but he didn't bulge. He gritted his teeth.
"Don't touch me however you like"
Nick lowered his voice " Whatever I say or do now , act along with it "
"Or what? You will break my ankles again?"
"No…. I will break your knee caps and heels; I'll make sure you never leave the bed without my help again "
Bei Shang shut his mouth up immediately.
Nick patted his hair and looked at Wolf king; the smile on his face was obviously fake.
"I didn't know you would come to the party; Sliver "
"I didn't know you had a wife " Sliver removed himself out of the cracks; despite his calm face, his voice was filled with frustration "Especially if she has a special nose "
Nick still had a smile on his face but Bei Shang could feel his body getting tense.
"She was born with the ability to scent pheromones, She's a shamanness"
"Oh is that so ? Does she know your pheromone?"
Nick looked at Bei Shang " Close your ears"
He waited till Bei Shang raised his hands and put it around his ears before raising his head.
This time, he did not hide his hostility , his voice was cold " Go away, she's mine; we are married, we have a child together , She followed me to the demon realm and we have gotten married under the blessing of the demon God"
Sliver clenched his fists "You son of a …"
"If you try to steal her , I swear, I'll kill every single demon in your tribe" His eyes sparkled with electricity, the malicious aura getting denser " I will make sure,you know no peace"
This was the second time he have seen Autumn being this calm while threatening violence ; the first time was when he stole autumn sword as a teenager; he wanted an adventure so he sneaked into the Huli Jing palace; went to the weapon room and grabbed a nearby sword.
He didn't know how autumn knew it was him but he would never forget that day.
The calm and quiet autumn had come to the wolf clan palace , call him out then started to fight him.
His strikes although not fatal or deadly were aiming at his soft parts , the look on his face was like prior to that; he had been waiting for an opportunity to lash out at him.
Sliver was severely injured and he almost lost an eye.
Despite, his clan effort to avenge him ; he shook his head. He was at fault for taking his sword in the first place.
He doesn't know why autumn hates him but after that day , whenever he came across autumn, there's a slight sense of fear he have towards him.
Sometimes it looked like Autumn was waiting for an opportunity for him to make a mistake then off with his head.
And if there's anything he had, it's his accurate gut feeling.
He looked at the mortal locked in autumn hand and clenched his fists.
He would come back for her , but it can't be now. He would have to wait for autumn to lose his guard , perhaps when he leaves for a war ; then he will lure her out of her palace and then boom ! He will be able to steal her.
"Sliver , get out"
Sliver turned to leave " I will be back "
Bei Shang hearing skill wasn't all that good so he didn't hear what the two were talking about. After a long time, he moved in discomfort.
"Is he gone?"
"…Yes "
"Then why are you still holding me ?" He pushed Nick but he didn't bulge; he laughed in frustration " Don't you have a sense of boundary?!"
Nick clenched his fists then he lowered his lips to Bei Shang ear .
"Why do you hate me so much?"
Bei Shang stopped struggling " What?"
"Why do you hate me so much? Is it because of the things I did to you ? How can I fix them?"
Bei Shang didn't know why but his heart started beating fast and his head started aching.
To be honest, despite everything Nick did , he doesn't hate Nick ; in fact, what he felt in his heart was just anger and frustration at his tactics but never hatred.
If not for the situation they met ; Nick would be his ideal boyfriend. Remove his possessiveness and manipulation skills , they will be a family with Mitch.
But it was because of this lack of hatred , that he felt even more and more angrier at himself.
Why don't I hate him? Why …Why ?!
The headache worsened and seeing Nick wasn't letting him go , instead still whispering in his ear ; he raised his head and glared at Nick.
"I don't have time for this "
"We can go to the party later , I want us to talk"
"Why should I speak with you ? Ever since I met you , nothing in my life have ever gone right; you decieved me , you hurt Nayima, you broke my ankles, you dragged me into a political mess that I have to start cannibalizing to survive"
Nick trembled slightly.
Bei Shang didn't know why, he wanted to cry. It was like he just stabbed a dagger into his own heart.
"Let.me.go "
"Bei Shang!!!"
"Get your fucking hands off me !!!"
Tears gathered in Bei Shang eyes; and his throat felt sour. With an odd strength, he pushed Nick and without looking back, started to walk to the party ; his ankles were sore.
He didn't want to stay a second near Nick, at that moment, he had the urge to forgive him for everything.
The party was already bustling with guests , people were walking around, wine in their hands. The dresses ranged from fancy robes to free flowing gowns. There was soft music playing at the background, and people mingled with each other.
Mitch and Iran walked towards him at once.
"Mom…." Mitch held his hand "You look beautiful "
Iran touched his shoulder playfully, a huge smile on her face "I wanted to go pick you , but General told me to stay and watch Mitch "
Bei Shang smiled and patted Mitch hair.
"You look handsome too"
He didn't know what tricks Nick was playing on his emotions but it was sure hell working on him.
Meanwhile, Nick waited till Bei Shang was in the ballroom before holding his head; a foggy memory of arguing with someone played right in front of his eyes.
The foggy figure had thrown around their hands, and then started to walk around , his voice alternating between low concern and boiling frustration. However he must have said something harsh because the figure slapped him really hard.
When the figure tried to leave , he grabbed their hand and pulled them into a hug ; his hold like a death grip.
Let. Me. Go
If you leave me , I will kill myself.
Just let me go Gu yuan , the voice trembled in pain and helplessness, please let me go.
His heart started to hurt and he groaned before holding his chest. The heartache was terrible this time, it was like they pierced a knife though his heart.
Let me go Gu yuan …
Nick went to a nearby bathroom, he locked the door before, going down on his knees and letting out a roar.
"Bei Shang!!!!"
After the roar , he lowered his head and let out a tired sigh.
Why does Bei Shang words hurt him so much? Why can't he breathe whenever Bei rejects him? Why doesn't he want to let go? He was also tired of his paranoia and unease around Bei Shang getting up and letting him go.
Lock him up , trap him by your side ….
Remembering the gathering of tears in Bei Shang eyes , he sighed and closed his eyes.