As I fell asleep again, lulled by the warmth and comfort of our bed, I heard Sheng Xing's low voice on the phone. His voice, usually soft and reassuring, seemed tinged with worry. I kept my eyes closed, too tired to move, but strained my ears to listen to the conversation.
-Yes, he sleeps a lot, he said, his voice calm but troubled. "I'm a little worried. I know he's an alpha, but I wonder if it's because I managed to mark him."
I felt a shiver run down my spine upon hearing his words. The brand...an ancient and powerful tradition, reserved for those who share a deep connection. As an alpha, I never thought that something like this could happen to me and affect me so intensely.
-Yes, I understand, continued Sheng Xing. "I just wanted to make sure everything is okay. He seems really tired this morning, but he hasn't complained. I hope it's nothing serious.
He paused, listening to his interlocutor. I could almost hear his heartbeat, echoing with mine in the silence of the room.
-Thank you, I appreciate your advice. I will watch over him closely. If his condition doesn't improve, I'll take him to see him." His voice was firm, determined to do whatever it took to protect me.
I couldn't help but feel a wave of tenderness and gratitude for Sheng Xing. His concern for me was touching, and despite the fatigue that weighed me down, I felt comforted by his presence.
He finished his call and approached the bed.
-Aïko, are you awake?, he whispered, sitting down gently next to me. I opened my eyes and looked at him, noting the shadows of worry in his eyes.
"Yes, I heard you talking," I replied hoarsely. "I'm fine, Sheng Xing. It's just… a lot to take in."
He took my hand and squeezed it gently. "I know, and I'm sorry if I had known I would have marked you after the mission
-Would I even have let you?, I replied in an arrogant tone.
-I remind you that last night it was you who begged me to continue, he smirked at me
-I…I, I stuttered
-I leave you speechless?, he asks me, laughing.
-Stop teasing me, I added suddenly, blushing.
-Okay I'll tease you when you're better, he smiled at me
I inhale weakly. "We'll see."
Sheng Xing leaned over and kissed my forehead tenderly. "Rest a little longer. I'll take care of you."
I slowly turned to Sheng Xing, still a little groggy.
"What did the doctor say?" I asked, my voice barely a whisper.
He looked at me with infinite gentleness, his golden eyes filled with concern.
-"This is the first time he's heard of an alpha being marked," he replied, his voice calm and reassuring. "But he told me it's normal for you to be tired. Your body needs time to assimilate the brand. A little rest is essential."
I nodded, trying to digest this information. The brand, although I had learned about it in anatomy class, had effects that I had not anticipated. "I understand," I whispered.
Sheng Xing smiled gently and stroked my cheek.
-But before you go back to sleep, you need to eat something. It's important to maintain your strength, he said to me while stroking my hair.
He got up and walked towards the small table in the room where a tray of food had been placed. He returned with a bowl of soup and a few pieces of bread.
-I asked the hotel to prepare something light for us, he said, sitting down next to me.
I sat up a little in bed, accepting the bowl gratefully. The warm, comforting soup seemed just what I needed.
-Thank you, I said before starting to eat slowly. Each spoonful seemed to restore a little of my energy, and I felt warmth spread through me.
Sheng Xing looked at me with palpable tenderness, making sure I ate enough.
"Take your time," he whispered. "There's no rush."
Once I was done, he took the empty bowl and placed it on the table.
"Are you feeling better?" he asked, his eyes searching mine.
-Yes, a little, I answered honestly. "Thank you for looking after me, Sheng Xing."
He smiled and helped me lay back down comfortably.
-"It's normal, I want you to recover quickly. Now, rest again. Let your body do the work."
I closed my eyes, feeling tiredness overtaking me again. "Next try and don't get too wild," I whispered, feeling his hand in mine.
-It was you who told me to continue last night, he reminded me with a smirk.
-Yes, but not as many times, I told him, blushing.
-Go to sleep, he said to me, laughing.
Sheng Xing's security and tenderness gently lulled me into a restful sleep, and I knew that no matter what challenges ahead, we would face them together.
I'm so tired it feels like I haven't slept in days, I thought exhausted