Luo Xing inhaled the other's scent as he buried his face in the back of the other's neck, his breathing growing heavier as his control slowly slipped away. Every muscle in his body urged him to just… claim the other, yet he still held back. The courtesan's soft, soothing scent and gentle voice were not making it any easier.
"Why do you… refuse? It's been… months now," he muttered, tightening his grip on the courtesan. Gently, he took the fan from the other's hand, tossing it aside before turning him so they were facing each other.
"Time is not a relevant factor in this. Years could pass, and my answer would remain the same," the courtesan murmured, his voice barely a whisper, as if he feared speaking too loudly or making his presence too known. "I heard you've received another marriage proposal- from the emperor for the third princess. She's an omega, too. You should accept that."
The general let out a soft, almost frustrated groan, his grip on the courtesan's hip tightening as his arms squeezed his supple waist. His self-control was slipping fast, his instincts screaming at him to claim, to bite, to mark. The scent was almost too much for him, and the other's proximity only fanned the flame.
"Do not… bring my marriage prospects… into this," he muttered, his voice low and rough as he leaned into the other's nape, openly inhaling his scent now.
"I…" The courtesan bit his lip, left without his fan to hide behind. "I apologize. I spoke out of line."
The alpha buried his face in the soft nape again, his nose nuzzling against the delicate skin. The other's scent was making him lose all self-control; he was dangerously tempted to turn him around, pin him against the wall. It was driving his instincts wild in the best, and worst ways possible.
"Stop… stop apologizing," he muttered against the other's neck. "Don't you dare… apologize. You shouldn't apologize… not to me, not to anyone else."
The courtesan looked confused. "..Pardon?"
The general now had him pinned against the wall, leaning close, effectively capturing him there. His grip was firm, but gentle enough not to hurt, as he stared down at him. "Don't. Apologize. To. Me. You have nothing to apologize for. Understand?"
The omega let out a soft, almost fond but resigned chuckle. "You always say that."
The alpha leaned closer still, crowding him against the wall even more, his voice rough and steady as he looked down at him. "Because it's true. You have nothing… absolutely nothing… to apologize for. Understand? Not to me, not to anyone else. Ever," he repeated, his grip on the other's waist tightening slightly. "You don't need to bow your head; you don't need to live like you're… like you're something shameful. You don't have to speak so… quietly."