Apex Predator - Chap 37

Feeling he had accomplished what he had set out to do, Qu Chengchen gave him a knowing smile and left. Though Shen Dai remained standing at the same spot for a very long time, he was still unable to regain his composure.

Rut…was indeed an Alpha’s most fatal weakness. Occurring typically in the warm months of spring and summer, it was comparable to the heat of an Omega, except that an Alpha’s needs were breeding and marking. During this period, they would regress back to animal instincts, becoming both dangerous and vulnerable. If this time could be spent in the company of the omega that they had marked, the experience would be sweet and satisfying, but if not, it would be a torment. For a top Alpha, this was a period where they were most prone to being used and betrayed, so they would look for a secluded and secure place to navigate through the ordeal.

Shen Dai never imagined that Qu Chengchen would be planning something like this. But then again, it was indeed the only weakness of Qu Moyu’s that he could think of.

What Qu Chengchen said was true. This was his most likely opportunity to obtain Qu Moyu’s mark. But what would he want with such a mark? It would not be a heartfelt promise from the one who desired a lifelong commitment with him. In any case, what truly mattered was not the mark.

Better find the chance to warn Qu Moyu, thought Shen Dai to himself, to be wary of this cunning and conniving Qu Chengchen. Perhaps while the Old man Qu was alive, he still didn’t dare make any significant moves, but who could tell what he would do in the future?

As it approached midnight, the members of the Qu family all gathered in the courtyard, waiting to set off the firecrackers.

A few of the children were running around in the snow, the large red lanterns contrasting against the snowy backdrop cast a rosy glow on their faces. It all looked very joyful and festive.

As a child Shen Dai had no relatives around the same age to play with. This was the first time he was celebrating the New Year with so many people, and the lively atmosphere was infectious; He had a sense of being truly part of the family, even if it was only a fleeting illusion.

Stealing a glance at the person beside him – his husband in name, he quietly grasped his forearm.

Qu Moyu lowered his head to look at him. From his overhead perspective, he could see the fine lashes that were curled upwards and the straight bridge of his nose. The slight tilt of Shen Dai’s head towards him gave the impression of utmost obedience.

As if sensing something, Shen Dai looked up. Their gazes met inadvertently. And it was at this precise moment of transition, as the old made way for the new, that the person reflected in each others’ eyes was imbued with a special significance. Both their hearts trembled violently.

Shen Dai could never maintain prolonged eye contact with Qu Moyu. After all, one could not help being timid when liking someone. Diverting his gaze, he casually inquired, “So did you win anything at cards?”

“A little,” replied Qu Moyu. “If you say something nice to me tonight, I’ll send you a red envelope”

Shen Dai smiled. “Gong Xi Fa Cai?”

“Too old-fashioned.”

“Ok, what should I say then?”

Qu Moyu lowered his voice, “If you moan nicely it counts, too.”

Shen Dai felt his face tighten, not knowing how to reply, but he was startled all of a sudden by the loud noises of the firecrackers around him.

Though it was illegal to set off fireworks in the mountains, the resounding explosions of ten thousand firecrackers were enough to ignite the vibrant atmosphere of the New Year. Accompanying them were shrieks of the children rising and falling along with the noise. Shen Dai grinned and covered his ears, silently making a New Year’s wish in his heart: To celebrate the next New Year like this with Qu Moyu. And, if he were being a little greedy, that every year could be the same.

Returning to the guest bedroom, Shen Dai caught the expression in Qu Moyu’s eyes which signalled to him: “I’ll go have a shower.”

Qu Moyu gripped Shen Dai’s shoulders and drew him closer to himself. At the same time, he skillfully tore off the patch from the back of Shen Dai’s neck, then said, “Let’s shower together.”

Water came down from the showerhead like rain, surrounding them both in a mist. But as warm as the temperature of the water was, the kisses that Qu Moyu left on his shoulders were even hotter. Shen Dai had been pulled by his waist into Qu Moyu’s arms. He could feel that hard and hot object pressing up behind him, his naked body could not stop itself from trembling.

When Qu Moyu fiercely entered him, Shen Dai was squeezed up against the wall. The front of his torso was pressed onto the cold and hard tiles, his back sealed against that scorching and wide chest. And with each forceful thrust, he experienced the intense stimulation of being caught between two extremes of fire and ice.

Their surroundings became enveloped in a hazy white steam. Shen Dai, who was being pulled by his chin into a passionate kiss, quickly found himself gasping for breath. His hips and weakened legs had been bumped into so much they ached, his body was starting to keel over. Grabbing him by the waist, Qu Moyu dragged him out of the shower, then threw him onto the bed of the guestroom. And just like before, he entered him from behind.

Shen Dai cried out until his throat was hoarse and he grew tired. All he could do was bury his face into the duvet and whimper softly. But Qu Moyu still hadn’t had enough. Lowering his head, he bit down on the tender flesh of that white nape, his teeth only an inch away from the gland. This had not been the first time he had bitten Shen Dai’s neck. Not being able to mark him signified the lack of total possession, and it was this lack of total possession which constantly prevented him from achieving total satisfaction.

He didn’t know how many times he had felt the urge to bite down ruthlessly. Though at each time, reason had always prevailed over desire, the sensation of defying one’s instincts was truly unpleasant.

Often, at the peak of pleasure, there would also be intermittent moments of agonising dissatisfaction. The unspoken rage within him would intensify, venting itself on Shen Dai’s body. After all, it was the person in his arms who had repeatedly brought him to the brink of losing control that had been the main perpetrator.

He had never been one to indulge in sensual pleasures. On the contrary, he was always restrained when it came to physiological needs. Just like one’s appetite for food, sexual desire required self-control. But when he was making love with Shen Dai, he would often toss him about until the latter was unable to get down from bed the following day. Hard to say if it had been conscious or unconscious, but there was no doubt an underlying anger at work- because Shen Dai’s presence provoked the fury of his self-control.

Yet at this moment, Shen Dai was completely oblivious to the many tangled emotions going through the mind of the Alpha who was lashing out at him in retaliation. By now, he knew nothing at all. He could only descend into primitive desires together with Qu Moyu.

Shen Dai fell into a profound sleep. Without the pressure of having to get up the next morning for work, all he wanted was to spend the first day of the New Year wrapped up in a warm duvet, alleviating his exhaustion to his heart’s content.

Until he was shaken awake by Qu Moyu.

Dazedly, he looked at Qu Moyu, who had a solemn look on his face, then he looked out the window. Overcast skies. Light snowfall. He couldn’t make out what time it was.

“What…what time is it? Did I sleep in late?” Noticing from Qu Moyu’s expression that something was amiss, he couldn’t help but wonder if he had done something wrong.

Qu Moyu lowered his gaze and said in a deep voice, “My grandfather passed away this morning.”

A long time passed, but Shen Dai was still unable to get over his shock.

“Quickly get dressed!“

Though he was aching all over his body, he forced himself to get out of bed and frantically put on his clothes. It was only when he almost stumbled while putting on his trousers that his foggy mind snapped out of its daze. He finally understood what Qu Moyu was saying.

Having gotten dressed, he turned to look at Qu Moyu and asked, “…was it this morning?”

“Yes, he passed away in his sleep. They only just found out,” said Qu Moyu standing up to straighten out his clothes. The expression on his face was completely motionless, as if frozen over. “At least he got through this year.”

After thinking about it for a long time, Shen Dai finally uttered, “My condolences.”

“We won’t be able to go to South Africa anymore. There will be a lot of matters to handle over this New Year break.”

“Is there anything I can do to help?”

“Just accompany me to the living room first.”

As the two of them entered the living room, they found that the lively and joyous gathering of relatives from the previous night were now all dressed in black, their expressions filled with deep concern. Despite the bright red New Year decorations still adorning the room, the atmosphere had turned incredibly sombre, with not a single person breaking the silence.

The moment the both of them appeared, all eyes had immediately turned towards them. Qu Moyu was the successor to the Xingzhou corporation, and only now that he had arrived could the discussions regarding the funeral begin.

Listening to them go over the funeral arrangements, Shen Dai couldn’t shake the constant bewildering feeling that everything was unreal. The person he had seen just the night before, was now gone by the time he awoke. He couldn’t help but think back to the scene of his grandfather’s passing, and a wave of melancholy gushed into his heart.

That was just how it was with people. Here one moment and then gone the next, with no chance to even recollect or reminisce. But who could ever predict that a seemingly ordinary encounter would sometimes be the last?

As the road up the mountain was slippery with snow, the hospital vehicle only arrived in the afternoon. After the body was taken away, the relatives from all respective families also left the mountain.

By the time they returned to the Qu residence, it was already dark. Qu Moyu had not said a single word throughout the journey. Shen Dai had remained silent as well. He was unable to sense any sadness from Qu Moyu’s demeanour. Rather, it seemed more like he was burdened with other concerns. Although he didn’t fully grasp the intricate web of familial interests within the Qu family, he understood that the passing of Grandfather Qu marked the beginning of a fierce and tumultuous struggle.

Qu Moyu headed straight upstairs. Uncle Heng and Aunt Lan sighed as they watched his back, lamenting softly, “How could he have left us on the first day of the New Year?”

“He seemed to be doing fine the evening before. He had been in high spirits and didn’t have any issues with eating or speaking,” sighed Shen Dai as well.

Uncle Heng shook his head. “While the Old man was around, he could still keep them in check. But now that he’s gone, his eldest uncle will surely take action. I’m really worried about the young master.” He turned around and headed towards the kitchen, saying, “I’ll go prepare some late-night snacks.”

Compared to his father, Shen Dai was more concerned about Qu Chengchen. Thinking of Qu Moyu’s furrowed brow, his heart couldn’t help but ache a little. A pity there was nothing at all he could do to help.

Taking him by the hand, Auntie Lan said, “A-Dai. Please show a little more thoughtfulness towards the young master. You are now the person closest to him. He doesn’t treat anyone the way he treats you.”

Forcing a smile, Shen Dai admitted, “But I don’t know what I can do for him.”

“The reason why you both got married doesn’t matter. Already the two of you have become more and more like a true married couple. Never once has he brought an Omega home or shown such care for someone else. So it’s clear he holds you dearly in his heart. Just be there for him when he needs you, and do whatever he asks of you.”

These words had given him great encouragement. He wished he could listen to them a hundred times over. He, too, believed that he hadn’t only been thinking wishfully; it was unthinkable that Qu Moyu felt nothing for him, even if his feelings were not as intense as his own. Nodding his head, he assured her, “Auntie Lan, please don’t worry. I will do everything in my power to help him.”