Top-Tier Omega: Chasing Alpha to the Crematorium – Chapter 28

Mark Me

The atmosphere in the hospital room was silent and awkward; it felt as though the very air had frozen.

Song Qingpei had assumed that, given Ming Yu’s temper, she would have turned and left immediately. To her surprise, Ming Yu merely wore a cold expression and didn’t utter a single word of rebuttal. Even more astonishingly, despite her obvious surge of anger, Ming Yu forced her emotions down, continued to look after her, and even asked if she wanted water.

            

Song Qingpei couldn’t help but marvel inwardly. She truly was worthy of being an Admiral—she could bend and stretch as needed¹ just to get her heat soothed.

But the thought of marking Ming Yu brought up a complex swirl of emotions. Even though she had agreed to Ming Yu’s terms, facing the actual prospect left her feeling uncomfortable.

Ming Yu stood to the side, her fingers unconsciously curling into fists. Memories of their past intimacy surfaced unbidden in her mind. Those images acted like kindling, instantly igniting the heat within her body.

            

Her breathing quickened. An unnatural flush crept across her cheeks, and her body’s reaction only deepened her embarrassment.

Sensing Ming Yu’s strange behavior, Song Qingpei cast a sidelong glance at her. Her gaze landed on Ming Yu’s reddening ears and slightly erratic breaths, and understanding dawned on her.

She arched an eyebrow, a faint, barely-there smile tugging at the corner of her lips, but she said nothing.

            

Under that gaze, Ming Yu felt even more uncomfortable, as if her innermost thoughts had been seen entirely through. She stood up abruptly, her tone stiff. “I’m stepping out for a bit.”

With that, she all but fled the room.

Out in the corridor, Ming Yu leaned against the wall, taking a deep breath to quell the restlessness inside her.

            

She knew she couldn’t go on like this; the symptoms of her heat were already fraying her reason.

Gritting her teeth, she headed straight for the doctor’s office.

“Doctor, give me a shot of your strongest inhibitor,” Ming Yu ordered, her tone resolute.

            

The doctor looked up, startled by the request, but dutifully insisted on an examination first.

Ming Yu didn’t make things difficult. She simply called Li Man and had her electronic medical records synced to the hospital. When the doctor reviewed her file, her expression grew grave, tinged with sympathy.

The Admiral absolutely despised that look.

            

Her voice went cold. “Can I get the inhibitor now?”

The doctor nodded immediately. “Yes, please wait a moment.”

Shortly after, the doctor retrieved a high-potency inhibitor and administered the injection. The needle pierced Ming Yu’s arm, sending a brief sting as the cold liquid flowed into her veins.

            

As the inhibitor took effect, she felt the burning heat gradually recede. Her breathing steadied.

Ming Yu breathed a sigh of relief. Gathering her composure, she returned to the hospital room.

Pushing the door open, she found that Song Qingpei had already pulled out her IV drip and was standing by the bed, straightening her clothes as if ready to leave.

            

“You’re better?” Ming Yu asked, a hint of uncertainty in her surprise.

Song Qingpei nodded calmly. “Much better. Let’s head back.”

“There’s no need to rush. I can take care of Song Song,” Ming Yu said, still uneasy.

            

Hearing her speak such rare, human-sounding words, Song Qingpei let her gaze linger on Ming Yu. Seeing that the flush had not entirely faded from her face, a faint smile graced Song Qingpei’s lips. “We should still head back. How could we let the Admiral embarrass herself in the hospital?”

Catching the teasing lilt in her voice, Ming Yu stiffened. She felt a mix of shame and awkwardness.

She wanted to shoot back a retort, but found she had nothing to say. Pursing her lips, she turned toward the door. “Let’s go, then.”

            

The two women left the hospital one after the other and got into the hovercar.

Ming Yu sat in the driver’s seat, staring straight ahead as if deliberately avoiding eye contact.

Song Qingpei leaned back in the passenger seat, looking out at the passing scenery. Her fingers tapped lightly against the window as if she were lost in thought.

            

The cabin was perfectly quiet, save for the low hum of the hovercar’s engine.

Catching a glimpse of Song Qingpei’s profile from the corner of her eye, Ming Yu felt a wave of complex emotions well up in her chest. She wanted to say something to break the suffocating silence, but she didn’t know where to start.

“Is your… is your health really okay?”

            

After a long time, Ming Yu finally spoke. Her voice was dry, carrying a trace of imperceptible concern.

Song Qingpei turned her head and offered a faint smile. “Yeah, much better. Thanks for asking.”

Ming Yu nodded. She wanted to say more, but unable to find the words, she let the silence resume.

            

The hovercar merged smoothly into the aerial lane, the cityscape blurring past the windows.

Inwardly, Ming Yu cursed. The inhibitor she had just taken was already losing its effect. It seemed that simply being near Song Qingpei made her pheromones far more active than usual.

Her fingers trembled slightly. Her breathing turned ragged as her body began to heat up again.

            

Sensing the change, Song Qingpei looked over. “Are you alright?”

Ming Yu’s body went rigid, her expression a mix of mortification and distress.

She gritted her teeth, feigning composure. “…I’m fine.”

            

Seeing her embarrassment, Song Qingpei didn’t press the issue. She averted her gaze to spare Ming Yu further awkwardness.

But the heat inside Ming Yu only intensified. Her breaths came faster. The overwhelming sensation forced a suppressed, low moan from her lips.

Song Qingpei’s sharp ears caught the sound. She glanced over again, taking in the unnatural flush on Ming Yu’s pale cheeks. Clearly, she was struggling to endure her heat.

            

Song Qingpei hesitated several times, her fingers unconsciously rubbing the edge of the window as she debated whether to speak up.

Sensing her probing gaze, Ming Yu glared at her, her voice trembling. “If you have something to say, say it. Don’t… don’t hum and haw.”

After a moment of hesitation, Song Qingpei offered, “Should I… give you some blood first?”

            

Ming Yu’s face instantly darkened. She bit her lip, her tone hard and cold. “There’s no need, I can hold on. Looking at how weak you are, I… I don’t have a hobby of abusing patients.”

Left speechless by her stubbornness, Song Qingpei merely shrugged and said no more.

She turned back to the window, but a faint unease lingered in her heart.

            

Ming Yu’s heat was clearly spiraling out of control. Could she really hold out until tonight?

Silence reclaimed the cabin. Only the hum of the engine filled their ears.

Fine beads of sweat broke out on Ming Yu’s forehead. The heat crashed over her in waves like a rising tide, threatening to drown her reason. She clenched her jaw, fighting down the restlessness, but the scorching sensation only grew stronger, making her whole body tremble and drawing out low, continuous whimpers.

            

Alarmed by the sound, Song Qingpei snapped her head around.

Ming Yu’s face was flushed crimson, her eyes unfocused. She had reached her absolute limit.

“Ming Yu…” Song Qingpei’s voice was torn.

            

Ming Yu shuddered violently. She bit her lower lip hard, trying to suppress the turmoil inside.

But the burning ache was becoming unbearable. Her mind was a chaotic mess; the only clear thought was an irrepressible craving.

Watching her suffer, Song Qingpei felt a knot of indecision.

            

She knew Ming Yu couldn’t take much more. If this went on…

Taking a deep breath, Song Qingpei finally made up her mind. She reached out and gently grasped Ming Yu’s shoulder.

Ming Yu stiffened. She turned her head, her eyes filled with a mix of shame and resistance.

            

She tried to push Song Qingpei’s hand away, but the moment they touched, her body desperately clung to that familiar warmth. Instead of pulling back, she pressed closer, half-rejecting, half-welcoming² the contact.

Hesitating for only a second, Song Qingpei leaned in and gently bit down on Ming Yu’s gland.

At the action, Ming Yu gave a violent shudder and let out a muffled moan.

            

Quickly, her breathing began to steady, and the inner turmoil found temporary relief. Yet, along with that familiar sensation, an even deeper craving was stoked to life. The shallow, superficial soothing was no longer enough.

To Ming Yu’s intense disappointment, Song Qingpei did not continue.

She released Ming Yu almost immediately, settling back into her seat with a calm voice. “Alright, rest for a bit.”

            

Still trembling slightly in the afterglow of the soothing, Ming Yu felt an indescribable emptiness open up inside her. She wanted Song Qingpei. She wanted more soothing.

But Song Qingpei had already pulled away, acting as if nothing had happened.

A complicated tangle of emotions gripped Ming Yu—a burning desire for Song Qingpei mixed with an overwhelming sense of loss. Her chest tightened painfully, and every breath tasted bitter.

            

The hovercar smoothly descended into its lane, the scenery outside flashing by.

When they finally reached their destination, Ming Yu climbed out stiffly, doing her best to mask her awkwardness.

Back inside the house, Song Song was sitting on the living room rug, hugging a plush toy. At the sound of the door, she snapped her head up, eyes sparkling as she looked toward the entryway.

            

Seeing Song Qingpei and Ming Yu walk in together, she tossed the toy aside and ran over joyfully.

“Mama! Mommy!” Song Song threw her arms open and tackled Song Qingpei’s legs, hugging her tight. She tilted her little face up, smiling like a blooming flower.

Song Qingpei bent down and gently ruffled her hair, her voice soft. “Were you good at home today?”

            

Song Song nodded vigorously, replying in her sweet, milky voice. “I was super good! Auntie Su³ even praised me!”

Standing to the side, Ming Yu watched the mother and daughter, an unconscious smile touching her lips.

She crouched down and lightly pinched Song Song’s cheek, her tone doting. “Song Song is amazing.”

            

Song Song turned and threw herself at Ming Yu, her little arms wrapping tightly around her neck. She pouted coquettishly. “Mommy, why did you come back so late today? I waited for a long, long time!”

Ming Yu was nearly breathless from the tight hug, but she smiled and patted the girl’s back. “Mommy was a little busy today. I’ll come back earlier next time to keep you company, okay?”

Song Song let go, blinking her big eyes. “It’s a promise, then! You have to come back earlier next time!”

            

Watching them, Song Qingpei felt warmth bloom in her chest.

She gently patted Song Song’s shoulder. “Alright, let’s go eat first. Grandma Su already has it ready.”

Song Song jumped up excitedly. Taking both their hands, she skipped toward the dining room.

            

At the dinner table, Song Song ate while chattering endlessly, recounting all the fun things that had happened at home that day. Song Qingpei and Ming Yu offered occasional responses, sharing a warm and harmonious atmosphere.

After the meal, Song Song tugged at their hands. “Mama, Mommy, let’s play together!”

Song Qingpei checked the time. It was getting late, but faced with Song Song’s expectant gaze, she nodded. “Alright, let’s play.”

            

Song Song cheered. She dragged them over to the sofa, pulled out a pile of toys, and enthusiastically began to set them up. One minute she had Song Qingpei helping her build blocks; the next she was demanding a story from Ming Yu. She was happily occupied.

Sitting on the sofa, Ming Yu kept a smile on her face, but her cheeks were flushed and her breathing was growing erratic. Her fingers unconsciously rubbed the edge of the cushions, as if she were desperately enduring something.

Sensing her distress, Song Qingpei glanced at her and asked softly, “Are you alright?”

            

Ming Yu forced a smile and nodded. “I’m fine.”

Oblivious to the tension between them, Song Song continued to play with high spirits.

Suddenly, she looked up, blinking her big eyes hopefully. “Mama, Mommy, can I sleep with you tonight?”

            

Song Qingpei paused, then offered a gentle smile. “Song Song, you’re a big girl now. You should sleep in your own bed.”

Song Song stuck out her lower lip in dissatisfaction. “But I want to sleep with Mama and Mommy!”

Ming Yu’s face flushed even darker. She gritted her teeth and managed to squeeze out a smile. “Be good, Song Song. Mommy isn’t feeling well tonight. You sleep by yourself first, okay?”

            

Hearing this, Song Song looked at Ming Yu with immediate concern. “Mommy, what’s wrong? Do you need to see a doctor?”

Ming Yu shook her head, lightly patting the girl’s hair. “It’s nothing. Mommy just needs to rest for a bit.”

Though reluctant, Song Song nodded. “Okay then, Mommy has to get plenty of rest.”

            

Watching Ming Yu’s increasingly red cheeks, Song Qingpei knew she was nearing her breaking point.

She patted Song Song’s shoulder gently. “Song Song, Mama will play with you for a little while longer, and then you’ll go to bed, alright?”

Song Song nodded obediently, though a bit unwillingly.

            

After playing for a little longer, Song Qingpei finally coaxed her into bed.

Lying under the covers, Song Song blinked up at her, holding onto her hand. “Mama, tell me a story.”

Song Qingpei smiled helplessly and nodded. “Okay, Mama will tell you a story.”

            

Sitting by the bed, she spun a tale in a soft, gentle voice. Song Song listened with rapt attention, occasionally letting out bursts of giggles.

Standing by the door, Ming Yu felt her body burning hotter by the second. Her breathing was ragged; she could barely keep herself standing.

She gritted her teeth, whispering, “You put Song Song to sleep. I’m going back to my room.”

            

Song Qingpei nodded, her words carrying a pointed implication. “Alright. I’ll be over in a bit.”

Just hearing that ambiguous promise sent Ming Yu’s temperature soaring several degrees higher. She turned and left, her steps stumbling.

Ming Yu hurried back to her bedroom. Shutting the door, she leaned heavily against it, taking deep, shuddering breaths.

            

Her body trembled. Fine sweat beaded on her forehead. The heat rolled through her in waves, threatening to completely swallow her rationality.

Gritting her teeth, she grabbed another inhibitor and plunged it into her arm without hesitation.

As the cold liquid entered her system, the scorching heat subsided slightly, but the underlying restlessness refused to be entirely snuffed out.

            

She lay on the bed, closing her eyes and trying to steady her breathing. But Song Qingpei’s image kept floating unbidden into her mind. Her thoughts were a chaotic mess; the only clear thing was an irrepressible craving.

Meanwhile, Song Qingpei finally coaxed Song Song to sleep.

She pressed a light kiss to her daughter’s forehead, tucked her in, and slipped quietly out of the room.

            

Standing in the hallway, she took a deep breath, mentally preparing herself before walking toward Ming Yu’s bedroom.

Even before she reached the door, the dense scent of Omega pheromones hit her. Her heart rate ticked up, and her breathing hitched.

Biting her lip, she forced her focus steady and pushed the door open.

            

The room was dim, illuminated only by a faint sliver of light spilling from beneath the bathroom door.

Song Qingpei frowned. She scanned the empty room, puzzled. Ming Yu wasn’t in bed, and she was nowhere to be seen. Only the sound of splashing water echoed from the bathroom.

Approaching the door, she knocked lightly. “Ming Yu, are you in there?”

            

The water kept running. No one answered.

Hesitating for a moment, Song Qingpei pushed the bathroom door open.

Instantly, a heavy wave of Omega pheromones rushed out, tangled with the sharp chill of cold water, forcing her to hold her breath.

            

Inside, Ming Yu stood under the showerhead, icy water cascading over her. Her soaked clothes clung tightly to her skin, outlining her slender waist and long legs.

Her wet hair plastered against her cheeks, water droplets trailing down her jawline. She exuded a wanton, decadent allure.

Song Qingpei’s breath caught in her throat. She quickly averted her eyes.

            

Seeing that Ming Yu remained unresponsive, Song Qingpei marched inside and reached out to shut off the water.

She grabbed Ming Yu’s shoulder, a hint of reprimand in her voice. “Are you crazy? Taking a cold shower in weather like this?”

Trembling slightly, Ming Yu looked up at her, eyes hazy and laden with desire.

            

Her cheeks were flushed an unnatural red, her breaths coming in short, sharp gasps. She had clearly reached her limit.

Ignoring Song Qingpei’s question, she suddenly grabbed her wrist and yanked her into an embrace.

Caught off guard, Song Qingpei was slammed against the wall. The cold tiles bit into her back, drawing a sharp gasp from her lips. Before she could react, Ming Yu’s lips crashed against hers, burning hot and urgent, kissing her fiercely.

            

Song Qingpei’s pupils contracted. She froze for a split second before her instincts kicked in, bringing her hands up to push the other woman away.

But Ming Yu’s strength was terrifying. Her arms locked around Song Qingpei’s waist, pinning her firmly against the wall. The assault of her lips and teeth grew even more frantic, as if trying to devour her whole.

Song Qingpei’s heart hammered wildly; her breathing grew chaotic.

            

She felt Ming Yu’s body pressed flush against hers. The soaked clothing transferred a freezing chill, yet Ming Yu’s actual body temperature was terrifyingly high. She felt like a blazing inferno, threatening to burn away the last threads of Song Qingpei’s reason.

Turning her head to break the kiss, Song Qingpei rasped, “Ming Yu, calm down!”

Ming Yu paused, her breathing still rapid, a flicker of dissatisfaction in her eyes.

            

Her fingers dug into Song Qingpei’s shoulders. Her voice was hoarse and trembling. “Song Qingpei, I… I can’t take it anymore…”

Meeting those desperate, hungry eyes, Song Qingpei felt a complicated wave of emotion crash through her.

She knew Ming Yu’s heat was at its breaking point. If this went on, her body might suffer permanent damage.

            

Fighting to steady her own breathing, she said lowly, “Alright, I’ll help you, but you need to calm down first.”

Ming Yu trembled and nodded, though her hands remained clamped on Song Qingpei’s shoulders, as if terrified she would vanish.

A dull ache throbbed in her shoulder, making Song Qingpei draw a sharp breath. “Ming Yu, let go of me first. Let’s go back to the bedroom.”

            

Though she was incredibly reluctant, the sight of Song Qingpei’s solemn expression triggered Ming Yu’s instinctual fear of angering her.

After a moment’s hesitation, she finally let go.

Song Qingpei supported her weight and led her out of the bathroom.

            

Ming Yu’s steps were unsteady. Her body continued to tremble, her breathing erratic and messy.

Guiding her to the edge of the bed, Song Qingpei had her sit down before turning to fetch a towel.

She returned and began gently drying Ming Yu’s soaked hair and face.

            

Ming Yu trembled under her touch, her eyes hazy. The heat surged through her in waves, nearly drowning her rationality.

She breathed rapidly, her unfocused gaze giving the impression that the only thing left in her world was Song Qingpei’s scent.

Unable to hold back, Ming Yu threw her arms around Song Qingpei once more. Wrapping her arms tightly around her waist, she buried her face in the crook of her neck, greedily inhaling her scent.

            

Song Qingpei went rigid.

She wasn’t used to such intimacy, particularly not with Ming Yu. It made her feel anxious and resistant.

Subconsciously wanting to push her away, she pressed her fingers lightly against Ming Yu’s shoulders, trying to put distance between them.

            

But Ming Yu refused to let go.

Her fingers clamped around Song Qingpei’s wrist. Driven by urgency and desire, she slowly pulled Song Qingpei’s hand toward herself. The movement was gentle yet unyielding, as if silently pleading for a response.

Ming Yu’s fingertips trembled. Carrying a scorching heat, they guided Song Qingpei’s hand to stroke her cheek, her neck, finally coming to rest on her collarbone.

            

Song Qingpei’s heart rate spiked; her breathing hitched.

Feeling the scalding skin beneath her fingers, feeling Ming Yu’s tremors and desperation, Song Qingpei felt an indescribable emotion swell in her chest.

Omega pheromones saturated the air, thick with temptation. It felt as if they were trying to completely shatter her reason. Her breathing fell into disarray, and her own pheromones began involuntarily responding to Ming Yu’s seduction. Her mental defenses were crumbling bit by bit.

            

Song Qingpei knew she couldn’t let this continue.

If she did, she might succumb to the temptation, repeat the same mistakes, and reduce herself to a laughingstock once again.

She snapped back to reality. She remembered the humiliation Ming Yu had dealt her, remembered the transaction between them, and remembered her vow to never let her heart be moved by Ming Yu again.

            

With those thoughts, the tender atmosphere was instantly crushed by cold logic.

She shoved Ming Yu away forcefully. Her voice was hard, laced with a mocking edge. “I didn’t expect the Admiral to still be so desperate for it when her heat comes.”

The tone was dripping with disdain, a deliberate humiliation.

            

Ming Yu’s body jerked. Shock and disbelief flashed across her eyes.

It was as if a bucket of ice water had been dumped over her head, instantly snapping her awake. Though her cheeks remained an unnatural red, the hazy desire in her eyes was entirely replaced by shock and mortification.

She opened her mouth, seemingly wanting to speak, but no words came out. She just stared blankly at Song Qingpei.

            

Seeing her reaction, Song Qingpei knew she had infuriated her. But that was exactly the outcome she wanted.

She took a deep breath to steady herself, then mechanically went about the task of soothing Ming Yu. She pressed her fingers against Ming Yu’s gland, releasing a small burst of pheromones to ease the internal restlessness. Her movements were practiced and coldly efficient—as if she were merely executing a mission, devoid of any emotional investment.

Song Qingpei leaned down and bit lightly into Ming Yu’s gland.

            

Ming Yu gave a violent shudder at the contact, a suppressed moan escaping her lips.

Slowly, her breathing leveled out, and the turmoil inside her found a temporary reprieve.

Seeing this, Song Qingpei released her. She sat up straight, her tone perfectly flat. “Alright. Rest now. I’m leaving.”

            

Watching her turn away, Ming Yu felt a desperate urge to grab her, to demand why she would say something so humiliating during such an intimate act. Did she really have zero appeal to her?

Driven by an unwillingness to concede, Ming Yu gritted her teeth and spat back, “Song Qingpei, are you even an Alpha? To have no reaction from your pheromones even at a time like this… my… my desperation is still better than your impotence.”

Song Qingpei abruptly turned back, staring directly into Ming Yu’s eyes. Her voice was frigid. “I’m a low-grade Alpha⁴. Didn’t you already know that? Or are you so starved for it that you want a low-grade Alpha to completely mark you?”

            

Ming Yu’s face drained of color. Shame and fury flared in her eyes.

Her fingers gripped the bedsheets, knuckles turning white from the force. Her voice dripped with mockery. “Hah, you flatter yourself. Why would I ever crave a complete mark from a low-grade Alpha!”

The second the words left her mouth, Ming Yu regretted them.

            

Song Qingpei’s expression turned to ice. Without another word, she turned on her heel and walked out.

Ming Yu wanted to call out to her, wanted to apologize, but her throat felt blocked. In the end, nothing came out. She could only watch helplessly as Song Qingpei retreated, leaving her with the sight of a resolute back.

Out in the hallway, Song Qingpei leaned back against the wall, taking a deep, shuddering breath.

            

She looked down at her hand. Her fingertips still carried the phantom sensation of Ming Yu’s skin, as if she could still feel the trembling heat of her body. But she knew she couldn’t allow her heart to be moved by Ming Yu again—not even by physical desire. She had to hold her bottom line.

Forcing her emotions back under control, Song Qingpei hardened her gaze. She walked away without looking back.

Inside the bedroom, Ming Yu remained sitting on the edge of the bed. She could feel the scorching heat in her body fading, but the emptiness and sense of loss in her heart only grew stronger.

            

Gritting her teeth, she stood up and walked to the window, taking a deep breath.

The night outside remained deep and dark. Ming Yu’s eyes gradually filled with anxiety. Her initial anger had long since been crushed beneath a wave of loss. Now, her heart was consumed by regret. Why had she let her pride run her mouth? Why had she said such awful things?

Now, Song Qingpei surely hated her even more.

            

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