The next day, I carefully checked all the security systems, even reviewed a week’s worth of doorbell footage—nothing suspicious.
“Maybe it’s just someone in the hallway. Or the parking garage—I feel like someone’s been following me.”
That meant whoever it was hadn’t found his exact apartment yet.
I decided it was safer to check the garage cameras with building management.
You Yan slowly put on his coat, wanting to come with me. I was torn—leave him home alone and risk a repeat of what happened to my sister, or take him out and risk being recognized?
“I need to go to the dry cleaner.”
In the end, You Yan bundled up so only half his face showed, and we went downstairs together.
I thought he had some clothes to pick up, but he came out hugging a giant plush pillow.
So that’s his usual bed companion… Honestly, You Yan’s private side is kind of cute, totally different from his public persona.
Next door was a pharmacy. I hesitated, then told You Yan to wait outside while I went in to buy some suppressants.
He probably had some at home, but I never felt safe without a dose on me.
Not for his sake—for mine. If I could barely keep my cool around him now, what would happen if he actually went into heat? I’d only have the time it took for a suppressant to kick in to keep myself together.
Just as I finished paying, someone outside shouted, “There’s an omega in heat! Clear the area!”
My heart skipped a beat. I grabbed my bag and rushed out—thankfully, You Yan was still there.
In the middle of the plaza, a small, thin figure was curled up on the ground, surrounded by people. I knew most alphas didn’t want to lose control, but pheromones were just too powerful—few could resist instinct.
The girl looked like she’d just differentiated. Another girl knelt beside her, trying in vain to shield her. Only an elderly security guard was trying to hold back the gathering alphas.
This wouldn’t do.
She’d be marked by a stranger in the chaos—something that could ruin her life.
Without thinking, I tore open the packaging, pulled out two syringes, and handed the rest to You Yan. With all the alphas focused on the girl, he should be safe.
“I can’t just stand by. Wait here for me.”
Before he could reply, I dashed into the crowd.
It had been a long time since I’d taken on so many alphas at once. I wasn’t sure I could handle it, but I had no choice.
Since I was associated with a public figure, I couldn’t cause a scandal, so I held back, mostly just blocking and dodging.
Luckily, the suppressant helped the girl clear her head, and a few alphas, realizing they weren’t getting anywhere, slunk off. The rest, seeing how stubborn I was, cursed and left too.
Once her parents and the patrol arrived, I finally stepped away.
But outside the pharmacy, You Yan was nowhere to be seen.
Staring at the empty doorway, a wave of panic and dread crashed over me. My breathing and heartbeat nearly stopped.
Chapter 07
*