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Chapter Text

Shen Wei had given everything.

He’d given all of himself to free Dixing and Haixing alike from the Chieftain’s tyranny.

He hadn’t been able to save his beloved didi from his own madness.

He’d given up social interactions in favor of a fierce reputation to inspire others.

He’d worked himself into exhaustion and beyond to wrest control from the Regent and set up a proper governing council.

His time. His energy. His soul. All of it for Dixing.

And yet somehow, with the naivety of a child, he’d thought that this one thing would be his to decide. His and his alone. Had he not earned even this much?

“Great Heipaoshi!” the Alpha’s grating voice echoed through the Haixing Great Hall, “if you will accept me as your Mate, I will shower you in golds and silks all the days of your life! You see all the great wealth I brought for your dowry? This is only a pittance of the luxury you will live in! You need never concern yourself with mundane things again. And in return, surely the Great Heipaoshi will bear me many strong, and powerful sons to carry on my lineage.”

Shen Wei forced his lips to form a thin smile. It was all he could do to prevent himself from baring his teeth and rending them all limb from limb. Waves of murderous intent rolled off his spy master, Chu Shuzhi, as he stood guard over his left shoulder. His Commander, Wu Tian stood on his right, his usually calm countenance vibrating with fury. They were all close to the end of their tolerance. The incense that had been burning all day to suppress the Alpha’s scents to keep them from killing one another, had turned cloying and sweet. It added to the headache Shen Wei had been fighting for hours. They were thirteen prospective Mates and six hours into this farce. Shen Wei didn’t know how much more his temper could take.

“Silks.” Shen Wei commented softly, forcing all those in the room to lean over their banquet tables to hear him, “Gold. All that I should desire.”

The man, a Haixing Lord from somewhere Shen Wei hadn’t cared to remember, nodded like an overexcited dog, eager for its treat. “Yes! Yes! All you could ever want!”

“And should I desire to continue to serve my people away from the lap of…luxury?”

The Lord’s features softened. Not in the way one would regard a beloved spouse, but how a father might look upon his toddler; with patronizing indulgence.

“Of course Heipaoshi Daren will continue to be an inspiration to his people. But my dear, surely you can see that your days will be consumed with our offspring. Are not our children more important?”

If Shen Wei were not so worn through and accustomed to this type of degrading speech, he surely would have struck down this half-wit the moment he’d opened his big fat mouth. As it was, he allowed the smile to slip completely from his lips and indulged himself, allowing the scent of burning charcoal to creep into the air. He had restrained himself thus far. No one could blame him for his actions now.

From the corner of his eye, he saw the council members at their seats, look to one another in alarm.

The hall became silent.

The Lord’s eyes darted back and forth, taking in the victorious grins of his rivals. He grimaced, but tried his best to worm his way back into Heipaoshi’s good graces. A futile attempt, as he’d never been in them in the first place. He plastered a wavering smile on his face and continued, “My dear-”

“Who is your ‘dear’?” Chu Shuzhi snapped, his furious tone ringing throughout the hall, his patience frayed. “How dare you insult the Hero of Dixing thus? Who are you to act so familiar? What great feats did you accomplish on the field of battle to place yourself as his equal?”

The answer was none, and every single person, down to the lowest ranking servant, knew it. He had sent the bare minimum amount of soldiers to help in the war. As far as Shen Wei knew, he hadn’t spared a single grain of rice to feed even his own men, let alone the army, though his lands were more bountiful than most.

The Lord’s face turned scarlet as the quiet murmurs became loud and jeering. He shook a delicate finger at the Spy Master.

“You! How dare you!”

“No, my Lord,” Shen Wei’s voice deepened in his displeasure, a growl rumbling under each syllable. “How dare you? My cohort speaks truly.” he canted his head,  “Who are you to chastise those above you?”

If it were possible for a human being to burst into flames from the inside out from sheer humiliated fury, the Lord would have been a pile of ash.

Shen Wei stared down at him, his dark eyes hidden in the shadows of his hood and mask, but his ire was felt nonetheless.

Nervous chuckles sounded from his left, just below the dais. The former Regent, now known as councilman Yu, rounded his table. His hands held in supplication, first to Shen Wei, then to the Haixingren Lord. He was not head of the Governing Council, but he often took the lead anyway. He still had support from other Council members, though mainly because the true Head of the Council carried too much self-doubt to allow his voice to carry. Shen Wei had thus far, allowed it. As a leader himself, he understood that eventually, An Bai’s confidence would grow naturally. There would come a moment in which Yu would step too far, and An Bai would finally come fully into his role. Only then, would the other Council members follow him. Until then, Yu was simply to be tolerated.

“Ah, my Lord Liu, our Heipaoshi is very passionate, yes? You must not take offence. You understand the untamed emotions of powerful Omegas, certainly.”

Shen Wei curled his fingers over the arms of the chair he’d been placed in, above all others, to make his Selection. It did not feel like a place of honor, or power. More like a sacrifice on an alter to salivating wolves.

Councilman Yu turned to him. “I would infer from our Heipaoshi’s words and scent, that he does not take Lord Liu as a suitor?”

“...our Heipaoshi my ass…” Chu Shuzhi muttered. Shen Wei huffed, grateful for his friend’s presence. He may very well have razed this entire building to cinders by now if not for the comments that pulled him from the dark places insult after insult threatened to drag him into.

“He does not.” Shen Wei enunciated each word clearly. Attendants ushered the man back to his table, where he proceeded to sulk like a child and pretend that he hadn’t been humiliated by a ‘mere’ Omega. Shen Wei had not dismissed every Alpha right away. There needed to be a few to ultimately choose from, after all.

Shen Wei remained outwardly calm. He counted the remaining would-be suitors and sighed. Five. He had to endure this five more times. He remained emotionless, but on the inside, his heart was curled up in mortification. He had been privy to many crass conversations as his time as a soldier. Few things had ever been said to him directly, and lips were sealed once he’d come fully into his reputation, Omega or not. No one dared speak of such crude things anywhere near his presence. Some from fear, but most out of respect.

Yet these…men of the gentry…noble and refined…bandied and ruminated and spoke openly of his reproductive value as though they spoke of a prized animal. As though it were their right to do so. As though his feelings did not matter. If one more person remarked on his fertility, he would not hold himself responsible for the bloodbath that was to follow.

He was utterly, and thoroughly disgusted with the whole affair.

He narrowed his eyes at the former Regent. This whole tedious, humiliating affair were his machinations come to fruition. The conversation that had been the beginning of this fiasco had begun benignly enough.

“In order to secure a lasting peace, we must strengthen our bonds with Haixing.” C ouncilman Yu had said. Shen Wei had walked right into his sticky little web.

“What do you suggest? Are not the Treaty and trade agreements enough?”

“Oh, they’re fine! Fine! Good work!” his enthusiasm had slipped like oil over water from his face. He’d shaken his head. So sad. So unfortunate. “But words can be broken. Treaties torn apart within a generation. But blood ties...”

Blood ties.

Not by a Mating Bond forged in love.

But an arranged marriage. To set the war behind them permanently. To prevent more senseless deaths.

The Haixingren Alpha candidates had been carefully selected. They had to be powerful in their own right. Influential in Haixing. They needed to hold their own lands and titles, have earned merits in their own rights.

As such, Dixing could not offer up just any Omega. It had to be someone powerful and influential as well. A true prize, in every sense of the word.

How fortunate that Heipaoshi, whose name and deeds were known throughout both lands, just happened to be a powerful, influential, Omega.

And today was the Selection.

In the past, before the meteor strike, Selections were a joyous occasion, filled with games and festivities. Shen Wei and didi were only seven when one had been held in their town. It had been magical. The entire town was decorated in red streamers. Double luck signs hung from every window. A-Niang had bought red rope and taught them how to make love knots. They’d hung them on the doors of the Omega’s house. In turn, the Omega, a beautiful young woman, had given them spun sugar treats in the shape of leaping rabbits. Vendors threw candy to the children in the street. He and didi’s hands and mouths were sticky for days. Suitors turned out with their entire households, parading up the streets, to vie for the Omega’s favor. Shen Wei had never seen so many people in one place. Their little town had suddenly been filled with so much life. They brought performers who leapt and danced, musicians and drummers played and it was wonderful.

The Omega was carried on a red sedan by family and friends to the town meeting hall. Didi had sighed beside him and said, “I can’t wait to Select my Mate. You’ll carry me, won’t you ge?” the sharp piercing sorrow stung his eyes. How sad that now Shen Wei could only carry that little boy in his heart. How sad that the man he’d become, would laugh mockingly at this pitiful display.

Shen Wei had not been led to a room that he himself had appointed to his own tastes. He had been placed on high, at the end of the hall, like some display piece.

In the past, one by one, the Alpha suitors would be led into that room. There, the two would take tea and delicate sweets and get to know one another. It was not this rushed, one day travesty. On the eighth day, there would be a grand ceremony in which all the Alphas would kneel without the hall. The Omega would then step from the building. If they had chosen a Mate, they would be dressed in wedding robes, a red silk, tied about their wrist. They would approach their desired Mate and tie the other end of the silk to the Alpha’s wrist. After, they would go to the temple and there make their bows.

The Omega woman, had chosen an Alpha with kind eyes and a soft voice. Shen Wei, even as a child, had felt moved by the look of awe in the young Alpha’s, face that out of all vying for her hand, she had chosen him. He’d looked at his parents then. They had been gazing at one another, a look of love so profound, that Shen Wei had measured all others after by that look alone.

He could scarce remember being so young, but that memory had always stood warm and precious in his mind.

An Bai had tried to recreate the tradition, but none of the Haixing lords were willing to travel to Dixing. Citing logistics for travel and other nonsense. And it was too much hassle to recreate such a festival in Haixing itself. That had told him then and there what he could expect from such men. From his future Mate. In a word; nothing.

There was none of the pageantry, the joy, the reverence in this Selection. Just arrogant Alphas showing off their wealth and competing against one another as though at the gambling hall.  

He’d portaled here with the Council, Wu Tian, and Chu Shuzhi. There was no family to bear him on a sedan. He wore his robes of office. His only concession to his attire was to leave his leather armor behind. Gonggong was at his side, in it’s leather sheath. The Hall was not decorated in red streamers. There were no signs for luck or harmony.

This was a business transaction. Nothing more. The Haixing Alphas had gone out of their way to make sure he knew that. Honestly, he’s not sure what more he expected.

He sat in a hall in Haixing, the walls filled to the brim with crates and chests of gold and jewels, rolls of silks, and elaborate tapestries filled the space so fully, that there was barely any room left for the suitor’s retainers to be seated behind their masters.

He cast a jaundiced eye to the gaudy displays of wealth and sneered. The gold could be used to purchase desperately needed supplies for the people of Dixing. The fabrics were mostly impractical for everyday life. Meant to be worn by a pampered spouse, not people who labored for a living. He supposed the gold and silver threads could be extracted and sold, along with the silks themselves. Separately, they would fetch a higher price. That was, if Haixingren merchants would trade fairly.

With disgust, Shen Wei noted that none of the gifts provided and been with the true needs of the Dixingren people in mind. They hadn’t even been provided with him in mind. What need did he have for such frivolous things? He had no need for gold. His stipend as Justiciar was adequate for his needs. He had furnished rooms in the Palace. His meals and clothing were provided for.

Even if his people hadn’t needed more practical items, none of the gifts were anything he even liked. There were no books. No practical and sturdy calligraphy sets. All the guans and hairpins were dripping with pearls and golds and precious stones. What about his person, had ever even hinted at the idea that he would prefer those horrendous things over something simple?

And then there were the suitors themselves.

The council had vetted all with meticulous care. Not for Shen Wei’s happiness. But for the power and wealth that his union would bring. Shen Wei had not been privy to the list. His opinions, his wishes, left unasked. In all honesty, he hadn’t the stomach for it anyway.

There was only one name he’d ever been interested in.

Every seat in the hall was filled, eighteen Alphas in all. Yet, the face that haunted his dreams was not among them.

He wasn’t sure why it surprised him so. Why would such an Alpha be interested in him?

The warlord’s name and reputation, wealth, and influence were such that the council would not have struck him down as a candidate. In fact, his name should have been at the top of the list for his achievements alone. He had made a name for himself long before he’d traveled down from the north to join the Alliance forces. He’d earned merit after merit on the battlefield and off, not only for his skills, but his gallantry and mercy. He was a living legend on both sides. What’s more, he had been instrumental in ending the war. Though it had been Shen Wei who had ultimately slain the Chieftain, the Alliance would never have treated with him if not for the warlord’s insistence.  

So logically, the Alpha had to have received an invitation to the Selection.

And logically, had rejected it.

To be bound for life with a Dixingren who was reputed to be cold and unfeeling. When the warlord himself was so ornery, so passionate, so alive, and vibrant, and everything, everything Shen Wei was not. Of course the warlord would not even consider it.

Something sharp and hot lodged itself in his heart at the thought. He blinked back the sting in his eyes. The other, despite the discipline it would take to achieve everything he had, was a free spirit.

Anyone who bound themselves to Heipaoshi was binding themselves to a lifetime of political machinations. Even if his eventual Mate demanded he remain home-bound, it was naive to think that his new family, as it were, would not be drawn into the politics of the two contentious countries. And no matter what these Alphas thought, Shen Wei was not about to lessen, nor give up his responsibilities as Justiciar of Dixing. He’d fought too hard, lost too much, and made promises to too many people, to walk away now and hope for the best.

The very thorough and humiliating examination declared him healthy enough to bear children, but until the time came, no one knew for certain how long it might take him to conceive and then second, carry to term a healthy child. To that end, though the marriage contract demanded a child from the union, in all reality, that was not a guarantee.

But what if he did have a child? He looked out at these prospective Mates, his lips bowed unhappily. He could not only judge these Alphas on their merits as aides to Dixing, but as prospective fuqins as well. Could he bear to see his flesh and blood raised as a pawn for their two countries? A bargaining piece anytime either government wasn’t getting it’s way? It was enough for him to be used so. But his child?

Absolutely not.

So far, there was not one among this throng of pretentious men that even came close to meeting his criteria for a sire. Too arrogant. Too rude. Too obtuse. Too unfeeling.  

He admitted, only to himself, that he was perhaps being a bit unfair. But then, who among these ridiculous beings could ever compare to Kunlun?

Who among these people could ever fill his heart the way the northern warlord did?

“Grand Heipaoshi!” A high pitched, nasally voice snapped him from his ruminations. An elderly man, with the assistance of two attendants, toddled to stand before him. He could actually feel Chu Shizhi and Wu Tian share a horrified look over his head. He swallowed hard. He wished he could as well. Surely not. Surely the council would not attempt to bind him to a man old enough to be his great-grandfather? He looked at councilman Yu, who was not fast enough to hide his smug smirk behind his cup. Shen Wei knew revenge when he saw it.

The Elder’s long, silver white beard swayed back and forth, the ends gently dusting his knees. The wrinkles in his paper thin face were so deep that his eyes were sucked far into the folds. Only two small dark orbs could be seen. When he brought his hands around to salute, the action severely overbalanced him. His attendants, apparently used to such things, merely reigned him back, even while the rest of the room had reached impotently forward as though to catch him. Shen Wei had a sudden terrifying vision of his future, carrying the man everywhere on his back to prevent falls as he tended to him like a nursemaid. He did not allow his mind to drift to the other duty this alliance would require of him. How would that even work?

“I am the honorable Duke Yihan, of the Great Plain in the Western Valley. I realize that I am a bit older than the other noble suitors gathered here.” he either ignored, or more likely, could not hear the scoffs that rose up around the room. “I hope that what I lack in youth, Heipaoshi will find value in my knowledge and experience. My home is peaceful. Filled with private gardens and fruit trees. There are few people there. All those I have loved are long gone. It would warm my heart to have it filled with Heipaoshi's thoughts and company.”

Well, that was not…awful. Shen Wei even found this Duke sweetly charming. Perhaps there was the possibility of looking upon one another with simple companionship. Surely, once this wise elder had passed, Shen Wei would be released from his obligation to marry for political reasons. Perhaps they might appoint an heir instead. It might be…nice, to have an elder figure to look up to who did not see him as a-

“And though I am older, if Heipaoshi will indulge me. My coffers are not the only thing about my person that is well-endowed.” and then he cackled, high and loud at his own joke.

Shen Wei didn’t know if he made the choking sound or his men.

“And hopefully Grand Heipaoshi is as fertile as the lands I would invite him to live on.” the Duke added happily.

If not for the mask and shadow of his hood, all would see his wide eyes and burning cheeks. Perhaps he had died on the battlefield and this was hell. Surely, no mortal could endure such torment.

He cleared his throat. And again. Faintly, he replied, “The Duke of the Western Valley is most…kind.”

He would consider this suite the same way he considered loading his boots full of scorpions.

The Duke saluted in his unbalanced way again, and with a merry wave, was escorted back to his seat.

“We should have discussed an escape plan.” Chu Shuzhi said, horrified fascination lacing his tone. Shen Wei could only nod faintly.

They absolutely should have.

The next two were a repeat of the first several suitors in their rhetoric. Shen Wei’s patience was nearly depleted. He dismissed them before they’d barely begun the list of gifts they had brought.

Shen Wei craned his neck once again, scanning the hall as discreetly as he could. Nobles, Council members, servants, and guards. None of their lips held an irreverent grin. None slouched boneless against the wall or table as though they hadn’t a care in all the world. He looked down. Foolish. Why was he so foolish?

He and Kunlun had nothing off the battlefield. They hadn’t even been in the same country during the Treaty negotiations.

The only thing they’d ever had between them had been crossed blades and sharp words. And yet. And yet, the words they exchanged had been playful, full of life and challenge and why had no one been able to challenge him the way Kunlun had? Why had no one been able to captivate him so? To make his heart race and his soul sing when he unerringly spotted him across the field. When that boyish grin was directed at him and him alone? Why had no one been able to make him burn the way Kunlun had?

Why had he thought that Kunlun would chase him now? The war was over. Only this one thing remained to ensure peace for generations to come. Kunlun’s part was done. His army had already marched back to the north. Back to his home. Heipaoshi would only make appearances now in the stories the brash general told over a bottle of wine.

Heipaoshi- Shen Wei- would remain. He would not speak of Kunlun over wine. He would not speak his name to his cohort. Instead, he would keep him gently tucked away, his name sheltered and alive in each sorrowful heartbeat.

The council could force him to marry.

They could demand he lay with someone he did not love and produce a child to bridge the peace of their two lands.

But his love for Kunlun was his alone.

In this one thing, he would remain selfish.

Chapter Text

An older man, with a young attendant, came forward. Shen Wei pressed his lips together and groaned internally. Could they truly have found so few Alphas his own age willing to Bond with him?

They both bowed, the young man slightly behind his master. It was not lost on Shen Wei or his men, that the Alpha’s bow had been far too shallow. Wu Tian growled softly under his breath as Chu Shuzhi ground his teeth. Shen Wei wearied of the Haixingren’s prejudice of Omegas. How could they hope to unite their countries when one partner undervalued the other? How could he live in harmony with such people that could not even respect something as simple as his title?

“Heipaoshi, I am Lord Meng and this is my-” he looked to his side, then his gaze snapped to the boy behind him. He rolled his eyes and t’sked. He snatched the young man’s arm and drug him forward. “This is my son, Meng Xi. He has won many merits and has a bright mind. While he has little battlefield experience, he will make a fine Mate.”

Chu Shuzhi leaned over slightly and whispered, “From grave robbing to cradle robbing.”

Shen Wei would laugh if he wasn’t on the verge of weeping.

“How old are you, Meng Xi?” Shen Wei asked.

The boy started badly, raised his eyes, lowered them. Fidgeted with the hem of his flowing blue sleeves. “I-I am eighteen, your Honor, er, Majesty.”

“Daren, will do kid.” Chu Shuzhi said, not unkindly, sparring them all from the boy’s awkward embarrassment.

Eighteen.

In Dixing, he would not be considered an adult for three more years. A young man like Meng Xi would be seen as stepping out of the shadow of childhood and into the twilight between, just before his majority. He would be in an apprenticeship and remain in his parent’s house until then, learning what was needed to become an adult. Shen Wei himself was twenty-eight. Admittedly, he’d had to grow into his majority faster than most. Still…He glared at Councilman Yu. What had he been thinking?

Yu must have felt the burning on his skull as he turned and nervously said, “Eighteen is the age of majority in Haixing, Heipaoshi.”

“Please, Heipaoshi Daren.” the boy began. Shen Wei looked back to him. The young, very young, man looked back with wide, earnest eyes. All the while, his fuqin watched his son with hawk-like determination.  “I am young, but capable. I am filial. My household is large and my family is influential in Haixing.” he said mechanically, his gaze darted to his fuqin, who nodded, not with loving encouragement, but menacing challenge. As though all words had already been laid out for him.

Just before Meng Xi looked away, for one small second, his gaze darted behind. Shen Wei followed it. A young man, a true attendant this time, hair pulled in topknot, sat behind the empty table of the Meng’s, his head lowered, fists shaking in his lap. He did not look up. Yet, even from this distance, Shen Wei could see that the skin around his eyes was stained red. His lips were cast in a thin, unhappy slash. The young man continued his speech, not once mentioning Shen Wei’s fertility. That alone endeared him to the boy.

He inhaled discreetly.

The faint scent of sorrow stretched between the gongzi and the youth sitting in misery not far away. Faint, intertwined scents of pear blossoms and peaches, danced together in mournful sweetness.

Shen Wei’s eyes hardened as red hot fury stole over his being.

“...and we have many famous artisans that would-”

“Meng Daren.” Shen Wei interrupted, his voice hard, a rumble of displeasure falling like a rock slide into the folds of his sharp words. All came to stillness in the room.

Meng Daren froze.

“Yes, Heipaoshi?” he looked from his son, who still held his arms in a salute, and back to Shen Wei. “Does my son displease you? I assure you he is a perfect match. If his age is upsetting, then of course I am magnanimous enough to allow you to wait until he is twenty-one to consummate the marriage.”

The temperature dropped.

“It is you, who displeases me.”

Councilman Yu jumped hurriedly from his seat and waved his arms, that false smile smeared across his lips. “Meng Daren, please, please! Heipaoshi merely meant that perhaps your son is too nervous. He’s quite protective of the young! He is an Omega after all. It’s in his nature!”

Shen Wei held up his hand to Chu Shuzhi, who had taken a quick step forward. The Puppet Master stepped back with great reluctance.

The pompous lord’s mouth quirked up as he regarded the ‘sensitive’ Omega in question.

“Of course, of course! I-”

“You displease me.” Shen Wei repeated.

“Heipaoshi!” Meng Daren scolded, “You are insulting me! We have come here in good faith-”

“Faith?” Shen Wei scoffed. “What do you know of faith?”

Councilman Yu looked as though he were trying to sink into the floor. “Daren, please-”

Shen Wei continued on, his voice deep, commanding, with no quarter for mercy.

“Faith is akin to familial piety. Loyalty to one’s family is a paramount value in Dixing. I had thought that was true of Haixing as well.”

“You!”

“You claim to have faith and loyalty, and yet you would sell your own son for prestige and power, when at your very table sits his True Mate.”

Gasps and outcries erupted from around the room. The young lord looked up in astonished shock. His gaze whipped from Heipaoshi to said Omega. The other young man at the table looked just as astounded that anyone had realized what he and the young gongzi were to each other.

“That’s not true!” Meng Daren spat. “They have not Bonded. It’s just a ridiculous infatuation. When my son Mates you-”

The temperature in the hall plummeted. Frost crackled across boxes and chests. Ice crept over steaming bowls and froze the liquid within. Those gathered began to shiver from the sudden chill. Breath puffed white in front of everyone’s faces. Not a soul made a sound.

When Shen Wei spoke, his voice was soft and low, a vicious beast stalking between every word. “You would dare?” he cocked his head, as though he were deciding whether or not to squash an irritating insect. “Who are you to break a fledgling bond? Who are you to stand in their way? In the way of the natural order?”

“I-I’m his fuqin.” Lord Meng said faintly, weakly.

“A fuqin would not be so cruel.” Shen Wei raised his head. The mask could not hide how his eyes flashed dark and cold. “You are nothing.”

Shen Wei turned his attention to the son. The young man regarded him with large eyes, his arms still held in a limp salute.

“Meng Xi.”

The boy snapped to attention.

“Yes Daren!”

“Do you love him?” he jerked his chin up, indicating the youth at the table.

Meng Xi’s entire countenance softened. Gone was the nervous youth. He turned to look back. The youth at the table regarded him softly, a tiny smile lighting his trembling lips. Meng Xi turned back to Shen Wei. A hardened look of determination stole over his features. His eyes were sharper and his posture straight.

“Heipaoshi Daren. I do. I have loved Mo Xiao since we were little. I promised my heart to him long ago. Heipaoshi is an honorable and great man. Any Alpha would be blessed to be Bonded to you. But I beg you, Daren, please, let me go.” at this, young Meng Xi bent forward and kowtowed three times, all the while his fuqin looked on with impotent fury.

Shen Wei did not remark on the display, though he was moved by it all the same.

He looked to Mo Xiao, whose tears were openly flowing now at his true love’s display of humility.

“Mo Xiao.”

The youth jumped to his feet. Eyes wide, he hastily bowed. “Yes Heipaoshi Daren!”

“Do you love Meng Xi? Of your own free will?”

The boy could barely look up from his salute. He swallowed hard once, twice. He had to lick his lips before he was able to rasp, “Yes, Daren.” he looked to Meng Xi. “I will love no other, as long as I live.”

Shen Wei nodded.

“Councilman Yu.”

“Yes?” The former Regent looked as though he were a fox trapped in a bloody snare. Good.

“Meng Xi should never have been presented to me this day. I am sure the fault lies with his fuqin, and not you.”

Seeing the out he was being given, Councilman Yu grabbed it with both hands and ran.

“Oh! Yes of course! How despicable! Had I known the youth’s heart was already in the early bonding stages, I would never have allowed him into the Selection.” he turned and glared at Lord Meng, who was turning scarlet in his rage.

“This insult must be dealt with if we are going to entertain peace with Haixing.” Shen Wei said.

“Of course! Whatever Heipaoshi Daren wills, shall be done!”

Chu Shuzhi scoffed at his side.

“Then this is the remedy. Lord Meng, not only did you attempt to sever your son’s fragile bond and risk he and his Omega falling into serious qi deviations, but you attempted to make me an accomplice. I will not forgive this.

“I will only be satisfied with your withdrawal as head of the Meng family. Meng Xi will take your place, and complete the Bond with Mo Xiao that you attempted to destroy.”

“Now wait! Who are you to decide my fate! To interfere with my family!”

“I am the Omega meant to bridge the gap between our peoples.” he looked out to all assembled. “And I will refuse to Bond with anyone in this Hall, if my demands are not followed to the letter. I will not bind myself, or Dixing, to Alphas who will stand aside and allow such an atrocity to occur.”

The entire room held it’s breath as the participants looked to one another as though their brains had not yet understood the meaning of Heipaoshi’s ultimatum.

But when they did…

The exhale was an eruption of frantic yelling and fist shaking that rattled the roof and eardrums alike.

“Meng Daren! How dare you go against Heaven’s natural laws!”

“I thought you respected the Sacred Bond!” another properly outraged Alpha declared.

“To think we took tea together!”

“Shame!”

The council had been largely silent, content to watch the chaos around them. Yu was the only one who was set on controlling it. Shen Wei was amused to watch An Bai and Mu Jin, the tea house owner, casually serve one another tea and cakes, as though they were sitting in a serene garden. Among the entire eight person council, the two young men had been Heipaoshi’s staunchest supporters. They hadn’t liked the idea of a Selection anymore than he had. Shen Wei shuddered to think what this horrendous event would have been without them.

Lord Meng was shaking his fists and yelling unintelligibly at his detractors in what was fast evolving into irritating chaos. Shen Wei once again cast his gaze to An Bai, eyebrow raised. As head of the Council, it was he who ultimately needed to quell the crowd. Shen Wei had spoken far more already than he had wanted to.

An Bai’s eyes widened. He hastily set down his cup and rose to his full height. Mu Jin and the other members hastily followed.

“My Lords! Please! If you will!”

His voice was a pebble in a landslide. Shen Wei sighed.

Chu Shuzhi, always sensitive to his Master’s moods, stepped forward. Inhaled deeply, and-

“Silence!” his voice roared through the hall. Shen Wei and Wu Tian both startled in surprise, casting wide looks at their friend. Chu Shuzhi looked quite proud of himself. He tugged on the lapels of his short robes and raised his chin to An Bai as though saying, well? Get on with it then.

Blinking, it took An Bai a moment to gather himself before turning to the crowd staring dumbly back.

“Ah ha, yes. Thank you, Master Chu.” he nodded to Chu Shuzhi, who inclined his head and stepped back, a smug lilt to his lips. To the room at large, An Bai said, “The Governing Council of Dixing supports Heipaoshi’s declaration. Further, Dixing will not only rescind the Marriage Selection of all present if Meng Daren does not step down in favor of his son, Meng Xi, but Dixing will halt all trade with any Haixingren who supports Meng Daren, effective immediately.”

Lords looked to each other and their retainers in sheer panic.

Mu Jin added, “The Council declares as of this moment, that Dixing will also halt all commerce and ties with any Haixingren family that interferes in a consensual Mating Bond.”

Shen Wei nodded approvingly. It was a balm to his sore heart to see that his people were indeed moving in an honorable direction.

There was the slightest pause. Then one by one, the Haixingren Alphas stood, all declaring their support for Meng Xi. The young man in question looked as though he were moving in a strange dream.

Wu Tian leaned over and teased quietly, “Should one of us pinch him?”

Shen Wei huffed in amusement.

“I will not stand for this outrage!” Meng Daren seethed. “Come son, I-”

Meng Xi stared straight ahead, the sound of his fuqin’s voice was like being hit by lightening. His spine snapped straight. The memories of his fuqin’s despicable actions towards he and Mo Xiao marched across his hardened features and glittering eyes. Those gathered could only guess at the lengths Meng Daren had gone to keep the two apart.

“You should wait in your room, fuqin.”

“...What?”

Meng Xi turned to his father, his tender features sharp and hard. “I accept your resignation for the good of our family. Now please, for the peace of the Treaty, leave.”

Chu Shuzhi whistled low. Even Wu Tian gave a soft chuckle.

Meng Daren looked about the room, but of course, there were none who would speak for him. Furious, he snapped his sleeves and stormed from the hall, his poor servants scurrying to catch up in his wake.

Everyone took their respective seats save for Meng Xi, who once his fuqin had left, paled and appeared a little lost. He looked to Heipaoshi, unsure what to do next.

Shen Wei tilted his head and jerked his chin in Mo Xiao’s direction.

Meng Xi’s eyes lit up. He turned to his beloved, who was watching him with unbridled joy, hands over his mouth as though to contain it.

Meng Xi ran to him.

Laughing, he embraced his soon-to-be-Mate. They held each other’s faces, ran their hands over their shoulders, arms, as though testing that the other was real. All the while, they stared at one another, savoring a moment they thought they would never have. Mo Xiao glanced at Heipaoshi. Meng Xi, understanding immediately, took his hand and together they hurried to stand side by side as equals, at Heipaoshi’s feet. They put their hands over their hearts and bowed, still holding hands, unable to release each other even for a moment.

“Thank you, Heipaoshi!” they said in unison.

“We will never forget this. You have given us our life back. Your name will be praised in our halls for generations.” Meng Xi declared, his eyes red, his smile wide. Mo Xiao was nodding enthusiastically beside him.

“I hope Heipaoshi will find a moment to visit us so that we might honor him.”

Shen Wei allowed a small, genuine smile to grace his lips. How wonderful to love and be loved so.

“It is no great thing to uphold what is right. I need no such praise. Only honor one another. I will be happy enough for an invitation to your wedding.”

Blushing, they bowed again. “Of course! Heipaoshi will be our honored guest!”

“Go then. And may your lives be showered in blessings.”

Though Meng Xi made a small attempt at dignity, it failed utterly. Halfway down the hall, he looked to his betrothed, giggled, and literally swept Mo Xiao off his feet. Mo Xiao squawked and laughed, his arms coming naturally about Meng Xi’s neck. The guards opened the doors and the new Lord of the Meng family stepped through. He paused on the other side. As the doors closed, the lovers stared into one another’s eyes. The doors closed only a moment before their lips met.

A fist clenched around Heipaoshi’s heart. How beautiful. How bittersweet.

“At least someone gets a happy ending.” Chu Shuzhi muttered.

“Chu!” Wu Tian scolded. Shen Wei could feel the older man’s eyes on him as he reprimanded the Puppet Master.

“Chu Shuzhi’s words are not untrue.” he said softly.

“Perhaps,” Wu Tian allowed. “But they are thoughtless.”

“Forgive me, Daren. I spoke out of turn.”

Shen Wei shook his head. “No need for apologies.”

“There is one final suitor, Heipaoshi Daren.” Yu announced. Shen Wei’s heart sank. It should be a relief that this tortuous event was nearly over. But it also meant that he was only a little while away from choosing his Mate. So far, none here were close to satisfactory. Wu Tian shifted beside him, seemingly as anxious as he was.

To his mild surprise, an Alpha close to his own age strolled up the aisle to stand before him. He was dressed in black inner robes and white outer, also trimmed in black. His long, glossy black hair was pulled high in a pony tail, trails of silver chains swaying delicately from a small silver guan. Shen Wei’s heart gave a pang at the swagger in his walk. He bowed appropriately and rose with an arrogant, yet unoffensive smirk on his face.

“It is an honor to finally meet Heipaoshi Daren face to face. I am Lin Min Tai. My family’s estate lies in the Western mountains.”

Shen Wei inclined his head in acknowledgment.

“And what do you bring in offer for my Bond?”

Lin Min Tai flapped his hand carelessly at an enormous stack of crates and chests behind his table. “Nothing more or less grand than what everyone else here has to offer. A pile of gold that Heipaoshi will surely not be impressed by.”

Murmurs floated up as a din about the room. Lin Daren’s remarks had ruffled quite a few feathers. That definitely gave him marks in his favor.

“Oh? And what makes Lin Daren think that they would not please me?”

The Alpha chuckled and looked about the room, his honeyed phoenix eyes cast a mocking gaze to all, but were sincere enough once back on Shen Wei.

“Of course none of this pleases you! Anyone who has done even the minimum amount of research about you, or paid heed to the tamest rumors, would know that wealth and baubles do not impress you. The gold here will aid your people, surely, but for you personally? What has any of it to do with you?”

That was oddly…perceptive. He was not Kunlun. No one could ever be. But his blunt speech was refreshing.

Jing Daren did not agree with Shen Wei’s sentiment and shook a fist at the young Lord. “How dare you insult those gathered here!”

Lin Daren scoffed. “Please. It’s not as though you make it challenging.”

Chu Shuzhi chuckled. “I like this one.”

“If the Lord is so astute, then what does Heipaoshi want?” another insufferable suitor piped up.

Lin Daren looked at Heipaoshi and smirked. “Judging by his expression, for you to shut up.”

Perhaps there was merit to this one after all.

Shen Wei did indeed want the other Alphas to, ‘shut up’. He ignored their outrage and spoke over them, giving those gathered about no choice but to silence themselves. “What does the honorable Lin Daren think will please me?” Shen Wei asked, curious despite himself.

Lin Daren turned to him fully, his features took on a slightly more serious countenance.

“Heipaoshi Daren wants to be free to do as he pleases. To continue his work in Dixing. Heipaoshi Daren has been saying it for hours, yet these fools have stuffed their ears to the brim with their own desires and will not hear his lordship.”

Wu Tian stepped forward, hand on the pommel of his sword. “And you do?”

Shen Wei canted his head, interested in how this man would treat Heipaoshi’s subordinate.

Lin Daren inclined his head respectfully. “I do, Commander Wu. Unlike all in this hall, I have listened quite closely.”

“Have you?” Wu Tian challenged. Shen Wei regarded his friend. Wu Tian had long looked out for him, as much as he was able. He must be challenging Lin Daren to test his character, sensing that among all those gathered here, this Alpha was the better candidate.

“Of course.”

“And what do you want out of this arrangement?” Wu Tian asked, an edge to his voice.

Lord Lin spread his hands. “Shamefully, what they all want.” he spoke directly to Shen Wei.  “The prestige Heipaoshi’s name and title bring. The favor of Dixing and all the trade agreements that will come with it. Dixing merchants will fall all over themselves to do business with my estate and nearby villages.”

“How…enterprising.” Chu Shuzhi commented dryly.

“They all want the same.” Lin Daren stated matter of fact, sweeping a hand back to encompass the Alphas gathered. “Heipaoshi knows this. Unlike them, however, I will never hide my intentions behind double-speak and flattery. Honorable Heipaoshi will know that every word I speak will be true, without deception or guile. I swear it.”

“You are indeed blunt in your speech.” Shen Wei acknowledged. “I do not find offense in it, though I am curious about the origins of such forth rightness.”

Lin Daren lowered his eyes, as though gathering his thoughts. After a beat, he looked at Shen Wei and replied, “My sire was a man with two silver tongues and a face for each. My A-Niang was good woman, devoted to him as any Mate should be. As he should have been. He promised her the world from one face, then with the other, snatched it away and promised it to others. He humiliated her private and publicly. His duplicity nearly killed her. She barely survived the severing of their bond. So I dislike false words. I think the world would be a better place if we all spoke plainly. Doesn’t Heipaoshi agree?”

Shen Wei hummed in thought.

Many Alphas scoffed and rolled their eyes. Not Shen Wei. He’d grown up in a world where words were used as weapons, cutting and brutal. Where even the most innocent of phrases needed to be turned carefully for the hidden poison. Nothing but truth spilled from the Alpha’s lips.

“And of our union itself? Of the child that the contract demands?”

“Any children we may have, will want for nothing. They will be my heirs in the truest sense. None will ever usurp them. I will not be an absent fuqin as mine was. Nor will I dishonor you or them by giving another your place. You will be my only Mate. As for us?” he shrugged. “Do as you will. We will fulfill the contract, but I won’t bind you to me in the truest sense. It would be easier if we could be friends, but I care for nothing more than that.”

It hurt a little.

It shouldn’t. Lin Darin was upfront and honest about his expectations. Had Shen Wei not thought, that he would be content with a mere companion as opposed to an Alpha that demanded a true marriage without love? Was he so contrary a creature that he could not appreciate the freedom and frankness being offered? His offspring would be honored and protected. Educated. The inheritors of a grand estate. They would have no fear of the future. They would not know what an empty belly or grueling winters with no shelter felt like.

And was not Lin Daren his own age? Was he not at least attractive? Shen Wei did not find it shallow to consider such things in an arranged selection. At least they would have more common interests. Perhaps there could be true companionship there.

And what of he himself? Would he not be free and unfettered? He would be free to pursue his role in Dixing without the exhausting and frustrating arguments and fights the others here would surely put him through. He should be falling all over himself to thank this man.

In his soul, in his marrow, he knew of course, what the problem was.

It was not that Lin Daren was unfit to be his Mate.

It was that he was not Kunlun.

The smirk held none of Kunlun’s playfulness. His swagger was too care-free and held none of the dangerous focus Kunlun’s did, such when as he spotted Shen Wei on the battlefield and stalked through hell to meet him. His words were blunt and sincere, but lacked the passion that filled Kunlun’s every meaning.

Lin Daren was not Kunlun.

But Kunlun was not here.

Kunlun was a beautiful dream.

And Shen Wei, Heipaoshi Daren, Justiciar of Dixing, was wide awake.

Chapter Text

He sat straighter and looked at Lin Daren. He opened his mouth to speak, but Wu Tian spoke first.

“You have given my Master much to think on. Please be seated and allow him his thoughts.”

Lord Lin’s lip crooked up, but he only nodded, and bowed. With a swagger of his hips, he returned to his seat, long inky hair bouncing with each step.

Shen Wei looked up to his friend and said quietly, “Is something wrong? We all know that he is the best candidate of them all.”

“And the least repugnant.” Chu Shuzhi added from his side. It was true.

Wu Tian looked uncharacteristically anxious. “I simply think it would do them all good to let them stew for a bit, don’t you think?”

Shen Wei grimaced. “I would rather get this over with.”

“I understand, Daren. But I urge caution. Have you considered all aspects of the contract-”

“Enough.” he snapped, his nerves frayed raw. Shen Wei sighed and looked at his friend, a man who had stood by him for many years. With apology in his soft tone, Shen Wei admitted, “Enough, my friend. My heart cannot endure this further.” Wu Tian’s eyes became glassy, his mouth turned down. He looked to the closed hall doors. After a moment, his shoulders sagged. Apparently, Shen Wei had not been the only one lost in a fantasy.

Wu Tian bowed. “Forgive me, Daren.”

For the second time that day he replied, “There is nothing to forgive. It is I, who was foolish, even up to this moment, to hope for something more. We do not live in a romantic poet’s play, but in reality.” he inhaled deeply, steeling himself. “And in our reality, Lin Daren’s proposal is the most favorable, for Dixing. And for me.”

… “Yes, Daren.” Wu Tian sounded as defeated as Shen Wei felt. Steeling himself, he looked to the council, who were watching him with expectant gazes.

“I am ready.”

An Bai nodded. Councilman Yu hopped up from his seat and clapped his hands together. All chatter in the hall came to a standstill. Shen Wei could practically feel the hunger of the Alphas as their eyes turned to him. He grit his teeth and looked straight ahead.

“Thank you all for coming today!” Yu proclaimed with a showman’s mirth that Shen Wei found grating. “Let this be a new-”

A commotion came from the other side of the closed doors. No doubt, Meng Daren had come back to vent his ire. Those in the room looked to the doors, but lost interest quickly. After all, the real show was in this room. And their glorious futures were hanging in the balance.

“Ah ha, let this be a new and prosperous-”

Bang! The doors rattled, but held firm. The guards stationed there turned and partially drew their swords. More eyes turned that way. Wu Tian and Chu Shuzhi both stepped forward. Shen Wei’s brow furrowed.

“Ah, it seems we must move this along. I shall forego the pleasantries, shall I?” Councilman Yu said, his tone rushed, “Heipaoshi, who have you selected as your Mate?”

The yelling was growing louder. Even so, Councilman Yu’s question had all eyes return to Shen Wei. A typhoon could be occurring without and no one would care at this moment.

Shen Wei swallowed hard. All his long years stretched out before him. A life spent with a good, if not business-minded, Alpha. A life of companionship and respect. He tried to picture the child they might have, but the image slipped away like smoke in a gale. He thought of Dixing instead, and imagined the streets filled once again with thriving vendors. His people’s bellies full and smiles wide. He heard their laughter. He heard children recite lines and practice instruments. He saw them racing in the sun without fear. For himself…he saw a long, slow march, his duties uninterrupted, unceasing.

It was enough.

It would have to be enough.

He wet his lips.

“I have chosen-”

The firm grip of Wu Tian’s hand on his shoulder surprised him so that he snapped his attention to his Commander. But Wu Tian was not looking at him. He was watching the doors with a fierce focus.

“Wu Tian?”

The older man squeezed his shoulder once more. Those wizened eyes turned towards him, a glint shining there that he had seldom seen.

“Trust me?”

Shen Wei’s brow furrowed. He had no idea what his friend was up to, but his trust in him had never been in question. He could only nod.

Wu Tian inclined his head and stepped down one step. In a loud voice he commanded, “Open the doors!”

All eyes turned to the doors. The guardsmen looked at each other and then to Heipaoshi, concern written all over their features. Surely they’d been able to discern more of the argument than anyone else? What had they heard that warranted such caution?

“Open it.” Shen Wei commanded.

“No! Wait! Heipaoshi, surely you should make your Selection and allow the guards to handle this.” Councilman Yu waved frantically, his voice high.

Shen Wei’s eyes narrowed. Now he was sure he needed to know what was happening behind those doors.

He raised a hand to the guards, giving them the go-ahead.

Cautiously, they unlocked the doors. No sooner had the lock clicked open, than the doors were thrown wide, the poor guardsmen flung back.

A small dark figure darted in.

The figure wasn’t what had Shen Wei so transfixed.

In the doorway, stood a silhouette of a man. Sunlight radiated as a halo all around him. Silver glinted in his hair like starlight.

Shen Wei’s heart stopped. All breath lay frozen in his lungs. He found himself leaning forward, his hands clutching the arms of the chair, his entire being drawn to the man, the Alpha. The same as every single time they had ever met. Shen Wei’s soul had never been drawn to another the way he had been to this singular person.

It could not be.

It could not possibly be him.

And yet.

And yet…

“Hei Loa-ge!” that voice. That beautiful voice resounded about the hall, ringing as the sweetest song in his ears. “Forgive my tardiness! You would not believe the tale I have to tell you! Did you know the northern pass collapsed? Can you believe it! Of all times. I had to ride like a madman to get here!”

A sob caught in Shen Wei’s throat. His lips twitched up in disbelief. How many times had this ridiculous man said the same thing on the battlefield?

“Hei Lao-ge! Did you see how many people I had to fight just to make it to you? Why did you pick a spot on the battlefield so far away from me?”

And he would respond by saying…

“Surely the mighty Kunlun is not worn out by such trivial inconveniences?”

Kunlun, beautiful, wonderful, impossible, Kunlun- spread his arms wide, threw his head back, and laughed.

It soothed and healed the wound in Shen Wei’s heart that had not stopped bleeding since he’d entered this room and had not seen Kunlun’s among so many faces.

It did not escape Shen Wei’s notice that Kunlun’s laugh was weighed heavily with relief. Could it be that he had longed for Shen Wei as well? Not fancy. Not mere infatuation. But true, raw, real longing.

The dark shape that had entered rose up, growing taller. The King of Cats stood in his signature red and black robes, bells at his throat, and glowered at his master.

“He’s a maniac! He stuffed me in a sack when the wagons could not immediately make it through the pass. Then we rode until the horse refused to move further! And do you know what he did then?”

Chu Shuzhi had crossed his arms, quite enjoying the Cat’s irritation. “No, what?”

“He ran! This idiot ran the whole way! With me thumping against his back. My bruises have bruises! Heipaoshi, you must treat me better!”

“Suffering builds character.” Kunlun threw back at his friend. Daqing pointed both hands at his master, staring at Shen Wei as though to say, do you see this??

There was no time to say more. Kunlun moved. He stalked forward, his dark glittering eyes intent on Shen Wei as though all the world had burned and all that was left was he. Kunlun had always been focused, intense, when they met on the battlefield. But not like this. The intensity which radiated from his eyes was molten, primal. No one. Not one person had ever looked at him the way Kunlun was watching him now. A shiver raced down his spine. It pooled low in his gut and curled hot and joyous around his heart.

“My Lord Kunlun, wait!” Councilman Yu spread his arms like a living shield in front of Shen Wei.

Shen Wei growled low.

Councilman Yu shuddered, but did not move.

“I have waited long enough.” Kunlun snarled darkly as he came to stand before the foolish man.

“Of course the great general is most welcome at the banquet, but unfortunately, General Kunlun was not issued an invitation to the Selection. Surely he would not wish to spoil the fragile bonds of the Treaty already.”

“Not invited?” Shen Wei’s outraged voice was low and dark and terrifying. The Haixingren Alphas, so superior in their status, all froze as prey in a thicket. All but Lin Daren, who tipped back his wine jug and looked amused about the whole thing.

“What is the meaning of this?” Shen Wei demanded. Not invited? Not invited?

This was why Kunlun had never responded. Why there was no table made ready for him. He hadn’t rejected the invitation, rejected him. The invitation hadn’t been issued in the first place.

“That’s strange.” Kunlun’s eyebrows raised in mock surprise, “then how did this come into my hands? Addressed to me no less.” From within his dark blue robes, he pulled a tablet. Black, lined in gold, with the official seal of Dixing emblazoned on the front. Identical to all eighteen that were held by the Alphas in the room at present. Kunlun made a grand show of opening it and holding it one way and then another, lips pursed in consternation. Finally, he showed it to his companion. “Do you see my name? That is my name, correct?”

Daqing played along, stroked his chin and squinted down at the letter. Nodding, the Cat said, “Hmm, it’s definitely your name alright.”

“Great!” he snapped the memorial closed. “That settles it.”

“I’m afraid, my Lord Kunlun, it really doesn’t.”

Wu Tian stepped forward. “Forgive me, Councilman Yu, but the fault lies with me. I noticed sometime after the Selection meeting held by the Council, that Lord Kunlun’s invitation had been placed in the rejected pile.”

Shen Wei sucked in a breath and glowered at Councilman Yu, his jaw clenched. The muscles in Kunlun’s jaw were bunching as well, a hard light entered his eyes. An Bai had stood, his features dark.

“Lord Kunlun was indeed invited. We all took his silence as rejection of the invitation.” An Bai defended.

Wu Tian continued before Yu could make a rebuttal. “Of course, Councilman Bai, I knew this must have been a terrible mistake. Out of all the Haixingren Alphas, General Kunlun personally, has the most merits, on and off the battlefield. His family can trace their lineage back to the Kunlun Mountain sect from ancient times, for which he was named. They hold many territories and titles, and have great influence with many provinces. They also boast personal alliances with most Yashou tribes.”

“Not to mention,” Chu Shuzhi joined in, “that had it not been for General Kunlun, the Alliance leaders would never have agreed on a fair Treaty that allowed Dixingren to continue living in Haixing, let alone trade with them.”

“For certain!” Wu Tian agreed. “Therefore, I took the liberty of sending the invitation myself, carried there by friends from the Crow Tribe. Unfortunately, it was quite late when I discovered this awful oversight. Please do not punish Lord Kunlun for his tardiness, as the fault lies elsewhere.”

And they all knew where. And with whom. Councilman Yu’s sour expression said it all.

“Ah, how…grateful I am for Commander Wu’s attention to detail.”

Chu Shuzhi huffed. “Are you?”

Yu clutched his chest and looked appropriately shocked. “Of course I am! What a terrible mistake it would have been if General Kunlun had arrived after the Selection.”

“Yes.” Shen Wei agreed, his voice pitched low and dark, full of terrible promise. What deals had Yu made in secret with the clans he had allowed here today? How many honorable candidates had been ‘accidently’ placed in the rejected pile because Yu knew he could not profit from them?

Had Wu Tian not sent the invitation…Shen Wei’s stomach churned hot and acidic. Councilman Yu turned to him. For once, the man’s flesh turned deathly pale, and his hands shook with true fear. Shen Wei said only, “It was a terrible mistake. You will not interfere again.”

“O-of c-course, Heipaoshi Daren. Never again.”

Shen Wei watched him. He did not blink. Did not look away as Yu unsteadily took his seat, shoulders hunched. As though a small man making himself smaller would spare him.

Shen Wei was patient. He would have his retribution.

But for now…

He inhaled deeply. Now, he had other things to focus on.

He turned his attention back to Kunlun, marveling once more that he was there. Standing only feet away. Looking up at him with that boyish smirk and something not so boyish smoldering in the fire of his eyes. He wanted nothing more than to spring from this ridiculous seat and wrap himself around Kunlun like an octopus. To convince himself that Kunlun was real and solid and unequivocally here.

Kunlun had run to him.

Hadn’t the King of Cats said, once the horse had faltered, that Kunlun had run on foot to be here? For him?

Had anyone ever done such a thing for him? Ever?

The Hall filled with the gentle scent of the winter’s first snow. Crisp and clean and happy.

Kunlun’s eyes darkened. His body swayed forward. The scent of clear waters rushed to meet his own. They tangled together, winding around and around each other as two dragons in the throes of a courting dance.

Movement caught his attention. In a glance he saw that the other Alphas were leaning over their tables, some had even stood, bodies rigid, eyes dark. Their gazes trained not on Shen Wei, but on Kunlun.

The Rival Alpha.

All the suppressive incense in the world could not hold back primal instincts.

Even Lin Min Tai was not wholly immune, leaning far over his table, wine spilling from the jug held in senseless fingers.

Shen Wei glanced back at Kunlun.

But the Alpha, whose gaze had not strayed from his since arriving through those doors, now had eyes only for the other Alphas. Eyes flashing and narrow, teeth bared, incisors sharp.

Icey fingers traced up Shen Wei’s spine. The display was at once satisfying and vexing. Frustrating.

Intolerable.

Was he a bone for these dogs to squabble over? Did they think that it was winner take all? That they could fight and scrap in the dirt and the winner would sling him over their shoulder like a barbarian? That he would just what? Swoon like a damsel and go along with it? Allow himself to be laid out like a feast because one Alpha was able to tear their rivals to pieces?

A deep, piercing blackness stole over him. The gentle scent of snow turned. It burned and soured, became sulfur and ash. It clawed at the walls and rafters, overpowered beloved rushing waters and incense and all other obnoxious scents that had invaded this space. His space. Ice crackled up the walls. A thin, creeping fog, like the first morning’s steam on a frozen lake, rolled over the red lacquered floors.

All growling in the room ceased.

All but his.

It began in his chest. A soft, low hiss, like a viper in the tall grass. It rose and rose and deepened to an angry staccato, rumbling higher and higher and higher, the vibration thrumming through the marrow and bone and muscle and soft tissue of all those assembled. Noses began to bleed. Blood vessels burst in terrified gazes.

Men began falling to their knees, foreheads thumped against the floor in panicked supplication.

“Please, Heipaoshi!”

“Calm yourself!”

“Spare us!”

Let them see.

They pampered and patronized their Omegas.

Let them see what an Dixing Omega was truly capable of.

Inky black tendrils of sparking dark energy twisted through the Hall like snakes. They curled around the pathetic Alphas, so cold they burned all they touched, leaving silvery lines like lash marks. The Alphas wailed and pleaded louder. Good. Finally, they made noises that pleased him. Satisfied with their submission, Shen Wei’s black gaze turned to Kunlun. The dark energy did not burn him, but caressed him even as he shivered in pain from Shen Wei’s growling wrath.

Shen Wei bared his teeth, his lips twisted in a snarl. He cared not for those other Alphas. It was not their attention he sought. Demanded. They were none of them a potential Mate that had thought to ignore him. Did any of them- did Kunlun- truly think the decision was up to any one of them?

Was Kunlun only here for the prestige and power Bonding himself to Heipaoshi would bring?

Surely not.

Surely Kunlun had come for him. For Shen Wei.

Hadn’t he?

A sorrowful, sour note invaded the Hall.

Shen Wei glared with wet eyes at Kunlun.

Kunlun’s eyes were wide, concern writ all over his features, ignoring the pain he was obviously in. Shen Wei had no idea what his own features showed, but it was enough to move Kunlun’s feet until he fell to his knees on the first step.

“Hei Lao-ge-”

“What did you come here for?” Shen Wei rasped. “Do you think because we are in Haixing that your barbarous rules apply to me? I am Dixingren. Our Omegas choose their Mates. Who are you to decide?” he snapped.

Kunlun slowly placed a closed fist over his heart, his gaze not once leaving Shen Wei’s. In a soft, apologetic tone, he said, “Forgive this Alpha, Heipaoshi. I am ashamed. The choice is yours, of course. Always yours.” at this, he lowered his eyes. With careful movements, he pulled his long wavy hair aside and tilted his head. Gasps popped up from around the room. Haixingren Alphas rarely submitted to Omegas.

The rumble became softer, the pressure in the room eased. The ribbons of dark energy floated benignly about, hovering over relieved Alphas. The men cautiously sat up, rubbing their burning chests.

Shen Wei sat back, surprised, but slightly appeased at the gesture, though still aching with doubt.

Kunlun stood and regarded him with quiet grace.

“You ask me why I am here? You think I’m here for the same reasons as everyone in this room?”

“Are you?” he was allowing no quarter. His heart could not afford him it. He needed to know, with hungry, greedy desperation, he had to know Kunlun wanted him.

Just him.

Kunlun took no offence to the questioning. He flowed with the swift currents of the conversation as driftwood on whitecaps. A kind countenance overtook him instead, gentled the hard planes of his face, softened the hard glint in his eyes. He stood up, foldng his hands behind him.

“Daqing.” he summoned the Cat to him. Daqing looked up, and back down, and hurried reluctantly to his side. Dark energy had not turned on him, but seeing a Dixingren Omega display their awesome power was still frightening. He pressed his shoulder against his Master’s.

Kunlun did not look away from Heipaoshi. “Read the manifest of what our delayed wagon train contains.”

“Uh,” Daqing’s gaze scuttled to Heipaoshi and back. “Is that a good idea?”

Shen Wei’s heart sank. It was no better than all the rest. Golds and silks and useless trinkets.

Kunlun, eyes shining as though he held all the secrets and delighted in them, bumped his shoulder against his friend’s. “Read it.”

Daqing inhaled deeply and pulled a tightly wound scroll from his robes. With a final nervous glance at Heipaoshi, the Cat began.

“Five hundred taels of gold. Six hundred taels of silver. Three hundred-”

He was such a fool. Always a fool. Better Kunlun had never of come and allowed Shen Wei his naive fantasy. His lips turned down severely. His swallowed again and again, reigning back bitter tears. All the while Kunlun looked at him with those smug, pursed lips, even as his gaze was gentle and kind. A farce. Shen Wei thought he was strong. Strong enough to bear the disappointment of not seeing Kunlun. If he had been, well, he wasn’t strong enough for this. For the realization that the warlord he’d fallen for was just as shallow and hungry for power as all the rest of his sex.

“Six hundred pounds of grain. Six hundred pounds of premium flour. Thirty rolls of various color linen. Fifty rolls of un-dyed wool and five hundred pounds of unspun wool. Thirty spinning wheels and twenty looms-”

Shen Wei’s back thumped against his seat. His friends inhaled sharply beside him. He could scarce breathe. Grains and flour to feed his people. Linen to clothe them and keep them cool. Wool to keep them warm. Looms and spinning wheels to make it all. The sting in his eyes blurred his vision. The Cat went on and he could do naught but stare helplessly at Kunlun and marvel.

“Fifteen wagons of lumber. Ten wagons with assorted tools and hardware. Five wagons of various medicines. Twenty books on the medicinal arts-”

Lumber to rebuild homes and business. The tools to do it with. Medicine to treat the sick and wounded. Books to make it. If the Cat proclaimed that one wagon held the moon and another the stars from the heavens, Shen Wei would not dispute it.

“In addition, five physicians and ten teachers have accompanied the supplies. With Heipaoshi’s permission, they will abide in Dixing for one year and assist in the education of medical students, and all those Dixingren children and adults who desire to learn various subjects. One hundred calligraphy sets, ink stones, inks, and paper have also been sent.

Shen Wei was dizzy. The room spun, for surely this was not real. Surely he was caught in a fever dream.

Kunlun put his hand up to halt Daqing’s further reading, taking mercy on the stunned Omega.

Frost and ice dissolved. The fog rolled away and the dark energy fizzled to smoke.

Shen Wei sat unblinking, unbreathing.

Kunlun cautiously moved up a step. The entirety of the world fell away. All that existed was this wonderful, impossible man.

Softly, Kunlun said, “The golds, silvers, and gems are for your government to pay for the labor it will take to rebuild and other necessities. What’s left over can be used to buy goods for your people. I see what the others have brought you. But I know that Heipaoshi’s heart lies with his people. I know, more than anyone, how hard you fought for them. How hard you still fight for them.”

Another step.

“Heipaoshi even gave up the right to choose a love match to see to his people’s peace and safety. Who here, could hold a candle to your sacrifice? To your goodness? Not a damn one. Not even me.”

Another. Kunlun was close enough to see the spark in his eyes, to see the details in the silver beads in his hair. Beautiful. He was always so beautiful.

“Because I’m not selfless like Heipaoshi. I’m greedy. And jealous. When I received the invitation and realized the date was so close. So close I might not make it…” he shook his head, a deep guttural rumble spilled from his lips. “I was frantic. I had only half of what I wanted to bring to you gathered. I had to-”

“Only half.” Shen Wei’s brow furrowed. “You…you were already collecting gifts? Before you received the invitation?”

That could not be.

Because that would mean Kunlun had intended to court him-

Kunlun huffed. “Why is Hei Lao-ge so surprised?”

He countered with a question of his own because he could not fathom…could not wrap his brain around the idea that Kunlun had already been seeking courting gifts. No, not courting gifts. A dowry. For marriage. For Mating.  For him.

“Why would you?”

Why would you want me?

Kunlun’s brows shot up in surprise. “Why wouldn’t I? Hei Lao-ge, you drive me crazy.”

Well. Rude.

Kunlun chuckled and spread his hands. “When the Alliance asked for my aide, I thought once my people joined the fray, that would be it. But then out of nowhere, this Dixingren general, loyal only to Dixing, not the Chieftain, swept over the battlefield and drove my men back. Do you know how often that’s happened? I was aggravated and intrigued at the same time.” his dark gaze bore into Shen Wei’s.

 “I would claim a victory only for you and your men to blaze by me and take it away. You laid false trails, used false intel to mislead me. Suddenly, here was someone who could challenge me. Keep me on my toes. But then, I learned more about you. Haixingren civilians whose villages were in your path spoke of your mercy. Soldiers who you captured and released, talked of humane treatment. How their wounds were tended and bellies filled. Your own men refused to give you up. They talked about how you made sure they ate first. How you kept the watch so they could sleep. So many things that added up to someone I wanted to know.”

He stepped onto the dais itself and knelt. He was just a bit shy of being eye-level. His dark gaze was open and earnest even as heat swirled in their depths.

“And then finally, finally, we crossed blades. I looked into your dark eyes, and drowned. I knew. I knew if ever I were to Bond, it would be with you. It could only be you.”

Shen Wei’s heart beat so hard against his ribs, he didn’t understand how no one else could hear it. He could not move. He could not breathe. Could not unstick his tongue from the roof of his dry mouth. His spirit however, soared. Kunlun wanted him. Had wanted him from the first moment they had fought in that muddy field two summers ago. The same as Shen Wei.

“But all of these things I have brought, have been for Hei Lao-ge’s people. This, is for you alone.” Kunlun pulled a small wooden box from his robes and handed it to Wu Tian, as was proper. The wink to the older man, not so much. But Shen Wei was in too much of a daze to be jealous of it. Wu Tian handed it to him with a grandfatherly smile.

Shen Wei held it with reverent hands, his thumb running slowly over the smooth wood. The box was long enough to contain a hairpin. He wasn’t one to wear them, but it were from Kunlun, he would wear anything. Curiosity burning, Shen Wei slid the cover down. His brow narrowed in confusion.

It was a key.

Very old, by the looks of it, dark and mottled with age. He pulled it from the box and held it up.

“What does this go to?” he asked.

Kunlun smirked then, that same ornery, boyish twist of lips he had when he’d made a move on the battlefield that had surprised him, delighted him.

“That my dear Hei Lao-ge, is the key to the most precious building on my family’s estate. Commander Wu’s recitation of my background is correct. My ancestor's were originally from the Kunlun Mountain sect. When the sect was attacked and destroyed, a number of disciples were able to escape. Among the priceless artifacts they were able to smuggle out, ten chests worth of scrolls and books were among them.” he gestured at the key. “When my ancestor’s settled in the northern mountains, they rebuilt the library, those books being the first of a three hundred years worth of procured knowledge. That is the original key to my family library. Whether you accept my suit or not,” and here his voice broke, just a little, just enough for Shen Wei to see how his eyes turned just a bit red, “that key belongs to you now. You have access to thousands of books and treatises any time you want. That key is the only invitation you will ever need.”

“How-” he licked his lips, his voice hoarse. “How did you know this would please me?” How could Kunlun, based on the kind of interactions they’d had, possibly know that his heart, his passion lay in learning?

Two lords at the Selection had offered the obvious, a hoard of weapons. No one had given him anything that made his heart sing and his mind eager like a world of knowledge did.

Kunlun reached out tentatively, gently, and wrapped those long, calloused fingers around his hand that held the key. Oh how he craved more of that touch. How the warmth of his hand raced through his veins and spread throughout his being. How his soul recognized Kunlun. He had thought he longed before. He had no idea.

Kunlun’s hand trembled, his eyes glittered and darkened and Shen Wei knew he felt it too.

“How could I not know that Hei Loa-ge is a scholar at heart? Your swordplay, your footwork, all spoke of a keen mind. Your battle plans spoke of your cleverness. You must have studied previous strategies to twist them to your service.” he moved his hand, tugging Shen Wei’s until it pressed against Kunlun’s chest. He could feel the rapid beat of his heart. It matched his perfectly.

Kunlun’s gaze was unwavering. “When we met, you taunted me with lines of poetry. Scolded me with words from the masters on court etiquette. Who would know these things, let alone use them as the sharpest blade against another, but a true scholar? I knew then the library was the only gift even close to worthy enough that I could give you.”

Shen Wei doggedly persisted, despite himself.

“These are gifts for now. What does Kunlun want for our future?”

He knew. He already knew. But he wanted to hear it out loud.

Kunlun’s lips quirked up, but he said sincerely, “I want you. I want to build a life with you. I want to rebuild Dixing with you and see that the peace we bled for is maintained. I want to sit with you in the library and spar with you in the armory. If you want children, then I want that too. If not, then we will appoint an heir for this ridiculous contract. I want to be your Mate in the truest sense. Not out of obligation. Not out of duty. Out of love. I want to know you. To understand you. Hei Lao-ge, I have loved you for years. I want to spend the rest of my life falling more and more in love with you.”

Shen Wei was lost. Love and joy filled him to the point he could burst. His lips turned up in a watery smile.

“And what could I possibly give the mighty Kunlun in return, that would equal all he has given this day?”

Kunlun pulled Shen Wei’s other hand to him, and brushed his lips over his knuckles. Shen Wei shivered at the feather light touch.

“Only that which you are willing to give.”

Shen Wei nodded. He glanced at Chu Shuzhi, confident his friend would understand. He was not disappointed.

Chu Shuzhi bowed and walked down the dais steps. In a loud voice, he gleefully told everyone to get the hell out.

The Alphas, realizing the power they had thought they could so easily harness had nearly killed them, were all too happy to comply. Shen Wei thought he heard Lin Daren shout something about being invited to the wedding. Wu Tian personally, and quite forcefully, escorted Councilman Yu out. And then they were alone.

“I have one thing that has been mine, and mine alone. No one else knows. It has not been used since I was a child. I did not care about it’s loss. But now I find that I want nothing more than you, and only ever you, to say it.”

“And what is that?”

Shen Wei pulled his hands back with great reluctance. Kunlun’s own hands chased his, and settled on his knees. Heat pooled low in his belly. Gods, Kunlun was distracting.

Shen Wei reached up and slid his hood back, revealing his long silky hair and traditional braids. Then he reached for the tie on his mask. Kunlun sucked in a breath. Shen Wei smirked. And then slowly, he lowered it until his face was revealed, inch by pale inch. He watched Kunlun from under long lashes, reveling how his eyes turned the color of the midnight sky.

With a slow, coy smile, Heipaoshi answered. “My name. Shen Wei. Only Kunlun, only my True Mate, may say it.”

Kunlun blinked. There was a long pause. Shen Wei watched on. Kunlun exhaled sharply, mouth agape.

And then his entire face transformed. Joy radiated from his features, the sun to his moon. He laughed, deep and throaty and Kunlun surged up, grasping Shen Wei’s hands, hauling him up as well. They stood, pressed against one another, a perfect fit. Shen Wei was going to float away with how light his being was. Had this day truly begun with such despair?

Kunlun stared breathlessly into his eyes, seemingly as stunned as Shen Wei, that this was real. No blades, no allegiances between them. His hands released Shen Wei’s and in delighted disbelief, traveled up his arms, raising his flesh and making his scalp tingle. Over his shoulders. Up his long neck, until those clever fingers were pressed delicately over his jaw, Kunlun’s warm palms cupping his cheeks as though he were some delicate, precious being. They stared at one another, eyes glassy, smiles trembling.

Kunlun leaned in slowly, and just before their lips touched, said softly, “Shen Wei.” Shen Wei’s knees went weak. He clutched Kunlun’s robes to steady himself. Kunlun smiled and then his lips were pressed chastely against his. He pulled back.

“My Xiao-Wei.”

Shen Wei’s body exploded in heat at the sound of his name on Kunlun’s lips. He pulled the Alpha to him, crushing their lips together. He’d dreamed of this a thousand times and a thousand times he’d failed to imagine the feel of those surprisingly soft lips, the rasp of facial hair on his skin. He’d failed to imagine the surging heat, the whine in the back of his throat, the way his stomach fluttered and his knees shook. He opened his mouth and Kunlun’s delectable tongue plunged within, his arms came around his waist and pressed them together.

Even as Shen Wei opened a portal into his room in Dixing, and pulled his True Mate through, they did not part.

And one day, far into the future, Shen Wei would tell his grandchildren that what should have been one of the most terrible days of his life, had been the best one of all.