ALPHA UNIVERSE #5: DESIROUS

CHAPTER 37

"I think my scalp bled," Harin muttered, breaking the silence as she gently ran her fingers over her hair. The sting made her wince.

Immediately, Jaemin and Jeno were on alert, rushing to her side.

"Should we go to the hospital?" Jaemin asked, his voice tinged with concern as he leaned closer to inspect her scalp.

"No, it's unnecessary," Harin reassured, though her tone lacked conviction.

Jaemin wasn't convinced. He carefully combed through her hair, inspecting for any signs of injury. "There's a scratch mark," he said grimly.

The air shifted as a wave of pheromones surged—an alpha's anger was unmistakable. Harin, sensing Jeno's brewing storm, was quick to react. She straddled his lap, firmly pressing her weight against him, grounding him before his emotions could spiral out of control.

"No more taunting pheromones," she murmured against his neck, her voice soft yet commanding. "I don't want to trigger a rut. Not this time."

Jeno's breathing slowed as he forced himself to calm down, his large hand resting on her waist while the other gently cradled her head. His touch was soothing, almost instinctively protective.

Jaemin glanced at the two alphas and sighed. "Should I go out and buy some ointment or something?"

"No," Jeno replied, his tone leaving no room for debate. "You smell like us. The streets aren't safe for omegas right now."

And just like that, the trio spent the rest of the day tending to each other, their shared scents mingling as a comforting balm against the volatile season.

By the fourth day, Jaemin finally excused himself from Jeno's home, the alpha pair now stable enough to manage without his calming presence.

The cycles, though wild at first, had simmered down into something more controlled, allowing Harin and Jeno to reclaim a semblance of normalcy. They wasted no time in taking advantage of the reprieve, launching into a deep cleaning of the penthouse that had turned chaotic during their shared heat.

Windows were flung open, inviting in the crisp summer air. The neutral fresheners were refilled, their dewy scent masking the lingering intensity of alpha pheromones. They scrubbed every corner of the apartment, clearing away the evidence of their primal instincts—until their cleaning spree ended in a steamy session in the shower.

It was only after they had thoroughly "distracted" themselves that Harin found the energy to prepare dinner. To her relief, Jeno hadn't pushed her body to its limits this time, though he still teased her mercilessly about her flushed cheeks and the occasional wobble in her step.

"Do your parents check in on you?" Jeno asked as he speared a piece of steak, his tone casual yet curious.