Work Text:
“That will be all.” Shen Wenlang dismissed his General Secretary and Gao Tu. Thankfully it wasn’t too long of a meeting he was starting to get another migraine. He pinched the bridge of his nose to stave off some of the impending pain.
“President Shen-” Gao Tu’s voice had his jaw tightening. Hadn’t he given the omega enough space? Why is it now that he’s doing what the omega obviously wanted that he wouldn’t leave him alone? It’d been weeks since the confrontation at the hospital. Well more like confirmation because the only thing that came out of Gao Tu’s mouth was a barely audible yes before Sheng Shaoyou had shown up with Hua Yong at his side punching him for not properly taking care of him. Hua Yong hadn’t needed to say a word; the look in the enigma’s eyes told him not only had he agreed but that he’d known yet said nothing to him. Another thing was clear was that Shen Wenlang was not welcome now that they’d formed whatever the hell kind of pack they’d made together.
“I have nothing else to discuss on the matter. I’ve got a limited reprieve from having to be around anyone before our new lab director arrives. So see yourself out.” Shen Wenlang didn’t bother looking at him, instead he wrung the desk drawer open so he could get his s-class grade migraine medicine.
“Do you have another migraine? That’s the fourth one this week, Wenlang.” Gao Tu ignored him, instead went to the panel on the wall to bring the shutters down to dim the room. He knew the sensitivity the other had when his migraine was trying to descend on him, “I will bring you some tea.”
“I said you can go. Thank you for the shutters. But I need nothing else from you. Don’t test my patience or you can take the rest of the day off.” Shen Wenlang almost threatened unpaid but he’d never do that to Gao Tu. He knew how precious the omega’s wages were and also the small voice in the back of his head sneered he’ll report you for retaliation though that’s not what this was. This was his employee using their personal relationship to be unsubordinate. His head began to throb. His ability to be kind was quickly fading as he wasn’t being listened to.
“Wen-” Gao Tu sputtered even as he looked like he was determined to not be dismissed. Well Shen Wenlang wasn’t going to let him have his way. He’d lied to him for ten years and in those years it was always Shen Wenlang that’d bent to make the man he thought he was in love with happy. Now after the discovery that he wasn’t trusted he didn’t feel the same deep inclination.
“President Shen. We maintain a professional relationship, Gao Tu, in and out of office. Now please just go.” He gestured for the omega to leave. The small hint of sage in the air about the omega took a sour note. Shen Wenlang swallowed hard, getting up. He went the opposite direction to the attached room with an ensuite bathroom. “No one is to disturb me during my break.” He tossed over his shoulder, glad to hear the omega moving to the door.
Shen Wenlang hadn’t meant to sleep so deeply that he missed his alarm by ten minutes. He guessed it was his own fault. He’d set the security lock for his private room and then left his phone on his desk. Was that smart? Obviously not. But the good thing was that he was still in the office technically. He washed his face then fixed his hair before stepping out of his room into the office where he finds that Gao Tu hasn’t kept the new lab director waiting in the waiting area outside his office. No, the s-class alpha is on the other side of the room, sitting on his couch. He blinked for a moment but pushed the surprise down.
The alpha was handsome as he stood up to greet him properly. A few inches taller than himself with black hair and dark chocolate eyes. His jaw cut sharp like a blade with pale skin. He smelled of dark chocolate and dark roasted coffee with a hint of vetiver.
“Hello Doctor You.” Shen Wenlang smiled warmly at the man as he lifted his hand for the other to shake.
“Hello President Shen.” You Shulang greeted him in return. The two of them took their seats. He watched as Secretary Gao handed their boss the file of projects he was going to be taking on. A small sliver of pleasure settled in his chest as he saw that their boss was purposeful not to brush against the omega’s hand during the transfer. He’d heard rumors that they were close like lovers. College friendship accounted for the closeness. Though Gao Tu had dated and by Fan Xiao’s digging he was currently with two other men in a pack.
Shen Wenlang wasn’t claimed. That meant the beautiful alpha could be theirs. He hadn’t thought he’d be just as fiendish as Fan Xiao but then he’d met Shen Wenlang at the conference that X Holdings was hosting, Sheng Shaoyou had swooped in to snare him from Shen Wenlang but the alpha had failed. Shen Wenlang had been the one that showed true passion. His projects were because he was invested in every part of the process not just the profits.
Shen Wenlang himself is what led him here. Especially after following him since the conference. Fan Xiao easily fell for the younger alpha. Though his desire had lain in Shen Wenlang’s regal beauty. All sharp edges just the way he liked. As Shen Wenlang spoke of one of the projects he caught the phantom hand of his mate sliding down the man’s shoulder to rest on the exposed flesh where the alpha had chosen a jade fitted double breasted jacket without an undershirt. Irises were embroidered tastefully on the jacket. Around his neck was an immaculate distraction of a thin gold chain with a loop drop design of an iris. A stunning piece around the neck of a gorgeous man.
“Dr. You?” Shen Wenlang’s voice had him lifting his gaze. He saw the younger alpha shiver and he knew what it felt like to be touched by Fan Xiao’s astral body.
“The project is the least likely to have positive results. Mostly due to the fact that the trails attract a lot of d-class omegas that are mated. I know that’s not the intended consumer, but there can be some modifications to the current formula that can attract the ones you want to be buying it.” You Shulang was certain of it as he’d already reviewed the project details with the packet that he’d been sent.
“It will…” Shen Wenlang swallowed feeling as though fingers were toying with the soft hair of his nape. It was a silly feeling considering that it was just the three of them. He glanced up to see You Shulang already looking at him. Was that interest? Surely not this was a business meeting. He pushed those thoughts aside.
“...I will give you the rest of the quarter to bring it around. This project meant something to him, It would help C-class omega be able to manage their heats and regulate additional hormones. He made sure not to look in Gao Tu’s direction. Yes, it’d started with him but then he’d dived into the applicants for the trials applications.
“Perfect. That will be more than enough time.” You Shulang promised, gaze shifting for a moment to peer into Fan Xiao’s gaze. It would allow for him to over time pull the alpha towards them.
He needed fresh air. There were a lot of people at this gala for the new pieces by Richtown. Shen Wenlang owned several and wanted to bid on the latest peridot and diamond collar like necklace. He would stay long enough to ensure that he got it. He took a sip of his scotch as he stepped out to the balcony. The lukewarm air was perfect paired with the breeze. He approached the railing, peering out at the sky. His life had changed so much in the last four months. The ones he thought he’d be close to just weren't anymore. No, he spent most of his personal time with You Shulang and his enigmatic mate. Both drew him in and he would be lying to himself if he wasn’t the littlest bit interested in them. They fit each other so perfectly and he couldn’t resist thinking when he was with them, it felt like the perfect puzzle piece between them.
“I thought you two we-” Shen Wenlang murmured as he felt his phone vibrate. He went to reach for his phone when suddenly he was jerked around. His glass slipped from his grip, hitting the ground with a resounding pop-crack. “What the…”
“What did you do to Tutu?” Sheng Shaoyou glared at him as Shen Wenlang wrenched his arm away from the older alpha.
“Not a damn thing. I’ve be-..you know what your problem is? You think that because you’re with him you have the right to demand everything from me. Well guess what, you’re wrong.” Shen Wenlang told him, returning the glare. He refused to be the one yelling. No he’d use the calmness that his birthing sire was known for. “Don’t ever touch me and my friendship with Gao Tu is none of your concern. How about you return to your pack and leave me alone.”
“You’re such a -” Sheng Shaoyou started to give back but then the smell of smoky vetiver surrounded them.
Shen Wenlang barely had time to register before Fan Xiao’s arm slipped around his waist, pulling him flush into the alpha’s chest as the taller man stepped into his space.
“There you are, Ter.” Fan Xiao warmly greeted him, he nuzzled into Shen Wenlang’s flushed cheek. To his amusement, the alpha’s sharp tongue wasn’t so quick when faced with this affection. He was going to enjoy teasing him further later, “Shulang is wondering where you wandered too. Let’s go.”
“What is this?” Sheng Shaoyou’s eyes were wide as he sputtered while taking in how Shen Wenlang was being handled and spoken to like he was in a private relationship with them. Then as swiftly it hit him. That wasn’t an assumption, it was a fact. Shen Wenlang wasn’t pushing the alpha away. He was allowing Fan Xiao to lead him away.
“None of your business. Wenlang is ours.” Fan Xiao snarled at him from behind his careful professional tone and violet glare.