[BL] Alpha, You've Got the Wrong Mate!

Chapter 199 — Devoted

Once the ’guests’ had left, Zayden sat on the mattress, eyes fixed on Ren. Strands of silver hair stuck out at the back of Ren’s head, and a few locks fell over his crimson eyes, which glimmered softly under the golden light.

Outside, night had already fallen, and the curtains had been drawn by the servants earlier. A few still stood by the entrance—Zayden’s order before he’d gone to visit Soren.

"What... are you looking at?" Ren asked quietly, feeling the weight of that gaze. He wasn’t used to being stared at so openly by this man. He’d often caught Zayden’s eyes lingering before—but this was different. Now, he wasn’t even trying to hide it.

"Admiring you," Zayden said, his voice low, his lips curling into a faint smile.

Ren quickly turned away, his cheeks flushing a deeper shade of red.

"There is nothing to admire..." he murmured, raising his hand to half-cover his face, fingers trembling slightly.

"Don’t do that," Zayden said softly, reaching for his hand and holding it.

The moment their skin touched, a sharp jolt ran through Ren’s veins. His heart stuttered, and he quickly pulled away, unable to bear the warmth.

"Is something wrong?" Zayden asked, blinking as he leaned a little closer.

Ren shook his head, a faint smile curving his lips.

Neither of them spoke after that. The silence settled between them like the first snowfall of winter, when the air is too cold to breathe, yet too beautiful to disturb.

Zayden hesitated, searching for something to say—anything—but his mind came up empty.

"So now... we’re lovers?"

The words slipped out before he could stop them, leaving both men momentarily stunned.

"...Is that a question or an affirmation?" Ren asked, tilting his head slightly, his tone unreadable.

"Well, I—"

"You said you love me. Did I hear you wrong?"

Panic flashed across Zayden’s face. He raised his hands defensively. "N-No, of course not—"

Ren’s sudden laughter cut through his words, the soft and melodic sound echoing in the silent room.

The General blinked, confused.

"If you keep acting like this," Ren said between faint chuckles, "I might believe this is your first relationship."

The laughter died as quickly as it came when he noticed Zayden’s gaze drop to the floor—his silence answering the question he hadn’t asked.

"...Wait," Ren’s voice softened, disbelief flickering across his features. "What?... This is your first—"

He stopped mid-sentence when he noticed Zayden’s ears turning a deep shade of red. Embarrassment suited him unexpectedly too well—making him appear cuter than his outer appearance.

"I’ve always wondered what love felt like," Zayden finally said, his voice low. "But when I saw you, I understood that all the things my friends spoke of weren’t lies."

He exhaled shakily, eyes lowering. "I never stumble over my words. I grew up as one of the most outspoken people in the empire. But when you’re near... I lose them. It’s pathetic."

His teeth sank into his lower lip, a quiet tremor betraying the confidence he once showed.

"It’s not pathetic," Ren said, placing his hand on the man’s shoulder in a gentle attempt to comfort him. "It’s natural. If it helps... I’ll try to lead the conversations from now on."

He smiled—brightly, sincerely.

Zayden stared at him, speechless. Ren had changed. It had only been a day since he’d regained consciousness, yet there was something different about him. He seemed livelier. Lighter. Almost... happy.

"Alright," Zayden murmured, his voice softer than before. He leaned in, meaning to close the small distance between them. If Ren could do it—then technically, he could too, right?

But just as he did, Ren pulled him into a hug instead, wrapping his arms around Zayden’s neck. The sudden motion threw him off balance, and he missed.

He blinked, stunned.

Did he just... miss his chance to kiss him?

No—this was utterly, ridiculously pathetic.

***

Seated on the bed, Ren felt like running away—far away if he could.

He just needed rest—not a servant. And certainly not Zayden acting as one.

The General kept coming every few hours, checking on him as though he were lying on his deathbed.

From one of the maids who helped change his clothes, Ren had learned that Zayden had been staying in the room every night while he was unconscious—keeping watch over him.

Every morning, they would find the General asleep on the floor, still holding Ren’s hand as if his life depended on it, his eyes swollen and red.

It would be a lie to say the thought didn’t make Ren’s heart ache. After all, he had never expected to be cherished like this again—not after Ilyan.

However, what caught Ren’s attention the most was how Zayden had handled the assassin who attacked them.

According to the servants, the man had been tortured without mercy until he revealed the name of the one who sent him—and then, executed by Zayden’s own hand.

"He’s so devoted to you!" one of the maids had exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with admiration. "I wish my lover were even half as loyal as the General!"

Ren wasn’t sure what to make of that. Devoted? Perhaps. But also frightening. Whoever had ordered the attack clearly didn’t value their own life—only a fool would target the Imperial General himself.

"What are you thinking so deeply about?" Zayden asked as he set the tray of food on the table.

"Nothing."

"Ren. Tell me the truth." Zayden met his gaze, his expression serious.

"Well..." Ren hesitated before asking, his voice sharper than he intended, "Who was the person who tried to kill you?"

Zayden sat beside him, leaning his head gently against Ren’s shoulder. At least now, he didn’t have to fear being pushed away.

"Duke Damman."

Ren’s eyes widened, his brows furrowing.

"That cursed man—!"

"Woah, woah!" Zayden chuckled, glancing up at him but keeping his head resting on the curve of the omega’s neck. "So you do know how to curse after all."

"I’ve learned from a certain someone... But did you capture him? Isn’t this treason?"

"You don’t need to worry about that," Zayden straightened up, grabbing the bowl of soup. "Here. Eat." He scooped a spoonful and held it out to Ren.

Ren sighed. He didn’t really have a choice—Zayden wouldn’t let him off until he ate properly.

"Let me have it myself."

Zayden narrowed his eyes but didn’t argue, handing over the bowl. Perhaps feeding him was a little too much. But that was exactly what Rihaan had said—to nurse him back to health.

Is this even working?...

He shook his head. How could things feel so awkward? And why had he been foolish enough to think everything would settle after his confession, when the real challenge was only just beginning?

"What do you plan to do about the Duke?" Ren asked, licking the drop of soup from his lips.

Zayden froze, unable to breathe for a moment, his gaze locked on Ren’s mouth, utterly distracted.

The urge to kiss him overwhelmed him, his pheromones slowly spreading like a large envelope of mana, almost suffocating the servants standing a little further away from them.

"Ny Lord?" Ren waved his hand in front of him, jolting the alpha out of his daze.

"Yes?" Zayden blinked, still a little disoriented.

"What do you plan on doing about the Duke?" The omega repeated.

Did he not hear me?...