Chapter Text
The temperature of the water wasn’t consistent, today there was just enough for one minute of tepid heat and Zhou Zishu quickly showered in his small one-bedroom flat, he maintained his place to the best of his abilities because he reminded himself to take the most of this humble blessing. There were always worse conditions to live in, Zhou Zishu didn’t have to concern himself with vermin or salacious men that lurked the hallways, waiting to strike hapless weary tenants for whatever small coin they possessed and Zhou Zishu couldn’t get arrested for causing a disturbance. He’d only bring trouble to his friend Han Ying who was a Godsend, because of him, he was able to get this unit moderately affordable.
He lived in the city of the ‘Middle’, nestled between the Upper and Undercities respectively. It was the city to those that couldn’t afford the glamorous life of the Uppercity, with its rich topiary, glass buildings that glittered with wealth and influence, the people that inhabited beyond the borders never worried for anything. Life was perfect, idyllic, the closest one could see the Heavens. The opposite was the Undercity, the Hell that only the criminals and harlots dwelled, it was dark and seedy, filled with neon lights and arid smoke…there was a duality there in the large pipes and bright holoscreens showing nightlife dancers and gambling. But life there was dangerous, should one go down there and make a life, they could never have an honorable standing in the Uppercity, no matter how wealthy they became from the illegal activities.
When Zhou Zishu was a child, he bravely snuck to the lofty heights of the Uppercity, he could imagine his life there…with a family, a dog, butlers and toys, clean water, sweets and expensive clothes. Such a dream, Zhou Zishu was able to wander in the Uppercity gardens and clear streets for a moment before his ID was picked up and he was chased back down to the Middle…to the gutter.
The one thing that echoed in Zhou Zishu’s mind was what the cruel guardians drilled into him, ‘Zi Shu…you were pitifully born a penniless son from a penniless family. You are an Omega…your only hope for a happy life is to be paired with a stately Alpha.’
The loud creak of the pipes signaled that frigid water was coming and snapped Zhou Zishu from the memory.
A penniless son…
An Omega.
Zhou Zishu wasn’t ashamed of being poor or an Omega, he was determined to make his own way…his talents will carry him far. They have.
And right now, he was going to be late.
**
The club called “The Kingdom of Morality” an Alpha club where only the most noble and distinguished were entertained and allowed to discuss business in peace…away from prying eyes and worries. The amount of money that flowed in and out would leave a man staggering.
Zhou Zishu had to pass so many exams just to apply to the position but after a few months, he was hired on to be the club’s pianist. Wealth and abundance flowed ceaselessly, the smell of older Alpha musk would stir a melted heat within Zhou Zishu, he was running low on suppressant and would need to up the dosage soon. The last thing he wanted was to stain his uniform, cleaning it would cost a small fortune.
The club was brightly lit, a glowing pearl among all the polished steel and chrome of the Uppercity, the interior hearkened back to a forgotten time with oak furnishings, crystal chandeliers and assorted paintings from centuries pass, mahogany banisters and rich wine-red decor lined the expensive marble floors as attendants served wine and the soft hushed tones of affluence filled the air. In truth, Zhou Zishu no longer paid attention to the Alphas and their stares, his smell today was muted but he knew his heat was coming. The scent of cardamom lingered as he walked to his grand piano and slowly lost himself in the notes.
Zhou Zishu isn’t a fool, he knows what it really is, what his delicate tones of the piano keys carry in the air…the mixing of his Omega Pre-Heat scent that lulls the Affluent Alphas in the room to docility. Over the years of his life Zhou Zishu learned about his power as an Omega, something they all shared and why the Alphas treated them lesser. No matter how powerful an Alpha was, Omegas have the ability to bring the Alphas to their base instincts…the lack of control, of power.
For him, he didn’t exactly love or loathe this ability, for Zhou Zishu he had a completely different problem…one that affected him when he reached sexual maturity.
No Alpha could sate him.
It was a unique hell he was in; he could feel the heated desires of all the Alphas in the room, he could imagine the taste of them, the feel of their lengths, teeth deep in his nape…Zhou Zishu could take them all hungrily but he knew in the end he would never reach the heights of an Omegas bliss. There was always this missing spark, that he craved and it was bloody and messy yet refined and delicate. A vicious and insatiable yearning while also a sweet comfort, protection…this wasn’t unique to Omegas, they needed an Alpha to be as strong as they were. A balance of two minds, souls and internal force. His martial arts master told him such…and Zhou Zishu had no reason to not believe him.
Shit, the warmth started to pool in his waist, he needed to finish the piece before he started leaking slick all down his legs, of course he had to pick a more complicated piece to show off his skills. Zhou Zishu tried to clench, he bit his lip as his fingers went wild on the keys, probably louder and clumsier than he intended but Gods he could picture himself splayed on this piano, the Alphas tearing at his uniform and taking him, filling him… breeding him .
Zhou Zishu finished and bowed, he took his tips and swiftly rushed from the stage to the water closet, what a fucking mess, he was soaking in sweat and reeked of cardamom to the point of choking. No, the suppressants weren’t as effective, he started to wonder if the medicine man was even giving him a potent pill, wouldn’t be the first time he was swindled. His body was so sticky and famished for touch, he was a flame that refused to be extinguished.
“Undercity has erupted in chaos as the power vacuum left by the death of the Chief of Ghost Valley, multiple turf wars have been waged in various districts, casualties have been mounting. Uppercity residents have been warned to prohibit access from fleeing Middle and Undercity residents to keep the crime wave from infiltrating the city. Philanthropist Helian-“ Zhou Zishu clicked off the holoscreen, he didn’t want to think about what he’d encounter when he heads down to the Undercity for his 2 nd job. He wouldn’t work it if the money wasn’t so good but the money meant nothing if he didn’t have the status and he couldn’t only get that by having a record of employment in the Uppercity.
It was designed to being unbalanced, for the Undercity residents and those in the Middle could never achieve any success and those that do are beholden to those in the Uppercity. It was a cruel thing but it was life and what chance could a lone Omega do to change it? Zhou Zishu simply wanted to live a life free of stress and pain but did he really want to be a kept Omega? To be fawned over in the lap of luxury with a wealthy Alpha and birth children non stop? A shudder left him, the reality was he WAS getting older, right now his womb was in its ‘prime’, Zhou Zishu kept himself healthy and toned. It was instinctual as an Omega to look presentable and desired, an Alpha would also have to show that same level of virility. ‘Enough seeds to fill a basket.’ as it were.
But..was that all Zhou Zishu was? An empty basket waiting to be filled?
[RING RING] A upbeat tone that Zhou Zishu recognized came from his pocket and he happily answered it. A familiar voice chirped on the other end.
“Ah, Han Ying, how are you?”
“Zi Shu! Performing for the wealthy Alphas huh?” Han Ying’s voice was full of mirth and there was some mild shouting behind him, “No no over there! Thank you!”
“Only you would call during work.” Han Ying chuckled, “Aaand only I would answer you during work.”
“We are both irresponsible..but we have good souls! And I didn’t call you without a reason, I know you hate that.” Zhou Zishu’s laugh filled Han Ying’s ear, he always enjoyed bringing such a sound from him, “I got a promotion! It doesn’t go into effect tomorrow but we need to celebrate with hot pot and cold beer!”
“Wow! How big is that promotion?”
“Hahaha! Big enough! I know how much you can drink! Plus we haven’t been able to hangout as much as we used to back in university.” That was true, Han Ying was practically Zhou Zishu’s little brother, they both worked hard but Zi Shu excelled at everything. That brought him his fair share of suitors and rivals but he was always there for Han Ying. In their Uni days, an incident almost occurred where a teacher propositioned Han Ying and didn’t take no for an answer. The university settled it quietly...Zi Shu didn’t have to pay for the teacher’s hospital bills. After that, Han Ying pledged his loyalty to him, “I made reservations already so you have no choice but to show!”
“Ah, you force my hand to accept. You’ll regret it when you see the bill..what time?”
“8pm! At the Four Seasons Inn.”
“So expensive...are you sure?”
“Zi Shu! There’s no need to be frugal here, it's a celebration!” And the two shared a warm laugh together, to Zhou Zishu, he’s been so used to living without much that every coin counted, Han Ying faired better in life but they were both so very poor. Still, Han Ying was right, tomorrow night was going to be a celebration. “Tomorrow, 8pm! Four Seasons Inn!”
“I won’t miss it. Bye.” And Zhou Zishu would keep his promise, perhaps tonight he might earn a little bit more spending money and enjoy himself. He looked at the clock, 7pm, he had 2 hours to get ready for his second job...he looked at the mess between his legs with a sigh and a thought to himself.
‘At least at this job, getting messy was the point…’
Zhou Zishu collected his pay for the evening, probably pocket change compared to what the affluent Alphas make by merely waking up and eating breakfast. Still he couldn’t complain, this combine with what he’d make tonight will be enough to cover his rent for the month. Depending on how well he does in the Undercity, he could possibly even afford to get himself something nice..like a bottle of plum star wine. He’s never tasted it but he’s heard that Uppercity Alphas have bottles of the stuff for everyday consumption. But in the Middle, just a glass was more than his rent for 2 months.
He thought about that as he took the air train back to the Middle, stopping by the market to grab a quick bite before his routine to prepare for tonight’s second performance. As much as he enjoyed playing the piano in such an exclusive establishment and the power it gave him over the high and mighty Alphas in attendance. His next job provided him a greater sense of power and control.
The shower was predictably cold but it didn’t matter Zhou Zishu washed his slick off and trimmed himself as neat as possible, to be frank, he didn’t really mind getting so dolled up...it was like a disguise of sorts. He laughed to himself, a man at his age indulging in fantasy...but his mind drifted to so many scenarios. What if he was an assassin getting ready to make his mark? Applying the perfect amount of light make up and scent enhancers in the dim light of his one room apartment, the neon light bouncing off his cheap pearl necklace and jewelry, all fake...as if he could afford real gold and pearls but it was all for the illusion of wealth, of luxury and allure. Zhou Zishu carefully slipped in his nipple ring, the barely there pain still found its way into him, stirring something electric and raw. Tonight he was going to be played with, he was going to be touched and scented, fingers are going to squeeze on his skin, breath hot and panting. He was going to make some Alpha tonight look like a slobbering fool and he’ll be rewarded with a hefty tip. Several Omega dancers sold their body for even more cash but Zhou Zishu never committed to it, the idea of sleeping with a ‘mark’ (he laughed to himself) ruined the separation of want and never have. He knew that his scent after going on so long without his womb being marked by an Alpha’s release meant that his unique scent was going to yield even more ravenous results whenever he got picked for a private dance. Though, eventually he WOULD have to sleep with an Alpha just to calm his Heat.
“Shit…” Zi Shu cursed, he just noticed that he was completely out of is suppressants, how could he be so thoughtless?! The Heat definitely was conspiring against him, such things are a burden on an unbonded Omega. He’d have to get a pellet from a dealer down in Undercity and those things could be ineffective at best and or give him the worst constipation in his life….there was no inbetween. This could’ve been avoided if he was more responsible. So much for buying that plum star wine.
Zhou Zishu finished dressing, slipping in the hard synthetic ivory hairpins that illuminated whenever he moved, the stylish black coat and corset fitted snugly, pushing his chest up somewhat while barely concealing his nipples. Zhou Zishu could feel them swell with milk-a bothersome thing-as he clicked the bite resistant collar around his neck, the string of fake pearls dangled on the pecs...all for temptation to where the string leads. Wicked, Zhou Zishu but effective, he glided his fingers along his collar bones to make sure this area would have the highest concentration of the scent enhancer. The resulting mixture mist made his skin almost glitter like scales in the light. Once he finished his corset and squeezed into his leather pants, the holo panel alarm went off, he was done and ready to be escorted to hell.
It was no secret what he did, despite the blacken van transport that merely had a deep purple rim of neon light hover the crack street of his apartment. When he first got the job, Zhou Zishu was a bit timid, this was his first job and the one that paid the most but he learned later on that he needed status in Uppercity. He couldn’t quit either job so he needed to make the most of both of them. Today Zhou Zishu was focused, his body was heighted with fertility and hunger but he knew he had feed himself...this was dangerous, an Omega going into Heat. He’s at his most vulnerable and most dominant, Zi Shu had confidence in his senses, he predicted that this night would be like any other night before. Despite the violence in the Undercity, he strangely wasn’t in fear for his life...he felt like nothing down there COULD hurt him. That he was protected...
A strange thing, to feel safe even know you know you’re at the riskiest state in your life.
Zhou Zishu smelled rain in the cool night air as he was escorted to the Undercity, for all the crime and violence the way the city was ALIVE with neon lights, holograms that clicked blurry images of courtesans and advertisements, cars moved in dizzying speeds to their destinations for illicit activities and people both with ill intentions and bad luck, mulled around the busy streets as the rain began to drizzle down. Zhou Zishu never looked out the windows too long, not that it mattered they were only one way viewing glass but also the Undercity provided such a disturbing lure to him. He always believed in living a semi virtuous life, paid his dues, assisted the elderly but there was a part of him that craved such...cruelty. And he didn’t know why, that wasn’t how he was raised or even taught yet he could not deny there was this malice and coldness in him. Perhaps he belonged here, in the Undercity where the criminals and monsters dwell.
The loud trance music blared from the outside as the van pulled into the back, for as long as he’s worked here, Zhou Zishu has never actually seen the driver. He assumed it was an automaton but he exited the van with a soft ‘thank you’ and entered the club.
The SMELL.
It hit him like a truck, he felt like his body was going set on FIRE and knew it was Heat and suppressants wearing off. Zhou Zishu felt so raw but he had to maintain his composure, here in this club, he controlled all who observed him. The Alphas wanted to breed, to care for their Omegas or utterly dominate them, Zhou Zishu had no tolerance for that kind of Alpha or the other. He was utterly independent and aimed to keep it that way…
‘I don’t need an Alpha to take care of me, I need an Alpha to satisfy me…’
It was a straight line to the stage, an attendant gave him a shot of liquor and he gulped it down, didn’t need it but it burned its way down his throat doing nothing for the intense flame building in his belly.
The pulsating lights illuminated the walkway, streaks of bright red and blue as a series of dazzling grids filled the area, turning the stage into a holographic surface of water parting as Zhou Zishu stepped firmly and focused along the narrow path. Brilliant koi swam around him and he performed with them, his face coy and seductive, his audience wasn’t the same as the Uppercity Alphas, no hushed whispers of company mergers or acquisitions, no yachts or 3rd ex partners.
These Alphas wore muzzles , like the animals they were...the more money the less restriction they had to wear but they still had to abide by the club’s rules. And no one wanted to break the rules here, the punishment was swift...it didn’t matter who you were.
When you enter the Scorpion’s Palace ...you are either a guest or the prey .
Zhou Zishu began to move and the holo koi swam in gentle dancing circles, the clacking of his heels hit the hard glass with domineering force and it made all the Alphas zone in at each one of Zi Shu’s form. The music was thumping and slow, making his body writhe and twist with each beat of the song, the scent just build around him in a lush plume that coupled with the scent enhancer was just palpable, almost lickable.
This was something that Zhou Zishu loved...these were powerful Alphas, murders, thieves...dangerous men, the bright digital waves of water danced all over his stage. Changing colour into vivid red and gold as the fish turned frost white, becoming wisps of light before forming into pearls around his body and neck. He teased the pearls in his mouth, fingers feeling the air and causing the pearls to spin and float before he ‘snatched’ the strings, sending the holo pearls onto the stage and they shattered into thousands of tiny white fish.
There was a look...a pull of sorts coming for the darkest corner of the club, eyes that seemed to glow red with desire and all on him. Zhou Zishu hasn’t seen this Alpha before or maybe he never paid much attention but the way this particular Alpha was seated, deep crimson suit with a sharp polar white fan, he was striking and alluring, blood red, dangerous, his smile was barely seen under the muzzle mask but that was because it was barely a mask...a transparent black silk concealed his lips.
This Alpha was fucking LOADED.
Well. Here was his mark for the night.
The Alpha himself adjusted in interest, a mixture of obviousness to his own presence and possibly to Zhou Zishu’s intended play. No one entered this place as a lamb, nothing but wolves here. So when Zi Shu walked over, the sound of his heels sending tiny earthquakes all around him as the song seemed to fall silent to Zi Shu’s ears and his heart raced. What was this? His Heat? The dripping slick was going trail down his thighs any moment and his nipples were swelling, shit, he’s feeling so hot all over. And he was sure the Alpha knew that..such a smug face, such lovely eyes...who was this man?
Zhou Zishu took his string of pearls and rolled them between his fingers, staring down at the
Alpha with contempt but unable to hide his arousal as he bit his lips. Inhaling the light fragrance of roses…
“Have I been marked?” The mysterious Alpha smiled and that in turn made a shy little grin spread on Zhou Zishu’s face, “I feel like I’m a moth in a web…”
“A web of pleasure?”
“Is there any other?” Zhou Zishu was getting intoxicated, this was bad...the collar could only do so much in preventing an Alpha’s bite-and no, he regained his focus and dangled the pearls in front of the Alpha’s face. “A private performance is recommended.” He placed the end of the pearls in the Alpha’s gloved hand.
“Lead the way.”
The private performance only lasted 15 minutes, after that Zhou Zishu could give the club their take and retire for the evening, this Alpha was wealthy...he was going to make it his mission to take as much from him as possible.
He took the Alpha to the Red Oak room, gorgeous lush and only accented in an ominous vermilion glow, the sounds of rain beginning to pick up and cover the city in hazy mist...now it was just them, Zhou Zishu thought.
“Sit..”
“Ah, like a dog?”
“You are wearing a muzzle.”
“And you are wearing a collar, we both are beasts.” Zhou Zishu shrugged with a tiny huff then walked to the full length mirror. The pearls pulled into a long strand underneath Zhou Zishu’s corset, “Neither desire to be tamed.” and the Alpha took a seat obediently with that clever grin on his face.
“By nothing ordinary…”
“Nothing.” The clever Zi Shu leaned against the mirror, looking at the Alpha and the length of his rope of pearls...about 76.2cm, “Don’t be boring..”
A string snapped in Zhou Zishu’s head and he swore the Alpha heard it too, the tight wound of the pearls tug on his waist and he was being pulled over to the jaws of death, he propped himself over the Alpha’s thighs and start nuzzle against the sharp lines of his face, letting his scent softly meet his skin and mixing with his musk. By now Zhou Zishu was a dripping mess, the feel of the leather with his slick was becoming unbearable but he’d have deal with it, he could feel the tenseness coming from the Hungry Alpha below him, those same eyes took on all the red in the room, a serene yet famished fluttering of his eyelashes as Zhou Zishu teased the pearls on his neck, dangling over his now swollen chest. He knew whomever Alpha he found after tonight is going to have a TIME milking him, he almost dreaded it…
But.
What if it was *this* Alpha?
No…
….yes?
The Alpha reached down and denied Zhou Zishu the feel of his hands and instead paid what he wanted for this session. ¥ 3,250,750.00…
The amount nearly made Zhou Zishu stagger.
“Impressed…”
“Yes, but I know you’re being cheap.”
“You really want to bleed me dry, such a cruel spider you turned out to be.” The Alpha’s voice took on such a deliciously deep tone, mocking and sweet almost like a whisper and the way it found a home inside Zhou Zishu’s ears almost like it was always meant to be heard by him and him alone. “Am I a fat enough moth for you to eat?”
“Perhaps…” Zi Shu allowed the Alpha to touch his skin, his finger gloves curled at his palm and he sighed feeling that leathered warm on his cheek, a thumb mockingly close to his lips and he licked greedily, temptation...this was his job, something he was having trouble focusing on now especially when he removed the Alpha’s muzzle.
Red lips and a playful yet sincere smile appeared on his face, this Alpha was stunning, youthful and bold, those lips...how would they feel? Zhou Zishu just stared and sighed with that want he was trying so hard to suppress. The light in the room bounced off their skin but kept enough of their bodies concealed in dim shadows haloing with red that gave off a foreboding aura but how Zi Shu wondered. What was this fear and why did it blend into a heady mixture that clouded his thoughts? The Alpha’s hand found its way onto the back of Zhou Zishu’s nape, pulling him closer while his free hand once again typed on the holopad, another amount. ¥ 5,201,200.00.
“Stop..” Zhou Zishu begged but it was so halfhearted, his mouth was getting closer to the Alpha’s, he could see literal steam leaving from those lips like the man was made out of fire. There were two sparks in that room that were colliding like a growing supernova, “...Stop…”
“If I stop...this will end…”
“Yeah.”
Closer, Zhou Zishu was getting harder, his leather pants were torture to him now and he could certainly feel the same firmness from the Alpha, it only made him famished and he began to pant, he was losing control. A small bead of milk leaked from the pearled nipple ring, God he wanted it, ‘touch me, touch me, milk me.’ the Alpha pushed up, not to kiss but to nuzzle his bare cheek along Zhou Zishu’s collarbone and his lips took the strand of pearls, pulling them down and the feel of them hit Zi Shu’s nipple….he was going to start leaking everywhere. There was a flash of a bead of red that scanned the area, it was so quick but he didn’t pay attention, he couldn’t focus on anything.
“FUCK!” The Alpha shouted and pushed Zhou Zishu down, falling on top of him as the room erupted in a hail of bullets.