Episode 8

You can go, but with my men. I don't trust you," Jaehan said as he put on his tie, an accessory he detested since tying it always stressed him out.

The Omega mulled this over, not keen on the idea at all, especially with five Alphas constantly prowling around the house. Being with them was the last thing he wanted, even in his wildest dreams. He swallowed hard, considering a refusal to leave, but recalled the other five were Betas.

He glanced at the Alpha, who was drinking his coffee, then looked out the window.

"Fine, but only with the Betas."

"No, they always stay home," the Alpha said, grabbing his briefcase to depart.

As he walked past, giving Jaehan a nervous look, he added, "The others just rub me the wrong way."

"Then don't go. Or order things online, and I'll pick them up later."

Irritated at the thought, he didn't want to waste his only chance to get out and buy whatever he desired, but trailing behind him with five Alphas was an absolute no. He scratched his neck and fidgeted with his hands, searching for a good excuse that might make Jaehan relent. After a few seconds of thought, he declared, "Well, if it's not with the Betas, then I'm not accompanying you anywhere. Your choice," he asserted, arms crossed and resolute.

Jaehan studied him, unable to see the point in such stubbornness. He considered the possibility that with Betas, the Omega might find better chances to escape, but that was a mistake—neither would they give him any leeway. However, seeing that obstinate stance of 'my way or the highway', it was clear this wouldn't be easy.

"Fine, go with three Betas and two Alphas."

"Which Alphas?" he questioned, slightly uncertain but not entirely averse to the idea.

"Diego and Rex, the one who occasionally enters the house."

"No," he said immediately, recognizing the Alpha who had given him an odd look the day he had gone to meet the servant. "I want to go with the Betas, or not at all. Don't you want them to see I'm well-behaved? Then I need to get nice things so they can see your luck in finding me. Betas or nothing."

The exasperated Alpha sighed deeply.

"Alright, go with the five Betas but if you try anything, forget about me getting you anything again."

"Sure," Saije replied with more than satisfied smile, having orchestrated things his way.

Jaehan went to summon his men, and Saije watched from the doorstep, counting the minutes until he would be at the mall. He observed as the Betas nodded repeatedly while being briefed and instructed not to take their eyes off the Omega for even a second.

It was understood—they wouldn't even think of taking a bathroom break.

Then, he saw the Alpha speaking with Rex. Not catching their conversation, he felt a chill when Rex glanced his way. If Jaehan's gaze was intense and frightening, then the Alpha's was tenfold—commanding fear and distrust to the max. The unease flooded Saije, so much so he looked away and closed the door.

His palms began to sweat, and he swallowed with difficulty. When the door reopened, he jumped back, fearing the worst. Jaehan looked at him, his face pallid and filled with dread.

"What's wrong?" because it looked like he might faint.

"Nothing," Saije mumbled, avoiding eye contact, trying to appear normal.

The Alpha wasn't quite convinced but let it slide.

"Alright, I've spoken to them. They'll take you whenever you want. Just don't do anything foolish," he warned.

"Did you tell that guy to follow us?" he asked, stealing a quick glance.

Jaehan was silent for a few moments, puzzled by the question, but the Omega's fear was palpable. He knew Rex could instill fear in people, hence his long tenure as a bodyguard, yet there was something different about the Omega's reaction.

"No, I gave them other orders, to watch behind the house. I'm leaving now."

He heard Jaehan exit, securing the door behind him. He so loathed when that Alpha roamed around as if he owned the place, even using the bathroom, raiding the fridge, or drinking water.

Near panic, he closed his eyes to calm down. After showering, feeling thrilled to get fresh air, he dressed and cast a glance at the bouquet in his room, untouched by water. Swiftly, he went downstairs for a vase, filled it with water, and arranged the flowers, smiling. His room always felt dreary, but the flowers made it better. He touched their petals, admiring the different colors, sizes, and shapes, wishing they could live forever. When ready, he went to open the door, finding no guards and realizing he didn't even know their names or how to call them. Looking around, he saw the approaching Alpha.

"What do you want?"

"From you? Nothing, leave me be," he demanded, looking for the others.

"The guys are making rounds out back," the Alpha informed him as his gaze swept up and down Saije intently.

"Good, then I'm heading there."

"I'll accompany you."

"I don't want you to! Leave me alone, I said!"

He quickened his pace, sensing the intense gaze on him. Glancing over his shoulder, the Alpha was still there; he hurried faster. Turning a corner, he bumped into someone who caught him by the arms to prevent a fall.

"Sorry, didn't see where I was going," said the blonde.

Saije looked up to see one of the Betas and felt relieved.

"Are you ready? The boss said you wanted to go downtown."

"Yes, let's go."

"Alright," the blonde said, touching his ear to communicate, "The boss's husband is ready, come quickly. I'll fetch the car from the garage and be back."

"No, I'm coming with you," he said hastily, sticking close.

"Sure, whatever you wish."

"What's your name?"

"I'm Michael," the Beta answered, noting how Saije stayed close, seemingly seeking protection from something.

"Well, I like you."

Once all were assembled, they simply left for downtown.

They went where Saije directed, and within five minutes at the mall, the Betas were laden with bags. He kept requesting items and swiping the card nonstop. He visited a clothes shop, a shoe store, and got a phone because he had lost his in the embargo and failed to replace it.

He didn't buy anything too extravagant, evidently more concerned with clothing.

The men were tired, but the Omega was just getting started, hitting the fancier stores and perfumeries to indulge in all the scents he desired. Once hunger struck, he headed for the food court.

"Are you hungry?" he asked with a grin.

All refused, though starving, yearning to eat, sit, use the restroom, and quench their thirst from all the bustle. Saije dismissed their declining and ordered food for everyone, regardless of the expense or the card's impending explosion. One man juggled the bags up to his ears, while the others dealt with the trays as the Omega sought out a vacant table.

He insisted they sit, and they reluctantly broke protocol to eat. He had ordered three-flavored ice creams with raspberry sauce and chocolate chips for everyone, which seemed to make carrying bags like pack mules worthwhile. They ended up laughing and chatting, realizing they had seen and heard him be unbearable, but he was surprisingly kind-hearted beneath his small frame.

They had hoped that would be the end of the shopping, but they were mistaken. Post-meal, Saije headed straight for another clothing store. Perplexed why one would need so much attire when they themselves had a single outfit per day, signified enough.

"Sorry, your card's been declined," the cashier said, returning the card.

"What? That's impossible. I've only bought four simple things."

The cashier didn't see 'a few' when men were drowning in shopping bags.

"You've exceeded the limit; I'm very sorry."

"It must be some mistake," Saije insisted incredulously. "How high was the limit?"

The woman checked the card limit.

"Five million."

"What? That's ridiculously low. What was that idiot thinking?"

"I think you've just shopped a lot," Michael whispered at his side.

"But everything was so cheap," Saije complained.

"Remember, you bought a phone for one and a half million pesos," the Beta to his right reminded him.

The Omega shrugged off the significance.

"It's a foldable phone; I needed it to be fashionable," he stated.

"Sir, if you're not purchasing this, please step out of the line."

"Of course, I'm taking it!" Saije exclaimed and turned to Michael. "Call your boss right now and have him pay for this."

"Sir, please don't cause any trouble..."

"Trouble?! I'm Jaehan Brennan's husband! He can afford to buy me this and more! He's the wealthiest and most powerful man around!"

The cashier eyed him for a moment. Not a gossip or news-follower, she nonetheless knew who Jaehan Brennan was—a man of formidable power.

Jaehan felt his right ear burn. His grandmother had said that a burning right ear meant people were speaking well of you, while the left meant the opposite. He dismissed it, though, as he was busy with an important meeting, signing a deal with a foreign country. Engrossed in listening and reviewing documents, he was interrupted when the door burst open, turning all eyes to it.

"Boss," Magdalena said, "there's a problem."

Hearing 'problem,' he immediately thought of Saije.

"What's it this time?"

"Your husband's at a shop and refuses to leave until you arrive."

Jaehan rose so swiftly the delegates barely noticed his exodus, papers fluttering in his wake. The attendees mistook his haste for affection, but he bolted, fearing the worst.

His car halted mid-street, and he just got out as the chauffeur circled the block per orders—get there and leave quickly. By the shop, Jaehan spotted his men, burdened with bags, and felt pity. Scouring the crowd for that aggravating voice, he found Saije, who was sending guards into a tizzy with threats of making them sterile if they so much as touched a hair on his head.

"I'm not leaving until my husband comes to pay for these! I want them, and I'm not going without!"

Trying again to remove Saije, the women noticed who was nearing—Jaehan Brennan himself.

As a guard reached for Saije's arm, Jaehan grabbed the guard's first, warding him off sharply.

"See?! There he is!" Saije beamed, pointing.

"I told you not to do this," Jaehan hissed, aware of the surrounding stares and cameras.

"I want this coat," Saije whimpered, adopting an innocent puppy dog look.

Seeing that face, Jaehan knew it was a façade. He pondered what five million had been spent on, but realizing the coat cost sixty thousand, he grasped Saije's true intent. Just wanting to leave, he swiped his card.

"And this too!" Saije chimed, scooping up more items and flashing that sweet smile.

Jaehan agreed, and the cashier packed up the purchases.

"And this tie, which will look splendid on my husband."

He noticed the tie was merely three thousand pesos—paltry, in Saije's financial vernacular.

Emerging into the chaos outside, curiosity was natural, and the press swiftly descended. Saije smiled for photos carefree, while Jaehan wanted to disappear. Back home, his phone exploded with calls from parents and journalists. A bad situation turned disastrous.

Watching Saije revel in the mountain of bags, Jaehan hoped this would stave off further incidents for at least a month. In a cat onesie, with a zipper front, tail, and ears, Saije looked irresistibly fitting. Jaehan blinked, never imagining such a pajama outfit could suit anyone so perfectly.

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