Chapter 48

Hu Yetao pushed through their bedroom door, hair windswept and cheeks pink from the icy air that had been sweeping through the quidditch stands for the past two hours. He and Oscar had gone to watch the mid-day match between Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff (Hufflepuff taking the win at the last second for a surprising victory), and they were now back in their room to dress for the much-anticipated party that evening.

Hu Yetao walked over to his wardrobe to pull his clothes out for the night ahead, butterflies fluttering anxiously in his stomach for more than one reason.

"Are you going to do it now?" he asked without turning around, listening to Oscar delve into his wardrobe on the other side of the room. There was a pause and Hu Yetao glanced over his shoulder to see his mate looking at him speculatively. "What?"

Oscar turned; his stylish ensemble draped carefully over one arm. "I spoke to my father and I think it would be best to do it after the party," he explained.

Hu Yetao frowned at him as he struggled gracelessly into his good black trousers. "Why?"

Oscar walked over to the bed and laid his charcoal grey trousers and white button-up over it, staring down at the clothing critically. "Because," he replied distractedly. "The bite is a bit of an uncomfortable process." He finally glanced up and watched as Hu Yetao removed his t-shirt and donned his new deep blue button-up. "And the discomfort is supposed to last for a couple of days while your body adjusts. I wouldn't want you to be in pain all evening while simultaneously trying to make a good impression."

"And you thought I'd appreciate the gesture of goodwill?" Hu Yetao asked as he buttoned his shirt, tongue poking out between his lips as he concentrated on not missing a button-hole.

"Something like that," Oscar murmured carefully, looking wary of his mate's response.

Hu Yetao glanced up and smiled crookedly, unable to help himself. "Yeah, all right - but I'm not putting it off until tomorrow. Tonight, okay?" Hu Yetao added firmly.

"If you wish."

Hu Yetao pulled some clean socks from his drawer and walked over to the desk chair where he'd set out his shoes and sat down. "You want to though, right?" he asked, tone a little too casual.

"Hu Yetao?"

"Hmm?" he replied, glancing up.

Oscar leveled him with a look as he slid his arms into the sleeves of his white shirt. "What is it you want to know?"

Hu Yetao exhaled and stared at his feet as he slowly slipped on his soft black socks followed by his rarely worn good shoes. "I dunno, you seem… hesitant sometimes. And other times…"

"Turned on by the idea?"

"Yeah." Hu Yetao placed his feet back on the floor and leaned sideways against the chair, gazing at his mate with questioning eyes.

Oscar returned to buttoning his shirt, faintly discomfited. "I suppose I feel somewhat conflicted by it. I want to do it, it's such a powerfully innate part of my nature, but I also don't want to cause you pain." He paused and exhaled slowly as he absently checked his reflection in the mirror. "But then I picture another Alpha's gaze lingering on you a little too long and…" he trailed off with a shrug.

Hu Yetao nodded, Oscar's words suddenly reminding him that he needed to tell his mate about Zhou Keyu. "Er, that reminds me…" he said, shifting uncomfortably in the wooden chair. "There's something I should probably tell you before the party."

"Yes?" Oscar sat on the edge of the bed to carefully tie the laces of his smart Italian leather shoes.

Hu Yetao swallowed and fidgeted with the cuff of his new shirt, the material stiff between his fingertips. "Zhou Keyu, he's going to be there. Tonight."

"And?"

"Well, he… he kind of offered himself as a second Alpha to me. A while ago."

Oscar's fingers froze while tying his laces, his entire body tensing.

Hu Yetao opened his mouth to speak then shut it as Oscar straightened and focused on him with darkened eyes.

"When?" he bit out tersely, voice raspier than usual.

"Uh, right before I met with the Board the first time," Hu Yetao replied carefully, not sure why he felt as though he had to tread on eggshells but doing nonetheless.

"What?" Oscar's voice was low and severe and Hu Yetao had the distinct impression of a brewing storm. "Why the fuck didn't you say something? That was weeks ago."

Hu Yetao frowned, irritation spiking a little at his mate's censorious tone. "Because meeting the Board and then the inquiry, where your life was on the line, was more important, and I just kind of forgot about it."

"Until when? Until today? This morning?"

Hu Yetao straightened in his chair, feeling defensive. "Well no, he reminded me at the pub-"

"What?" Oscar's eyes positively blazed. "He's approached you more than once? Why? Did you tell him you'd think about it?"

Hu Yetao glared, affronted. "Of course not, I told him no and he said he wasn't going to give up."

Oscar stood, running an agitated hand through his white-blond hair. "Of course he isn't going to give up when you haven't been claimed yet. Hu Yetao, I can't believe you didn't tell me… Taotao, you've been alone with him…

Hu Yetao stood, indignant anger coursing through him. "What does it matter if I'm alone with him? I don't want him and I told him so. You're being ridiculous."

It was the wrong thing to say; Oscar's hands immediately clenching into fists by his side as he faced him. "Is this why you're always putting off being claimed?"

"What?" Hu Yetao spluttered, outraged and incredulous all at once. "You're the one who's been delaying it!"

"And you're not exactly objecting," Oscar exclaimed accusingly. "Having second thoughts?"

Hu Yetao gaped, wanting to slap some sense into his mate. "How can you… How many times do I have to tell you that I don't want him - or any other Alpha - before you believe it?" Hu Yetao retorted. "And, you said at the beginning of all this that I could add another Alpha for protection if I wanted to, so you're not allowed to be cross over the idea anyway."