The office was too quiet.
Jin Zhi sat at his desk outside Bai Xue's office, sorting files with trembling fingers. His scent blockers were starting to wear off—he could feel it in the way his pulse picked up, in how the fabric of his shirt stuck to his back.
And then came the scent he dreaded most.
Another Alpha.
Not just any Alpha—a tall, smug one in a designer trench coat and expensive cologne, strolling through the office like he owned it. His eyes locked onto Jin Zhi instantly.
"New assistant?" the man asked, voice syrup-smooth. "Didn't know Bai Xue liked them this… soft."
Jin Zhi stood quickly and bowed. "Good afternoon, Mr. Li."
The man stepped closer.
Too close.
"Cute little bunny like you should be careful. Not every Alpha is as tame as she is."
Suddenly, the temperature in the room dropped.
A slow, deliberate click echoed—Bai Xue's office door opening.
She stepped out, heels striking like fangs against marble. Her golden eyes locked onto the intruder. Her smile was razor-thin.
"Li Shen," she said coldly. "Still alive?"
Li Shen smirked. "Barely. Thought I'd drop by. I see your taste in assistants hasn't changed."
"You mean refined?" she said, tone flat.
He stepped back slightly, sensing the venom coiling under her calm voice. But his eyes slid toward Jin Zhi again. "If you ever want to work for a gentler Alpha—"
She was in front of him before he could finish.
Too fast.
Too silent.
Like a viper striking between heartbeats.
Her hand grabbed his collar. "Touch what's mine again," she whispered, "and I'll rip out your throat."
Jin Zhi gasped.
Li Shen's smirk faltered for the first time. "You always were possessive."
"No," she said, tightening her grip, "I'm territorial. You know the difference, don't you?"
She released him, and he stumbled back, clearly shaken. Without another word, he turned and walked away.
Bai Xue turned to Jin Zhi. "Are you hurt?"
He shook his head. "N-no…"
But she still stepped closer, inspecting him. Her fingers brushed his cheek, her nails sharp against his skin.
"I don't like when others look at you."
"I… I didn't do anything," he said, voice trembling.
"I know," she murmured. "But next time, scream."
"S-scream?"
"If someone threatens you," she said, eyes glinting, "you scream. I'll hear it. And I'll end them."
Jin Zhi couldn't breathe. Her touch was gentle, but her eyes—
Those were the eyes of a predator.
A beautiful, merciless viper.
And he?
He was the trembling bunny she had coiled around.