prologue

Baek Si-ho let his hand rest gently over his flat belly. He was pregnant. It had been difficult to sneak out of the city to see a doctor who didn’t belong to Yoon Tae-joon’s powerful circle — someone who wouldn’t immediately report the news to his Alpha.

He had finally found one who kept no traceable records. His heart felt like it would burst from his chest, and thousands of tiny butterflies fluttered inside his stomach.

It had been five years since Yoon Tae-joon had purchased him at the Virgin Omega Auction, and he had waited all this time for this moment.

The doctors had told him he might never conceive, but the heavens had finally blessed him. Tears of happiness pricked his eyes.

He grabbed his soft wool shawl from the bed and wrapped it around his shoulders.

The wildflowers were in full bloom this time of year. He knew that by the creek the most gorgeous purple foxgloves grew in abundance.

He wanted to pick a beautiful bouquet so their sweet aroma could fill the room.

Of course, nervousness waged war inside him at the thought of telling his love.

Shock would surely be the first reaction on his Alpha’s face.

He played the words over and over in his mind — how he would tell the man he loved that he was carrying his child.

Their relationship had been strained lately, but maybe now that he knew the truth, things would finally brighten.

They could have the future they both deserved. He may have done some irreversible damage to their bond, but he was a forgiving man who loved him unconditionally.

Love would prevail.

Baek Si-ho stepped outside. A warm breeze greeted him. The weather was pleasant enough that he didn’t truly need the shawl, but he knew the temperature would drop once he entered the wooded area surrounding their secluded luxury villa on the outskirts of Seoul.

Twigs and leaves crunched beneath his feet as he walked deeper into the forest. The sound of flowing water reached him, and soon he emerged from the trees.

The clear creek that ran beside their property was one of his favorite places. Flowers in every color lined the banks, bringing life to the green surroundings.

It was a spot where he often came to think about his future and what he truly wanted.

Baek Si-ho didn’t want to hurt anyone, but he deserved to be happy with the Alpha he loved.

Bending down, he began plucking daisies and tulips, the bouquet growing in his arms. A flash of purple caught his eye.

He stood and moved toward the foxgloves. He stopped at the edge of the creek.

The water rushed quickly over the protruding rocks. He took the first careful step onto a flat stone.

He balanced and moved to the next rock. He was almost across when his foot slipped. His arms flailed as he tried to steady himself.

The bouquet flew from his grasp, flowers scattering around him as he fell backward into the chilly water.

Pushing himself up, he stood, but before he could take another step, a sharp cracking sound filled the air.

Pain exploded through his temple. Stars danced in his vision. The world tilted violently.

He tried to push himself up again, one hand instinctively moving to protect his belly. His fingers gripped the edge of a rock.

After several attempts, he managed to reach the other side before collapsing onto the hard ground.

With the solid earth beneath him, the clear blue sky above, and the tall trees surrounding him, Baek Si-ho could almost pretend everything was okay.

A wave of nausea hit him. He rolled over and emptied his stomach. Lifting a hand to his head, he winced at the tender wound.

Blood coated his fingers. As he rolled onto his back, he saw him. A weak smile formed on his lips and he reached out.

He tried to speak, to ask for help, but he was so cold and so terribly tired. He stared into those familiar eyes — eyes he had looked into so many times before during their most intimate moments.

The man didn’t move, only watched him with a pained expression.

Licking his dry lips, Baek Si-ho whispered, “It is your child I carry, my love.”

He placed a trembling hand on his belly.

“Please… please help me.”

He tried to push himself up, but his strength was fading rapidly.

“We had something special, darling. I would have given you everything if only you had accepted what I offered… if you hadn’t betrayed me.”

Angry tears fell onto Baek Si-ho’s cheeks as he fought to stay conscious. Warm blood trailed slowly down his neck.

The man dropped to his knees and cradled him in strong arms, lifting the shawl away.

He stared at the blood-soaked fabric for several long moments, emotions flashing across his face — anger, love, and something much darker.

“Things could have been so different, my love. They could have been so very different. All I wanted was your obedience and trust, but what I received was something else entirely.”

That was the last thing Baek Si-ho heard before darkness closed in around the edges of his vision.

He knew he was going to die here in these woods, surrounded by beauty yet feeling only ugliness.

Before his eyes drifted shut for the final time, he let himself gaze at the purple foxgloves one last time.

**********

The blood rushed through Yoon Tae-joon’s veins like fire. The pounding of his own heart drowned out everything else.

Sweat covered his body and a sickening feeling twisted in his stomach. He knew others were following him, worried about his state.

When he received the call at his office about Baek Si-ho’s accident, the entire world had faded away.

He had broken numerous traffic laws racing back to their villa and would have broken a hundred more to reach his Omega.

He could see the group of people in the distance and quickened his pace. Twigs snapped beneath his feet as he ran. The creek came into view.

As if a switch had flipped, all sound rushed back. He pushed through the sensory overload and stopped at the water’s edge.

The people gathered on the opposite side turned toward him almost in unison. Their expressions — filled with sympathy and sorrow — made his mouth go dry.

They parted slowly, revealing the small, fragile form lying on the ground.

Yoon Tae-joon crossed the creek in seconds and fell to his knees beside Baek Si-ho.

The Omega’s  clothing was soaked with water and blood. Leaves and dirt clung to the fabric.

Tears burned in his eyes, but he was aware of the many people watching. Some were household staff; most were authorities.

Baek Si-ho’s dark short hair fell across his pale forehead. Yoon Tae-joon reached out and brushed it aside with trembling fingers. Baek Si-ho looked so fragile.

Overwhelming emotion crashed over him as he gathered Baek Si-ho into his arms. He buried his face in the Omega’s neck, letting his tears fall freely despite the audience. His body was so cold. He tightened his hold, desperate to warm him.

He had only had five years with Baek Si-ho. Five short years. He had wanted so much more — even if Si-ho had grown distant lately.

He wanted to see him nurture their children. He would have made a wonderful sire. His body shook as murmurs rose around him.

They blamed him for this. And maybe they were right. If he had kept a tighter hold on his Omega, if he had been stricter, Baek Si-ho wouldn’t be lying lifeless in his arms right now.

“Si-ho…” Yoon Tae-joon whispered, his voice breaking as the last of his composure shattered.

***Download NovelToon to enjoy a better reading experience!***