Edwin watched Maxwell who was asleep on the hospital bed worry written all over his face. Maxwell was in pains all through the night and was only able to sleep when it was dawn. He moved slightly and Edwin ran over to him. "Mr Kant, are you alright? How do you feel?". He helped Maxwell sit up.
Maxwell breathed heavily. " I'm fine". He said. "Was anyone hurt?".
"Just one colleague twisted their ankle on the way out". Edwin replied. "They've already been sent to get treatment. No other serious issues, sir"
"Okay" Maxwell sighed with relief. "That's good to hear.
There was a knock on the door and the doctor walked in.
"Dr Pete. What's wrong with Mr Kant?". Edwin inquired.
"The blood tests are out. Our preliminary diagnosis is pheromone dysregulation syndrome". Dr Pete explained
"What?!!!". Maxwell screamed choking on his breath.
"His free-type pheromone level type A, is More than five times the normal range. That's extremely abnormal for an Alpha. Even omegas only reach that level during heat". The doctor said.
" Is it serious". Edward chipped in. " How do we treat it".
"To be honest given Mr Kant's age and S-class Alpha status, he shouldn't be developing this. But considering his high stress , long working hours and irregular routines, we have to take the possibility seriously. For now I'll prescribe oral medication to Prevent extreme overflow that could harm others. Let's wait until he's hospitalized to Conduct a comprehensive inspection".
"Hospitalized?". Maxwell said sarcasm evident in his voice. " Can't I just take the meds? ".
Pete sighed. " Mr Kant, I know you're busy but your body belongs to you. Pheromone dysregulation is a serious endocrine disorder. We don't fully understand the cause And it's already midstage on your first checkup. Please take this seriously". He advised.
Maxwell coughed painfully while Edwin rushing to get him water. "But I don't have the time to be hospitalized".
"Its your body and your time. But as your doctor this is my honest advice. At this point I don't think you're fit for discharge". Pete concluded.
"Thank you doctor". Edwin greeted and saw the doctor out.
" You should stay in the hospital and rest". Edwin suggested.
Maxwell sipped some water nodding reluctantly. "Fine. Then I want daily summaries and project updates delivered to me".
" Don't worry I'll have everything organized and report to you every day". Edwin assured.
"Okay. And don't tell anyone I'm hospitalized".
"Yes sir".
"Good".
A few moments later, Ricky showed up while Maxwell was sitting in bed. He was startled.
"What are you doing here. Didn't I tell you to stay home?".
Ricky ignored him at first and dropped the soup he prepared on the side table. " I haven't seen you for so long. Don't you want to see me?".
Maxwell stock out his lower lip. " We video chat every day. I have pheromone disorder. What if my dominant pheromones hurt you?".
Ricky paid no attention to his words. "He opened the lid of the cooler. "I made fish soup for you, would you like to try some?"
Maxwell beamed childishly "Yes".
"I'll feed you". Ricky offered and carefully fed him blinking sweetly. Ricky blew on each bite before feeding it to Maxwell. Halfway into the feeding job. Maxwell nagged.
"You shouldn't have come. What if I hurt you?"
"I won't get hurt". Ricky replied proudly.
"That's nonsense". Maxwell smirked. "An orchid-scented Omega like you? I could brake ten of you with one hand".
Ricky stopped what he was doing and stared sheepishly at Maxwell. "Isn't one enough?"
Maxwell raised an eyebrow. "When plucking flowers, the more the better".
Ricky's countenance dropped drastically. He hated it when Maxwell thinks of someone other than him, at least he thought he'll stop Maxwell's promiscuous lifestyle. It should end with him.
"Fine. I understand". Ricky said through gritted teeth.
"What do you understand?". Maxwell teased "You know you're my lucky star, I feel so much better seeing you". He hugged Ricky's stomach to himself.
Ricky smiled caressing Maxwell's neck.
A week later Maxwell was discharged from the hospital. After thorough treatment part of which included Ricky showing up every day throughout his stay. Whenever he saw Ricky, all his headaches go away.
He resumed work the following week feeling energetic.
"How are you feeling Mr Kant? Any discomfort?". Edwin asked while walking Maxwell into his office.
"I'm a little tired though,but I'm not I'm not leaking dominant pheromones". Maxwell replied.
"I'll change your inhibitor patch". Edwin offered.
Maxwell nodded
*************
Chang Ping called Maxwell for another meeting claiming that this time his boss will be present. Maxwell consented to it and now they were heading to X hotels.
Ricky called Maxwell, turned out it was a video call. "Mr Kant". Ricky smiled into the phone. "Are you done with work?".
"Yeah. What's up with you?".
"Was watching you in a forum". Ricky smiled. "You looked so handsome".
Maxwell blushed.
"Where are you going next?". Ricky questioned.
"To see someone I hate". Maxwell replied nonchalantly.
"Huh?". Ricky feigned surprise. "Anyone hated by you is so unlucky".
"Why did you say that?".
"You're so great, everyone wants your favor. So being hated by you must suck".
Maxwell was stuck blushing at Ricky. He really knew how to make Maxwell feel shy. Suddenly Ricky looked around. "Let me check what I'm cooking. I'm hanging up now. Bye".
Ricky stood up from his seat and gestured to his Secretary Chang Ping who stood in front of him all the while he was on phone. "Leave. I can't be late for my first afternoon tea with Mr Kant".
"Yes sir". Chang bowed.
**************
As Maxwell entered X Hotel, he complained nonstop about the patrol officers around the hotel.
"Such a fuss with inspectors as patrol officers. Is the guy from X holdings some overlord from country C?". He hissed as he went into the hotel with his Secretary and some bodyguards who led the way to Chang Ping.
"Hello Mr Kant". Chang greeted.
"Hey Secretary Chang. How are you doing?". Maxwell replied with a smirk. "Thanks to your boss its my first afternoon tea here, with inspectors standing guard and commissioners controlling traffic. Even a small country president's private visit wouldn't have this much fanfare".
Chang laughed mockingly. "You flatter us. We owe it all to your city's kindness. This way please".
And they were directed into a room divided by a thick curtain. Behind it sat Ricky Brown and Peem Ronald who was forced over against his will.