Kongpob was happily snuggled against Phi Arthit, his face tucked against his chest, inhaling the familiar, grounding scent of his alpha. The steady rhythm of Arthit's breathing, the warmth of his arms, and the security of his presence made Kongpob feel like he belonged right there, wrapped in his embrace, being lulled to sleep.

After a moment of comfortable silence, Arthit whispered, "Kong... do you like my den?"

Kongpob hummed sleepily, tightening his hold around Arthit's waist. "Well, I haven't seen all of it yet," he scrunched his nose, " And you didn't let me see the trrehouse, but... I don't want to go back, Phi. If we didn't have office, I would beg you to let me live here."

A soft chuckle rumbled in Arthit's chest, making Kongpob smile against his skin. But then, Arthit's voice took on a more careful, gentle tone.

"Would you like it enough to nest here?" he asked, his fingers tracing slow, soothing patterns along Kongpob's back. "Spend your heat here?"

Kongpob tensed slightly, his drowsy mind waking up at the weight of those words. He pulled back just enough to look up at Arthit, who was watching him intently, his expression unreadable yet filled with something unmistakably tender.

Arthit's eyes softened as he continued, "Your date is two weeks away, but your scent..." His hand drifted to Kongpob's nape, thumb brushing just beneath his ear, where his omega scent was thickest. "You're close. Mere hours, maybe a day or two at most."

Kongpob swallowed. "Phi... are you asking because we won't have time to go back, or..."

Before he could finish, Arthit leaned in, pressing a lingering kiss to his temple. "I brought you here to show you my den," he murmured. "To ask if it's to your liking-or if I need to change something so you'd consider spending your heat here, with me, in my den..."

Kongpob's breath hitched, his heart swelling at the unspoken meaning in Arthit's words. This wasn't just about logistics. It was about trust, about a choice, about whether Kongpob was ready to see this place-saw Arthit-as his home.

A slow smile bloomed on his lips as he pressed himself closer, his fingers fisting gently in the fabric of Arthit's shirt. "I love it here, na Phi." His voice was a soft whisper against Arthit's skin. "I'd love to spend my heat here. "

Arthit exhaled, a deep, relieved sigh that Kongpob felt against his hair. "Thank you," he murmured, holding Kongpob just a little tighter.

Kongpob pecked his shoulder, then whispered playfully, "Thank you for inviting me into your den, Khun Dragon."he grinned before winking " In the bed of my childhood dreams. "

" That sounds downright creepy and scandolous " Arthit groaned but didn't pull away, burying his face in Kongpob's hair instead. If his ears turned pink, Kongpob was wise enough not to mention it.

" Thank you , Khun faen (boyfriend) " Arthit whispered " let me know if you want to change anything to your liking. "

" Yes..." Kong capitalized the opportunity " How about we negotiate my royalties..."

Arthit's laughter made Kong grin in bliss " You are not letting that go, are you ? "

" Naah..." Kong shook his head stubbornly, tickling Arthit's torso with his hairs. " You must pay me at least 500 million . And let me tell you in advance, the amount ain't negotiable , so dont even try bargaining..." Kong threatened.

"500 millions what? " Arthit asked " Baht or dollars ? "

" Half kisses and half in hugs " Kong answered , cheeky.

" Aww... shouldn't the IP (intellectual property) theifpay you the interest too ? " Arthit reminded, playing along.

" Right na phi..." Kongpob bit his lip " I wonder how much should I charge him ? "

" How about 10 million? " Arthit suggested.

" In hugs or kisses ? " Kong asked.

Arthit smirked, rolling atop Kongpob, he sat on his abdomen, " How about, in tickles ? " he asked, tickling Kongpob mercilessly.

" not allowed...no...hahaha ..
Phi " Kong laughed and laughed , pleading Arthit to let go, in between the peals of laughter.

...........

" Why do you keep tickling me the moment I bring up my well deserved royalties ? " Kong asked dramatically, the moment Arthit let go.

" Because, you, Khun faen, had said, it's our home. " Arthit reminded, narrowing his eyes " Why would you charge me for designing our own home ? "

" That's because... because ..." Kong stuttered " I also, told you, you will have to scrub it speckless. Did you? " he retorted. " No...so, you gotta pay for being lazy bum."

" Well, I earn enough that I hire people to do the cleaning and scrubbing for me." Arthit boasted.

Kong made a face and swiped at the headboard of the bed. He made a show of looking in disgust at his sppectacularly clean finger
" and they are not doing a good job. You are not even checking if they are cleaning properly or not..
You are responsible for it...scrub it clean yourself, Khun royalty thief "

Arthit took Kongpob's hand in his, he looked at the finger in question " As you say, my love... " he closed his mouth around the finger, flicking the fleshy pad with his tongue, he licked it, staring Kong in the eye.

Seeing Kongpob's eyes darkening with desire, Arthit smirked , releasing his finger " Clean enough, khun ? "

Kongpob shook his head as he trailed his fingers over the headboard, pressing his palm flat against the surface and dragging it down in one slow, deliberate motion. When he turned his hand over, he made a show of dusting his palm of non existent dust. With a raised brow, he extended it toward Arthit.

"Not clean enough," he murmured, voice thick with something deeper than just playful accusation.

Arthit glanced at Kongpob's outstretched hand, then at his eyes-dark, teasing, waiting. Without hesitation, he grasped Kongpob's wrist and brought his hand to his lips.

His tongue flicked out, tracing the delicate lines of Kongpob's palm, slow and purposeful. A shudder ran through Kongpob's body as Arthit licked a bold stripe from the base to the tip of his fingers, then took each digit into his mouth, one by one, sucking lightly.

Kongpob gasped, his free hand fisting the sheets as warmth flooded through him.

"Clean enough to your liking, Khun faen (boyfriend/lover ) ?" Arthit asked, his breath hot against the damp skin of Kongpob's palm.

Kongpob shook his head, burying his face against the sheets, voice muffled. "It's filthy." He murmured , presenting his face to Arthit.

Arthit hummed, amused. "Indeed. Very filthy."

His hands found Kongpob's face, tilting it upward. Their eyes met-one gaze smoldering, the other dazed and expectant. Then, Arthit leaned in and kissed him.

It was slow at first, a teasing brush of lips, but it didn't stay that way for long. Kongpob's fingers curled into Arthit's shirt as he opened up to him, pulling him closer. Heat surged between them, and Arthit deepened the kiss, mapping out Kongpob's mouth, devouring him inch by inch.

His lips traveled downward, pressing wet, open-mouthed kisses along Kongpob's jaw, then lower-to his neck, the hollow of his throat, his collarbones. His hands worked their way down as well, finding the first button of Kongpob's shirt.

He flicked it open.

Kongpob inhaled sharply, then, as if eager to rid himself of the barrier, unbuttoned the rest with hurried fingers. He barely had time to savor the feeling of Arthit's lips against his skin before-

The warmth vanished.

Kongpob blinked, disoriented.

Arthit had pulled away. His shirt was no longer in his hands-because Arthit had taken it.

And now...

Kongpob watched in stunned disbelief as Arthit, with the same dedication he had shown earlier, used the discarded fabric to wipe at the headboard.

Kongpob's brain short-circuited.

"What the hell are you doing?!"

Arthit looked at him with infuriating innocence. "Cleaning it myself , as you told me to." He proceeded to dust the bedding with Kongpob's shirt.

Kongpob gaped. "You-You absolute-"

Words failed him. Heat still thrummed through his veins, his breath was uneven, and phi Arthit was cleaning?!

With his shirt?!

He lunged, his hands smacking against Arthit's back. "You're the worst! The absolute worst! How can you ..... Why with my shirt.... I hate you .. "

Arthit only laughed, effortlessly catching Kongpob's wrists and pulling him forward. He tumbled into Arthit's chest, breath knocked out of him, strong arms locking around his waist.

"I did say I'd clean it, didn't I?" Arthit murmured, lips brushing against Kongpob's ear. " I needed a mop "

Kongpob squirmed, torn between irritation and the ridiculous warmth spreading through him. He huffed, resting his forehead against Arthit's shoulder, defeated. "You could have done it without my shirt..."

Arthit smirked, pressing a lingering kiss to Kongpob's temple. "Then how would our bed have your scent ? It smells proper now...as it should be...."

" That stunt cost you extra...extra thousand million ..." Kongpob threatened, stuttering, totally flustered .

" Kisses or hugs ? " Arthit teased.

" Fucks..." Kong retorted, frustrated.

" Don't regret it later when you start recieving your royalties, Ti rak.." Arthit smirked " You want it all in one go, or installments ? "

" Go away..." Kong hit Arthit's chest and bashful, he hid his face in Arthit's chest itself, curling Arthit's hand around him. Arthit held him willingly, even caressed his hair lovingly but didn't stop teasing.

" You didn't answer me... all at once or in installments..."

" Not another word..." Kong groaned. " Go away" hut he held Arthit tightly.

" You brought this upon yourself, Kongy " Arthit patted his back , chuckling.

Kongpob wanted to argue. He really did.

But instead, he just sighed.

Because damn it, he did.

.............

Saved by the bell!

Kongpob had heard the expression a lot but in this particular moment, he actually understood the meaning of it.

The bell that saved him from Arthit's incessant teasing wasn't the doorbell but a video call request on his phone. A familiar name popped up-Anurak.

" your brat said he will not be third wheeling! Tell him he is the embodiment of a third wheel ! " Arthit retorted seeing Anurak's name.

" I told you, he is our son " Kong glared.

" He is our son but your brat" Arthit replied " You keep indulging him too much."

Kong rolled his eyes " Says the man who bought him chocolates worth a whole month's supply just because " Kong airquoted " Anu looked sad, i couldnt bear it " Kong scoffed. " That brat was clearly acting. Badly too. "

Arthit smirked " So, you agree, he is a brat."

Kong chuckled " Our brat..."

" Fine... take his call, or he will start being melodramatic "

Kong chuckled "you mean to say, Starting acting like our family ?"

With a smirk, he accepted the call.

" Why did you took so long to pick up ... were you .... did I call at wrong time ? " Anu asked.

Arthit peeped behind Kong " Yes..."

Anurak made a face at Arthit" I asked phi Kong."

Kong chuckled " It hasn't even been two hours since your last call...Calling me already? Did you miss me, kid?"

On the other side of the screen, Anurak scoffed, leaning back against the couch, his expression the perfect blend of teenage exasperation and amusement. "As if. I was just making sure you didn't burn our house, trying to cook phi Arthit a dinner."

Kongpob chuckled. " yeah. I totally believe you."

"Whatever ...," Anurak waved him off before shifting the phone to show an obscene amount of food spread out on the dining table. "Anyway, look what Grandma made for me. I think she's trying to fatten me up before you come back."

Kongpob let out an exaggerated gasp. "I knew it! She's trying to replace me! I gotta talk to her...phi " Kong turned to Arthit " see... it's more than what she made me last time I visited. I need to have a word with aunty. let's drive to your home. "

Arthit patted Kong's back to calm him down. His poor mate! Arthit's mother has always cooked largest spread for Kong, always picking him to pamper, even over her own kids.

"You were always replaceable," Anurak said sweetly, shoving a spoonful of food into his mouth. "Why do you think she made all my favorite dishes the moment she knew I was coming. "

Kongpob clutched his chest in mock betrayal. " my heart !"

" I will cook you whatever you want na Luk... you are still my favourite son." Arthit's mother's sweet voice was heard as she was setting the dinner table.

Kong smirked " Take that ! "

Anurak smiled sweetly " grandma said interest is more dear than principal (meaning grandson is more dear than son). "

Kong looked at Arthit, pouting.
Arthit stared at Anurak " whatever helps you sleep at night. "

" Luk (son/child), don't tease your por. Kong you will always be my favourite dear " she cajoled Kong while gave a stern reproach to Anu " I am in the kitchen young man, if I hear another word of you teasing my favourite son, you are not getting a bite. Got that ? "

Throughly scolded, Anu nodded solemnly .

Arthit's mother went to kitchen to do last minute prep while glint in Anurak's eyes returned as he whispered " I am the most favourite one... You don't believe me " Anu quickly switched the camera view again. " Check this out. Uncle Ayan and Uncle Toota got me a PlayStation." He panned to the console, neatly placed by the TV. "They said a growing boy needs proper enrichment."

Kongpob deadpanned. "So they gave you a device to fry your brain instead of textbooks?"

"Video games improve hand-eye coordination," Anurak said matter-of-factly.

"And your grades?"

Anurak coughed. "Uh-"

Kongpob narrowed his eyes. "No skipping homework."

"Obviously!" Anurak beamed, then quickly changed the subject. "Where are you, by the way? I thought you were home, but it definitely isnt our house.

And why is everything pink there ? It looks like a kid's dream house. "

" Really ? Even if it does, how can you say that to it's designer's face ? " Arthit cried in horror.

" That ... kid wonderland... I mean...palace you designed it ! " Seeing horror dawning on Anurak's face , Arthit sneered " You did it ! Get ready for what is to come kid..."

There was a long pause. Then-

" A kid's dream ? " The air around Kongpob's face started shimmering with heat, tips of Kongpob's hairs literally smoked " Kod wonderland.... You dare call my mate's den childish, tiny dragonet ? "

"What is a den?" Anurak asked confused.

Kongpob blinked. The shimmer around him suddenly vanished, his hair turned to natural. Arthit sighed in dismay. He was ready to see Kong sizzle and Anu fizzle.

What a strong buildup to such a disappointing climax!

"You don't know what a den is?" Kong asked, staring down at Anu with narrowed eyes.

" I would have said it is a cave but you aren't clearly in a cave " Anu said. " Is it a city people thing? "

"No. .." Kongpob laughed and explained, "A den is where dragons keep their hoard."

Another pause.

"What's a hoard?"

Kongpob hesitated, glancing at Arthit, who had been quietly listening

"It is a dragon's most coveted treasure. Some even call it life's achievements. " Arthit provided.

" Gold and gems? " Anu asked.

" Not necessarily " Arthit explained. " A dragon hoardes whatever is most important to him. Whatever he thinks is worthy of his protection. It can be pearls, diamonds, gold or seashells, fossils...even rocks. "

" Oh..." Anu worried his lips between his teeth, still confused. " So, city dragons just amass as much wealth as they can and call it hoarde ? "

" Not just city dragons Anu" Arthit clarified " All dragons do. It is a natural instinct. We need something to protect, call our own and lavish on our mate's.
You must have heard how dragons are both the most successful businessmen and the most notorious thieves," he began.

"Uh-huh."

"Well, that's because we like comfort, luxury, and shiny things." Arthit putsed his lips "And we are not able to get it by earning, sone dragons turn to stealing.

A long time ago, dragons lived in vast lands, and each had caves where they kept their most precious findings. That collection was called a hoard."

Anurak's brows furrowed. "So, like a treasure chest?"

"Sort of. But as land became scarce, wealthy dragons built castles-called dens-and within them, they kept their hoard in the most protected areas." Arthit provided. " Bigger and majestic dragon's den and hoard, more influential and respected a dragon used to be. Mostly society still carries that mindset. "

Anurak looked intrigued. "So... what do you collect?"

Kongpob cleared his throat. "You can't ask a dragon that."

"Why not?"

"Because dragons are very possessive and protective of their hoards," Kongpob said, giving Arthit a side glance. "In ancient times, an omega used to choose a dragon based on how impressive their hoard was."

Anurak tilted his head. "Not anymore?"

"No, not anymore," Kongpob admitted. "But instincts are still there."

Anurak groaned, flopping back onto the couch. "That's not fair! At least that way, I could've had a hoard. Omegas don't seem to have hoards."

"Not formally," Kongpob conceded, "but they did have their treasures, even if they were smaller than an alpha's hoarde. "

Anurak frowned, deep in thought, before brightening. "Wait, so I can have a hoard?"

Kongpob smiled. "Of course. If you want you can. I and phi grace have our dens and hoardes, although its not traditional for an omega.

Traditionally, on your eighteenth birthday, every family member will gift you something from their hoard. That will be your first treasure as an omega.

On the day of your mating , you will again be gifted with many precious pieces from our and other alpha family member's dens. "

" So," Arthit concluded " In essence, an alpha's hoarde is earned and an omega's treasury is mostly inherited. "

Anurak looked stunned for a moment before grinning. "That means I'll have everyone's best stuff."

Arthit sighed. "Let's not get ahead of ourselves. No one's giving you their best stuff."

"But-"

"No 'buts.' You'll get meaningful gifts, but not Ali baba's treasure. "

Anurak huffed, clearly having already imagined himself inheriting the family treasure. Then, after a moment of thought, he grinned mischievously. "Can I see Phi Arthit's den?"

Kongpob laughed. "You should wait until Phi Arthit invites you himself."

"Why?"

"Because even family members don't enter dens uninvited-unless it's an emergency." Kong explained.

Anurak pouted. "What kind of emergency?"

Arthit rolled his eyes. "The world ending."

Anurak groaned. "Why so dramatic ? Why so much rules ? Papa " he turned puppy eyes to Arthit " I want to see your den na .... na...."

Arthit rolled his eyes " Now, he calls me papa, opportunist! "

" How can he be so heartless !" Anu whined to Kong.

Kongpob smirked. "Says the boy who was just planning a grand heist on his father and uncle's hoardes."

Anurak beamed, utterly unbothered. "Ambition is important!"

Arthit shook his head while Kongpob laughed. Their son was truly something else.

And if Kongpob secretly planned to slip a special treasure into Anurak's first hoard, well... what kind of father wouldn't?

" Let me show our den to your por first na " Arthit cajoled. " We will plan a family outing here soon, then you can have a look around. "

" He has vast land " Kong gushed " It's surrounded by mountains.. we can even fly unbothered here... and ofcourse, there's a tree house and an igloo too..."

" Say no more.... " Anurak shook his head dramatically " I want to fly there right now.."

" Do your homework first..." Arthit retorted "

" Fine..." Anurak pouted and turned to Kong " I will call you later phi Kong. Hopefully , you will have a video of igloo amd the mountains for me.."

Kong nodded and Anu's eyes shone bright...

"Sorry to rain on your parade, kid, but I think you should hold off on calling Kongy until he's out of heat," Arthit interrupted. "He's close. He'll call you if he's in any condition to have conversations."

"Yeah..." Kongpob scratched the back of his head. "I keep forgetting that I'm close to heat. Don't worry, Anu, I'll call you, na."

Anu reluctantly nodded. "Take care, na phi..."

Kongpob nodded back, but then Anu's expression turned hesitant, troubled.

"What is it?" Kongpob asked, narrowing his eyes.

"Nothing." Anu shook his head.

Kongpob didn't buy it. "Out with it now."

Anu fidgeted, then finally blurted out, "You will get pregnant, right? In my village, omegas always get pregnant after heat..."

A heavy silence fell between them.

Then-

"Who is getting pregnant?"

The voice sent a chill down Kongpob's spine.

His head snapped toward the intruder, Arthit's mother stood, arms crossed, an eyebrow arched in dangerous amusement.

Anu bit his lip in horror. Kongpob panicked and shoved the phone into Arthit's hands like it was a live bomb.

Arthit barely caught it, looking at his mother warily.

"You?" she asked, stepping closer in the phone. Then, to everyone's horror, she made a sympathetic face. "Oh dear, oh dear."

"What-" Arthit began, but she wasn't done.

"It was so cute and adorable when you were little, saying you'd carry a child for Kongpob someday because you couldn't bear to see him in pain. But now-" she sighed dramatically, shaking her head. "Now when you are all grown up, you still insisting it, just sounds plain stupid, na, luk..."

Arthit's face turned red. "I NEVER SAID THAT!"

"Oh, hush," she dismissed him with a wave. "Deny it all you want, but I was there when you told your uncle that you'd become the first male alpha to get pregnant just so Kongpob wouldn't have to suffer. It was right after aunt Suay gave birth to Anya."

Kongpob's jaw dropped.

"Mom!" Arthit nearly shouted.

"What? It was a very sweet sentiment, truly," she continued, her voice brimming with fake sympathy.

" I never said that. And I do not want to get pregnant for anybody."

"Ofcourse you don't. You were such a sweet, kind and conpassionate kid. But now you're all grown up, and instead of standing by your noble promise, you're here denying it. How cruel, Arthit. Have you no heart?"

"How can an alpha get pregnant, thats utter fantasy romance made up bullshit mae" Arthit snapped, ears burning.

She gasped theatrically. "Such coldness!"

Kongpob, who had been thoroughly enjoying this, nodded solemnly. "Truly heartbreaking."

"Have you no sympathy for the pain omegas go through at all?" His mother shook her head in disappointment. "You were better as a child..."

"Did you not just say that it was stupid to want to carry a baby to term for an omega?" Arthit shot back, flabbergasted.

"Well, you should at least want to do it in spirit!" She huffed. "So what if people say it's stupid? You shouldn't listen to the world!"

Arthit turned to Kongpob, desperate. "Are you hearing this?"

Kongpob bit his lip, pretending to think. "I mean... it is kinda sweet..."

"I will personally deal with you both ... you and Anu..."

" What do you mean, you will deal with my babies , Arthit Rojanapat " His mother's hand were firmly at her waists while she stared Arthit down through a mobile phone.

" Buy Mae. Kongy in heat is enough dramatic right now ... I can't handle another omega's antics ...."

" What do you mean handle ? And why is Kongy in your den ? Especially when he is in heat ?"

" Because we are dating Mae. " Arthit said and Kong looked at him in horror.
Kong quickly covered his ears with his hand, so did Anurak who was standing behind Arthit's mae.

But, on a roll Arthit continued " it has not even been a week but i know i dont need anymore time to know that Kongy is my fated mate. He thinks the same.  We will come to get your blessing soon. As soon as you guys bring me back from wherever Aunt pricha's ( Kongpob's mom) will storm parcel me to..."

Arthit's mother heaved a sigh " Finally ! I knew you would use your brain right someday, Arthit Rojanapat.  "

" That's it ! " Arthit's eyes were wide as saucers " You aren't angry at us for not telling you. Where is the threat to disown me ? "

Arthit's mother dismissed him with a wave of her hand " I don't have time for unnecessary theatrics. I need to prepare for your wedding. There's so much to do..... food, dresses, decorations..."

" Hold on Mae, deep breaths.  Kongy's mom hasn't approved our relationship yet. "

" Oh..yeah..I need to put together a search party too. Prich's definitely gonna send you to Antarctica or something.... oh dear....there's so much to do. Toota dear..." she veered off to somewhere off screen.

" That went fairly well " Arthit heaved a sigh.

Anurak nodded in agreement. " I will keep you posted on the progress here..." Anurak said amd Kong gave him a thumbs up.

As the call was over Arthit turned to Kong " Your scent is getting thicker Kongy. Want to go see my hoarde and choose a spot for nesting ? "

Kong nodded eagerly as he stretched his arms infront of him, beaming, looking at Arthit expectantly.

Arthit chuckled as he presented his back for Kongy to climb on. " To the hoarde, my tree..." Kong ordered, giggling to himself as Arthit wordless followed his command.