Trapped In A Novel As The Breeding Mate For Four Powerful Alphas

Jin-Yeok's assistant, Doosik handled the payment while I watched.

He also collected the slavery contract from the host and all was settled. While they did that, I felt a lump in my throat.

It was disgusting how they could trade people like commodities.

They had no rights, no say, and had been sold against their will.

It was horrible to the point that it felt like I was going to throw up.

Ah, no, I think this was just me being hungry.

"Jo-Pil," Jin-Yeok called. "It's done." He said and I nodded.

"I... I'll leave the rest to you. So make the right call."

I hope he interpreted that right. I wanted him to take care of the slaves, maybe give them jobs. I... I didn't want them to live shabby lives, even if their will had been broken.

Ah, come to think of it, the maids at home, were they once slaves?

They were employed by Seo-Jun so only he might know.

But that aside, it would make sense since they were almost lifeless, as if they had no life. As if they couldn't live unless they were told to live.

Broken minds and will...

I suddenly got a call and looked at my phone.

It was Min-Cheol.

How odd, this boy. When did he start calling?

"Hyung, how are you over there?" He asked and I could hear the concern in his tone.

"Well, nothing much. Why? Are you worried about me?"

He nodded heavily.

"That old man took you to an uncomfortable place, I know it. I just hope you don't feel weird and bad." He said and I sighed softly.

So this was indeed what they were warning about.

"Well, I saw the slaves but don't worry, it's all fine now," I said. "And I don't feel weird. Not anymore, at least."

"You should leave that old man and come home so I can hold you to sleep. Then, you'll have nothing to worry about."

Ah, right.

We created the trend of me sleeping in my master's room just last night. This is just the beginning, it seems.

"Well, alright but..." I paused, wondering if it was still too early to ask this. "Have you thought about what I said about Seo-Jun?"

"Ah, that? I don't plan to hate him anymore." He said with a cheerful tone that my brow arched instinctively. He sounded almost too bright for this topic.

"Then, have you talked about it with him?"

"Well, I wanted to. In fact, I planned to do it tonight but..."

Is he just making excuses because he doesn't want to?

"Tell me," I folded my arms. "Why haven't you talked to him yet?"

"Well, he's not exactly in a state where I can have a talk with him." He said.

"Why? Did something happen?"

"Right now, he's unconscious and the doctors are treating him but he's not showing any sign of recovering. It's really bad."

"What?!" I exclaimed, shocked, and Jin-Yeok turned, worried at my sudden outburst. "Why... Why are you only telling me this now? Is it severe? He's not dying, is he?"

Min-Cheol went silent. Hearing me worry about Seo-Jun so much, even when he was the one talking to him, hit a jealous nerve, and he didn't feel like answering.

Then, he sighed, deciding not to be too childish since he knew how much I cared. If he were the one sick, I would probably react the same way... Right?

"He's not in a very critical condition but his fever won't go down." He said. "For now, Hyung, come home and see for yourself. I don't think I can have this conversation with you on the phone."

"Ah, sorry." I quickly apologized. "I didn't mean to react like that, Little Min. I'm just worried, you know that."

"Yes, Hyung. You're such a kind-hearted and warm person. I know you'd react like that regardless of who was sick so I don't mind."

But that's not what your earlier tone said. He's jealous, I can feel it.

"Sorry, Little Min. I'll come home now. Just keep me updated if things are getting worse."

"And what would you do then, Hyung?" He asked, causing me to pause. "You're not a doctor so please don't stress yourself too much about this and let the doctors handle it. It'll be an issue if you faint from worrying too much."

"Yes, right. Sorry."

"Hyung, don't apologize."

But I felt like apologizing. Min-Cheol's tone scared me for some reason. We weren't seeing face to face but I could tell he wasn't smiling.

If he were in front of me, he would at least try to smile, even if it was fake. That would feel much more better than this, where it feels like he's frowning and wants to kill someone.

I hope he doesn't do something stupid before I get there.

He says he no longer hates Seo-Jun, but it's not like you can choose not to hate someone, and the hate magically disappears completely... There was still something and all it needed was a trigger.

I... I didn't want us to go down that lane.

"Regardless," I said, rolling my eyes down to the floor. "I hope it's not something contagious. Little Min, you have to take care of yourself."

Let's show him I care about him as well and reduce his anger induced by jealousy.

"I don't want you to fall sick as well."

I could feel the shift in his breathing and how he blushed even if I couldn't see him.

Yes, for this kid, you just need to give him as much attention as needed and he'll be all sunshine and roses.

"Don't worry, Hyung. I'm completely healthy." He said, with a cheerful tone. "You don't have to worry about me, haha."

But it did feel like he wanted me to worry about him rather than the one who was actually sick.

"Okay, I'm coming now."

But a high fever that wouldn't go down? He wasn't going in a rut, was he?

I hope not.

I mean, if he were, the doctors would know. So, the fact that they hadn't called me was either that it wasn't a rut or... It was indeed a rut and my masters didn't want me to take responsibility.

No, if it was indeed a rut then Min-Cheol wouldn't ask me to hurry and come back home.

Then, it was just a high fever.

I pressed my hand on my forehead, worried. It was no wonder his temperature felt off days back and how he shut himself away.

He knew he was falling sick.

That dumbo... Why didn't he get treatment on time if he knew he was getting sick?

Then, Jin-Yeok brushed my strands gently, causing me to raise my head.

"What's the problem?" He asked and I pursed my lips.

"Seo-Jun is sick," I said. "I think I have to go home now."

Jin-Yeok went silent for a while but then closed his eyes.

"Alright, but I'm sorry I can't go back with you. I have to get to work as soon as possible so I can make your wish come true faster," he caressed my face and I blushed.

Right away?

But I didn't like it for some reason.

He doesn't want to come home with me?

My eyes fell sadly.

"Alright. But please be careful," u held his hand and then slid his glove off, interlocking our fingers to his amazement. His touch was soft and so was mine. "I don't want you to get hurt, Jin-Yeok, so please play safely." I kissed his hand.

"I will, Jo-Pil." He cupped my face, the warmth of his hand slipping into my skin as he kissed my lips and then my forehead.

He was so affectionate.

"Get home safely. You might not see me for a few days but I'll keep in touch. I will only show my face once I have accomplished what you asked of me."

I felt dismayed. Why did he have to make it a punishment?

I closed my eyes and nodded.

This must be his way of showing his determination. Let's not undermine it.