Kim's estate, perched on a hill and veiled by ancient pines and silver mist,was a fortress of modern steel, dark, black stones and sharp angles,looming over the city like a ruthless predator. Jungkook's pulse hammered as they approached the towering,steel gate. A dull hum filling his skull like electricity cracking behind his eyes.
Hobi had a word with the two bulky Alphas guarding the estate and immediately the door swung open and the Kim family stepped inside, carefully studying their surroundings.
Jungkook and Jimin had heard stories about castles like that but it felt too surreal. As if it had popped out of a medieval fairytale. Training pits with sand stained black at the back right side of the vast path, sacred groves, probably the burial ground for the Pack's ancestors in the far distance and a magnificent garden planted with varieties of roses,some so dark,their petals looked black.
Hobi leaned in Jungkook's ear." Remember to be polite but show no weakness. They respect strength."
Jungkook nodded,now more terrified than ever. Last day's preparation seemed a distant memory and the Omega feared he'd do something wrong and anger the leaders.
Jimin held and squeezed his sweaty hand,sensing his anxiety."Whatever happens don't say too much..they can't know..wolves as well as people are intimidated by what they can't understand."
" I'm not a fool Jimin." Jungkook whispered back." I know when to keep my mouth shut."
Passing the huge stone pathway,they reached the main door,two more guards situated outside,stepped away upon seeing Hobi and let them in. Marching through the cathedral-like hallway, stretching ahead,its vaulted ceiling lost in gloom,all except Hobi, got goosebumps.
The Grand Hall,dressed in black stone walls,veined with gold, hung the portraits of past leaders and swords forged in bloody battlefields, exuding deadly power and fear. The air was thick with the scent of strength and money making Jungkook's skin crawl, standing behind his parents and between his hyungs.
A broad-shouldered man,overlording and commanding,with murky, black eyes and downturned lips,stood by the fireplace, swirling a glass of whiskey. Next to him ,a few feet away,stood a tall,regal woman with gold-streaked hair. Her black pitch eyes flicked over Jungkook assessing before cracking a warm smile.
Alpha Kim and his Luna.
" Welcome to the Moonlight pack. " Luna greeted them warmly. Her lips softened,a quiet admission of joy." I hope you'll feel comfortable and safe here."
Namjoon and Jin bowed followed by the rest."Your pack is hospitable Luna. We appreciate your taking us in." Namjoon responded.
Jin straightened and added softly but firmly."Your protection means so much to us. We thank you for allowing us to stay."
" Hobi's family is ours too. We couldn't turn a blind eye to your misfortune. If we could help you in any way, we'd be delighted to do it." Minji stated, her gaze landing on Jungkook whose breath hitched,fingers curled around the hem of his dark,green hoodie but remained composed."And this one? Jungkook.. I've learnt he's unmated?"
Hobi stepped in smoothly." Jungkook is twenty one Luna and still waiting for his mate."
Minji waved her slender hand towards Jungkook." Come closer child..come."
Jungkook drew closer,hands shaking and palms glistering from sweat but his face didn't betray his anxiety. He bowed again when faced by the two elders. The truth was the Alpha was kind of intimidating that caused his stomach to stir.
" You're Jungkook?"
" Yes,Luna."
His voice made Minji's heart flutter from joy. It was odd but his beauty was beyond words! Such an exquisite, unique and magnetic presence giving her chills." The Moon Goddess was extremely generous when creating you Jungkook."
The younger 's cheeks turned crimson red at her comment and a timid smile coated his lips."Thank you,Luna." His beauty weighed like a curse rather than an advantage.Because of it they were on the run.
" You'll be safe here. Nobody can harm you in our pack." Luna assured him, reaching out and holding his hand." What a match you'd be for our son. Too bad he's already mated."
Jungkook had heard that the next Alpha was already taken by a gorgeous Beta and they were expected to get married soon, although the pack wasn't particularly fond of the future Luna. He didn't have the chance to meet Alpha Taehyung as he was away on a business trip to Japan, visiting an ally pack and organising their training camp.
" I'm sure the Goddess has chosen his mate wisely,Luna. She's never wrong." Jungkook carefully replied.
'The Moon Goddess had nothing to do with it.' she thought.' That stubborn man made the choice himself,giving us an unworthy Beta for a daughter-in-law.' Her irritation grew stronger at the prospect of that woman with her son and both ruling over the pack.
" I hope so..for everyone's sake." Minji muttered through clenched teeth." What do you think of our people so far?"
" They're extremely kind and warm." Jungkook answered,Luna still holding his hand. She must have sensed his trembling but ignored it.
"I understand you have exceptional healing powers." Daeho suddenly asserted, startling Jungkook. He tattered for breath as his eyes searched for his brother's. Jimin seemed calm and composed,a clear indication that everything was fine and his secret was safe.
" I know my way around herbs and plants and their healing powers. I study and learn their use in treating people." Jungkook responded diplomatically to the Alpha.
" We have two doctors in our pack."
Jungkook didn't hesitate to reply, knowing,or at least suspecting it was some form of a test." I can mend wounds,stop the bleeding on scraped skin,bandage a broken limb but I can't perform surgery and save someone's life. Hobi hyung is a skillful doctor and the pack is lucky to have him."
His witty and humble answer seemed to please the Alpha,who nodded in respect. He fancied the Omega's modesty and the sincerity in his glowing,amber gold eyes." We are indeed lucky.." He turned towards Jimin and Yoongi." I hope you enjoy your stay in our pack. It's entirely different from what you're accustomed to but I'm certain you'll find something to your likings."
The couple bowed and Jimin smiled gracefully, containing his sharp tongue." I'm sure we will,Alpha." The sweetness and tenderness of his voice stunned Jin who was prepared for a rude comment or even worse an outburst about the lack of modern facilities.
" We're certain of it." Yoongi agreed, slightly bowing his head." I noticed you have an excellent training camp. I would like to train with your warriors if I may." Yoongi thought it would be wise to get his approval before accepting the proposal made by the other Alphas.
" Any time you please." Daeho's eyes never left Jungkook's figure, carefully observing him from head to toe with an unreadable expression. A mixture of unexpected anticipation and condensed, oracular fear. He set the glass on the fireplace, noting his hand was faintly trembling." Join us for dinner tonight. We'll have the chance to get to know eachother better." he requested politely, granting them permission to leave.
The door sealed with a sound like a tomb locking. The footsteps fled and in their wake the Grand Hall held its breath,a silence deeper than the grave setting over its bones. Daeho and Minji stood frozen in the silence,pierced solely by the fire's hungry flickering.
" You sensed it too." Luna muttered,holding her breath as if inhaling would burn her lungs."The overwhelming power. The magnetic pull. The hypnotic aura.The rebirth." Her shuddering fingers lifted towards the porcelain vase. Yesterday's dead roses now pulsed crimson red,petals unfurling, blooming with vitality.
Daehos's eyes,unable to carry the burden of realisation,flickered and surrendered to mist,a solid sigh reaping the silence." The moment I laid my eyes on him. It stirred my soul. And for the first time I acknowledge fear Minji."
" Fear Alpha? Hope and exhilaration would be more accurate." she corrected him softly, looming over and gently touching his quivering hand." What if.. Jungkook is the answer to our prayers? The one to melt our son's heart? Make him think clearly?"
" I pray for the opposite. A sweet Omega, regardless of its powers,is incapable of melting Taehyung's heart."
" Why? Deep inside he's noble and kind."
" He doesn't have a heart but a stone." Alpha growled,his chest sizzling with fear." He's not the sunbeam,honey-lipped chatterbox he once was. Stop refusing to see the truth. He's not just arrogant. He's imperious and condescending. Sly and wrathful. Callous and resentful for all Omegas." He leaned against the fireplace, resting his throbbing head on the mantel." No..pray the boy isn't his mate because then we condemn him to something far worse than hell.. irreparably broken…shuddered for life…"
Minji squeezed his hand." It's worth the try. It hurts seeing him so cold and indifferent."
" Have you forgotten he has already chosen his mate? Either we like it or not, that cunning witch is the next.." the words wouldn't come out. His mind refused to cooperate." Brhh! The next Luna." he hurled in menace,bashing both hands on the mantel.
Minji came to the sobering conclusion that attempting dialogue at this point was frutal and ill-advised, resigning to wait for Taehyung's return to the city." We have two more weeks to sleep on it and decide how to handle all possible outcomes."
" Fine. I pray the Moon Goddess doesn't have a wicked sense of humour because that boy will suffer in our son's bloody hands."
Daeho,despite his love for his son, was fully aware of his inability to feel anything other than hatred and wrath in his icy heart,his detest for Omegas and fated mates.
__________
The next two weeks slipped by like water through fingers. Easy, effortless,leaving the family and the pack content in its current. Each day melting into the next without resistance. For once they were carefree,able to do ordinary activities without the burden of knowledge that tormented them the past few years.
Every morning was embraced by contentment,dizzy in glee. Jin would prepare breakfast with the family gathering around the table, laughing and chatting. When finished, they'd parted and happily resumed their duties.
Jin had created a cooking club,teaching the members Korean and international cuisine,feeling proud to pass on his knowledge and become useful. Namjoon,as the intellectual philosopher and business genius he was, had organised the city's library and the pack's finances along with Daeho,noting the high potentials of diverting the gold mines deep in the mountains into a lucrative operation bringing in millions of dollars.
Yoongi was training alongside the pack's warriors in the camp, introducing new,modern fighting techniques, teaching them martial arts,boxing,shooting and body combat. Jimin on the other hand, being the dramatic,sassy brat, decided to create a music and drama club to make use of his extraordinary abilities to actually 'create drama'. A dream come true for him since he always wanted to get into show business. Luna was sharing his enthusiasm and was the first to participate in his classes.
Jungkook had made friends for the first time. A group of Omegas and Betas sharing his passion for herbs and plants. They would often visit the forest to gather healing plants, discussing their lives. Jungkook was cautious about revealing too much and talking about his past or the real reason behind their arrival. However,he seemed eager to learn more about them,their background,how the pack and the leaders treated them.
Apart from Alpha Taehyung's contempt and revulsion towards Omegas,the rest were treating them with respect and admiration. Jungkook couldn't help but get shivers down his spine at the mention of the Alpha's name. It held power and callousness but also fear and savageness,having contradictory and mixed emotions about him.
Jungkook rejected wolves who measured others by their ranks instead of their character,treating Omegas like servants and outcasts, being excluded from the army,using them as vessels of pleasure for their primitive instincts,abusing them in the most hideous way and then discarding them as useless beings. Jungkook feared the Alpha was indeed such a person.
He didn't know if he pitied his mate or if the next Luna shared the same opinion as her Alpha. Leaders who don't respect each member of the pack they have sworn to protect are doomed to fail. And from what he had heard so far Yuna, Taehyung 's mate,was as cruel and vicious as him.
A perfect match!
___________
The forest was vivid with the golden haze of morning, brindled sunlight slipping through the canopy like dripping honey. Jungkook,in his loose blue jeans and oversized,black hoodie,knelt scrabbling on the drenched soil,his fingers dropping over the velvety leaves of moonlace plant. Its silver-veined petals glistering faintly.
He was absent-minded.
Anxious and heedless,his mind wrapped in heavy fog without understanding the reason.
" Careful Jungkook!" Soobin,a Beta with black hair, murmured."The roots are toxic if you crush them."
Jungkook jerked his hand back,cheeks flushing pink, cursing his stupidity. He ought to have known better than to touch the plant with bare hands as it was extremely dangerous. Lethal."Right..thanks."
" Don't worry." Hana, another Omega with shiny,long chestnut hair,giggled,putting a crown of colourful wildflowers on her head. She plucked a bluebell and tucked it softly behind Jungkook's ear." We've all made mistakes..well except from Balam of course! She probably eats wolfsbane for breakfast!" she jeered and Jungkook recognised the sarcasm and disapproval in her low,sweet voice.
" I shouldn't be so careless." Jungkook admitted in defeat." I'm not a rookie when it comes to plants." He paused and hesitated talking about the Alpha and his future Luna but he was rather curious." Is she...so weird? Balam I mean."
" She's mean, vicious, resentful and narcissistic. She treats us like dirt." Hana exclaimed,kneeling next to Jungkook,helping him gather more plants." Despite her beauty,I personally don't see it, she's evil reincarnated. A witch. Devil's daughter."
A ripple of unease laughter passed through the group as they moved deeper into the thick forest,baskets swinging and the conversation led to Taehyung.
" Alpha Taehyung always had.. abnormal tastes. He avoided Omegas like the plague even during his rut.. before her. He'd prefer to drown in pain than touch an Omega." Soobin whispered as if the gentle, morning breeze would carry his words all the way to Japan.
" The word is he's unstable since..I don't know.. forever!"Minho,a broad-shouldered Beta with red hair,muttered.
Jungkook's fingers stillec on a Witch's cap mushroom." Why? I mean was he born like that? Detesting Omegas?"
" Nobody knows." Minho shrugged his shoulders.
Hana bent, lowering her voice." He hasn't found his fated mate yet."
An ear splitting hush fell,even the birds ceased cheeping and animals stood still. " I thought Balam was his mate." Jungkook responded in shock as it was unexpected.
Soobin snorted, waving his long hand and rolling his eyes." Mate my ass! He chose her. His parents were furious when he told them and presented her as the future Luna. They aren't destined and for a wicked, ambitious Beta like her that's not enough. Everyone's a potential threat she needs to eliminate." Soobin explicated scornfully. He cowered over Jungkook's ear." It is said that she has a strange influence on him. That she has casted a spell on the Alpha because there's no other way to keep him."
Jungkook frowned, gazing at the Beta beside him." Maybe he's in love with her."
" Love? He doesn't know the concept of the word." Soobin snarled, huffing.
" But the Moon Goddess has accepted the union, hasn't she?" Jungkook wondered outloud.
" The Goddess doesn't make mistakes, Jungkook. She has tried to show him the right path but he resists. I believe if he hasn't found his mate yet is because…"
" Because he's unworthy." A calm,new voice chimed in. They turned their heads towards the origin of the sudden voice. An older Omega in silver streaked hair emerged from the ferns,her basket overflowing with bloodroot. Eunjeen. "His elder brother Taehyn, was worthy. A true leader. A brave warrior with a gentle heart. Fair and skillful.What a leader he would be!" she added,her eyes dipped in sadness as they turned black pitch.
" And look how that ended!" Hana mumbled through gnashed teeth." We got stuck with the Hellhound Alpha!"
Jungkook looked baffled and his stomach twisted. His curiosity intensified but he was reluctant to ask more on the subject, especially on how his brother died so he preferred to hush.
" Two winters ago." Minho said grimly." An Omega from the Snowcrest pack visited us. Taehyung took one whiff and rejected her, sending her away before sundown."
" However, Balam is unmarked."Hana informed the rest, shuddering." Alpha seems unwilling to mark her and that angers her further."
" So she lashes her rage on everyone." Minho tarted in rank, swaying his head.
Jungkook's own bonding gland ached in sympathy. He knew first hand how it felt. Not to be claimed or marked. Feel wanted and complete by your mate,share the unique bond it offers.
" Even if he attempted to mark her, the scars would fade away in an instant." Eunjeen noted,calmly. As an older Omega,she was well aware that a chosen mate can't be marked or fully claimed by an Alpha.
" Worst of all" Soobin lisped again." he burns all gifts left or sent to him by unmated Omegas and Betas,even the ones soaked in heat-scent."
" He detests wolves like us. We're the lowest rank in the pack according to him. Unwanted and rejected." Hana waggled her shoulders and as much as she wanted to sound casual and unaffected,it was evident she resented it. They had learnt to accept it long ago and stay out of his way,shadows in the mist. Mostly for their sake but they dreaded the day both of them would become leaders.
Jungkook wasn't accustomed to that sort of behaviour, growing up in a city amongst people. He was never treated differently because of his rank. Humans didn't care. They only saw his character and kind personality but now he was scared of the future. Of meeting Taehyung or his mate.
Eunjeen's wrinkled hand closed around his wrist." You're new. Young. Beautiful." Her nails dug in his white flesh." Stay away from him..from them. And from the eastern woods." She let go and moved forward, leaving Jungkook more puzzled than before.
As the group trudged out of the woods, back to the city,their baskets brimming with moomlace and dreamthorn and a variety of other plants,the wind unexpectedly shifted,carrying a scent that caused Jungkook's knees buckle and stomach curl. It reeked of rotting musk. A decaying scent of dried blood and spoilt meat.
It burnt Jungkook's nostrils and carried the heavy weight of death and corruption. He found it instinctively revolting and wondered why the others were unaffected. His guts churned violently,making him gag, threatening to spill over. He hadn't felt like that since he first met that dreadful bastard. The root of all evil. The cause of his misfortunes.
" She's near." Minho hissed, chattering his teeth and yanking Jungkook behind a huge oak tree.
Through the croaking leaves Jungkook caught a glimpse of a tall,young woman with black,crow hair, glazed, twisted eyes like death,crooked mouth, dressed in black leather. A snarl split the air.
" WHO GAVE YOU PERMISSION TO ENTER MY FOREST AND GATHER MY HERBS?" The voice,bleak and blade, vibrated through the vastness of the woods.
" Our Alpha and Luna." Eunjeen stepped forward as if it was her duty to protect the group and deal with her arrogance." Should I inform them of your objection?"
Balam's evil laughter echoed. Swallow and hollow like her doomed soul. She flipped back her hair, pursing her red lips." No need." She loomed closer to the woman." I'll remember your disobedience when the time comes,Omega." the Beta warned her,a scornful look rippling her face,making her resemble pure evil but shockingly didn't scare the older woman.
Balam scanned the area with knitted brows then whirled around,icy and detached before marching away, allowing everyone to breathe freely.
" That was close." Hana blurted out, flashing a beaming smile and holding Jungkook's hand who had stepped forward." Now you understand? Stay away from her."
__________
Back in the safety of his empty house ,his family was still out,Jungkook headed straight up to his bedroom and shut the door behind him. He clutched the bluebell from his hair,his heart hammering in his chest and ran his fingers through his hair.
What a day!
His carefree stroll to the woods nearly ended in total disaster! Not wanting to waste any time,he had a quick shower to get rid of that revolting smell of death emerging from every pore of his body,put on a pair of grey sweatpants and a white t-shirt ,sat at the edge of his bed and began dividing his plants and herbs into danger levels.
The wolfsbane and bloodroot for curses and bonding rituals in the back panel of his drawer. The moonlace and dreamthorn for soothing bonding fever and pain relief or vision dreams in the side panels. The white orchids used for fertility teas and nest-sanctification in the bottom panels.
The bloodmoss for instant stop bleeding, Willow's tears to numb the pain and the Blackfang root strictly for Alphas,emberthorn and full moon poultice on the other side panels.
Satisfied with the results,he crawled back in bed, resting his head on the headboard above the covers. His feet were slightly aching from the wet, bumpy ground and he stretched his arms and legs, yawning. He needed a nap to regain his strength but he was still kind of shaken up by the odd encounter in the forest.
That stench clung onto him like a rotting shadow. A living thing he couldn't discard in spite of scrubbing his body till it turned red. Balam carried death inside her. She was surrounded by an evil aura, capable of consuming everything pure and untouched, infecting it with corruption and wickedness.
Eventually he gave in to his exhaustion and his heavy eyes shut closed. This time his nightmares were substituted by a bulky figure,dressed in black,his dark, menacing gaze wandering upon him,ready to sink his sharp claws into his white flesh.
___________
Jungkook was prowling around the city's narrow alleys when the shriek of steel kissing steel gained his attention. As his footsteps approached the whisper of blades he found himself near the training camp. A variety of scents smashed his nostrils. All apathetic. Some aloof,some blase,others warm.
The corner of his eye caught a glimpse of Yoongi's towering bastion of muscles dashing towards a crowd of Alphas and Betas. A scent hit him more powerful than the others. Iron and pine,thick as smoke. He clutched onto his basket, sprinting towards the commotion in the training pit before his mind could protest,driven by instinct.
What he encountered when lunging on the gathered crowd of bulky, sweaty men,froze his blood. Alpha Mark,one of Taehyung's most fierce warriors, laid sprawled in the dirty mud,his stomach split open from navel to ribs. The ground beneath him was crimson red with blood. Around him his fellow warriors stood useless,hands shaking,eyes dark.
Noone could touch an Alpha's wounds without permission. Except Jungkook.
Yoongi breathed a sigh of relief noticing Jungkook approaching. The Omega knelt already reaching for his hidden kit." Get Hobi." he ordered his hyung who immediately rushed to get help. Jungkook's eyes scanned the wounded area. His nostrils easily picked up the traces of poison, probably from the sword. And although Alphas heal fast,the silver poison rots from the inside.
Without caring for the consequences,he grabbed a clean cloth from his basket, pressing it on the wound. Mark growled,his claws seizing Jungkook's wrist.
" Omega don't!" A threat. A warning not to be touched.
Jungkook raised his head,gazing straight into his half opened eyes and didn't retreat." You'll die by the time Hobi comes if I stop. So stand still and let me heal you."
Something in his strict yet soothing tone made Mark release him of his grip. "Go..abead.."Jungkook slathered moonlace paste onto the silver burn,Mark howled in pain,his muscles locking. With steady hands Jungkook dripped shadowcap tincture between his lips and a drop of Alpha's saliva from his dad,pressed his hand on it, carefully gathering his powers and waited.
As the wound knitted itself Jungkook's vision blurred,every muscle in his body screamed from pain but bit his tongue till copper flooded his mouth to endure the side effects of the shadowcap and tame his powers.
The crowd was at awe by his healing abilities,his determination and quick response, shadows whispered what the wind couldn't hold, words fraying at the edges. Mark sat up, panting heavily.
" How did you…?"
" Don't ask. It's better if you don't know." Jungkook wiped the blood from his lips and the sweat from the Alpha's forehead with a new cloth." Please.. don't tell."
A shadow fell over them.
" Tell who?" Mark asked, puzzled with his head buzzing. He found it odd that the Omega's scent wasn't detectable. He couldn't smell him. Probably because Jungkook had used up his remaining strength to block his intense scent.
A muscle twitched in Jungkook's jaw." Your Alpha..when he returns."
The older one got the hint. Jungkook was already informed about Taehyung's detest towards Omegas and the boy was probably scared for his safety. It wasn't unjustified.He had used illegal substances to treat him and had touched him without permission.
" You saved my life." He stared at the others."Nobody will tell him. I promise. Thank you Omega."
Jungkook blushed and darted his gaze." Hobi could save you,too."
" I sincerely doubt it." he muttered,taking long,steady breaths.
Hobi arrived followed by Yoongi and two other men. They put him on a stretcher and rushed him to the hospital for Hobi to examine him further and stitch his wounds.He didn't ask any questions. He knew.
Jungkook loomed up next to Yoongi,who seemed composed, carefully whispering in his ear." Silver poison." He cautiously picked up the bloody sword , allowing Yoongi to sniff it." It was spread on the blade. It was intentional. Someone tried to kill him."
Yoongi's forehead wrinkled, whiffing the blade but he couldn't pick up the scent." I can't smell it."
" I can and I'm telling you it's dipped in poison."
" Are you sure Kook?" Yoongi insisted.
" I recognise poisons, remember? And I'm never wrong." he reminded him, voice low but firm.
Yoongi took some quivering exhales, rubbing his temples." We must speak to the Alpha. If there's a threat amongst us,we need to be alert." A sharp breath escaped him like a warning. " I don't have time for this shit!"
The boy repeatedly shook his head." Hyung! I used shadwcap and Alpha's saliva I wasn't supposed to have. They're illegal and on top of that I touched him without his consent. Alpha Kim is gonna have my head!"
Yoongi placed his hands on his shoulders." I won't let that happen. I will protect you with my life. But it's too serious to keep it a secret. We have to warn them. We have no idea who's next or if you'll be there to heal him in case it happens again." he pointed out reassuringly only to receive a nod from Jungkook.
" If I lose my pretty head, it's on you. Deal with my parents and your mate!"Jungkook joked,only as a last resort to tame the racing of his heart and the drumming of his temples.
__________
It was around midnight when Jungkook and Yoongi stood across Alpha Daeho in his study. The air was thick with the lingering smell of smoldering cedar logs in the hearth. A single lamp casted long shadows over the expensive burgundy carpet.
Jungkook's fingers trembled around the hem of his black hoodie. Yoongi stood rigid beside him,his usual calmness replaced by a predatory stillness. Namjoon and Jin had specifically ordered him to stay alert and mind linked them in case the situation got out of hand and Daeho responded with violence.
Daeho didn't rise from his high-backed, leather chair. His ember brown eyes gleamed in the firelight and expression unreadable as he listened. Yoongi began explaining, allowing Jungkook to finish.
" The wound wasn't just silver poison. It was laced with moonthorn..deadly for werewolves." Jungkook's voice barely above a whisper but his words struck heavily on the Alpha.
Daeho rubbed his jaw still in silence.
" The sword was tampered with. Mark was targeted." Yoongi's jaw flexed." And if it happened so easily to him,who knows who's next?"
" Who injured him?" Daeho let out a slow exhale.
" Do-yun."
"Were the fighting pairs formed today?"
Yoongi waggled his head." Yesterday. After training."
" Whose decision was it?" Alpha asked again,voice laced with coverted curiosity.
" Nobody's. We drew straws."
" Then whoever tampered with the blade did it in the meantime. Sometime between yesterday and tonight's training." he murmured ,eyes shifting left and right as he turned to Jungkook." Are you positive it was poison?"
The Omega reached inside his left hoodie pocket,took out the bloody cloth, unfurled it, revealing the blackened threads where the poison ate through the fabric." Silver poison turns blood into ink under moonlight..look." He stepped forward just enough to hold it under the lamp for Daeho to examine it. The dyain simmered violet.
Daeho leaned forward,his wolf bones woven into his braids, clicking softly. For a few seconds that seemed forever,he simply stared at the fire as if it would give him answers. "Who else knows?"
" The family,us and Hobi." Yoongi responded firmly.
" Fine.. we'll keep this strictly between us for now." His gaze flicked over Yoongi."No need to panic the pack until we investigate and have solid proof.I need the traitor." He rose from his chair slightly pushing it back,his towering shadow swallowing the room." Another matter.." eyes on Jungkook's figure."Shadowcap is illegal in our pack and so is touching an Alpha's wound without consent. Mark assured me he gave you permission."
He paused clearly anticipating the Omega's response but Jungkook was no coward or a liar. His upbringing wouldn't allow him to lie so he weighed his reply and the possible consequences before speaking. He filled his lungs with air and said bravely." I can't lie to Alpha. I touched him without his permission and I also gathered shadwowcap..just in case."
The older's hand squeezed the bloody cloth,the only piece of evidence burning his skin." I appreciate your honesty as much as Mark's effort to protect his saviour. I wasn't expecting anything less from you."
He wheeled around,hid the cloth in his drawer,locking it then pranced to the fireplace."Yoongi double the guards in the armory. If anyone asks, tell them it was my order. Find out who got in and why. Discreetly. We don't want to draw attention and suspicions..I need him to have his guards down.."
" Or her." Jungkook blurted out without thinking.
" You think it's a woman?" Daeho frowned.
" Women are better with poison. A man would choose another way to get rid of him. Attack him at night. Ambush him. Snap his neck. Give him no time to react." Jungkook expounded, internally cursing his bravery. He didn't know when to shut up. His papa's genes took over!
" A woman..? It's a possibility.." Daeho didn't sound wary of the younger's opinion." We can't dismiss anything at this point. Jungkook..gather more shadowcap and moonlace.. quietly."
" You believe us?" Jungkook inquired, stunned,his eyes knitted together.
Daeho's lips woven a faint smile." A person who doesn't lie,speaks the truth knowing the potential consequences involved is worthy of my trust. Not a word to anyone. Especially my son Taehyung when he returns. He'll fitst rip out your throats and ask questions later."
Jungkook's mind made that into a vivid picture and he got shivers down his already sweaty spine. Even the mention of his name caused his skin to burn hotter than the hearth and his cheeks to flash pink. He felt Yoongi's hand slowly dragging him towards the door.
" You did well tonight pup." Alpha unexpectedly exclaimed,his voice softer than they expected and Jungkook's breath caught. Pup. Not Omega. Just pup..and he smiled.
" Thank you Alpha."
Daeho moved to the right side of the vast bookcase,opened a secret compartment and withdrew something slender. A dagger,silver,its edge so sharp it could cut through the silence. Jungkook's pulse spiked. Silver was forbidden to Omegas,he knew that much.
" Alpha I can't.."
" You can. " Daeho insisted ,turning the blade, offering it to him." And you will."
Jungkook hesitated, chewing on his bottom lip but as he eyed Yoongi,he received a nod. His fingers trembled holding the hilt of the dagger. The leather was smooth,almost velvety.
" This was my sister's…Daehyn. It was forged in the mines of Ascalon and belonged to my family for centuries. She saved my life when our pack fell into traitors.." his voice dropped,dipped in sadness and devastating memories.
" You believe I'm in danger?" Jungkook's throat clogged as the older's lips scrunched together.
" I think you're smarter than most give you credit for. You've got more strength and determination in you than all my warriors, including my son. " He stooped over,his ember eyes glowing in the dim light." Keep it hidden . Use if you must. And if anyone asks.."
" It was never yours.." Yoongi finished his sentence grimly.
The Alpha gave a small nod." Good." Then to their amazement,he raised his hand, cupping Jungkook's cheek,his calloused thumb brushing beneath his eye. " You remind me of her. Stubborn,brave, sincere." The boy's extraordinary scent washed over him, strong,calm,vibrant. Different from the other Omegas he had encountered over the years.
Yes. Jungkook was special. And deeply wounded. Daeho only wanted to protect him. Give him all he deserved and was deprived of. Because he knew.. Jungkook would play a significant role in their Ives.
Jungkook,for the first time in ages, heaved in warmth enveloping his raging heart. His chest was burning as he felt accepted. Safe. Protected. He tucked the dagger in his boot and the weight was oddly comforting.
Daeho straightened his posture,his handsome face slipping back to his usual unreadable mask. As Yoongi and Jungkook shifted to leave, his low voice followed them." And Jungkook?"
The boy glanced over his shoulder.
" Try not to stab anyone I like."