"Luna Jin!" Shin-hye exclaimed as she hugged her fellow luna and friend.
"Luna! It's been a long time. You can just call me Jin from now on. After all, I'm no longer the luna of the Cypher pack." Jin said.
"Oh, shush. Once a luna, always a luna." Shin-hye said before noticing Taehyung. "Omo, Taehyung-ah! You look so gorgeous! No wonder why my son is so captivated by you. You should've seen his face when he confirmed that you're not human. It was priceless!" Shin-hye said, ignoring her son completely when he was gesturing for her to stop.
Taehyung's face and ears went red at what the luna said. He just kept quiet and smiled at her.
Shin-hye then greeted Yoo Jung and Minkyu, saying how beautiful and handsome they were, respectively, giving all credit to their eomma's genes.
"Yeobo, they will be joining our pack from now on. Their house caught on fire and we don't think it was an accident. I told Namjoon about the rogues that we caught the other day who were looking for them and I offered for them to stay here where they will all be safe." Ji-cheol said.
"Oh my goodness. I'm so sorry to hear about your house. And, I definitely agree with Ji-cheol you'd be safe here." Shin-hye said.
Taehyung felt uneasy and thought it would be best for him to speak up while everyone was around.
"Um, Appa, Eomma, do you really think this is a good idea? For years we've been avoiding to join any pack as you're scared that they would get attacked because of us...because of me, am I right? We shouldn't stay here too, then. I don't want to cause any trouble for Snow Flower pack." Taehyung said.
What Taehyung said struck a chord in Jungkook's heart.
"That's nonsense, Taehyung! This is where you belong. This pack is yours as much as it is ours and protecting you and your family is our responsibility. You're my mate, Taeh, that means you are family. All of you are part of this family." Jungkook said.
"Jungkook's right, Taehyung. And don't worry about the pack. Our pack is quite strong as no other pack is led by three true bloods — Me, Shin-hye and Jungkook. We have trained our soldiers well and we have more than enough alpha and beta soldiers to protect us all. Thanks to the Cypher Pack." Ji-Cheol explained.
"What do you mean?" Yoo Jung asked.
"We merged the two together when your appa and eomma left the pack, all the pack members were instructed by Namjoon to come here. That's why Your uncle Jinyoung and auntie Go-Eun are here too." Ji-Cheol said.
"So, you planned everything, appa? You knew that one day we would come here?" Minkyu asked his father.
"I hoped. It was difficult for me to leave our pack without a head alpha so I couldn't think of any other place for them to got to but here. Me and your eomma wanted to come here sooner, but back then, Snow Flower wasn't as big and strong as it is now as Ji-Cheol was just starting to build it. We would put them in danger if we went here straight as I'm sure our enemies knew that we are strong allies. That's why we had to keep on moving until the right time came. And, I think this is the right time." Namjoon said.
"We're not running anymore. We are finally home." Jin told her children.
"Do we still need to wear our necklaces?" Taehyung asked.
"Not anymore, son. You three need to embrace your wolf selves now, especially you, Taehyung. You have to figure out the extent of your powers and learn how to control them." Jin said.
"Good because I left mine at home." Taehyung said with an awkward smile. "But, eomma, how can I figure it out? Is there someone else here in the pack like me that I can learn from, perhaps?" Taehyung asked.
"There's no one else like you, Taeh." Jungkook said matter of factly.
"Looks like someone's got it bad." Shin-Hye whispered to her husband and giggled.
"Okay, on that note, let's all call it a night. I'm sure everyone's pretty tired. " Ji-Cheol said.
"Alpha Namjoon, why don't you and Luna stay with us at home. Go-Eun's waiting for you too. We have an extra room there." Jinyoung said and Namjoon agreed as he missed his noona too.
"Yoo Jung, Taehyung there are two extra rooms here at the pack house, you can stay here. Minkyu can sleep with Jungkook. This is just a temporary set-up until the construction of your new home here at the pack grounds gets done." Ji-Cheol said.
"Thanks so much, bud." Namjoon said as he gave Ji-Cheol a brotherly hug.
As everyone was saying their good nights, Minkyu stood beside Taehyung and whispered,
"Hyung, I'm willing to switch places with you so you can be with your mate, you know." Minkyu teased, raising his eyebrows.
"Did I ask?" Taehyung said while glaring at his brother.
"You act as if you're mad but your face says otherwise, hyung." Minkyu said chuckling.
"You want me to freeze you too?" Taehyung threatened but Minkyu just laughed.
"I'll show you to your rooms." Jungkook suddenly said, pretending that he didn't hear the conversation between the brothers. The three nodded and followed him.
Jungkook led Yoo Jung and Minkyu to the respective rooms before taking Taehyung to another one. As they entered, the omega noticed something about the room.
"How come this room has your scent?" Taehyung said.
"Because this is my bedroom. I learned from one of our elders before that a mate's scent relaxes and keeps one comforted. I just thought you'd sleep better if you stay here instead. I'll stay at the guest room with Minkyu. My room also has a bathroom so everything you'll need is here. If you want some change of clothes, feel free to use any of my clothes. The cabinet's over there." Jungkook said while pointing at the cabinet.
Taehyung was touched with the gesture.
"Thank you, Jungkook. I really appreciate it." Taehyung said.
"You're welcome. Good night, Taeh." Jungkook said.
"Good night." Taehyung said back.
Jungkook closed the door for Taehyung ang the latter was left to rest after a long, eventful day.
🔅🔅🔅🔅🔅🔅🔅🔅🔅🔅🔅🔅🔅🔅🔅🔅🔅
The next day, Taehyung woke up early in the morning with a splitting headache. The pain was too much that every single move he made caused his head to throb.
Tan…my head hurts so bad. Taehyung said to his wolf.
I know, Taetae. I'm not feeling too well too.
Can you try and get help?
We can mindlink Alpha.
Ju-jungkook? How do I do that?
Just think of him and imagine that he's right in front of you and then speak with your mind.
Taehyung tried to focus despite the pain as he badly needed help.
Jung-jungkook. Help me please. Taehyung said
Taehyung? What's wrong? Jungkook worriedly asked.
I don't know. Can you please come or fetch eomma for me? I can't move. My head hurts so bad. Taehyung sad.
Jungkook didn't reply anymore, but in just less than ten seconds, the bedroom door swung open and in he came.
He was about to approach Taehyung, but he stopped dead on his tracks.
"Taeh, your…your hair. What happened?" Jungkook asked.
"What? What is it?" Taehyung asked while massaging his temple.
"It's turned purple." Jungkook said.
"Seriously?" Taehyung asked with furrowed brows. "Do-do you have a mirror here somewhere?"
Jungkook opened his dresser drawe and took out a small mirror and turned it towards Taehyung.
"What the hell?" Taehyung gasped and then held his temple again.
"How are you feeling?" Jungkook asked as he sat on the bed beside Taehyung who was seated as well, clutching his head.
"My head hurts so bad." Taehyung said as tears formed in his eyes. He felt pathetic, but the pain was just too intense, causing him to tear up.
Jungkook wanted to hug Taehyung at that moment, but controlled himself.
"I'll get you pain killers for your head, but you have to eat something first before you can take it. Stay put and I'll be back." Jungkook said as he quickly left the room.
As soon as Jungkook stepped out, Taehyung felt something wet on his lips, so he wiped it and saw blood.
"Shit!" Taehyung cursed as he ran to the bathroom to wash the blood off. He then took some paper towels with him and went back to the bed. He tilted his head backwards while pinching his nose.
Tannie, you okay in there? Taehyung asked, worried about his wolf's condition.
I'm okay, just feeling a bit weak. Last time I felt like this was when you had a bad case of flu. Tannie answered.
Maybe my body's just adjusting to my wolf self? I mean, I've kept it constrained for a long time and now ten years later, I'm doing magic, there's a wolf inside me, I have purple hair and a truenlood mate who I can talk to using my mind. Who wouldn't be overwhelmed right?
"Taehyung! Are you okay?!" Jin asked in a loud vocie as he ran to his son and immediately checked if he has fever. "Oh my goodness why is your hair purple and why is there blood on your shirt?!"
"Calm down, eomma. I don't know about the hair, but about the blood, I just had nosebleed eomma. It's nothing serious." Taehyung said.
"I'm calling your auntie Go-Eun, It's better if she checks you out." Jin said.
"Eomma, no need for that. I think it's because of the events that transpired yesterday. Could be because of the smoke I inhaled? Or my powers? I'll just rest more."
Jin suddenly fell silent and remembered what the moon goddess said to him and Namjoon:
"The powers of Hecate may have saved the life of the unborn child inside you, but opposing my curse completely can only be done by a more powerful god than Hecate and I combined. So, remember this Kim Seokjin. Guide the child and ensure that his powers are used for the good of everyone, and only when it is needed the most. The more power used, the weaker the body will get."
"I think it's the latter." Jin said.
"Huh? What are you referring to?" Taehyung asked.
"It's not the smoke, I think it's your powers. Sorry, I don't know why I would forget such an important detail from our conversation with moon goddess. I believe that everytime you would use the magic bestowed upon you, an equal amout of moon goddess' curse takes effect so your body gets weak in the process." Jin sadly said.
"So, if I understand it correctly, in simple terms, I'm damned with a curse and a counter-curse?" Taehyung said, sneering.
"It's not that bad son. There are curses that are much more serious than this. The bright side of yours is that you have control over it. How and when you'll use it is all up to you. Some don't have that liberty. There are individuals cursed to be barren, carry a disease or the most extreme, death. What was placed on you is nothing like those. You'll be okay Taetae, and we will all be here to help you cope with it." Jin said.
"But, eomma, what kind of wolf would I be if I don't use my powers?" Taehyung asked his eomma.
Jin smiled at his son and held his cheek. "The Taehyung kind. Your abilities, don't define you, Taetae. Neither do your parents, your rank nor your stature as future luna of this pack. It's what's in here that makes you who you are." Jin said as he pointed at Taehyung's chest, referring to his heart.
"Thank you, eomma." Taehyung said and then he continued, "By the way, did Jungkook send you here? Will he be back?"
"He's cooking you soup. I told him I'd do it, but he insisted." Jin said, making Taehyung smile through his headache.
"Now, lie down and wait for your alpha." Jin said before leaving a kiss on Taehyung's forehead.
"Eomma, how should I act with him? I mean we both know we're mates. Does that mean he's my instant boyfriend or something?" Taehyung asked and Jin laughed at him.
"Taehyung, honey, you still have the option of rejecting him, you know. It's all up to you. Has he confessed how he feels about you?" Jin asked.
"No, but he did ask me his chances of getting rejected." Taehyung said.
"And?" Jin asked.
"I said 80-20…in favor of not getting rejected." Taehyung said.
"So…you like him as your mate?" Jin asked, fishing for some good news he can share with Shin-hye.
"Um, I like him as Jungkook." Taehyung said bashfully.
"Good. I like him for you too." Jin said.
Just then, they heard a knock on the door and Jin stood up and went to open the door.
Jungkook entered carrying a small tray with a bowl of soup, a bottle of water and some pills.
"Take care of him, Jungkook." Jin said.
"I will, luna." Jungkook politely said.
"Call me eomma." Jin said.
"Eomma!" Taehyung said, horrified with what Jin said.
Jin ignored him and just chuckled, before leaving the room.
Jungkook, on the other hand, couldn't help but smile as he walked towards the bed.
"Hey, here's your soup. I hope you like chicken noodle soup." Jungkook said.
Taehyung sat down and nodded as Jungkook placed a bed table in front of him and setting the bowl of soup on it.
"Eat up so that you can drink the medicine right after." Jungkook said.
Taehyung took the chopsticks and started eating.
"This is so good. Eomma said you cooked it. Is that true?" Taehyung said.
"Yeah. I'm glad you like it. It's the first time I made one myself." Jungkook said.
"You didn't have to. Eomma could have cooked it. Sorry for the hassle." Taehyung said as he continued eating.
"Don't say that. It's not a hassle at all." Jungkook said.
"Don't you have to prepare for school?" Taehyung asked.
"I don't have classes today. So, I can stay home and take care of you." Jungkook said.
"You don't have to."
"But, I want to. Okay?"
"Don't you have other things to do?"
"You come first. Other things can wait." Jungkook said making Taehyung's heart melt.
"Awww, my alpha's so sweet." Taehyung said, without thinking.
"Yo-your alpha?" Jungkook said, heart beat racing.
"I-I mean, our…our alpha." Taehyung said making Jungkook pout.
Taehyung stopped eating and looked at Jungkook.
"Why are you pouting?" Taehyung asked.
"You said, MY first." Jungkook said, causing Taehyung to chuckle.
"You're such a baby." Taehyung said which made Jungkook pout more.
"Stop it. I'll drink the medicine now, is that fine? I already had some noodles." Taehyung asked, diverting the latter's attention.
"I guess that's fine." Jungkook said.
Taehyung took the pill and drank it.
"You're not going to finish the soup?" Jungkook asked.
"Can you set it aside for now? I'll finish it later. I want to sleep some more." Taehyung said.
"Okay. I can re-heat it later." Jungkook said, carrying the table off the bed and placing it on the couch.
Taehyung laid down and inhaled the scent of Jungkook from the pillows, making him relax. At that moment, he wondered how it would feel if he can get the scent from the source itself. Something inside him wanted his alpha up close.
"I'll be at the other room. Just call me if you need anything." Jungkook said.
Taehyung bit his lower lip as he watched Jungkook walk out the room, but before the latter could close it, he stopped him.
"Um, Jungkook?"
"Yeah?"
"Can you…can you stay with me please?" Taehyung asked.
Jungkook smiled and went back inside, closing the door behind him.
"Of course, I'll stay at the couch." Jungkook said.
"No!" Taehyung snapped, making Jungkook flinch.
"I mean, here. Beside me?" Taehyung said.
Jungkook gulped.
"A-are you sure?" Jungkook said.
"Yes. Please?" Taehyung said.
Jungkook had to control himself from jumping for joy as he walked towards the bed. He then slowly laid himself down beside Taehyung, unsure of how close the omega wanted him to be.
As soon as he was settled beside Taehyung, the latter moved closer and nuzzled his neck before resting on his chest.
Jungkook could feel his heart race and swore that he could actually hear it beating loudly.
"Is this okay?" Taehyung sleepily asked.
The alpha breathed out as a wide smile appeared on his lips. He slowly placed his arms around Taehyung, careful not to make the latter feel uncomfortable. But when the omega nuzzled into his neck again and cuddled with him closer, he tightened his embrace.
"More than okay." Jungkook said.
"Thank you, my alpha." Taehyung softly said.
Jungkook couldn't believe what he was hearing, but didn't make a big deal out of it anymore. "You're most welcome, Taeh. Go to sleep."
Taehyung felt much better and relaxed in Jungkook's arm. In just a few minutes, he dozed off.
Jungkook, on the other hand, felt like he just died and went to heaven. He sniffed on Taehyung's scent and got lost in it. After a few minutes, he dozed off too.
The door to Jungkook's room slowly opened and four heads peeked in. Jin, Shin-hye, Yoo Jung and Minseo decided to check on Taehyung, and was pleasntly shocked to see the two cuddled on Jungkook's bed.
"Oh my god, oh my god, oh my god. They're sleeping together." Yoo Jung whisper yelled.
"Ssssh! You might wake them up." Minseo said.
"I guess it's safe to day that we are indeed going to be in-laws, right luna?" Shin-hye asked Jin.
"You're definitely right, luna." Jin said back as they closed the door and left the mates to sleep in each other's arms.