After two and a half hours of shopping, Tahyung, Jimin and Yoongi were on the way to the couple's house. The omega borrowed Jimin's phone to copy contact numbers to his new phone. Of course, the first one that he looked for was Jungkook's number. After saving it, he stared on the screen and was tempted to make a call.
Stop right there, Taehyung. You were already told to give him space, so can you please just listen for once? Tannie scolded.
I wasn't going to call him. Taehyung defensively said.
You can't lie to me, Kim Taehyung. Remember, I can read your mind.
What am I supposed to do then?
Duh, not call?
I hate you sometimes.
I can say the same to you. You're just so stubborn. I told you it was a bad idea, but you didn't listen. Now, I can't be with Jk.
Yeah, yeah. You don't need to rub it in. Taehyung said rolling his eyes and sighing loudly.
"You okay back there, Taehyung?" Jimin asked after hearing the younger sigh.
"Yeah. How long am I supposed to stay away from him?" Taehyung asked.
"Taeh, it's just been almost three hours. Don't worry. We know Jungkook. When he's ready, I'm sure he will call you." Jimin said.
"But, he doesn't even know I have a new phone." Taehyung said, pouting.
"I will tell him later." Jimin said.
"Well, here." Taehyung handed him back his phone. "Tell him now."
"Taeh, are you even done? How many contacts have you saved?" Jimin asked.
"One." Taehyung said.
"Let me guess. Jungkook's?" Jimin asked.
"Yeah. Jimin, I can't just do nothing while I know that he's mad at me." Taehyung said.
"Believe us, Taehyung. It's best to get you far away from him as possible at the moment." Yoongi said.
"So, you're saying that my mate has a really bad temper, huh? Ugh, I hate men like that. Should I just break it off with him, then?" Taehyung asked.
"Wow, after you two marked each other, really? What did you think you were getting into? A temporary thing? You're marked for life, Taeh. Besides, it's your doing that got you into this. You broke a promise, Taeh. And, for Jungkook, that's not a small thing." Jimin said.
"I miss being human and single. Can I just go back to being cursed? My life was way simpler then. I can take being bullied and hurt than getting all worked up like this. I should've just listened to Yoo-Jung and became asexual like her. This is so hard!" Taehyung said as he threw his phone on the empty space beside him.
"Relationships are indeed hard at times, but you love him, right? That's why you're feeling bad at what you did and thinking of how to make amends." Jimin said.
Taehyung fell silent and his thoughts went to Lee Rang.
"Rang said he'd kill Jungkook and make me his mate. I completely lost it, Jimin. I brought Jungkook there without his knowledge and that's what I'm sorry about. I should've just handled him alone, as I almost got my mate in trouble. I hate myself for letting that happen." Taehyung said.
"It's a good thing you did that or else you wouldn't have come back. Rang is a hybrid too, Taehyung. He is more attuned to his nature than you are. I think luck was on your side when you met him and took him by surprise. Please just don't do anything rashly as he might have an upper hand next time around." Jimin said.
"But, we have to get uncle Ji-Cheol and Chang Wook hyung back. I'm just scared that it might be too late." Taehyung said.
"Don't think about that for now, Taehyung. Let us handle that." Yoongi said.
"The last time Jungkook and I saw Chang Wook was at the park. I'm pretty sure that it wasn't hyung as he hurt me. I should've just snapped his head off then. We were so close I could've just strangled him or something." Taehyung said.
"What part of don't think about it don't you understand, Taehyung? Just relax and clear your mind. Give it a rest." Yoongi said.
"Okay, I'll stop. But, Jimin, can you please just message Jungkook now and give him my new number?" Taehyung said.
"And thrn what? You'll get all depressed and anxious if he doesn't call you immediately, because I know him, Taeh. He won't call." Jimin said.
"Please?" Taehyung pleaded.
"Aish! You are the most stubborn and annoying omega I've ever met in my entire life." Jimin said as he messaged Jungkook.
"Did he reply?" Taehyung asked as he bit his nails.
"Taeh, I just pressed sent two seconds ago." Jimin said.
"I guess it's gonna be a long night." Yoongi said chuckling, making Jimin glare at him.
"I'm glad you find this entertaining." Jimin told his boyfriend.
"Hey, don't fight. I won't ask or bother you about Jungkook anymore." Taehyung said and just kept quiet.
He took his phone and decided to just turn it off so he won't be tempted to look at it every now and then. Taehyung just leaned his head on the window and closed his eyes, eventually dozing off.
Fifteen minutes later, they arrived at Yoongi and Jimin's house. Jimin woke Taehyung up and the latter grabbed his phone and placed it inside one of the shopping bags. He then got out of the car, not bothering to ask Jimin again about Jungkook.
They led Taehyung to the house and Jimin brought him straight to the guest room.
"Here you are. There's a spare toothbrush and clean towels in the bathroom. Feel free to just use whatever you need. If there's anything else that you'd need, our room is just down the hall. You can knock anytime. Okay?" Jimin said.
"Thank you for accompanying me today and for letting me stay here, Jimin. I greatly appreciate it." Taehyung said.
"You're welcome, Taehyung. Sleep well. It's Sunday tomorrow so we don't have to wake up early." Jimin said before the two exchanged their goodnights.
Taehyung looked around the room and placed his shopping bags on one corner. He laid on the bed with his feet dangling on the edge. He had so many thoughts running through his mind until he focused on one thing that has been constantly bugging him eversince he found out the reason why they have been running away half their lives.
"This has to stop. I can't burden everyone anymore. I really have to do something about this." Taehyung said to himself.
He stood up, took out some clothes from the paper bags and went to the bathroom to take a quick shower. A few minutes later, he was done and found himself staring at the mirror, looking at his mate mark. He touched it and his eyes started to well up.
I'm sorry, I'm a bad mate. I knew I'd just bring you trouble. I always did to everyone around me. You're too good for me, Jungkook. I think I'd always put you in danger and I'm really sorry for that. I won't forgive myself if something bad happened to you at the pack house. Forgive me for being stubborn and rash. And again, I'm sorry for breaking my promise. Taehyung said to no one.
He let his tears fall as he dried himself with a towel and dressed up. He came out of the bathroom, grabbed his bag and took out a small wooden box that appeared to be slightly charred. He opened it and looked at the object inside it.
Taehyung pondered for a while if he would be doing the right thing. He had no idea what would happen the minute he wore it again, but he knew that it was his only way for him to stay hidden. So, he took out his old necklace and wore it.
The moment he did, he felt his mate mark burn, making him whimper and hiss in pain. He suddenly felt weak...a very familiar feeling he had everytime he had his necklace on. He looked at himself in the mirror and saw the birthmark on his left cheek slowly appearing. He smiled at his reflection sadly.
Taehyung pulled out his phone from one of the shopping bags and turned it on. He drafted a long message which he sent to both Yoo-Jung and Minkyu before putting his phone back inside his pocket.
He then took out a backpack from one of the shopping bags and placed all of his newly bought clothes and phone inside it. He wore a cap, a mask and a pair of gloves;, after which he opened the balcony door of the guest room. He was actually thankful that it was situated on the first floor as he wouldn't be able to jump from the second floor with his LLD back. With a deep sigh, he climbed over the railing and went off.
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WARNING: MATURE CONTENT : FOUL LANGUAGE, BRUTALITY, MURDER.
Jungkook was at his dad's office trying to look for any clues as to when and how exactly his real appa disappeared. He was frustrated and angry at himself for not noticing the change in his behavior. He mentally traced back their conversations to try and remember when they first argued over something, because they would rarely have opposing views on things.
His memory brought him back to the night of his uncle's death.
FLASHBACK
Jeon Ji-Cheol looked at his brother with his eyes brimming wiith tears.
His brother, on the other hand, flashed him a weak smile and shook his head.
"Can you not look at me as if I was on my death bed?" Jeon Jae-Hyuk said trying to lighten the mood around them.
"Of course, I'm not. You are not allowed to die on me." Ji-Cheol said.
"You can be so overbearing sometimes. Let's see if your alpha voice can intimidate the grim reaper and make him run away as far from me as possible." Jae-Hyuk said.
"You should have told me that you haven't been feeling well for months. Why did you keep it from me?" Ji-Cheol asked.
"I didn't want to worry you (coughs). I know that you have been stressed recently after that miscarriage again (coughs wildly). I didn't want to burden you further with my condition." Jae-Hyuk said as he grabbed a tissue beside him.
Ji-Cheol sprang to his feet to pat his brother's back. "You're not a burdern, Hyuk. You know that I'd much rather take care of you than train under the sun or grieve. You are my priority, idiot." Ji-Cheol said.
"Wow, I feel so loved." Jae-Hyuk chuckled.
Meanwhile, Jungkook was on his way to his uncle's room when he noticed Chang Wook preparing food in the kitchen. Jungkook saw him put a powdery substance in the soup, but didn't think much about it.
"Hyung, is that for uncle?" Jungkook asked.
"U-uhh, yeah. Halmeoni's soup recipe." Chang Wook said.
"I see. How is uncle? What did the doctor say?" Jungkook asked.
"Well, initial diagnosis was GERD. That's probably why he's been complaining about stomach ache." Chang Wook said.
"I hope that's just it. Anyway, I'm sure he will be okay soon." Jungkook said as he patted his cousin's arm before proceeding to his uncle's room.
"Hey, uncle! How are you feeling today?" Jungkook asked.
"Never better. Are you on your way to school?" Jae-Hyuk asked.
"Yup. Just thought I'd drop by to see my favorite uncle." Jungkook said.
"I'm your only uncle." Jae-Hyuk said, chuckling and then coughed.
"Are you sure you're okay? Your cough sounds so bad. I don't think this is GERD appa. Jimin has GERD but he's not like this. He would cough, yes, but only when he's about to have an attack. Uncle's cough is persistemt." Jungkook said.
"You worry too much, Dr. Shaun Murphy. I'm okay. I'll be on my feet soon. Chang Wook is taking care of me after all, so none of that. You have to leave or you'll be late for your first period." Jae-Hyuk said.
"I almost forgot you're the principal. Anyway, I'll be back soon." Jungkook said as he hugged his uncle and left.
"Now, head alpha, I believe you have things to do now, so shoo and let me rest." Jae-Hyuk said.
"Hold that thought, appa. You have to eat first. I made you halmeoni's broth soup." Chang Wook said as he entered the room.
"Oooh, I missed that. Let me get a spoonful first." Ji-Cheol said, but Chang Wook stopped him.
"Oh no you don't, uncle. This is for appa, there's a pot on the stove, there's some more left there so you can go get from there." Chang Wook said.
"Ok, I'll get going then. I'll be back in two hours to check on you." Ji-Cheol said to his brother.
"Aish, you don't have to. Just go." Jae-Hyuk said. He watched his brother leave the room and as soon as the door shut, he glared at Chang Wook who suddenly changed into Lee Rang.
"I'm glad you're keeping your word and following my orders very well." Rang said.
"You'd better make sure you keep yours too. I swear, if you hurt my family —"
"Now, now, you know you can't threaten me. So, were you able to able to tell him to convince Kim Namjoon to come here with his family? Hmmm?" Rang asked.
"He will talk to Namjoon." Hyuk said as he gritted his teeth amd started coughing badly again.
"You know, I really hate to see all you truebloods die. I mean, you would be good assets. However, you'll be getting in my way. Now, drink this soup and be on your way." Rang said.
"I'm not drinking that until you return my son." Jae-Hyuk said.
"Well, you really don't have a choice." Rang stood up and forced the soup into Jae-Hyuk's mouth. The latter couldn't resist as his body was too frail. He has been given that soup for a month and he definitely knew that he was being poisoned by it.
After only a few minutes, Jae-Hyuk felt his chest tighten as he gasped for air. He felt intense pain in his abdomen and started to vomit blood all over the bed. He grabbed on Rang's shirt and used up all his remaining strength to pull the latter close to him.
"If you think you'll have an upper hand by killing me, you are so wrong. What makes you think I didn't let you?" Jae-Hyuk coughed out more blood, but sniggered nonetheless. "You have no idea what's in store for you, Rang. You are already up against a wall without you knowing it. I wish I could stay to watch you die, but my mate's coming for me now."
"What do you mean by that?" Rang asked, looking confused.
"It's for me to know and for you to find out. And, as for my son, you can't hurt him and I made sure of that." Jae-Hyuk said before he coughed out blood one last time before his body became limp.
"Hey! Hey fuck wake up!" Rang yelled shaking Hyuk's body profusely, but the latter was gone.
"You piece of worthless shit!" Rang shouted.
He furiously dropped Jae-Hyuk's lifeless body on the bed and paced up and down the room. He suddenly stopped when he played back in his head what Jae-Hyuk said..."And as for my son, you can't hurt him and I made sure of that".
He reached for his phone and dialled a number. After a few rings, a man answered the call.
?: Hello, alpha?
R: Is Chang Wook awake yet?
?: No, alpha. He's still comatosed.
R: If he stays that way after five days, bury him alive.
?: But, alpha, don't we need him alive as leverage?
R: I have a better idea. Just do what I say.
?: Yes, alpha.
Rang ended the call and dialled Ji-Cheol's number.
J: Yes, Chang Wook? Is everything okay?
R: (Fake crying) Alpha...appa...h-he's gone.
J: What do you mean?!
R: H-he's not breathing.
J: What?!? Call Go-Eun to check on him now! Im on my way back.
The line was cut and Rang smirked.
"Time to test my acting skills more. Let's see what we've got here." Rang mumbled to himself as he faced a full length mirror. In a matter of seconds, he changed his appearance to Ji-Cheol.
"I have to say you're one good looking trueblood, Ji-Cheol. Too bad you're so trusting. Now, let the games begin." Rang mumbled to himself once again before releasing an evil laughter.
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BACK TO PRESENT TIME
Jungkook gritted his teeth when he remembered seeing Chang Wook preparing the soup for his uncle.
I'm sure that was already Rang as Chang Wook hyung. Did he take appa after that? Both me and eomma weren't at home when appa came back to the house. Jungkook mentally said.
I don't think so. We still saw alpha at the hospital with Chang Wook there too. That means alpha was still himself that day. JK reacted.
After that day, the last time they were supposedly in one pkace at one time was at the warehouse when appa was abducted. That means...
The one with the severed finger was already Rang? He's a sick asshole.
We have to tell the others —
"AHHHH, SHIT!"'Jungkook winced in pain as he held his mate mark. He felt it burning, so he froze.
Taehyung, Jungkook! Something must have happened to him!
"No no no. He's with Jimin and Yoongi hyung!" Jungkook said, panicking as he grabbed his phone and called Jimin's number.
J: Hello, Kook?
JK: Jimin! Where's Taehyung?
J: He's in the guest room, why?
JK: Check on him, now!
J: Ok ok, wait.
Jungkook waited as he heard Jimin's heavy footsteps on the other line. He then heard knocking.
"Taehyung?!" Jimin called out from outside the bedroom, but no reply. He then opened the door and rushed inside. He didn't see the young omega in the room so he went to the bathroom but didn't find him there. He went through the paper bags in the room and saw that they were all empty.
J: Fuck, Jungkook he's not here.
JK: Jimin! You have to find him. My mark...it burnt and it's fading.
J: No! Shit. I'll go get Yoongi now. I'll try calling Taehyung.
JK: How?!
J: He has a new phone. Didn't you see my message?!
JK: No! I'll check now. Please go Jimin, find him. I'll come there now.
Jungkook immediately cut the call and checked Jimin's message. He saw Taehyung's number and quickly dialled it. It rang a few times, but it stopped as if someone ended the call. He tried again and the same thing happened.
"Taehyung! Fuck! Answer my call!"'Jungkook frustratingly said.
He was about to call again when he received a message.
Unknown Number
I'm sorry love, but I have to do this.
You were right. I am reckless and that
would only get you and the others in trouble.
I have to leave, to be better and worthy for you. But, I promise I will come back
and fight with you...for you. For our pack. I won't break my promise this time. Please try not to worry and trust me on this. I love you, Jungkook, my alpha.
Jungkook's eyes widened and he shook his head. He felt tears well up in his eyes and he didn't know what to feel and how to react. He was angry, anxious, hurt, confused and sorry for getting mad at Taehyung. He quickly typed a message hoping that the latter would listen to him.
Jungkook
No, Taehyung. Please don't go.
I'm sorry about what I said.
I know that you just did what you had to, to help.
I know you didn't mean to put me or anyone
in danger. I know you didn't mean to
break your promise. But, Taeh,
this isn't the solution.
We can figure this out together.
Isn't that what we said we'd do?
I need you beside me, Taehyung.
That's the only way I can protect you.
(You saved this number as Taehyung)
Taehyung
Love, trust me on this please.
It would be difficult to be away from you,
but I need to do this for us, my family and the pack.
I will call you again soon. Take care of yourself.
I love you so much. Please remember that.
Don't hate me for this please, love.
I will tell you everything soon.
Jungkook stared at Taehyung's message as tears trcikled down his cheeks. He slowly dropped on his knees as he held his chest. His heart was in pain as he longed for his mate. His mark has faded, but it's there. He was scared for Taehyung's safety, but he has to trust him.
A few minutes later, he heard a knock on the door and he muttered a soft, "come in."
The door opened and in came Namjoon, Jin, Shin-hye and So-Hyun.
Shin-hye rushed to his son's side and held him in her arms.
"Eomma, Taehyung left." Jungkook said as he sobbed.
Jin couldn't hold back his tears as he felt Namjoon's arms around him. The sad luna buried his face on his husband's chest.
"Jungkook, Minkyu and Yoo-Jung are gone too."' Namjoon said, sadly.
"What?! You think they're with Taehyung?" Jungkook asked.
"I believe so. Those two will protect their brother at all cost." Namjoon said.
"I don't understand. My mark, uncle. My mark burned. Isn't that a sign that someone else tried to mark Taehyung?" Jungkook asked.
So-Hyun slowly walked over Jungkook's side and crouched down.
"May I see it?" So-Hyun asked.
Jungkook nodded and Shin-Hye lets go of his son.
The younger opened his dress shirt a bit and showed So-Hyun his mark.
So-Hyun touched it and closed her eyes. A few seconds later, she smiled.
"Don't worry Jungkook. You're still very much bonded. I think Taehyung has his necklace on. That means he's protecting himself. With the necklace on, he's just a human with no abilities. Werewolves won't be able to smell his scent and nobody will be able to touch him. I made sure of that when I made the charm. I think I know where he's going." So-Hyun said.
"Where?" Jungkook asked.
"The Moon Stone pack." So-Hyun said.