With tense shoulders and a look on his face that could have killed, Jacob walked for a few minutes until he was sure that you wouldn't be able to hear him. He threw a quick glance over his shoulder, catching himself wanting to see that you had followed him.

But the forest was empty. Only green, brown and grey filled the surrounds. Wind made the leaves dance, causing them to sing a song of nature and harmony. Birds chirped, gaining Judge's attention.

The wolf let out a low growl, raised his head and began to wiggle his tail in excitement as he spotted some prey up in the trees. Too bad that he wasn't able to climb, otherwise he would have been up in the trees in no time.

An unsatisfied sound escaped Jacob.

In any other situation, he would have enjoyed this moment like nothing else. But with a bad feeling in mind, it felt like this was his last joyful moment on earth. This felt like the judgement day. And he was afraid.

His grip around the communicator tightened. Then, he let out a deep, exhausted sigh.

Why did he feel this way?

Why was his chest so tight, making it hard to breath?

Checking the note one more time, he tapped the number into the communicator. A low ring sounded for a few seconds, filling the silence and chasing away the harmony of nature.

The birds fell silent all of a sudden.

"Brother.", the smile was clearly audible inside of John's voice.

He was satisfied, Jacob could tell. Maybe his little brother even enjoyed this situation because he knew how uncomfortable it made the oldest Seed brother.

John had always been good in spotting peoples pet peeves and using them to his advantage. He found joy in torture of any kind, verbal and physical. It was like a game to him.

Usually, Jacob was spared by his little brothers games, because he was taller and stronger, making it easier to punish him in person. But sometimes, when there was enough space between the two of them, John took his chances.

Just like he did in this very moment.

"John.", Jacob tried to sound as calm as possible. "What do you want? I already agreed on giving you my place."

John let out an approving sound.

"Indeed. And might I say I am very grateful for your kind gesture, brother."

Jacob pulled a face.

"What. Do. You. Want?"

John chuckled, causing Jacobs hair to stand up straight. A cold shiver crawled down his spine.

This wasn't good.

The sheer sound of this chuckle was enough to tell him that John was into something. Something that Jacob did not wish to be involved in.

"I don't want anything. I already have what I need.", John paused for a moment. "Joseph wishes to see you. As soon as possible."

There it was. That one thing that made Jacob's heart stop. Suddenly, his body felt as cold as ice. The grip around the communicator tightened.

"Why?", he asked, unable to for proper sentences. "What would he want from me?"

"Hm. He told me to keep my lips sealed, but since we are brothers and I love you dearly, let me tell you. He wants to talk to you about this little... companion of yours."

Jacob bit his lips, suppressing a growl.

"I did nothing that goes against the rules of Eden's Gate.", he defended himself.

"Not per se, indeed. But... Joseph fears that your ambitions are getting a bit out of hand.", John purred. "He wants to make sure that you are still loyal. And that this little shit does not propose a threat to the family."

Jacob's blue eyes twitched.

"Do not dare to call (Y/N) a little shit.", he growled.

On the other end of the line, John chuckled again. He seemed to enjoy this show a bit too much.

"Ah, so my big brothers only weakness is called (Y/N). Fitting name, if I may say so. You two make a good couple. When's the wedding?"

"John. Fuck off. Do not dare to make fun of me like this. I will the back at you."

Silence.

For a very long moment there was just silence between the brothers.

But suddenly, as Jacob thought John had hung up, something moved on the other side of the line. Rustling sounds filled the air, somebody sighed.

Jacob's body tensed. He knew that sigh. And he knew that voice.

"Jacob, my brother.", Joseph said, sounding disappointed and concerned at the same time. "Don't turn back on us. All we have is family. Remember that, always."

Too stunned to speak, Jacob just stood there, listening.

"You are my best soldier, my general. Without you, Eden's Gate is defenceless.", Joseph continued. "Do you wish to be our downfall? Jacob. This family is stronger than a small intruder. You don't truly know this (Y/N). The existence of this stranger is but danger to our family. Unless there is unconditional loyalty, we cannot trust."

Swallowing thickly, Jacob bit his lips.

"I won't do it.", he said all of a sudden without thinking.

"Do what?"

"Kill (Y/N). I won't do it."

Joseph fell silent for a moment.

"You really want this disloyal stranger to be alive in our middle? Are you willing to vouch for someone you've met mere weeks ago?"

For a short moment, Jacob had to think. Then, suddenly, an idea sparked in his mind. It hurt to think about it, it felt as if someone was tearing his heart apart. But this was the only way. And he knew it.

"Let me bring (Y/N) to the border.", he said. "I'll make sure that a problem like this will never repeat. Just... let (Y/N) leave and go back home. Safely."

Joseph chuckled.

The sheer sound was enough to make Jacob shiver in fear.

"A request like this comes with a great price, brother. Despite your word, who will guarantee that our little secret doesn't fall into the wrong hands? I do not trust your little pet.", Joseph sounded like he already had an idea in mind.

"Just tell me what to do."

"Hm. Very well. Now listen closely. I won't repeat myself."