hello!

Taehyung's father's piercing gaze bore into Jeongguk as the weight of the question hung heavily in the air. Jeongguk could feel his heart pounding in his chest and anxiety coiling like a snake in the pit of his stomach. The tension was palpable as the room seemed to close in around them. A shiver of realization coursed through Jeongguk as he returned Minseok's gaze. Taehyung's fear of his father suddenly made sense, and Jeongguk's heart ached for the omega he loved so much. Jeongguk felt a sickening wave of unease wash over him as he considered Minseok's possible wrath.

With his voice steady but tinged with apprehension, Jeongguk regained his composure and met Minseok's intense gaze. "Sir, I can assure you that my relationship with Taehyung is entirely platonic. We are friends, acquaintances at best. Our friend circles collide, and we have common interests. Our interactions have always been within the boundaries of friendship."

Minseok's throat let out a low growl that sent chills down Jeongguk's spine. Jeongguk struggled to maintain his composed demeanour as the air fizzed with an underlying sense of danger. He was well aware of the forbidden nature of his feelings for Taehyung, the implications they carried, and the potential consequences they would both face if their relationship was discovered.

Minseok's voice cut through the tense silence, tinged with a mix of anger and concern. "There's something between you and my young omega son, something that goes beyond friendship. I can see it in the way you look at each other, the way you care for one another. Now, tell me the truth-what are your intentions for Taehyung?"

Jeongguk's throat tightened, his words catching for a moment before he managed to respond. "Sir, my intentions towards him are pure. I can assure you that. If you think I have feelings that transcend our friendship, you should know that I wouldn't catch feelings for someone who is already engaged"

Taehyung's father's eyes narrowed. "So you know about the arrangement"

"Yes, Taehyung spoke to me about it once"

Minseok hummed. "This marriage's purpose is to draw a connection between the two biggest packs in this area. The Park Pack and the Kim Pack. It's an important alliance and it's a promise made that can never be undone"

"I understand, sir" Jeongguk muttered. "Taehyung didn't speak such details about it to me" He lied. "Is Taehyung in favour of this?"

Minseok's gaze scanned Jeongguk. He sighed, conflict flashing across his face at Jeongguk's question. "That is out of topic"

"I don't mean to overstep, Mr Kim. I'm asking this as a friend of his. What future would await Taehyung if he gets married to a person he only sees as a brother?"

Minseok frowned. "He had known about this marriage since he has presented as an omega. If he wasn't able to settle his mind into marrying Seojoon, that's on him"

Jeongguk fisted his hands by his sides. "Sometimes, it's difficult to see someone you have known your whole life in a romantic light. It could be the case for Taehyung too. He is the one who's going to have to spend the rest of his life with Seojoon. Not the people who arranged the marriage. It's your son. Would you want him to suffer for the rest of his life when he gets married to someone he doesn't even love?"

"Jeongguk!" Minseok growled. "You're overstepping your limits. You are in no place to instruct me about my pack's affairs!"

Jeongguk gulped. "I'm deeply sorry, sir. I wasn't speaking of your pack's affairs. I wouldn't dare. I was only speaking of the affair of your son's future, who also happens to be my friend. And he is the sweetest, kindest and most talented person I have met in my life. I'm simply concerned for him"

"He is my son. He is my pack's affairs"

"He might be an omega but I don't think it's appropriate to objectify him. He is a person with hopes and dreams and feelings"

"Boy are you lecturing me?!" Minseok barked.

"I'm not, sir. I'm simply stating my mind"

"Know your place, Jeongguk. You're a guest here, in my pack rounds. And you dare tell me what to do with my son!" Minseok growled in anger.

Jeongguk gulped. He knew that he was in dangerous waters. However, he needed to do this for Taehyung. This was for Taehyung's future. His happiness. As long as Jeongguk gets out of the pack alive, he would completely be fine.

"I'm sorry, sir" Jeongguk said, looking at the raging alpha on the bed.

"Do you have feelings for my son?!"

"No, sir. As I said before, we are only friends. And I'm only concerned about him as one of his peers" Jeongguk carefully chose his words. "I understand the importance of the alliance between the packs. I would never dare to jeopardize that or defy your wishes. I would never dishonour your pack or Taehyung by pursuing a relationship that goes against your arrangements"

"Good" Minseok muttered. "I can only hope your words are true"

"I will only act in Taehyung's best interests. I owe him that. He got me this wonderful opportunity to perform today"

"Friends can have feelings for each other"

Jeongguk gulped. "I would never wish to disrupt the harmony or the plans set in motion by your pack. I merely desire to support and be there for Taehyung as a friend, regardless of my own feelings"

Minseok sighed. The room fell into a heavy silence, the weight of unspoken truths hanging in the air. Jeongguk's mind raced with worry and fear for the repercussions their forbidden love might bring. He held his breath, waiting for Minseok's response, uncertain of what lay ahead.

"You speak wisely, Jeongguk," he acknowledged, his voice a gruff whisper. "Taehyung's path is set, and he must honour the alliance we've forged. Your friendship will be invaluable to him, provided it remains within the boundaries set forth."

"Of course, sir. I was merely being a concerned friend"

Minseok's gaze softened, a flicker of understanding crossing his eyes, though the steel remained in his voice. "Remember, Jeongguk, the consequences of defying the arrangement between our packs are severe, not just for Taehyung, but for our packs as well. I have worked tirelessly to ensure the prosperity and security of our people. I cannot let personal desires jeopardize that."

Jeongguk bowed his head, his heart heavy with the weight of his unfulfilled longing. "I understand, sir"

"Go, now. The feast isn't over yet. Get a change of clothes and fill your stomach before leaving. And enjoy" Miseok muttered.

"Thank you, sir" Jeongguk bowed.

"Just..." Minseok sighed. "Just remember your place. And thank you"

"For?"

"For your concern about Taehyung and helping me today"

"Absolutely no worries, sir. You are my friend's father. After all"

-

"Jeongguk!" Taehyung opened the door of his house to a dirt-covered alpha slightly taller than him.

Jeongguk smiled. "Hey"

"Come in! My mom's in the kitchen" He said, smiling at him. "I got some clothes for you-"

"Oh Jeongguk, you're here" Taehyung's mother appeared from a doorway. "Make yourself at home"

"Thank you, ma'am" Jeongguk smiled.

"There's a bathroom in this hallway," the woman said, pointing to her left.

"He can use mine, mom," Taehyung said. "I have a Bath gel. Your bathroom doesn't"

Taehyung's mother watched Taehyung with a narrow gaze. "Fine," She said at last. "Go wait in your sister's room while he takes a shower. I already told her to watch over you. I need to go check on the dinner feast. Immediately come to the pavilion once he's done, so we can have dinner"

"Okay, mom" Taehyung said.

Jeongguk and Taehyung watched the woman step out of the house. Taehyung walked over to the window and peeked out of it, watching his mother walk into the distance. Once she was out of sight, he turned around to face Jeongguk, grinning.

"Yeojoo!" He called his sister. "I'm going to my room with Jeongguk!"

Jeongguk's mouth dropped open.

"Don't cum on the sheets!" Yeojoo's voice came from inside the house, making Jeongguk and Taehyung laugh.

With a grin, Taehyung took Jeongguk's hand and dragged him to his room. He locked the door behind them and pushed Jeongguk against it. Jeongguk's mouth dropped open in surprise as he stared at Taehyung with a mixture of surprise and amusement.

Taehyung pressed against Jeongguk's body. "What did my father tell you?"

Jeongguk grinned. "Stuff" He whispered, their faces only centimetres apart. He couldn't help the grin that split his face apart, regardless of the serious nature of the question the omega asked him.

"What stuff?!" Taehyung asked.

"Kiss me first" Jeongguk whispered breathlessly.

Taehyung stared at him, his eyes switching from one of Jeongguk's dark orbs to another. However, it didn't take him mere seconds to close the gap between them, their lips pressing in a soul-searing kiss. Their lips locked perfectly and their tongues entangled as they opened their mouths together. Jeongguk's hands rested on Taehyung's narrow waist, his fingers automatically riding up the t-shirt he wore to feel up his smooth skin. When they finally drew away, they were breathless.

"Tell me, now" Taehyung panted, their foreheads pressed together.

"He's suspicious about us"

Taehyung drew away from Jeongguk, eyes wide with panic. "W-what? How?"

"I suppose we were pretty obvious back at the construction site. How you responded to me when I called you by your subgender. Also maybe because of how I was acting with Seojoon"

"Oh" Taehyung's eyeballs shook.

"It's my fault, I'm sorry" Jeongguk muttered regretfully.

"No, don't be. We were both careless. It's not your fault at all and you don't have to feel guilty"

Jeongguk flashed the omega a tight smile. "I am at fault, Tae"

Taehyung shook his head. "No. Tell me what you told him"

"I assured him that we're just friends. But I think he's suspicious about my feelings for you but I told him that I know that you're engaged. I think it will be fine"

Taehyung sighed. "He can't be fooled easily. Guess we will have to be careful" Taehyung muttered. "My sister wanted you to win his heart over today but it was all ruined because I couldn't control myself"

"It's my fault. Besides, I don't think he dislikes me. He thanked me for caring for you and helping him today"

"Really?! Oh then it might not be as bad as I thought"

"Yeah. We just have to be a little more careful"

Taehying nodded. "The next part of our plan is to prove your worth to my family"

Jeogguk sighed. "How shall I prove myself to your mother? Your sister said that she would be a tough shell to crack"

"She is. She's strict and has a sharp wit" Taehyung sighed. "Take a shower, now. We can worry about this later"

"Do I stink?" Jeongguk grinned.

Taehyung laughed. "No, silly. You're just covered in dirt"

"So are you, kind of" Jeongguk smiled. "Want to take a shower with me?"

Taehyung gasped. "We had one already in the morning!"

"Another one wouldn't hurt"

"You're such a pervert"

"I would never reject an opportunity to see your gorgeous body naked"

Taehyung blushed furiously. "Why are you so horny all the time?!"

"My omega, have you even seen yourself?"

Taehyung rolled his eyes. "Fine, come on. Will you cum inside me for the second time this day?"

"Did you like it?"

"Loved it" Taehyung whispered shyly. "We should do that more often"

Jeongguk hummed. "We shall, even though it's risky"

"I won't get pregnant"

"I want to get you pregnant but we're both still in university and there's like two more years for us to finish our degrees. Let's not have pups until we're settled somewhere"

"Jeon Jeongguk, are you proposing to me? Covered in dirt?"

Jeongguk laughed. "Baby, if I didn't want to marry you, why would I go through all this to make your parents like me?"

"I know that" Taehyung whispered.

"But no, I'm not proposing. But I do wish to be your mate one day. And to be by your side for the rest of your life"

"Alpha" Taehyung whispered.

"I know it hasn't been that long since we've met. Two months? Almost three. And it's only been so little time since we formally started dating but Tae, from that day you scented me at the festival, there was something about you that I just couldn't stop thinking about. I never believed in love at first sight but with you, I knew we had something special and I wanted to be with you so badly. So I will stay by your side until you tell me to fuck off"

"I won't tell you to fuck off, Jeongguk" Taehyung whispered. "My feelings for you are strong and I have never felt this way with anyone else. I've had minor crushes but none of those people made me want to be with them and be in a relationship with them as much as you did. Which was why I wanted to make things official between us regardless of the impossibility that surrounds the concept of us"

Jeongguk nodded. "I am willing to do everything I can to get you out of this arranged marriage and one day I want you to be my mate"

Taehyung smiled at the alpha with glassy eyes, tinkling in the lights of the omega's room. "I want nothing else too"

Jeongguk smiled and pressed a kiss against Taehyung's lips. Taehyung smiled against Jeongguk's lips and at that moment, everything felt perfectly fine. Like there was nothing that stood between them.

"Let's take a shower before your mom comes back" Jeongguk whispered as they drew away from the kiss.

"Yes. Let's go"

-

"You were too rough!" Taehyung complained as he slipped on a pair of jeans. "My ass is sore now!"

Jeongguk chuckled. "Couldn't help myself"

Taehyung groaned. "You're a menace"

"You act like you weren't shaking the walls with your moaning. I had to cover your mouth so your sister doesn't hear us"

Taehyung scoffed. "That's your fault"

"Oh please" Jeongguk rolled his eyes.

Taehyung threw a white oversized t0shirt at Jeongguk. "Wear this. It has a unicorn on it"

"I love unicorns!"

"You're actually a child, did anyone tell you that?"

"If I was a child, you would be a paedophile!"

"Jeongguk, what the fuck" Taehyung stopped struggling with buttoning up his trousers to look at Jeongguk with a look of disgust.

Jeongguk laughed. "Sorry"

"Put some clothes on!" Taehyung looked away from Jeongguk's naked figure standing in the middle of his room. He sighed, vowing to himself to not get turned on again.

In twenty minutes, the two of them were dressed, their hair blow-dried and combed. After bidding Taehyung's sister goodbye, they started walking down the empty streets of the Kim Pack grounds towards the dinner feast.

"Did Seojoon's parents come to the event today?" Jeongguk asked as they walked side by side, their fingers brushing slightly between them but they didn't dare hold them.

"Yeah but I didn't get to talk with them" Taehyung said.

Jeongguk nodded. "So what's the next plan?"

"I was thinking about it" Taehyung said. "Do you know of the exhibition in Seoul where many prestigious packs in the country come to show off their history?"

Jeongguk's eyebrows narrowed. "Where many packs donate paintings and artefacts?"

"Yeah that one"

"It's next month?"

"Yeah, it's usually in March. But I heard my father saying that it would probably be April because there was a flood in Ilsan and one of the packs was affected, so it will have to be postponed"

"Oh right"

"We usually visit every year because my father always donates something to show off the pack's prestigious history" Taehyung grinned. "Have you ever been there? Many rampant wolves also come to visit"

"Yes. I have, actually. When my mother was alive. I barely remember it because I was young. But I remember that my father also donated some pictures..." Jeongguk trailed off. "I don't remember if we went there before, though"

Taehyung nodded. "How old were you?"

"Ten... eleven maybe?"

Taehyung's eyes lit up. "Oh my god, that means we probably crossed paths back then! What if we saw each other and even talked!"

Jeongguk grinned. "Could be!"

"My memory sucks" Taehyung shook his head. "But I must've seen you"

"Surely" Jeongguk chuckled. "Should've talked to you back then and maybe we could've started dating sooner!"

"Jeongguk!"

Jeongguk shrugged. "Wouldn't you like that?"

"Of course I would. We would've had more time to figure out a way around my problem"

"Yeah" Jeongguk sighed. "So our next step is to meet your parents at the exhibition?"

"Yes. Seojoon's parents would be there too. You can come and make an impression, you know? Look all interested in the pictures" Taehyung grinned. "Talk with my mom, especially"

Jeongguk nodded. "I will need some preparation"

"Yeah, I will first tell you when it's being held and we will have time to prepare" Taehyung sighed. "I'm sorry, you're going through so much for me"

"I want you. So I'm going to work hard to get you"

Taehyung smiled. "You're the best I could ever have"

With a light breeze rustling through the trees as they walked along the streets inside the pack grounds, Taehyung and Jeongguk's conversation gradually veered away from the serious issues of their plan and towards the fun subjects they loved. With each other, they found comfort as they exchanged tales, jokes, and dreams. There was a buzz of excitement as they walked towards the bustling square where the dinner feast was being held. The inviting aroma of delicious food filled the square, which was decorated with vibrant lanterns.

There were stalls around the dinner feast and pups ran and played in the lantern-lit land. Taehyung's eyes caught on one where they drew portraits and another where they sold ornaments.

"We should check out a few of those stalls too" Taehyung said.

"Oh yeah," Jeongguk said, looking around them.

Taehyung glanced at Jeongguk, his eyes twinkling mischievously. "You know, I heard that the alpha from the Silvermoon Pack is renowned for his extraordinary cooking skills. I can't wait to taste his signature dish tonight."

Jeongguk chuckled, his voice warm and velvety. "Your sister mentioned it to me earlier today. I hope it lives up to the hype. But I have a feeling that whatever we eat tonight, it will taste better with you by my side."

Taehyung's cheeks flushed pink, and he playfully nudged Jeongguk's arm. "Smooth like butter. Well, I can't deny that being with you makes everything better."

"You seem to have learned some flirting skills from me, Tae" Jeongguk grinned cheekily.

"Nope, no credits to you" Taehyung grinned back.

"What? You never really flirt like that!"

"Doesn't mean I can't" Taehyung giggled. "But I will give you credit for taking out that side of me"

"The honour is all mine, milady"

Taehyung giggled loudly. As they approached the lively square where the dinner feast was being held, their eyes widened in awe. The square had been transformed into a dazzling display of lights and colours. Every corner was adorned with intricately designed lanterns that cast a soft, enchanting glow. The aroma of mouthwatering delicacies wafted through the air, making their stomachs grumble in anticipation. Packs from all over had gathered, displaying their diverse cultures through traditional clothing, music, and dance.

Amongst the bustling crowd, Taehyung's gaze was drawn to a bustling tent where a fortune-teller sat, surrounded by mystical artefacts. A sign read "Secrets of Destiny" in elegant calligraphy. His curiosity ignited, and Taehyung turned to Jeongguk with a glimmer of excitement in his eyes.

"Are you hungry?" Taehyung asked.

"Not exactly. Why?"

"There's a fortune-telling stall over there. I think it's from the Moonbora pack. Should we give fortune-telling a try? I've never done it before, but it sounds intriguing."

Jeongguk grinned, his eyes sparkling with mischief. "Why not? Let's see what secrets the future holds for us. No matter what she says, I want to be by your side for as long as I can. Preferably, for the rest of your life"

Taehyung grinned. "Cheesy much?"

"Never for you"

They approached the tent, their steps filled with both anticipation and a touch of apprehension. Inside, a mystical ambience embraced them, as incense wafted through the air.

"Sit down" Thefortune teller, a female omega cloaked in flowing robes, gestured for them to sit. Her eyes held ancient wisdom, captivating and enigmatic. Taehyung and Jeongguk sat on the carpet before the small table before her, after exchanging a glance.

"Give me both your right hands," She said and the pair obliged, placing their right hands on the table.

The woman placed her own hands on the table, leaning forward to inspect theirhands. She caressed Taehyung and Jeongguk's palms with her rough fingertips and let out a grunt of approval from the back of her throat.

"I sense something forbidden" She spoke, her finger pressing on Jeongguk's palm.

Taehyung smiled. Well, she was right about that.

"I see a connection that defies boundaries," the fortune teller continued. "A love that transcends expectations, written in the stars."

Taehyung's heart skipped a beat, his gaze flickering to Jeongguk. The fortune teller continued, weaving tales of challenges and triumphs, of a future that promised both joy and sacrifice.

"I see a future for both of you" She looked up at the two men in front of her. "It's covered with a veil of smoke. You will face many hurdles. But you must cut through that veil in order to be together. You will have to make many sacrifices and disappoint many people. I'm not sure if you two will have enough strength to get there. But you can surely try"

Taehyung gulped. "You.. you mean we won't have a future?"

The woman shook her head. "You have a future. But you must be strong to chase it and claim it as yours. If you both face the hurdles together and with determination, you will reach the light at the end of this dark tunnel. Keep in mind what you want"

"Oh" Taehyung muttered.

She looked at Jeongguk. "Don't be sidetracked by other things. You want him to be your mate. Concentrate only on that. Do not be swayed by pride and ego. You might be a true alpha but if you want to be this young man's mate, you will have to let go of the ego of being a true alpha and make do. That's a sacrifice you will have to make"

Jeongguk nodded.

"You have a future together. The moment you two pass that veil, the future is bright" The woman spoke. "But you" She looked at Jeongguk again. "You must be careful. Think before every step you take or you will lose the most valuable things in your life"

Jeongguk sighed. "Okay"

"I wish you both luck. Hope to see you both on the other side of the veil"

"Thank you," Taehyung and Jeongguk said in unity and dropped off a few bucks at the buckets on the table before they took their leave.

"Do you think she was talking about the hurdle of my arranged marriage?" Taehyung asked.

"Yes. It must be. She said that it was forbidden, after all," Jeongguk whispered.

Taehyung nodded. "I knew that it would be difficult for us"

"Yes, but it's okay. We will get through it together"

Taehyung nodded. "At least she said that she can see a future for us, together"

Jeongguk smiled. "But I saw a future for us together much sooner than she did"

Taehyung giggled. "You're a fortune teller too?"

"I can see a whole future in your eyes, my omega"

Taehyung blushed scarlet. "Hush"

Jeongguk laughed. "I want to kiss you so badly"

"Not here! We need to eat now or there would be no food left for us" Taehyung said.

"Fine but you must promise to give me another kiss before I leave"

"I promise" Taehyung whispered with a smile and they started walking to the vibrant dinner feast together.

🌸

Thank you for reading and commenting! Hope you are enjoying this book. The climax is coming up, btw! I'm excited ❤️