Chapter Twenty Four

My "soon" turned into a six months break because I decided to stop writing and focus on my finals. Now they're over and here's the update. Hope you enjoy❤️ and please leave comments!!!

By the time the event was over, the skies had turned into shades of pink, yellow and orange from the dying sun's rays. Taehyung sat next to his mother on the front row and he watched his father make the "Thank You" speech. As the man finished his speech, signalling the end of the ceremony, the guests started standing up from their seats, some talking amongst themselves and a few making their way to the dinner feast.

Taehyung stood up, scanning the wolves to catch a glimpse of Jeongguk, who was supposed to participate in the event too, as he and the bandmates were invited to the feast. However, he felt a hand on his shoulder and as he turned around, he was met with his father's tall figure.

"Son, I need to speak with that alpha friend of yours" He muttered, scanning the crowd himself. "He sang excellently. He's one talented young man. What did you say he does in university?"

"Psychology," Taehyung said with a smile, heart heaving in his chest from happiness. "He's also into sports! There's nothing he can't do"

"A multitalented alpha indeed" Taehyung's after chuckled. "He would be a great asset to our pack"

Taehyung chewed on his bottom lip.

"Find him and tell him that I need to speak with him. I want to show him around the pack a little. We have to do it before it gets any darker. Run along and find him"

"Okay," Taehyung muttered before running off to the crowd.

He scanned the faces of the wolves that were talking with each other and it didn't take him five minutes to find Yoongi, who was talking with Jimin. They were both laughing at something.

"Where's Jeongguk?" Taehyung asked breathlessly.

"I saw him talking with a female alpha"

Taehyung's eyes widened. "My sister?"

"Yeah. Over there, near the huts"

"Thanks!" Taehyung started running towards the huts where he saw many wolves hanging around. Squeezing past them, he finally caught a glimpse of Jeongguk talking with his sister.

"Yeojoo!" Taehyung called.

The woman turned her head in his direction and smiled. Taehyung panted as he reached the two alphas.

Jeongguk's eyebrows furrowed together in concern, looking at the panting omega.

"You alright?"

"Yeah," Taehyung let out breathlessly. "My father wants to talk to you"

"Oh shit" Jeongguk muttered.

Yeojoo laughed. "He's pretty popular today. I saw all the omegas in our packs and other packs swooning over him too"

Taehyung rolled his eyes. "Are you done talking with him? I need to show my father his future son-in-law"

Jeongguk gasped, clutching the front of his shirt over his heart dramatically. "I think he just proposed to me"

Yeojoo laughed. "I like him"

"Alright! Let's go!" Taehyung said before taking hold of Jeongguk's arm and started dragging him away. Taehyung let go of Jeongguk as they reached his father, who was talking with some wolves of another pack.

"I'm nervous" Jeongguk whispered.

"Don't be, he likes you"

"But-"

"He said he loved your singing"

"Did you?"

Taehyung smiled. "When do I not?" He whispered, making Jeongguk smile. "You did amazing. I'm so proud of you"

Taehyung watched as Jeongguk's cheeks dusted pink from a rising blush. He chuckled softly, making Taehyung's heart leap in his chest.

"Minseok" Taehyung said as they walked.

"What?" JEongguk asked.

"My father's name. I don't suppose I told you before"

"You didn't" Jeongguk smiled. "I will stick to calling him Mr Kim anyway. I need to win his heart"

Taehyung giggled.

"What about your mother?"

"Hansoo" Taehyung smiled. "She's fiercer than the way her name sounds"

Jeongguk hummed. "I wish she wouldn't pressure you to be such a stereotypical omega, though. You should-"

"Jeongguk" A voice called, making the two of them halt their conversation and turn their heads. Taehyung's father approached them with a smile.

Jeongguk bowed to him. "Mr. Kim"

"I was impressed by your band's performance" Minseok chuckled. "You're talented, aren't you?"

Jeongguk smiled. "I'm honoured to hear such words from you, Mr Kim. And I'm happy to hear that you enjoyed the performance"

"If we have another event, we will definitely invite you"

"Thank you, sir"

"I was thinking about showing you around a little. Would you like that?"

"Absolutely" Jeongguk nodded. "I would love that"

"Come with me. We must hurry. It will be dark soon" The man said, leading the way. Taehyung and Jeongguk followed. "There are many things to see but I will show you only some today. Come here one morning and I will show you the rest"

"Thank you, Mr Kim"

Taehyung tagged along with them, even though he wasn't exactly invited. Taehyung's father led Jeongguk through the deserted streets inside the pack, as all the wolves were at the dinner feast. Taehyung walked by Jeongguk's side, his heart racing with excitement, stealing glances at the alpha he yearned to call his own. The aroma of freshly bloomed flowers blended with the aroma of freshly baked bread wafting from the pack's bakery, creating a welcoming atmosphere. As they strolled through the vibrant park, laughter filled the air as a few pups played on the playground, their joyful voices echoing. Taehyung's father beamed with pride as he pointed to the playground's swings, slides, and climbing structures surrounded by lush vegetation.

"Shouldn't they be at the dinner feast?" Taehyung thought out loud.

"They should be," Taehyung's father said with a hum. "I suppose they sneaked out of the event to play here" he chuckled.

"It's amazing that you give the pups such freedom to enjoy their childhood just inside the pack, Mr Kim" Jeongguk voiced out, looking at the playing pups.

"Our pack believes in fostering a strong sense of community, even among the youngest members. The pups here have a safe and nurturing environment to grow and play." Taehyung's father said with a chuckle.

"What a perfect environment t grow up" Jeongguk smiled.

The trio continued their stroll until they reached a beautiful fountain with intricate carvings. Water of pristine clarity cascaded from its centre, the sound of which was soothing to the ears. His eyes sparkled with pride as he leaned against the edge of the fountain. "This fountain has been here for generations. It's a meeting place for pack members. Young wolf couples come here all the time as well"

"It looks romantic" Jeongguk commented with a grin, not forgetting to steal a glance at Taehyung as well.

Within the picturesque landscape, they traversed the pack's residential area. The streets were lined with rows of charming, vintage-looking homes, each with its own unique charm. "Our pack has a rich history," the pack leader explained, his voice tinged with nostalgia. "These houses have stood the test of time and have been passed down from generation to generation. They are proof of how strong and united our pack is."

"It's obvious, truly. I love how vintage they look" Jeongguk said, making Taeyung's father laugh with contentment.

The tour continued, revealing a library with shelves upon shelves of books, a training ground where skilled warriors would practise combat, and an empty marketplace. The pack alpha spoke proudly about each location, showing how diverse and active their pack was.

Throughout the journey, Taehyung's eyes never strayed far from Jeongguk, his heart yearning for the day when he could proudly call the alpha his mate. Though Taehyung's father had taken great pleasure in displaying the majesty of their pack, his intentions were unknown. Despite this, the young omega refused to give up hope, believing that love could overcome any barrier.

Finally, they arrived at the far corner of the pack, where a grove of trees was located. On one side, was a construction.

"What's the construction?" Jeongguk asked.

"I decided to make a studio for the young wolves in the pack" Taehyung's father said proudly. The Kim Pack values and encourages individual talents and passions. I wanted a place where our pack members can express their creativity and find solace"

"Wow!" Jeongguk exclaimed. "That's a brilliant idea. Alpha, my respect for you only grew from this"

Taehyung's father laughed, placing a hand on Jeongguk's back. "Don't you think this is a pack you would like to be part of, Jeongguk?"

Jeongguk smiled. "It looks like a perfect place to live, indeed"

They started walking towards the construction site that was now abandoned due to the event and the night that dawned on them. "I would like you to join our pack, Jeongguk. A true alpha like you would be a great addition to this pack. We are only becoming larger as the days go by. Our history stands tall and proud. Wouldn't you want to be part of such a prestigious and well-renowned pack? You can work alongside me. Taehyung had talked very highly of you so I trust you"

Jeongguk grinned, nodding. "Your invitation is an honour, Alpha Kim. I will definitely consider it. I have two more years of my degree. I was hoping to stay in college and work hard for my academics until then. I hope you understand"

"Of course" Mr Kim nodded. "You're a hardworking fellow. You will consider my offer after you graduate, then?"

"Definitely. I'm truly honoured"

"While we're here, would you like to see how the studio's construction is going? Since you're a musician you can give me some of your thoughts"

"Of course, Mr Kim"

"Dad, it's getting dark and there's no electricity inside the studio. I think we should head back" Taehyung said.

"Just a little longer, Taehyung. I must show Jeongguk the studio now that he's here"

Taehyung sighed as Jeongguk looked at him with a smile. Taehyung's father was already walking into the construction site. Jeongguk followed.

"This place is quite huge!" Jeongguk exclaimed. "Wow"

"I wanted to fit a lot of people here at once. This area" Minseok stretched his arms around. "I wanted it to be somewhere for dance practice. We're going to install a mirror at the far corner" He walked further inside. "And on either side are going to be different rooms with musical instruments. You can reach those through the hallways on both sides"

"I see" Jeongguk looked around the place, though only bricks and cement were the only proof of construction at the venue.

"We're going to have a couple of soundproof rooms too"

"Really?" Jeongguk's eyes lit up. "Are you going to have a karaoke room too?"

"Two, actually"

"That's awesome!"

Mr Kim laughed. "Isn't it? Now I want you to look at this" He walked towards the far end of the site. He walked through a doorway and Jeongguk followed. "Do you think..."

Taehyung's father's voice was distant from where Taehyung stood, the main doorway of the building. He heard Jeongguk speak as well, seemingly explaining something to his father. Taehyung's heart heaved with happiness. He was glad that his father and Jeongguk were getting along well. Only if his father understands that Jeongguk would be the perfect alpha for him to marry as well...

Taehyung sighed, starting to walk towards the room the two alphas were in. He had almost reached there when he heard a scream. It sounded like his father.

"Dad?!" Taehyung called, heart racing in his chest. He ran towards the room, only to be met with thick darkness.

He fished out his phone, lighting the flashlight and only then did he see Jeongguk kneeling on the ground, eyes wide with panic. He heard a groan and his eyes glided to the hole on the ground. Taehyung gasped, running towards it.

"Dad!" He screamed the moment he caught a glimpse of his father sitting at the bottom of the pit that had been dug in the ground.

"H-he slipped into the pit-" Jeongguk gulped,

"Taehyung" Taehyung's father groaned.

"Dad, are you okay?"

"Yes, don't worry," He said in a thick voice. "I didn't see the pit and slipped. Lost balance"

Taehyung gulped, heart racing in his chest with panic. "Is there..." He looked around, moving his phone to cast light around him. "Maybe if we could find a ladder..."

Jeongguk stood up, taking his own phone out of his pocket. "I will look for one"

"I don't think you will find anything here," Taehyung's father said. "The workers always lock the equipment in the shed once they're done working"

"But a ladder, Mr Kim..." Jeongguk muttered.

Taehyung's father tried to stand up on the ground. However, a scream erupted from his lips once he put weight on his leg, making him sit back on the ground. "I can't move my right ankle. I think I have fractured it"

"No no no" Taehyung whispered, tears forming in his eyes. "What do we do..."

"Hey, relax" Jeongguk whispered, placing his hand on Taehyung's shoulder.

"We must get him out. There's no electricity in the area and how can we go back to the pack house in the dark?"

"We have flashlights, Tae. I need you to calm down"

"I... I should call someone. Maybe I should call some workers who can get him up. What do I do?!"

"Tae, hey, first, you need to calm down"

"We must-"

"Omgea!"

Taehyung gasped, feeling his whole conscience come back to focus. His eyes met Jeongguk's in the dim light of their phone lights.

"A-Alpha"

"I will go there and get him out"

"H-how would you get out?! It's deeper than your height!"

"We can figure something out. But your father needs medical assistance so let's focus on getting him out first"

"I should call Seojoon. He can help you get him out-"

"No" Jeongguk said conclusively. "I will do it alone"

"But-"

"Do not call him"

"Jeongguk, this isn't the time to-"

"I can do this" Jeongguk stated and without a second thought, he walked over to the pit.

"Jeongguk!"

"Mr Kim, I'm coming in" Jeongguk said.

"I think you should call someone. I weigh more than you. You can't lift me up alone" Taehyung's father said.

"I will manage" Jeongguk muttered and jumped into the pit without a second thought.

"Then I should come too" Taehyung said.

"No. Help him up when I raise him"

Taehyung nodded. "Okay," he said, aiming a shaky beam of light from his phone downward in an attempt to see what was happening in the pit. Taehyung clung to the edge of the pit with his eyes fixed on the depths below as the minutes dragged on into an agonising eternity. In the pitch-black, Jeongguk's flashlight danced, illuminating his frantic struggle. Sweat trickled down Taehyung's brow as he watched his father and Jeongguk work together, their figures barely visible; the younger alpha used all his strength to raise Miseok up to the edge of the pit so Taehyung can drag him out.

Finally, with a collective effort, Jeongguk managed to hoist the older alpha out of the pit. Taehyung guided his father out, using all of his strength and then guided him to a sitting position on the ground. His heart soared with relief, but it sank again as he noticed his father's pained expression and the way he cradled his injured ankle. Taehyung quickly turned around to see Jeongguk's figure looking up at him. The omega clung to the edge of the pit and extended his hand to help Jeongguk up.

It wasn't difficult for Jeongguk to climb up the walls of the pit with Taehyung's help, Soon, he was sitting beside Taehyung's father, chest heaving as he took deep breaths. Sweat trickled down the sides of his face.

"Are you okay?" Taehyung whispered to Jeongguk.

Jeongguk nodded.

"Dad, what about you? Can you walk?"

"I don't think so" Taehyung's father muttered.

"I will carry you on my back" Jeongguk said, already standing up.

"Son, you can't. I'm too heavy. Even for a strong alpha like you"

"I can try, Mr Kim" Jeongguk sounded determined. "Shall I?"

"I guess I have no other choice" Taehyung's father muttered. "You have done so much already, Jeongguk. You went through so much trouble trying to lift me up out of there too"

"I just gave you a hand"

"I'm grateful," Taehyung's father said.

"Leave the thank yous, Mr Kim. I might as well receive them later"

Taehyung's father chuckled. "I like him. He's one strong alpha"

"I work out" Jeongguk said and walked around the man on the ground. He squatted in front of him. "I will carry you on my back"

"Jeongguk, you will hurt yourself"

"I'm stronger than you think, Tae"

"But still..."

"I'm really sorry" Taehyung's father muttered.

"Please, Mr Kim. Don't apologise. Emergencies happen. And I'm more than happy to help. You're my friend's father, after all"

Taehyung's father smiled. "I will repay you"

"Your invitation to join your pack is a gift much more than I am worth. So Mr Kim, don't think about this hand I'm lending. Now put your hands on my shoulders and I will lift you from your legs. Tae, help me"

Taehyung ran around to his father and as his father placed his hands on Jeongguk's shoulders, he helped the younger alpha get him on his back as he stood up. Slowly, they were able to securely place Taehyung's father on Jeongguk's back. Jeongguk started walking as Taehyung lit his phone in front of them. Soon, they were out of the construction site and they walked down the street that led to the houses. In the distance, Taehyung could see lights. However, the area they were in, was currently drowned in darkness, only the moon's rays lighting up the street. Taehyung tried to light up the way as Jeongguk slowly carried his father, but it proved little to no use with the darkness trying to gobble them up.

They were reaching the residential area with the houses where the streets were lit up with lights. Taehyung could see pack members gushing around, almost hurried. However, what stood up amongst them was one hybrid, taller than the rest, talking amongst the other wolves. As the three of them reached the area, a lot of heads turned their way, surprised gasps escaping them. Some rushed towards them and in the lead way the tall man from earlier.

"Seojoon" Taehyung muttered, making Jeongguk look at him.

Seojoon rushed to them, eyes wide with panic.

"Father" He called, looking at the man Jeongguk was carrying.

"Seojoon" Taehyung's father whispered.

"What happened?" Seojoon's voice was laced with concern. "Are you okay, Taehyung?"

"I am" Taehyung answered, quickly describing what had happened.

"Oh Luna!" Seojoon exclaimed.

"I'm fine, son" The older man said.

"Let's get him to the infirmary. Give him to me, I will carry him" Seojoon said to Jeongguk.

"I can manage" Jeongguk replied grimly.

"It's fine. You're Jeon Jeongguk, aren't you? You're a guest and you have helped us more than we could repay. Thank you for taking care of Mr Kim" Seojoon smiled at him gently.

"You're welcome but I think I can take him to the infirmary myself" Jeongguk insisted.

"We really mustn't worry you. He's our responsibility-"

"Well, you aren't really a part of this pack, are you?"

Taehyung's eyes widened. He was about to tell Jeongguk to calm down when-

Seojoon chuckled. "Mr Kim has been like my father since my and Taehyung's childhoods. And I'm soon to be a part of this pack too"

Taehyung could feel the way Jeongguk's pheromones heightened in the surrounding air, thick with anger and disapproval.

Taehyung gulped. He squeezed Jeongguk's arm, in an attempt to tell him to calm down. Jeongguk looked at him with furrowed eyebrows.

"That's none of my business" Jeongguk muttered with a hint of annoyance in his voice. "But I will take care of Mr Kim. He's Taehyung's father. He had been nothing but kind to me. So I owe him this and trust me, Mr Park, I'm happy to help"

Taehyung let out a breath of relief, thanking Jeongguk's ability to read the room.

"Fine, then" Seojoon finally said, despite narrowing his eyes at Jeongguk. "Let's go. I will show you to the infirmary. Taehyung, in the meantime, will you call Nurse Choi and your mom about this? Most pack members are at the feast still"

Taehyung nodded before taking a last look at Jeongguk and sprinting to the house where the nurse lived. Though he was hesitant to leave Jeongguk alone with complete strangers, he complied with Seojoon's request. He didn't want anyone getting even more suspicious about Jeongguk's behaviour. And he hoped to the moon goddess that no one would indeed find it strange or question Jeongguk's loss of control of his anger earlier.

-

Jeongguk placed Taehyung's father on one of the beds of the infirmary, which was deserted. Jeongguk assumed that this was due to the event that had just ended and some people were still at the dinner feast. Seojoon, along with a few more concerned pack members followed them. Seojoon helped Jeongguk set the pack leader on the bed, despite the younger's refusal for help. Minutes later, a nurse arrived.

"Nurse Choi" Seojoon called.

"What happened?" The nurse, an omega, as Jeongguk sensed, asked as she rushed to the bed.

Before Jeongguk could begin to explain, Seojoon beat him to it. He took a bold step forward, a confident expression on his face. The silence was broken by Seojoon's voice, which had an authoritative ring to it as he started to describe what had happened. Jeongguk couldn't help but feel a pang of frustration. How dare Seojoon explain what had happened when he wasn't even there? It was Jeongguk who had first-hand knowledge of the incident, and who had been present in those harrowing moments. Seojoon should've let him describe the incident.

His eyes hardened as he observed Seojoon, noting how he made certain gestures to emphasise information that could only have come from hearsay. A storm of conflicting emotions raged inside of Jeongguk, causing him to unconsciously clench his fists and dig his nails into his palms. The way Nurse Choi listened to him eagerly, her face sparkling with familiarity made Jeongguk feel even more frustrated. There was no doubt that Seojoon was in reality, close with all the pack members of the Kim Pack. Moreover, Mr Kim didn't look so surprised either, as if he, himself, was expecting Seojoon to handle the situation. Undoubtedly, Taehyung's father has much trust towards Seojoon.

Jeongguk forced a stoic expression, hiding the true depth of his emotions, despite the turmoil simmering beneath the surface. He was aware that in order to protect Taehyung and mask the intensity of his own feelings, he needed to remain composed. However, as Seojoon's words lingered in the air, a faint spark of determination appeared in Jeongguk's eyes. He had to win Taehyung's father's heart.

Jeongguk stayed on one side of the infirmary after Seojoon's quick explanation ended and the nurse got to her work. A doctor arrived soon as well and started checking their pack leader before starting to treat the ankle. Here and there, he heard words like x-ray, fracture, rest...

Seojoon stood a few feet away from him. Though Jeongguk wanted to spark some conversation to break the thin ice that had formed between them, he didn't know what to say. He had nothing to say to Seojoon, other than "Taehyung's mine". He chose silence instead.

It was about twenty minutes later that Taehyung and his mother arrived. The way the alpha female spoke with Seojoon unnerved Jeongguk further. However, Taehyung's subtle squeeze on his arm calmed him down. Their gazes met as they stood at the back of the infirmary, as Seojoon and Taehyung's mother stood by the pack leader. A silent conversation passed between the alpha and the omega and electricity sizzled between them. Taehyung smiled, glancing down at his shoes to hide the blush that covered his cheeks. Jeongguk could only smile. His prior anger and frustration had vanished into thin air the moment Taehyung came into his presence. Taehyung was like a breath of fresh air. A gentle breeze that brushed all his worries away.

The x-ray was scheduled for the next day, he heard Nurse Choi say. Within thirty minutes, they had bandaged Minseok's ankle, telling him to spend the night at the infirmary and get some rest. Much to Jeongguk's delight, Mrs Kim sincerely thanked him for helping her husband and taking him to the infirmary all by himself.

"You're covered in dirt, Mr Jeon" The female alpha said. "Let's go to our house and you can take a shower before you leave"

"There's no need, Mrs Kim. It was my pleasure to help Mr Kim. He's Taehying's father after all. Taehyung's father feels like my own father"

Mrs Kim laughed heartily at that. "But still, you can't go anywhere looking like that, young alpha. Come with us, I will show you to the shower and you can have a change of clothes"

"It's really fine-" Jeongguk was saying, but he was soon cut off by the pack leader's voice.

"Yes, do that. You're not stepping out of my pack grounds looking like that, Jeongguk"

Taehyung chuckled softly, making Jeongguk smile as well.

"But before you go, I need to talk to you for a minute"

"Of course, sir" Jeongguk said, despite feeling a bit sick in the stomach. Could he have done something wrong? Did he fuck it all up?

"You two head back home. I will send Jeongguk in a bit"

Taehyung and his mother soon bid their goodbyes to the older alpha, with the promise of visiting after they have dinner. Mrs Kim led Seojoon out as well. However, before Taehyung left, he exchanged a small, subtle glance with Jeongguk which left the alpha bubbling with happiness.

The moment the infirmary doors closed behind the wolves, Jeonggul stepped near Mr Kim. "Mr Kim? What did you want to tell me?"

"Yes" The man on the bed spoke in a rough voice. "It's more of a question"

"Ask me anything"

The man hummed. "What is your business with Taehyung?"

"Pardon?"

The pack leader looked at Jeongguk with sharp eyes and for the first time in his life, Taehyung's fear of his father made sense. Kim Minseok looked dangerous. When Minseok's voice came again, Jeongguk's heart raced in his chest from anxiety. He felt sick in the stomach.

"What's your relationship with Taehyung?"

"I don't understand what you mean, sir" Jeongguk smiled. "I consider him a friend. We have met each other a few times. He's in the photography club with me. My friends are also his friends. I think I would call us friends, sir. Though I don't suppose I'm very close to him-"

Minseok let out a grunt from the back of his throat to cut him off. It sounded more like a growl to Jeongguk. Jeongguk wanted to jump off his bones. He could feel Minseok's eyes boring into his own and-

"I'm injured, Jeongguk, not blind or deaf. Now tell me what your intentions are for my young omega son"

🌸

I'm grateful if you're still reading this book❤️❤️

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