I make my way down the stairs and into the dining hall. Even from here, I can hear as Kyungsoo barks out orders and the clanking of pots and pans. I barely am able to sidestep a girl that is carrying a tray wrapped in tinfoil. Ack.

I get inside to see them finishing up. Knowing that I should probably stay out of the way, I grab a used pot, check with Kyungsoo, and begin to clean it. I do this for a few other bits of cutlery, then decide to head out to get food when I hear the casual chatting of the other wolves as they filed to the dining hall.

I take my time getting food, so when I sit down, mostly everyone is already there. Except for my mate. "Where's Chanyeol?" I ask the group.

Beta Jongin answers, "He went to go have a quick word with a few visitors."

I shrug. "Okay."

But after thirty minutes, I begin to get concerned. "Beta Jongin? Where is he? I want to go check on him."

Beta Jongin swallows. "Go out, take a right. First door on your left."

I bat a hand at him to show that I've heard, already heading out.

As I turn the corner, I hear muffled voices. Voices that I know all too well. My heart plunges to my stomach, and I lean on the wall for support. No. No. No. it can't be them.

I peer into the room, terrified. And there they were. My former Alpha and Beta. They seem to be negotiating with Chanyeol, who looks offended.

I breath in and out slowly, trying to calm my nerves. I work up the courage to knock on the door.

The talking stops and Chanyeol makes his way over. His gaze is stern when he opens the door, but softens when he sees me. He cups my cheek with one hand, purposefully blocking the doorway so that the wolves inside can't see us. "What are you doing here?" His voice is authoritative, affectionate, and quiet, all at the same time.

"I was getting worried about you. You need to eat too, you know." I shake my head at him.

Chanyeol looks at the visitors, then back at me. His gaze send a message that I've already figured out. I'm standing right here, and they still haven't picked up my scent. I must have already taken on the pack scent, and my individual smell is masked by Chanyeol's. I look a lot better, completely different. Healthier, robust, more energized. They can't recognize me now, they won't recognize me. I just have to be careful not to reveal my name. I grip Chanyeol's arm and allow him to pull me inside.

The two wolves continue to blabber. "We're almost certain that our omega crossed into your territory, and no wolf has seen any bodies. It's only reasonable to assume that you have stolen him!" The Alpha angrily points a finger at Chanyeol.

It takes me a second to figure out that they're referring to me. Why are they looking for me? They left me to die.

"Are you accusing my pack to be stealers?" Chanyeol's practically shaking with rage. "I'll have you know that my pack is honorable. We would not stoop as lowly as to steal!" He takes a menacing stride forwards. "And, I trust that you had good reason to make him an omega. Why would I want an omega?" He's voice becomes dangerously quiet.

It reminds me of the time we first met, when he found me in that cave. He was so angry. It's clear that his pack means the world to him.

The Beta clears his throat. "Ahem, last time we met, I don't remember you being mated?" He glances suspiciously at Chanyeol's mating mark. Our mating mark. "And who would this lovely young wolf be?"

Chanyeol's nose flares. "This is the first time we've met in about nine months. A lot has happened." He makes a conscious effort to remain calm.

"Really? Have you accepted any new wolves into your pack recently? I don't recall seeing him around before." The Alpha nods in my direction. "You wouldn't mind if we took a closer look at him, would you?"

This sends Chanyeol over the edge. "Paws off my mate!" He growls, a noise deep in his throat. The visitors jump back in surprise. He protectively steps in front of me. "You. Will. Not. Touch. Him." Each word is separate, and his teeth are gritted together. I've never seen him more enraged.

I can hardly believe that this is the same wolf that was playing and cuddling with me a few hours ago. He's so different. But he's still Chanyeol. My one and only. I can't help but to be apprehensive.

"But-"

"OUT!"

"Sir we-"

"GET OUT!"

"He-"

"I DON'T CARE! LEAVE!" Chanyeol practically shoves the other two out the door. I watch as he tells the wolf on duty to escort them out. She hastily dips her head and complies.

He turns back to me, eyes slightly smoldering. I can practically see the smoke pouring out of his ears. I touch his wrist gently. "Shh. Calm down. Everything's okay. Why don't you sit?"

Chanyeol sits himself down on the small loveseat-sized sofa, still in a daze. I watch him, concerned. I sit down next to him, and find myself a little hesitant to go near him. I know that he would never harm me, yet a part of me is afraid he might do something irrational.

Chanyeol directs his gaze to the ceiling. "I scared you, didn't I?" His voice is regretful. "Tell me, am I selfish?"

That's enough to rid me of any doubt I had. I throw myself at him, pressing a long kiss to his mark. "No, most definitely not."

Chanyeol tentatively cards through my hair. "But you were scared. I saw fear in your eyes. You were scared because of me."

I open my mouth to object, but Chanyeol silences me with a finger on my lips. "Don't deny it."

I remove his hand. "Chanyeol, why would you call yourself selfish?"

He doesn't seem to hear me. "Baekhyun, am I overprotective?"

I press my cheek up against his. "You had good reason to. Stop doubting yourself."

He finally looks at me, right in the eyes. "Don't lie."

I'm partially hurt that he thinks I'm lying to him, but I push the discomfort aside. "Chanyeol, why are you doubting me? What reason do I have to lie to you? I know better than to try sugarcoating everything."

He gets really close to my face, so close that I can feel his warm breath on my lips. "I'm sorry, there's a lot going on in my head right now."

"Just sit for a moment, relax. We don't have to go back until you want to."

Chanyeol hunches over slightly and drapes his arms on his lap. He lets me pepper him lightly with kisses. Chanyeol pushes my chest slightly. "I want to go back now. We're both going to be hungry if we don't."

"You sure?" I nuzzle his forehead.

"Yeah," he breathes, "Thank you."

I close my eyes and rest my head in his chest, suddenly reluctant to leave. Even though it's was our first disagreement, I can't bear the feeling of having Chanyeol being distant. I need him too much.

Chanyeol wraps his arms around me, and I curl up into him. I need him. I realize. I've never really needed anyone to survive. I've always been on my own. But I need him. And the mere thought of being without him makes me whimper out loud, clutching his shirt, drowning myself in his scent. "Don't leave me, don't ever leave me."

Chanyeol stays silent, but he grips me just as tightly, if not more. He buries his face in my hair, and I feel as he breathes in slowly.

I need him. I need him to survive. I need him to live.

Chanyeol's POV (Finally!)

As clutch my mate close to me, I will the hot tears that threaten to push over to go away. I don't want to cry. Not here. I can't speak, if I do, I'll break. I bury my head in Baekhyun's hair. Trying to calm down. Trying so hard not to break.

Voices taunt me. You're weak. Control yourself. Man up. You don't deserve this position. Real alphas don't cry.

I'm disgusted by my thinking, but no matter how hard I try, I just can't force the stupid voice out of my head.

It happens sporadically, but more frequently than I would like. The only consolation I have is my mate. I have to put on a brave face for him. And it works. Most of the time. Most times, I laugh and smile for real. But there are those moments when I'm crushed by my thoughts, unable to speak at all.

Baekhyun's POV

I feel Chanyeol shake as he holds me. "Chan," I whisper, rubbing my face into his neck, "it's okay to cry. Let it out."

Chanyeol shakes his head as he grips me tighter.

"Chanyeol," I try again, "it's fine. I won't judge. Just cry."

He still refuses to budge.

"Chanyeol," I whine into his ear, "let go. You're suffocating me."

And when he finally lets me breath again, I see why he gripped me so hard in the first place. His eyes are bloodshot red, and he looks exhausted. My Chanyeol... I can't bear to see him like this. He's in so much pain. "You know," I start quietly, "if you want, we can just head upstairs. I'll tell Beta Jongin or someone to bring us some food later."

He nods, still unwilling to speak, as I clamber off him. I take a little time to stretch out my bunched up muscles, and help him stand. I take most of his weight on my shoulder, somewhat unsteadily half dragging us out the door.

When we get to the stairs, Chanyeol gets off of me and trudges up on his own. I follow behind him, careful to make sure he doesn't fall. Luckily, there's no one out and about, no prying eyes. Thank heavens. I don't know what would happen if the rest of the pack saw their leader like this. Nothing good, I'm sure.

Once we reach the top, I rush ahead to unlock and open the door. My mate tiredly walks in and flops onto my side of the bed, burying his head into my pillow. I sit beside him, combing through his jet black hair. Deciding to give him a bit of privacy, I peck him on the head one last time, cover him with our blanket, and head into the meeting room.

I sit down, somewhat defeated. I pull out my phone, powering it on. On my lock screen, I see that Beta Jongin left me a message ten minutes ago, asking if I was alright.

I sigh, thumbing in a reply.

'Not really. Something came up, and I don't know if I should tell. Maybe Chanyeol will tell you later, if he feels the need to. For now, can you please bring us some food? Don't ask why, but we're in our room right now. And when you get here, don't knock on the door, message me instead. Thanks.'

I press send and rest my head against the back of the sofa, staring at the ceiling. Why can't my mate trust me enough to even cry in front of me? Is it because he's afraid of showing his weak side?

Ping~

'I won't ask, though I bet it has something to do with the visitors. They didn't look too happy when they came in. And sure, I can bring some food up. What would you like?'

I smile at his consideration.

'Something filling. Rice with curry, perhaps? Broth? Nothing too bold please, Chanyeol isn't feeling too well at the moment. And can we keep this between us until Chanyeol decides what to do?'

Ping~

'Alright. Give me five minutes.'

I laze back on the couch, scrolling through art ideas. I rub my lips together, frowning at the coarseness. Ugh. I message Beta Jongin again.

'If you don't mind, could you please get me some lip balm too? The dryness is killing me.'

He replies almost instantly.

Ping~

'Of course.'

A while later, my phone buzzes beside me, and I note Beta Jongin's arrival. I tuck my phone back in my pocket and carefully make my way out. I slowly pull open the door, accepting the tray of food and the chapstick. "Thank you so much," I whisper, careful not to wake Chanyeol, who had fallen into a uneasy slumber.

"Oh, is he asleep?" Beta Jongin lowers his voice. "Then I'll take my leave." He pats my shoulder and walks away. I shut the door behind him.

I set the warm food on the coffee table, uncapping the chapstick and applying it. I take note of the flavor. Cherry coke. I decide that it's very much enjoyable.

Turning back to my mate, a frown crosses my face. He's shivering slightly, letting out small whimpers here and there. He's so fragile.

And I watch as the tears finally trickle down his face.

- § -

Woo, wonderful stopping point, don't ya think?

I promised you all action! And this is what happens. And it only goes downhill from here!

What's your opinion on Taeyeon in the book? Do you think she's just annoying, or is there something else?

See you in the next update!

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