Moonlit Shadows

Finally Home

Everyone looked at Hoseok, who shifted his eyes away from their curious stares.

"Let's go," he grumbled, walking out the door.

Jaci stopped just before she exited and looked back. "I've been wondering something. What does the name Tierkrieger Isness mean? It must stand for something."

Aydan looked to Zephyr, who glanced at him, then turned and walked away. Aydan looked back at Jaci and smiled. "It roughly translates to mean Castle of the Wolf Warriors."

"And the wolves depicted on the bedposts? And the tapestries?"

Aydan smiled even wider. "The bedpost carvings are of the first alpha pairs in our pack. The paintings and tapestries depict our pack history. I can email you all the historical information if you'd like?"

Jaci's face beamed, and she nodded excitedly. "I would love that!"

Jungkook watched the exchange and noted how Jaci's face lit up at the historical tidbits of information. However, he wasn't happy that some other Alpha made Jaci smile like she was. He gently nudged her back. "We need to go," he murmured.

Jaci smiled apologetically and hurried through the door.

Jungkook looked back once more and threw Aydan a disgruntled snort as he closed the door behind him.

Aydan chuckled and shook his head, muttering to himself. "So possessive. I wouldn't dream of taking your mate from you."

"Aydan! We have things to do. Stop standing there and moping about our company leaving," shouted Zephyr coming back from around a corner.

"Yes, Master. I'm coming!"

"For the last time, stop calling me that!"

* * *

The convoy of taxis pulled up to the base of Blood Mountain, having been directed to drop their fares at the Memorial Tree. After unloading the passengers and the luggage, the taxis sped away.

"Jungkook, will you be staying here for a while or coming directly home?" asked Jimin as he threw his heavy backpack over his shoulders.

Jungkook looked at Taehyung, who was suddenly interested in a purple ribbon, then to Sunny, who was trying not to look like she wanted him to stay, to Jaci, who was looking at him with complete adoration. Looking back to Jimin, he said, "I think I want to stay a night here. Tell the pack I will be back tomorrow, and they better get ready. We have a wedding to plan, a Luna to introduce, and lots to do."

Jimin and Hoseok grinned and nodded, then started their hike home.

Jaci walked over to Sunny. "Is it time to replace any of these?" she said, running a red ribbon between her fingers.

Sunny smiled and nodded. "Perhaps. Well, since you two have invited yourselves into our home, I suppose we need to figure out who we are all going to eat tonight?"

Jaci paled, and Taehyung giggled at her reaction.

"How about we head into the village and eat at the regular place?" he said, looping his arm around Sunny's waist.

Jungkook took Jaci's hand. "She was joking, Jaci," he whispered into her ear.

Sunny laughed and shook her head. "Sorry, I've become a bit of a joker since I married this Joseon comedian over here." She jabbed Taehyung in the ribs with her elbow, making him grunt.

"Comedian...hmph. You've not even begun to hear the centuries of jokes I have in my keeping."

"Yes, Hyung, but how many of them are still even relevant?" grinned Jungkook, storing his and Jaci's luggage behind a large pine.