Moonlit Shadows

The Best Is Yet To Come

Jungkook's chin quivered as Hoseok spoke. Memories of him, Hoseok, and Jimin running the mountain together traveled through his mind. Memories of their den mother, school days, and even the Alpha who sired them played in Jungkook's mental theater. He smiled to himself at some memories and grimaced to himself with others.

But nothing would change the fact that Hoseok had been Jungkook's rock and constant. Neither of them ever dreamed they would be in the positions they were in. Hoseok never aspired to be the pack Alpha, and Jungkook never dreamed of having the title.

The two men released each other and their arms dropped to their sides.

"How long will you be gone?" said Jungkook, blinking away his tears.

"As long as necessary," said Hoseok quietly. "We'll come back to visit, Kook. We won't be gone for good. And plus, the world is getting smaller! Technology can be a great help."

Jungkook shoved his hands into the pockets of his jeans. He nodded and tried to smile. "I'll miss you, Hyung," he whispered.

Hoseok smiled and nudged Jungkook's shoulder with his own. "Toughen up! You are getting soft in your old age."

Jaci giggled quietly as she watched the two tease one another.

Their conversation turned to more practical things, such as what would happen with the guest house. Hoseok was selling it. It had always been a liability as far as werewolf privacy was concerned. Ga-Eun had always insisted that it would be great for out-of-town guests so Hoseok had agreed. But now he just wanted to be rid of it, to which Jungkook put up no argument.

Finally, it was time to say goodbye. Hoseok didn't want to make Jungkook cry again so he simply said goodbye and left. No more hugs or prolonged farewells.

Without anyone to fall back on, Jungkook now felt the full weight of the pack on his shoulders.

* * *

Jungkook and Jaci wasted no time getting to their pack duties. They settled disagreements together and made decisions for the pack as a couple. Jungkook refused to be an Alpha who had all the power, instead he insisted on Jaci being a Luna with just as much say in things as he did.

Jaci took on the responsibilities like a true Luna. When she wasn't listening to pack disputes, she visited elderly wolves and helped them tidy their houses. She made frequent trips down to the town and brought back necessary items and food for people who couldn't make the trip themselves.

She also volunteered to help Ha-Yoon and Jimin when it came to the pack pups. She quickly learned how feisty pups could be and how not to let their cuteness dissuade her from doling out consequences.

"These kids are exhausting!" she exclaimed one day after parents had come to pick up their pups.

Jimin laughed as he gathered up balls and toys from the clearing. "They are most days. But I love the challenge."

"Yeah, it makes it easier to accept not having pups ourselves," said Ha-Yoon as she handed Jaci a glass of water before sitting down next to her on their front porch.

Jaci noticed the sad look that passed over Jimin's face and the wry tone in Ha-Yoon's voice wasn't lost on her either.

"Forgive me if I'm being too nosey, but have you guys seen a fertility doctor?" Jaci wished she could shove the words back into her mouth as soon as she said them. The clearing had fallen silent and Jimin had become still, as well as Ha-Yoon.

"No, it's okay," said Ha-Yoon after a few moments of silence. "Never apologize for asking us things like that. You're Luna; have a right to know. Doctors have told us there's nothing wrong. They say it's probably due to stress. As if we have any of that," she said with a little laugh.