The Alpha was wide awake in bed. He had been since Hani fell asleep next to him, already late in the night, after many hours of talking to one another about the things their wolves had showed them. Now, delicately curled around her, the Alpha lovingly watched her sleep; delighting himself in every breath she released from her lips, the way her eyelashes fluttered gently if he moved in the slightest of ways and how she instinctively nuzzled further into him as the hours passed throughout her sleepy state, pushing her body closer and closer to his, although the boy hadn't moved an inch. There he stood unmovable with his eyes glued to hers. Unconsciously, perhaps, he was repainting the painful memories his brain had left from those days absent of her. The sun was rising slowly in the horizon, lighting up and washing away the darkness of the night. And Jungkook, trapped in her image, he too, coloured the once painful memories with tones of Hani.
It was still early in the morning when the sleepy Luna noticed something wasn't right. Her eyes opened, abruptly shooing the sleepiness away, and she turned around in bed, to find Jungkook's spot empty. Confusion was the first emotion that coated her, causing the girl to sit on the bed as she scanned the room around her. Then – when the memories of the day before reached her – fear was the only thing she felt. In a haste, she got dressed; forgetting her breakfast and everything else that was a part of her morning routine. Outside, the weather was sunny. Warmth, little by little, settling into the air; alerting everyone to the approach of the changing of season. Hani's feet guided her through the different places in the pack, searching for Jungkook in every corner. She spotted Yoongi at the little market and quickly, she rushed towards him. The male was caught off guard and shock painted his face; but Hani was talking in panic filled words, clutching onto Yoongi's shoulders and shaking them gently. He was baffled at the frightened girl, intrigued at why she appeared so distressed. Shrugging it off, Yoongi calmly explained that he had seen Jungkook early in the morning at the pack house. They had talked for a bit, before the Alpha left and that, most likely – judging by how tense he looked – he had gone to the woods to cool off some steam. The information wasn't enough to reassure the girl but, nevertheless, she thanked him. She jogged back to their cabin and went around it, finding the entry to the forest that led to the clearing she had seen him in before. Her steps slowed down while she walked amongst the trees, trying to recall the path she had done in the past. And, finally, she found him.
Blending with the silence of the woods, Jungkook was standing in front of a tree. His head was bent, tricking one into believing the Alpha was relaxed; however, he was more attentive than ever, prepared to face any fleeting change in the environment. Hani observed him detailly, attempting to understand what he was up to at such early hours of the morning. His dark bangs were covering his face, gently they were being blown by the wind. She decided to go towards him; she too had fallen into his trickery, assuming he wasn't aware of her presence. Under her feet, a twig broke. The sound appearing bigger when faced with the quietness of the woods. Swiftly, he vanished right in front of her eyes and, even before Hani could guess where he had gone, she felt him trapping her body in his arms. The Alpha left a strong flirty kiss on her cheek as he giggled against her skin; amused by how easily he had surprised his mate. She turned around and instead of a smile, a frown had taken over her lips. Abruptly, Jungkook's giggles ceased and he coughed awkwardly not really understanding what he done to upset her.
"You left me in bed by myself without an explanation, idiot" Hani scolded, slapping the back of his head gently. Jungkook sighed in relief and chuckled to himself. The girl's stare hardened at the cheeky Alpha and she opened her mouth to scold him even more fiercely. But, before words could leave her, Jungkook clashed his lips against hers passionately; erasing all words from her tongue. Forgetting the grumpiness that her worry had formed, Hani smiled as his lips pressed themselves on hers. "You could have told me you'd be here. I was worried something had happened..."
"I'm sorry. You looked tired; I didn't want to wake you up. You don't usually wake up this early... I was just finishing up to head back home."
He explained, caressing her hair as he did so. Looking around, Hani now noticed the trees that had been ripped from the ground, and the ones who had a perfectly shaped circle in their trunk. She took his hands in hers and with her fingers, she delicately trailed the bruises and cuts in them. Their eyes met and the Alpha was quick to find the worry in them.
"What were you up to, anyways?"
"Bonding." He answered, removing his hands from Hani's grasp. A sharp glance was thrown at him and he realized his explanation was not sufficient for the girl. "Ares and I were bonding. We have a lot to catch up to and I have been refusing him for so long, I'm trying to understand what abilities I have that I have been ignoring. I'm not sure of what lays ahead of us... but I want to be prepared"
Hani wanted to say something, yet, she wasn't sure how to put it. She didn't like the idea of dark times approaching - it was childish and naïve of her. But, truly, she didn't want to face greater violence than what she had seen back at the forest, despite knowing it was inevitable. The fallen trees on the floor frightened her, the memories they had awaken frightened her and how well she knew Jungkook's heart frightened her too. It was clear the sharp knife in his eyes, powerfully being shaped and strengthened in the burning fire of his soul. The Alpha was hungry for revenge, deeply connected with the violent and bloodthirsty side of him. Everything that was being revealed to him, only added more wood into his fire. Desperately she hoped, he wouldn't have to unleash that side of him; that they could move calmly with their life. She didn't fear him – that wasn't the core of her issue. Her worry and fear were rooted on the effects such a demonstration of slaughter and violence would have on her, on them. Would things change between them? Would it be worth it?
Ignoring her thoughts, Hani nodded her head at Jungkook. He realized her reluctance and doubt, but decided to tackle it on another day. Tenderly he caressed her cheek and trailing his fingertips down her skin, with his index finger he raised her head.
"Don't dwell too much on it. I just think it's better to be careful and to stay alert, that's all." Once more, he tried to comfort her but he realized it seemed to not have any effect on her. Hani scoffed in disbelief at Jungkook. It was impossible for her to 'not dwell on it' when she was just as deeply inserted in it as he was. "Let's just go back home, for now."
Jungkook waved his head side to side, chuckling at his grumpy mate. He grabbed the stuff he had brought with him and then, made his way back to Hani who had her arms crossed over her chest as she waited for him. The Alpha guided her out of the forest, his arms wrapped around her waist, while he tried to ease her frown with kisses and flirty words. Bit by bit, she was melting into his affection; occasionally, stopping in her tracks to steal a kiss from Jungkook's lips. In their own world they were, acting as if it was the first time, they were meeting one another; sharing cheeky compliments and affections, finding new ways to trigger an accelerated heartbeat or cause their cheeks to blush. Sadly enough, their little moment was ripped from them by someone calling Jungkook's name.
The couple stopped in their makeshift backyard, noticing a young boy that was running towards them. Hani recognized him as being a part of the group of wolves in charge of the border control. He appeared to be in a rush and somewhat overwhelmed and baffled. Immediately, Jungkook's heart accelerated its rhythm in his chest and his demeanour changed; he corrected his posture, standing tall and mighty, and his eyes sharpened becoming intimidating and attentive. The boy was breathing heavily once he reached the Alpha but, not allowing himself to catch his own breath, he delivered the message in one go.
"There's a group at the border. They want to talk to you, Alpha."
"A group?"
Jungkook asked, pressuring the boy for more information. While he waited for the boy to speak, Jungkook started making his way towards the border with Hani by his side.
"We asked them who they were and they shared only a few things with us. They have stressed very strongly how important it is to talk to you personally. All that we know is that they left the pack up north and want to join ours."
That caused the Alpha's head to snap, his piercing eyes digging into the boy's. Curiosity washed over the mates, and they shared a worried glanced between one another. They were reminded of what Taehyung's messenger had told them a few days ago. However, they couldn't be naïve neither blind. So, carefully and warily they approached their curiosity; holding themselves back from diving deep into a situation they didn't understand.
"Bring them to the training grounds while I'll go grab my betas. Don't let anyone get closer to them and take the fastest route there. The one behind the houses, okay?"
After assuring the Alpha that things would get done exactly as he had been instructed, the boy sprinted back to the borders. In the meantime, Hani and Jungkook went to each of the beta's cabin and, one by one, they told them what was happening. Promptly, they followed them to the training grounds sharing curious glances amongst them. Upon arriving, the betas sat down on the different logs sprawled over the dirt ground while Hani and Jungkook impatiently stood side by side. The betas discussed with one another, some believing this group was the one Taehyung's messenger had mentioned while others thought this was one of Ulric's sly strategies to get an upper hand over them. Fortunately, the discussion would be rapidly solved, since the sound of footsteps was growing closer and closer to them.
Into the training grounds came the boy with two other males that worked side by side with him on the border. They spotted the Alpha and, acknowledging their presence, the Alpha nodded his head at them. Behind them, trudged in a huge group of people; bigger than what Jungkook and Hani had imagined. Men, women, children of all ages and sizes; they looked around in wonder at the immensity of the pack they were being introduced to. They were amazed, bewildered at what they were seeing. Gaping at the scenery and at the lively atmosphere that was imbued into the territory. One of the boys called out for Jungkook, the word "Alpha" catching the attention of the foreign group. Stopping as they had been instructed, the group was marvelled at Jungkook; the same way we all do when faced with the immensity of the vast and unknown ocean.
The adrenaline and the resolution that had driven them there, had been fuelled and fed by their imagination and expectations of the divine wolf that stood in front of them. It was their hunger for knowing how he was like, if he was as strong and mighty as they described him to be, that lead them there. Finally, they were face to face to him and god... how they realized that their imagination lacked the power to draw what in front of them stood. He was much taller, his build much stronger, his eyes much more fierce and an uncontrollable wave of power and authority swirled in his presence. And his mate, the Luna. It was unfair that in the most popular of the stories that ran, she took no part in it. However, a meticulous ear and mind would be witty enough to discover the treasures that some stories hid. Luckily, the group was aware of them, knew the details used to describe her by memory. They knew of her beauty, the fleetingness of her movements making one believe she did not walk but flew; they knew of her nurturing ways and of the calmness she naturally gave the air around her. Even her alluringness they knew and how determined and fierce was her need to protect those she cared for. She too, surpassed all the expectations and the fantasized images they had of her.
In awe the group stood, except an older man up front, which Jungkook assumed was somewhat their leader. Their gazes clashed and it seemed that Jungkook's reputation had no effect whatsoever on the man's demeanour. He was unfazed, unbothered by the Alpha's presence. Neither was he softened in any way, by Hani's existence. Like an unmovable mountain he stood, courageously facing the Alpha he was supposed to please.
"I suggest you to start explaining why you are here. And what do you search for."
The tone in Jungkook's voice was harsh and strong as he demanded the group for explanations. They were a bit taken back by it. Foolishly, they had assumed the Alpha was going to welcome them with open arms into his pack. Perhaps, if danger wasn't lurking around and if Jungkook and Hani weren't in such a spikey situation; perhaps, the Alpha might have been kinder and more understanding. Yet, Jungkook was alert, wary. He didn't take bold or risky moves until he was sure of – exactly – what he was getting himself into or in this case, exactly who was he allowing inside his pack.
"I'm Dion, I lead this group." The man introduced himself and bowed slightly to Jungkook and Hani. It was thanks to that graceful gesture, that Hani was able to spot the bandage on his back, peeking out of his shirt. Her eyes, then, scanned the group attentively and she started noticing how all of them had a mark of pain of their own. "We left the northern pack two weeks ago but due to having to walk and some sudden attacks, we have taken longer than what we intended to, to arrive here. We'd like to join this pack, Alpha."
"Why did you leave?" Jungkook asked, growing more and more intrigued at the group. "I am aware the pack you abandoned has great resources. Some believe there is no greater pack then theirs. So, if it is not greatness you seek, neither food; then what made you chose my pack as your own?"
"We realized we no longer wished to live in fear. That we'd rather lose the privileges we had there, in order to leave a life that's free." The man explained, carrying an unspeakable hidden pain in his voice. "We had to escape in the middle of the night, for not even there, were we free to choose if we wished to stay or leave. They followed our tracks and tried to drag us back into the pack. They didn't care if our bodies were alive or not by the time, they'd have us back. We heard here... in your pack, Alpha. People were free to choose and to follow you. We wished to live a life like that, so we came; despite what pains and challenges we were forced to face."
"Is that why there is a bandage wrapped around your back? I couldn't help but notice it when you bowed" Jungkook pointed out compassionately while also, testing if what Dion had said was true. "Some of your companions seem to be hurt, as well."
"Unfortunately, yes. They sneaked on us while we slept. I barely escaped from their grasp. Whenever I feel my muscles tightening in pain when I move, I'm reminded of how lucky I am for still being alive. Some of us weren't that lucky... I'm afraid..."
"How many?" The pain in Dion's voice was not masked enough to go by unnoticed by the experienced Alpha. He knew pain better than anyone and, for that reason, he excelled at catching a sign of it. "How many did they kill?"
"More than half of the ones who stand here, Alpha" Hani's eyes widened in shock and her heart trembled with pity for the group. They were around 30 or 40 people and all of them reacted painfully at the wound Jungkook was reopening with his questions. The Alpha was shocked at the immensity of people they had lost and that stood in front of him. The group had probably been huge, rather difficult to keep hidden. "Some have lost parents, mates... even children. The Alpha from the pack up north does not believe in mercy, neither in forgiveness."
"I am more than familiar with his ways" Jungkook replied with bitterness in his tongue but not towards the group, towards Ulric and the past they shared. As he peered over the group in thought, he was reminded of when he was a child wandering the woods by himself, after losing his home and his family. Back then, he had wished for someone to take him in and shelter him; the same way the group was begging him to do now. Jungkook couldn't even imagine what could have happened to him, if Namjoon hadn't found him. Taking a deep breath, The Alpha appeared to have reached a decision. "There's some things I'm going to need you to do for me, before fully becoming a part of this pack. A... test, per say."
At the Alpha's words, the people in the group jolted up in fear. The memories were still too vivid and they couldn't help but be affected by them. Jungkook waved his hands in front of him in panic, fearing the group had misinterpreted his words.
"I am not like him. I do not demand submission or neither do I feed off the fear of those who wish to follow me." He explained hastily, stumbling on his words in the process. The group relaxed and, relieved, they paid attention to what the Alpha required them to do. "I demand loyalty, trust and respect. So, it will take a while, naturally, for us to trust one another. Don't worry, much won't be asked of you. In the meantime, however, please let me know who's hurt and needs medical attention. I assume the wounds have been poorly treated, due to the situation you were in. Jin, is our pack doctor and I'm sure he won't mind helping you." Jungkook pointed at Jin to which the older wolf raised his hand to, subtly introducing himself to the newcomers "After making sure everyone is okay and taken care of, I'll probably ask you to meet with me and the Luna to get you settled in. You'll just have to give us your names and how many are in your family, so that we can later on start figuring out where you will sleep and so on. We weren't expecting such a big group to arrive, so I ask you to be patient as we sort everything out"
The group's faces lighted up in excitement and happiness at Jungkook's words. They hugged one another and shared smiles; using that moment to celebrate the journey they had endured. Even Dion, broke into a small smile and he muttered a small 'thank you' to both Jungkook and Hani. The Alpha and the Luna observed them from afar as the group organized itself. Hani gazed at them tenderly, allowing their contagious smiles to form one on her face. Jungkook's eyes lingered on as many people as he could; a part of him was still suspicious and doubtful. It would take time to fully trust them and for him to lower his guard. Surely, in its due time, Jungkook would come to a conclusion.
With hurry, the group brought forth their companions that were hurt. The gruesomeness behind their wounds were visible, revealing to the mates just how tough their journey there had been. Jin and Jungkook exchanged glances and quickly, the doctor took over. He asked them to follow him, for he was leading them to his cabin where everyone would be treated. Jungkook's eyes scanned them as they all lined up behind Jin. The more his eyes searched for, the more they found. More and more faces the Alpha tried to remember and study as they passed. In the midst of so many, one stood out; becoming the sole focus of his gaze. It was not the features that intrigued the Alpha, it was something much more unique; something that the group appeared to hide. It was a slip of the hand that held the boy's face... that's all it took for the Alpha to see it. A small child was in a man's arms, his cheek pressed against the man's face. Their eyes locked with Jungkook, the child raised his head – Destiny's mischief. There was a bandage on the little boy's cheek; a perfect resemblance of one that had once had decorated the Alpha's cheek – a curse.