Peace and safe
×××
After Lisa, Jungkook, Yoongi, and a handful of guards left the room, Taehyung and Taehyun were also led to another building. The trueblood guessed it was a meeting room since there was nothing else except for a long table. Jennie immediately took a seat, next to her sat the female alpha who had accompanied them since the train station. Taehyung and Taehyun just stood by the table. Taehyung was way too nervous to sit still and the young beta probably didn't dare to if his Head Alpha was standing.
"Can you please calm down? Even I get stressed by you," Jennie frowned at Taehyung and at the same time motioned for Taehyun to take a seat.
The beta glanced at his Head Alpha, silently asking him whether he was allowed to sit but Taehyung was busy glaring at Jennie.
"How would you feel if a group of strangers took your Luna away from you?" he spat.
But Jennie looked unbothered. "I wouldn't care. Lisa can take care of herself. I trust her."
At this point, it wasn't a matter of trust for Taehyung. He also trusted Jungkook and Yoongi, but he still felt uneasy. There were a number of things that could go wrong and Taehyung's mind was unable to neglect them.
Jennie was willing to watch Taehyung restlessly pacing around the room for a few more minutes, but then she snapped. She kicked out one of the chairs from under the table. It landed directly in front of Taehyung.
"Just sit down already! Food is on its way."
"I'm not hungry," Taehyung said grumpily, but he took a seat nonetheless, thinking that maybe he shouldn't annoy Jennie even further. They were both truebloods but Jennie looked more capable of her duties than Taehyung.
"We have the most qualified doctors in Korea. Jungkook is in good hands. And honestly, if we wanted to hurt you, we would have done it a long time ago. So chill!"
She had a point. Hospitable wouldn't have been the word Taehyung used to describe Jennie's behavior, but they didn't touch them. If they really wanted to hurt them, they could have done it already. They had a million chances.
"Why are you so nice suddenly?"
The girl looked up from picking on her nails and blinked at the boy in surprise. "Was I rude before? I apologize if I was. I don't handle intruders very well." She gave them a pointed look. "Lisa seems to like your Luna very much. I also don't intend to start another war. If my behavior came across as rude, I'm sorry. I'd just like to protect what's mine."
Taehyung nodded. He could understand that better than anyone. "Me too. That's why we need your help."
The girl leaned forward. She elbowed on the table and looked at Taehyung with a stern look. She didn't look like someone who wanted to threaten him, she reminded Taehyung of his childhood teachers. Jennie looked like she wanted to teach him a lesson.
"Look, Taehyung. A war always - and hear this from someone who fought for years - ALWAYS comes with sacrifices. You are the Head Alpha, which means your Luna will only become more of a target for your enemies. And your father-in-law-"
"Don't call him that!" Taehyung roared, feeling nauseous at the thought that his enemy was actually a family member.
Jennie rolled her eyes at him but corrected herself nonetheless. "And Jeon wanted to get Jungkook back even before he got pregnant."
Crap! How did Taehyung not think of this before? The only reason Jeon kept Jungkook alive until now was because he needed an heir. And Taehyung just gave it to him.
But what overwhelmed him more than this realization were Jennie's words and their underlying meaning.
"So you really won't help us," the boy concluded and couldn't help but sound defeated.
For her defense, Jennie actually tried to look like she felt bad for them. Her face transformed into something Taehyung could only describe as disgusted but he thought she just tried to be considerate because she said in a soft voice. "Look. I think you should make an agreement."
"What?! Jeon's not-" Taehyung tried to complain but Jennie didn't let him.
"Hear me out! I just won a war but believe me, it doesn't feel like victory at all. Most of my men died, the lands were destroyed during the fights, I got a lot of haters from the enemy packs."
Taehyung sat there, staring at the girl. He was stunned. Out of all people, he didn't imagine the bloodthirsty trueblood to be a hippie-like pacifist. Jennie seemed too aggressive for that. Yet she was here proposing the ridiculous idea of trying to negotiate?
"You don't want to start a war. Not when your Luna is expecting."
Of course, Taehyung didn't want to start a war. Bea Hyungsik wanted to start a war. Jeon wanted to start a war. Taehyung was dragged into this whole mess without even being given a chance to choose.
He wanted to run away. He and Jungkook could have started a new life outside of Busan, or maybe in another country. They could have lived in peace. But Yoongi and Jimin were there. And Namjoon and Jin. And Hoseok and Beomgyu and Soobin and Yeonjun and everyone else he had to save because for some reason everyone thought it was his job. Even though he only wanted to save Jungkook. Only Jungkook.
He did everything because of the omega. How would have Jungkook reacted to Jennie's proposal, Taehyung wondered. He would certainly have rejected it. Jungkook hated his father more than anyone. He wouldn't want to agree.
The thought of the omega and the upcoming war brought back the fear he felt before. What if Jungkook is pregnant?
"Do you think Lisa was telling the truth?" Taehyung suddenly asked, taking a 180-degree turn in the conversation.
Jennie suppressed a grin as she leaned back against the back of her chair again. "Lisa can't lie. The Moon Goddess gifted her with the ability to see, which may or may not be a gift. Lisa sees everything, feels everything, knows everything. And that's why she also tells everything, but she can't lie. No, she's unable to lie."
Jennie looked grandiose as she sprawled out in her chair and tried to convince Taehyung that the fairy tales of their childhood were real.
The boy still remembered when they were young, their teachers often told them about the apostles of the Moon Goddess. According to the tale, the Moon Goddess got bored of watching the wolves as an outsider and decided to intervene in their lives. She had three chosen wolves: an alpha, a beta, and an omega. They all had silver crowns of hair and were blessed with a special ability.
There were several versions of the tale. There were those who believed that the apostles were blessed and fulfilled the sacred task of the Goddess on Earth, that they had to maintain peace. According to others, the apostles were gods as well. The Moon Goddess not only blessed them but moved into their bodies. It was as if she had split in three and moved into the bodies of innocent children.
And there was also a not-so-popular version that those who wore the mark of the Goddess were actually created for destruction. The Moon Goddess was disgruntled that her children went from war to war and slowly killed each other, so she came to Earth in the form of apostles to create a new generation - to destroy what she had created so far and to start over with a clean slate. Some thought the apostles were heralds of destruction. If they showed up, it meant the end of the world.
But of course, Taehyung had never heard from anyone that the stories were true. Until now.
"You think I'm crazy," Jennie said which dragged Taehyung's attention back to the meeting room. Even though the girl was right - he indeed thought the idea of the apostles being real was insane - he wanted to object. But Jennie didn't let him again. "It's fine. You're not the only one. My enemies didn't believe it either. But look where they are now. All buried deep underground."
Taehyung gulped. He didn't want to join them.
"What did Lisa mean by Jungkook being kissed?" he asked instead, remembering what was spoken in the throne room.
Jennie didn't answer right away. She thought a little before saying. "Hm... I'm not quite sure myself either. I think Lisa believes Jungkook is like her as well. That he's also a chosen one. You know, she's never wrong."
A confused 'what?' was all he could say before the doors of the meeting room swung open and several wolves walked in, holding trays full of food. Jennie grinned at them. "Finally! I hope you're hungry."
Taehyung wasn't. He didn't have an appetite even though he didn't remember the last time he ate. He couldn't think of food until he knew for sure that everything was okay with Jungkook.
"What's wrong?" Jennie asked when she was that Taehyung didn't even look at the food. Her plate was already full. "Eat! You must be hungry."
The boy shook his head. "No, thanks. I'll eat with Jungkook later."
The girl let out a loud groan. She rolled her eyes - what seemed like the hundredth time that day. "I said already. You don't have to worry about him. He's gonna be fine."
Jennie was clearly annoyed by Taehyung weeping but she didn't know the details. She didn't know what the omega had to endure until now.
"Hm..." Taehyung hummed. He had no doubt in the combability of Jennie's medical team. He was worried about the omega's mental health. "Jungkook has lost his baby before."
He took a break to fill his lungs with a generous amount of air before blowing out all at once. He was staring at his empty plate so he didn't see how shocked Jennie and her female alpha were. "I'm worried how he handles... the situation. It's eerily familiar to that one."
No one said anything. The room was filled with awkward silence before Jennie finally found her voice again. "Oh... I'm so sorry, Taehyung. It must have been hard for you too-"
"It wasn't mine," Taehyung made it clear. He sighed again. "But thanks. It was hard for everyone."
"They should be back soon," Jennie said but her voice was uncertain. Then she added. "I think. Try to relax."
But Taehyung felt more comfortable if he was worried. It would have cost him an effort to calm himself down, and he didn't have the strength to do so. Instead, he let his feet bounce endlessly under the table. He let his nails nervously scratch the other. And he let his teeth sink into his lips so deep that blood spurted out. The iron taste of the thick red liquid reminded him of the war again. The war they will win because Jennie refused to help. What a waste of time it was to come here!
The boy felt angry and frustrated.
As he prepared for his death sentence, Jennie carelessly stuffed her mouth with turkey. As if the world wasn't about to collapse around them. It was annoying. Taehyung was just about to ask her to munch a little more quietly if possible, when the doors opened again and three wolves walked in.
The line was led by Lisa, who happily leaped into the room, evoking the innocence of a child. Behind her came Jungkook, eyes downcast but seemingly unharmed. He was clutching a picture in his hand and it was as if even a shadow of a small smile had appeared on his face. Taehyung immediately jumped up from his seat and hurried to the omega. He didn't even bother with Yoongi, who was the last one to enter. The alpha was also more invested in the feast that awaited him on the table.
"Jungkook!" Taehyung said which immediately earned Jungkook's full attention.
The omega looked up from the picture and smiled at his mate. He only had a few seconds before Taehyung engulfed him in a warm and tight hug.
"Are you all right?" he whispered into the boy's ear and sighed contently when he felt Jungkook's head moving as he nodded.
They stayed like that for a while, not caring about the curious eyes watching them.
The idyllic moment was cut in half by Lisa who couldn't refrain anymore and squeaked excitedly. "It's gonna be a girl!"
Well, she already said that before but it also drove Taehyung's attention back to the main topic. He let go of Jungkook and glanced at the picture he was holding. It was an ultrasound picture, probably showing the inside of Jungkook's uterus but other than that, Taehyung couldn't see anything on it.
"Is it true?" he asked and was actually surprised when Jungkook nodded with a smile.
"It's still way too early to tell but the doctor said my hormonal balance has changed. Similar to those who are pregnant." He glanced at the picture before giving it to Taehyung. "It's not like it's visible, but it's supposed to be there. It's just still very small."
Taehyung probably wouldn't have been able to spot the baby even if it were physically possible. He had seen ultrasound recordings before and they were a total blur to him.
Now, however, he excitedly held the picture between his fingers, tenderly as if he were holding his own baby. He wanted to believe it but at the same time, he also wished they were wrong. He loved children, but Jennie was right about one thing. Now was not an ideal time to raise children. Plus, what proof was there that Jungkook was really pregnant? The bullshit of a crazy blind girl and the words of an unknown doctor who could be just as incompetent as he was professional?
He remained skeptical as he cautiously asked.
"But... how? I thought-"
Jungkook's cheeks blushed in a deep red color as he whispered. "The doctor said it often happens that the symptoms are gone by the end of the heat circle, but the person is still very fertile. Sorry, I didn't mean to scam you. I really thought it was over. Are you angry?"
Taehyung wouldn't have been mad at Jungkook even if the omega hadn't been staring at him so innocently with those huge Bambi eyes of his. "No, of course not. I'm just surprised."
The boy smiled, a little shyly and glanced at the picture again. There was something weird sparkling in his eyes. Something... motherly? Taehyung couldn't describe but Jungkook smelled like blooming roses which was a new scent. Did he shower or what?
"Yeah. But it's a good thing. Right?"
The omega looked so endearing, so sweet. Taehyung wanted to squeeze him, put him into his pockets, and run away with him so no one else could see how cute his mate was.
"Yes. It's good," he tried to reassure Jungkook but then he also got a bit confused. It wasn't planned. And Jungkook has lost a baby before. Maybe he wasn't ready yet. "I mean... if you want it."
"I want it." The answer was decisive and quick. Jungkook didn't think for a second about what the right answer was.
"Okay," Taehyung breathed out and kissed the other's cheek.
They were so immersed in their own little world that Taehyung completely missed the small fight that was going on between Jennie and Lisa. The couple were arguing about something in a low voice.
At first glance, it looked like Lisa was trying to explain something to Jennie, who didn't like it and seemed extremely pissed. It was nice to see that the girl could be angered even by her mate and that it wasn't Taehyung's special ability.
"Lisa, shut the fuck up! I already said no!" Jennie tried to end their conversation and at this point, she didn't even care that others could hear them. She turned back to her plate and resumed eating as if nothing had happened.
Lisa pursed her lips. "But you will! You know you will."
"Lalalalalala! I can't hear you~" Jennie's mouth was still full of turkey as she hummed and put her hands over her ears. They were so childish that Taehyung couldn't help but laugh.
"What's the deal?" Jungkook asked Lisa. He sat down across her, next to Taehyung, and packed some food on his own plate. They must have bonded during the examination because Jungkook spoke very causally to her.
Lisa moved her lifeless eyes towards Jungkook. The milk-white irises still creeped the hell out of Taehyung, especially because it seemed she knew very well where to look. Like she wasn't even blind.
"Jennie refuses to help even though I know she will."
"She will?" Taehyung perked his ears at that. He glanced at Lisa and then at Jennie who was still singing like an idiot.
Lisa nodded.
This reminded Taehyung of something. According to Jennie, Lisa saw the future and could not lie about it. Although he still didn't believe in it, it seemed like an interesting topic. "And will we win? You can see it, right? The future. Will we win the war?"
For the first time, Lisa looked sad. It was almost unbelievable how expressive she could be even with those scary eyes. Taehyung found most of the blind people's facial expressions rather robotic. Lisa was different, though.
"I don't know," she said and even though it wasn't the answer Taehyung was waiting for, he still felt victorious. So he wasn't completely crazy. He was right. And he almost believed the silly story that Lisa was an apostle and saw the future. What a ridiculous lie.
"Just as I cannot know my own fate, neither can I know that of others like me. Maybe because you are me, after all," Lisa added and glanced at Jungkook. "From this, I conclude that you will have something to do with the end of the war. Maybe even you will be the one who finishes it. But I can see that terrible things await you-"
"Lisa, no!" Jennie literally shut her mouth with her hands. She put one over Lisa's lips while the other was holding her nape.
The trueblood had a serious look on her face. It was also a little sad, sympathetic. "Don't get me wrong, I have no idea what she was saying. But believe me, it's not always good to know your future."