ALPHA UNIVERSE #5: DESIROUS

CHAPTER 46

The next two days felt like a blur of sun-drenched moments and ocean breezes.

Jeno and Harin spent hours indulging in water activities. The thrill of riding the jet ski together was a shared adventure—Harin's laughter rang out over the waves, a sound that made Jeno's heart race more than the speed of the machine. Surfing proved less exhilarating due to the tame waves, so they found themselves lounging on the warm sand instead.

They were inseparable. If their hands weren't linked, their gazes were. There was an unspoken bond that tethered them, one neither wanted to break, even for a moment.

Even amidst the vibrant chatter of family, Jeno's instinct to hover protectively over Harin was apparent. He often found himself stepping aside, reflecting on his need to keep her close. It wasn't something he chose—it was ingrained in him.

Alphas were naturally territorial, but for a pureblooded alpha like Jeno, this trait was amplified tenfold. His need to guard what was his wasn't just an instinct; it was his nature.

Soonyoung appeared in the kitchen with a casual air, carrying a bowl of freshly washed grapes.

"I'm surprised you're not glued to her side right now," he teased, popping a grape into his mouth. "Want some?"

"I just finished an apple. I'm good, thanks," Jeno replied with a smile.

Soonyoung shrugged and sat beside him in the living room. "Parents went to the market. It's a little farther out, so it'll be a while before they're back. Well, except for Uncle Ji—he doesn't care much unless we start diving into the sea without life jackets."

Jeno chuckled. "Rin's with the others at the beach."

"Volleyball?" Soonyoung guessed. "It's what we do when we're bored. No one really likes moving that much, but it beats going stir-crazy. You're enjoying yourself, though, right?"

"Honestly, yeah," Jeno admitted. "I've never been to a private island before, so this is a first."

Soonyoung laughed, offering him the bowl of grapes again. "Final answer?"

"Alright, alright," Jeno said, grabbing a couple. "Grapes are good in the morning too."

The parents returned around noon, arms laden with fresh produce and market finds. Immediately, the family buzzed with activity. The men gathered around the grill, setting up for a barbecue, while the women prepared homemade dishes in the kitchen.

Jeno, initially unsure where to fit in, decided he couldn't just stand idle. Spotting the men grilling outside, he made his way over.

"Wood chopping?" he asked, nodding toward the stack of logs nearby.

"Perfect timing," one of the uncles said with a grin. "The grill's hot, but we'll need more wood to keep it going."

Grabbing an axe, Jeno set to work. It didn't take long before he returned with an armful of neatly chopped wood.

"Now that's what I call teamwork," one uncle remarked, impressed.

"Glad to help," Jeno replied with a modest smile.

Eunbin, carrying a tray of marinated meat, chimed in. "You know, Jeno's a natural at anything physical. He beat all of us at beach games earlier, and he said he didn't even know how to play!"