winter of orphic love | ot7 poly | ✓

Chapter 15 Tension Builds

Jungkook lays on the couch with his legs outstretched and his arms crossed behind his head. He stares up at the wooden ceiling with a blank expression yet his mind is at work. The gears in his mind turn constantly, thinking of tomorrow's meeting with the Nightwalkers and the possible threat of Alpha Grayson's pack.

He feels the pressure of danger but he's determined to protect his hyungs and Charlotte with all that he has. He won't let anybody harm his home so long as he draws breath.

His muscles continue to ache from his recent workout. He has been exercising in his spare time in hopes of building muscle and becoming more agile. He wasn't born as an Alpha, but he hopes he will be strong enough to take one down if he had to.

The pent-up restless energy also spurs him to train harder than ever before. He hates waiting for something to happen. The silence of the pack house is unbearable. The heavyweight of anxiety is driving him insane.

His nose scrunches as another sickly sweet wave of scents wafts from the closed bedroom door. The twisting scents of flourishing oranges, tart blackberries, and tender peaches strengthen in waves and continue to perfume the living room area. The slippery taste of the heat slicks his tongue and causes his throat to dry with thirst.

Memories of pinning Charlotte to the bed, her arms raised above her head and legs spread wide, fill his mind and turn into tantalizing fantasies. His fingers twitch as the memory of Jimin's soft skin and Taehyung's silky black hair resurfaces. His expression saddens as a pang of jealousy hits.

He wishes he could be in the bedroom too.

Jungkook would be open to simply watch if it was too overwhelming for four wolves to be on the bed. He's okay with watching. Or taking turns.

His heart clenches as the scents of his mates grow stronger than before.

Why do I feel so alone?

Wrestling with loneliness and rejection sums up the majority of Jungkook's life. It is a bitterly familiar emotion. He hates how it returns in the worst of moments. He hates having to deal with it, time after time, and being forced to face it again.

"Oh, Kookie, I didn't know you were out here."

Jungkook cranes his neck and sees Seokjin standing in the kitchen doorway. The handsome hyung's hair is slicked back, exposing his forehead, and the scent of roses and fresh bread flows from him.

"Hey hyung," Jungkook replies halfheartedly.

"Do you want to help us in the kitchen? Lunch is almost ready."

Jungkook heaves himself off the couch and winces when he stands up. The muscles in his legs ache in protest. He half-limps to the kitchen but stops short when Seokjin doesn't step away. Jungkook looks over his hyung in mild confusion.

Seokjin studies him closely and lays his hand on Jungkook's shoulder. "Are you doing alright?" he asks.

Jungkook hesitates to answer. His eyes avoid direct eye contact and look over Seokjin's broad shoulder instead to see into the kitchen. Namjoon is being supervised by Yoongi by the stove. They appear to be making soup.

"You've been so quiet today," Seokjin continues with a voice heavy with concern. His hand slides up Jungkook's neck and his fingers entangle in his long hair. "Is it tomorrow?"

Jungkook closes his eyes for a moment, leaning his head into Seokjin's palm for comfort. Seokjin plays with his hair for a moment longer, twisting the locks around his fingers and massaging his scalp.

Jungkook struggles to find a response. He wants to tell Seokjin that he isn't feeling well, but how is he supposed to explain why? It feels too chaotic, too jumbled in his mind to voice. He opens his eyes again and feels a swell of emotion rise from his chest.