Afterlife ✔️

Chapter 38: Unwelcome Guest

"What will you name him?" Jin asks Taehyung as the group relaxes in the library so that Taehyung can be with Jungkook while Jungkook takes care of the empire's affairs.

"We have been looking at names and are consulting with astrologers. Once our pup is born, we will look at the name the astrologers recommend." Taehyung answers as he snuggles in his mate's arms.

"He is going to be such a beautiful pup. I know it." Jimin happily hums as he watches the energy swirl within Taehyung.

As they relax in the library, Baekhyun runs into the library in a panic. "Your Majesties! The King of Erimos is at the border of the State of Ohkta!" He shouts in a panic.

When Jimin hears the kingdom's name at their border, his face pales. Yoongi and Hoseok quickly notice their human mate's distress.

"What does he want?" Jungkook asks as he tightens his embrace around his pregnant husband.

"He is seeking an audience with you." Baekhyun answers and hands Jungkook a letter from the King of Erimos.

"Very well. Yoongi, send a royal guard escort to escort him and his entourage here. Make sure that he does not do anything that would harm Voreion. And Hoseok, make sure that Jimin is kept hidden the entire time." Jungkook tells the two alphas who are holding their shaking human. 

"Should I summon all of the dukes and have the lords watch our borders?" Namjoon asks as he holds his precious son in his arms.

"Yes. That is a good idea." Jungkook hums and sends Baekhyun with a letter to Thalassia.

The castle becomes chaotic as they quickly prepare for the arrival of the King of Erimos. Because of the stress, Taehyung rebuilds his nest with clothes that smell stronger of his mate's scent. He huffs as his swollen stomach gets in the way of his movements.

"Are you okay, Dear?" Jungkook softly asks as he watches his mate huff with a small pout.

"My tummy is too big. I will never get used to this." Taehyung whines as his pout grows.

"Do you want me to help?" Jungkook knows to not touch Taehyung's nest unless his pregnant mate permits him.

"Please." Taehyung pouts and waits for his mate to help him.

Jungkook softly smiles when he sees his mate's adorable pout and goes to help him. Taehyung happily begins instructing Jungkook on how to build their nest. Once the nest is built, Taehyung snuggles into the nest and sighs a sigh of relief.

"Are you happy?" Jungkook asks as he brushes his fingers through his mate's hair.

"Very happy." Taehyung smiles and snuggles closer to his mate.

By the dawn of the next day, the entire Empire of Voreion is on high alert as the guards surround the borders of Voreion. From the stories, Jungkook knows that the Kingdom of Erimos is cruel to its slaves and lower casts.

"Jimin, are you okay?" Hoseok softly asks Jimin who is clinging to him.

"I am okay. I know that I will never be sent back and that man can never hurt me again, but I am afraid of seeing him again." Jimin quietly explains as he crawls into Hoseok's lap and buries his face in Hoseok's shoulder.

"We will all protect you. Yoongi will be back soon as well." Hoseok softly hums as he holds Jimin in his arms.

"I am scared that he has his eyes set on Voreion," Jimin whispers as he clings to one of his mates.

"Voreion is strong, and we have you. You are very strong." Hoseok gently pats Jimin's back to comfort him.

After three days, the King of Erimos arrives with his royal entourage. As he dismounts from his horse, he looks at the ruthless Empress of whom he has heard stories. When he sees the large baby bump on the ruthless Empress' pregnancy bump, his eyes fill with lust.