Claimed by the Crown | Taejin

11. Chapter Eleven

Jin's bracelet was violently torn away from his wrist, leaving him vulnerable and powerless. Taehyung hand gripped his jaw, his intense gaze fixed on his Omega, searching for signs of the answers he needed. With a sharp exhale, he released Jin's jaw and drew him closer, his hand slipping around his waist. "What are you hiding from me?" he asked in a soft but demanding tone, burdened by the distress of his Omega.

Taehyung stood silently, eyes scanning the surroundings, absorbing every detail of the scene. He could feel his senses sharpening as he searched for any signs of movement or sound that might indicate the presence of something or someone.

He knew that anyone or anything present might have vanished as soon as he arrived, just like the guards had forcefully evacuated the others. The thought made him angry, but he remained calm, planning to address the situation as soon as possible with the guards.

*****

Taehyung let out a series of deep sighs, his chest rising and falling with each breath. He had been lying in bed for much longer than he had intended. Just because his Omega was peacefully sleeping and holding onto him. After bringing Seokjin into the room, hoping to have a conversation about what had made him so fearful and weak, he was surprised when his Omega expressed a desire to sleep and asked him to stay by his side.

Even though Taehyung would much rather be doing anything else, he could not refuse his Omega's request since he knew Jin was pregnant and the stress he had just gone through was a lot. Also, in an effort to understand what was troubling Jin, he couldn't leave him alone. Strangely enough, when he removed the bracelet and attempted to delve into Jin's memories, everything appeared shrouded in darkness, as if intentionally buried.

As he felt the slight movement of Jin's body beside him, he shifted his position on the bed, rolling onto his side and propping himself up with his elbow. His gaze fixated on his Omega, whose eyes gradually blinked open.

Jin's eyes fluttered a few times, and then he let out a deep yawn, hastily covering his mouth as he did so. When he looked up, he saw that Taehyung was staring directly at him, causing him to feel apologetic for his behavior. "Sorry," he muttered softly.

"What happened earlier? What caused you to become like that? Was there someone? Who was it?" Taehyung's voice carried a sense of urgency as he immediately questioned.

Jin's mind was in disarray as he tried recollecting the afternoon's events. However, his efforts seemed futile as his memory drew a complete blank, except for the overpowering scent that had left him feeling vulnerable and exposed. With a sense of unease creeping up his spine, he averted his gaze from Taehyung's piercing eyes, trying to hide the inner turmoil he was experiencing.

"I am not sure, I smelled something-"

Taehyung held Seokjin's face firmly and made sure they were making eye contact. "Seokjin," he said in a serious tone, "I'm your Alpha. Keeping secrets from me is considered a crime, and I'm sure you understand that. So, tell me, what scent did you smell? Whose scent was it?" His voice was firm, and his gaze was intense as he awaited Seokjin's answer.

Jin's stare shifted toward his Alpha, causing a tight knot in his stomach. He observed the intense anger in his Alpha's eyes, causing his heart to quicken. "I have nothing to hide," he stuttered, his voice quivering slightly. "It smelled like gasoline, but I don't know where it came from. It just brings back unpleasant memories of that distinct smell." Tears welled up in Jin's eyes as he fought to express himself.

Taehyung released Jin's face and sat up on the bed, intrigued by the memories Jin had mentioned. "What kind of memories, Seokjin?" he asked.

"I think I am hungry."