TOAO | MW [✔]

Three.

Mingyu was still feeling a tightness in his chest as he thought of the alpha who had been harassing Wonwoo at the store. It took all his willpower not to break his arm when he'd seen him touching the omega's neck. That feeling had only multiplied when Wonwoo started to panic and rub his skin red and raw, trying to get the scent off of him. He had to admit though, he enjoyed calming him down. Scenting Wonwoo was such a gift. He could still smell his lovely scent, like fresh green apples.

Being so close to him awakened his inner alpha, and some part of him was still straining to get closer to the omega. He wanted to hold his slender body close to him, just to feel his warmth and heartbeat and to know their closeness. He wanted to bathe in his scent until it was heavy on his skin and fresh green apple was all he could smell. It was not time yet, it was far too soon to broach that between them. He would wait. He'd waited his entire life to find his one, so he could wait a little longer just for Wonwoo.

The omega was not used to being up all night like him, and he could see the marks of exhaustion under his eyes and the yawns he tried to suppress as he helped him label the groceries. He still had to do his daily drills with the wolves, which Wonwoo followed him outside to listen to and get fresh air.

Mingyu guided him to his padded bench porch swing and settled him there as he gathered up his wolves and began their daily rounds, exercising different commands and harnesses, rewarding good behavior and actions with treats. He constantly looked over to the omega on the swing and watched with a little smile as he slowly fell asleep, body slumping to one side until he was half lying down.

Mingyu crept up onto the porch and arranged one of the pillows on the swing on one end. He gently lifted Wonwoo and laid him along the length of the swing so he could rest comfortably. It was too warm for the omega to need a blanket, so he just gave the swing a gentle push to rock Wonwoo into a deep sleep as he went back out to his rounds.

Wonwoo woke slightly when the alpha picked him up, which usually would have panicked him, but he smelled Mingyu's clean scent and relaxed in his hold. His arms felt so strong, like iron bars under his body, lifting him with no effort. It made him feel both small and protected to be held so easily by the alpha.

That was the moment he realized that he already trusted Mingyu. Even on the edge of sleep, his presence caused no alarm for him. It made him smile as he drifted back off to sleep, the swing rocking him gently and the warm breeze soothing him. He woke to the feel of a cold nose pressing against his neck, snuffling sounds telling him that it was a wolf.

"Piper?" He asked groggily and was answered by a little yipping noise that made him smile. He reached out and found the wolf, scratching under his chin before moving up and petting his soft ears. "Hey, big guy."

He yawned and stretched, feeling much more rested as he sat up. He touched the face on his Braille watch and found that it was a little after two o'clock. He'd slept for almost three hours.

He stood and walked a few steps forward, listening. He could hear the sounds of the wolves running and playing, but he didn't hear Mingyu's voice. He reached down and put a hand in Piper's fur.

"Piper, take me to Mingyu. Mingyu," Wonwoo said lowly to the wolf.

He followed as the wolf led him forward. Piper paused at the door and Wonwoo was able to find the handle and open it. He could hear the alpha's voice distantly, but there was no other voice, which made him realize he was on the phone. He wondered if he should go back outside and give him privacy when he heard his own name. He crept forward and felt his heart race as he heard the alpha's words.

"...Wonwoo. Kihyun, I think he's the one. I've never felt like this about any omega before. He's so smart and caring."

There was a pause and Wonwoo felt his heart throb at the words. Mingyu had complimented him not on his appearance, as was usual for alphas, but on his intelligence and personality. It filled him with soft and tender emotions.