The Alpha's Mate

{5}

Authors pov

As the birthday celebration continued, Jaeyun felt a deeper connection with his friends, and with the new bracelet on his wrist, he couldn’t shake the feeling that something within him had shifted. No longer wanting to be the version of himself who constantly hid, he decided to embrace the person he truly was—Jaeyun.

Sunoo, noticing Jaeyun’s contemplative silence, asked, “You okay? You seem deep in thought.”

Jaeyun looked at his friends and smiled, a newfound determination in his eyes. “Yeah, I’m good. I’ve just been thinking… It’s time for me to stop hiding. I’m Jaeyun, and I won’t let anyone make me feel like I’m less because I’m an Omega.”

Jungwon nodded approvingly, sensing the strength in his friend’s words. “That’s the spirit. You don’t have to hide from anyone.”

Sunoo and Taki grinned in support, happy to see Jaeyun embrace who he was. It felt like the start of something bigger—something Jaeyun had longed for all his life.

As the party came to an end and the stars began to twinkle in the darkening sky, Jaeyun felt the need for some fresh air. After bidding farewell to his friends, he decided to take a quiet walk through the woods to clear his mind. As he walked, a strange feeling tugged at him, pulling him deeper into the forest. The scent of pine and something far more intoxicating filled the air, drawing him closer.

Suddenly, he found himself in a small clearing, and there, standing tall and imposing, was the Alpha of the neighboring pack—Heeseung. Jaeyun froze, his heart pounding in his chest. He knew Heeseung was visiting, but he hadn’t expected to run into him.

Heeseung turned to face him, and their eyes locked. A powerful connection surged between them, leaving Jaeyun breathless. It was undeniable—this was his mate.

The realization hit Heeseung just as quickly. His gaze darkened with possessiveness as he took in the sight of Jaeyun, his muscles tense and his wolf instinct kicking in. A low growl rumbled from his chest, and a single word left his lips with unmistakable conviction: "Mine."

Jaeyun’s breath hitched at the intensity in Heeseung’s voice. The word sent a shiver down his spine, both thrilling and terrifying at the same time. He tried to find his voice, gathering his courage. “I’m Jaeyun,” he said, his voice softer than he intended as he introduced himself, using his real name for the first time.

But Heeseung barely acknowledged the introduction. His eyes were fixated on Jaeyun, as if nothing else mattered. “Mine,” he repeated, his growl softening but still fierce with possessiveness.

Jaeyun’s heart raced, unsure of how to react to the Alpha’s claim. Heeseung took a step closer, the intensity in his eyes not wavering for a second. Jaeyun felt the pull of their bond, undeniable and powerful, but his thoughts raced with the implications. His parents, the pack, his hidden status—it all felt overwhelming.

Heeseung’s gaze softened slightly, sensing Jaeyun’s inner turmoil. “You feel it too, don’t you?” he asked, his voice more tender now but still laced with that unmistakable sense of ownership.

Jaeyun nodded slowly. “I do… but it’s complicated.”

Heeseung’s eyes never left Jaeyun’s, his expression determined. “Complicated or not, you’re mine. I’ll protect you, no matter what.”

---

Jaeyun’s heart raced as Heeseung’s possessive growl echoed in the clearing. The intensity in Heeseung’s eyes, combined with the suddenness of the revelation, overwhelmed him. Fear and uncertainty clouded his mind, and before he could fully process his emotions, he made a decision.