The Alpha's Mate

{13}

As Jaeyun sat down with Heeseung's family, he felt a mix of emotions swirling inside him. The warm welcome from Heeseung’s mother, Hana, had already eased some of his nerves, but he couldn’t help but notice the stark difference between her and Heeseung's father. Hana had a kind, courageous demeanor, completely opposite to the intense, stoic aura that Heeseung and his father shared.

Throughout dinner, Hana continuously went out of her way to make Jaeyun feel comfortable, chatting with him, asking about his life, and sharing stories about Heeseung’s childhood. It felt like she had already accepted him into the family.

At one point, when the conversation had quieted down, Hana leaned toward Jaeyun with a soft smile. "You don’t have to call me Mrs. Lee," she said, her eyes filled with warmth. "Just call me Mom. We’re family now, after all."

Jaeyun blinked, a little surprised but deeply touched by her words. "Mom," he repeated, the word feeling unfamiliar but comforting as it left his mouth.

Heeseung, sitting beside him, smiled and gently squeezed Jaeyun’s hand under the table. "Told you she’d love you," he whispered.

Jaeyun smiled back, feeling a sense of belonging and warmth that he hadn’t expected. Despite the tension with Heeseung’s father and the initial nerves, Hana’s kindness and the cheerful presence of Hansel made him feel like he was truly becoming part of their family.

As Heeseung returned with Hansel, Jaeyun was surprised to see that she wasn’t the young child he had imagined. Instead, she was his age, and the resemblance between her and Heeseung was striking. She had the same sharp features and confident demeanor as her brother, but there was a gentleness to her that reminded Jaeyun of their mother.

Hansel smiled as she approached, her eyes filled with curiosity. "So, you’re the famous Jaeyun I’ve been hearing about?" she teased lightly.

Jaeyun chuckled, feeling a little more at ease. "Yeah, I guess that’s me. It’s nice to finally meet you."

Hansel glanced between him and Heeseung, an amused look on her face. "Heeseung’s been talking about you nonstop," she said, crossing her arms. "I had to meet the guy who caught my brother’s eye."

Heeseung groaned, shaking his head. "Hansel, don’t embarrass me."

Jaeyun laughed, the tension lifting. "I’m glad to meet you too. It’s good to know Heeseung’s got someone looking out for him."

Hansel smirked. "Well, someone’s got to," she said, nudging Heeseung. "But seriously, I’m glad you’re here, Jaeyun. Welcome to the family."

Hearing those words from Hansel made Jaeyun feel even more accepted. It was one thing to have the approval of Heeseung’s mother, but knowing that Hansel was welcoming him too solidified the fact that he was truly becoming part of Heeseung’s world.

After dinner, Jaeyun and Hansel stepped outside into the backyard, the cool evening air wrapping around them. The stars were beginning to peek through the darkening sky, and the sound of crickets filled the air. They walked for a few moments in silence before Hansel turned to Jaeyun with a playful smile.

"So," she began, leaning against the railing of the porch, "what’s the deal with you and my brother?"

Jaeyun raised an eyebrow, not entirely surprised by her directness. "What do you mean?"

Hansel shrugged casually, though her eyes gleamed with curiosity. "I mean, Heeseung’s never been one to get close to anyone. But here you are, and you’ve got him all soft. I just want to know what makes you so special."

Jaeyun chuckled, feeling the tension melt away from her playful tone. "Honestly, I’m still trying to figure that out myself," he admitted, leaning next to her. "Heeseung’s different with me, I guess. Maybe I’m just lucky."

Hansel narrowed her eyes thoughtfully. "Yeah, or maybe you’re what he needed all along," she said, her voice softer now. "He doesn’t talk much about his feelings, but I can see it. You make him better."

Jaeyun felt a warmth in his chest at her words. "I just want to be there for him, you know? He’s got a lot on his shoulders, and I don’t want to add to that. I want to help him carry it."

Hansel nodded, her smile turning more genuine. "I like you, Jaeyun. You’ve got a good heart. Just… take care of him, okay? He doesn’t let people in easily, and if you’re the one he’s chosen, that means a lot."

Jaeyun met her gaze, nodding firmly. "I will. I promise."

Hansel grinned, her playful attitude returning. "Good, because if you mess this up, I’m coming after you."

They both laughed, the lightheartedness settling between them. Despite her teasing, Jaeyun could see the genuine care Hansel had for her brother, and he was glad to have her approval.

As the evening wore on, Heeseung noticed that both Jaeyun and Hansel had slipped outside. He hadn’t seen them for a while and figured they must have gone to talk in the backyard. A small smile tugged at his lips, knowing Hansel was likely giving Jaeyun a playful grilling, testing him in her own way. He was about to go outside to check on them when his father’s voice echoed from the hallway.

“Heeseung, come to my office. We need to talk.”

Heeseung froze for a moment, the weight of his father’s tone settling in. It wasn’t unusual for his father to call him into the office for discussions, but they were rarely pleasant. He nodded to himself, deciding that his talk with Jaeyun and Hansel could wait. Whatever his father wanted to discuss was likely important.

Heeseung made his way to the office, the familiar sense of tension filling the air as he approached the door. His father was already seated behind the large mahogany desk, his expression as stern as always. The office was dimly lit, the dark wood paneling adding to the gravity of the space.

“You wanted to talk?” Heeseung asked, closing the door behind him and standing in front of his father’s desk.

His father looked up, eyes sharp as they studied Heeseung. “Yes. We need to discuss the future. Now that you’ve found your mate, things will be changing—for you, for this pack.”

Heeseung nodded, bracing himself. His father’s words were always calculated, often coming with expectations and pressures that Heeseung had grown used to over the years.

His father continued, his voice calm but firm. “You’ve done well leading the pack, but bringing Jaeyun into this will come with challenges. He is younger, less experienced, and his background… it doesn’t align with ours.”

Heeseung clenched his jaw, feeling the familiar stir of defensiveness rise within him. “Jaeyun is strong. He’ll adapt. And I trust him.”

His father raised an eyebrow, not quite convinced. “Trust is one thing, but strength in leadership is another. You are my son, and I expect you to maintain the strength that this pack has always had. Jaeyun must understand that becoming Luna is not just about being your mate—it’s about responsibility.”

“I know that,” Heeseung said firmly. “And so does Jaeyun. He’ll be ready when the time comes.”

His father leaned back in his chair, studying Heeseung with a critical eye. “I hope so, Heeseung. Because if he isn’t, it won’t just be your strength that’s questioned—it will be this pack’s future.”

Heeseung’s grip tightened, but he kept his composure. “Jaeyun will prove himself. You’ll see.”

His father’s gaze softened slightly, but his tone remained stern. “I trust you, son. But remember, this pack comes first. Always.”

Heeseung nodded once, the weight of responsibility heavy on his shoulders as he left the office. His father’s words echoed in his mind, but despite the pressure, he knew one thing for certain: Jaeyun was worth it. Together, they would face whatever challenges lay ahead.

Hiiiiii guys sorry for the long wait I had school so I'll be updating on the weekends from today on