The Alpha's Mate

{15}

As they drove home, the soft hum of the car and the darkening sky set a peaceful tone, but Jaeyun’s mind was far from quiet. Heeseung’s hand rested on his thigh, a comforting presence, but Jaeyun couldn’t help but let his thoughts drift back to how everything had started.

He remembered that day vividly—the day he’d run into Heeseung in the forest. It had been an ordinary afternoon, a walk to clear his head. He wasn’t looking for anything, and yet, in the midst of the trees, fate had pulled them together. Heeseung, with his commanding presence and sharp eyes, had seemed so distant, so different from anyone Jaeyun had ever met. At first, he had been wary, even a little frightened, but something had drawn him in.

Now, sitting beside Heeseung, Jaeyun couldn’t help but wonder how different things might have been if that moment had never happened. What if he hadn’t taken that walk? What if he hadn’t crossed paths with Heeseung? Would they have met some other way, or would his life have remained unchanged—empty, without the deep connection he now felt?

Jaeyun glanced at Heeseung, whose focus was on the road, his expression calm but determined. Heeseung’s presence in his life had brought so many changes. He had given Jaeyun a sense of purpose, a role he hadn’t even known he needed to fill. Being with Heeseung had made him realize how much more there was to life than just surviving—there was leading, growing, and loving.

As if sensing Jaeyun’s thoughts, Heeseung glanced over, a gentle smile tugging at his lips. “What’s on your mind?”

Jaeyun hesitated for a moment, then sighed softly. “I was just thinking… what if I hadn’t run into you in the forest that day? What if we never met?”

Heeseung’s smile widened a bit, his grip on Jaeyun’s thigh tightening just slightly, a reassurance. “Fate has a funny way of working, Jaeyun. Even if we hadn’t met then, we would have crossed paths eventually. I believe that.”

Jaeyun turned to look at him, feeling the warmth in Heeseung’s words. “You think so?”

“I know so,” Heeseung replied, his voice certain. “You’re my mate. There’s no escaping that, even if it didn’t happen in the forest that day. The universe would have found a way to bring us together, one way or another.”

Jaeyun smiled, feeling the comfort of Heeseung’s confidence. Maybe it was true. Maybe fate had always meant for them to find each other, no matter the circumstances.

“You’re probably right,” Jaeyun said, leaning back into his seat, a sense of peace washing over him. “I’m glad it happened the way it did, though.”

Heeseung nodded, his eyes softening as they met Jaeyun’s. “So am I. I wouldn’t change a thing.”

With that, Jaeyun let the thoughts of what-ifs fade away. What mattered was the here and now, and the future they would face together. As the car moved steadily along the road, Jaeyun felt more certain than ever that whatever challenges lay ahead, he and Heeseung were exactly where they were meant to be.

Jaeyun’s eyelids grew heavier as the car’s gentle motion lulled him into a peaceful sleep. He drifted off, comforted by the rhythm of the road and the warmth of Heeseung’s presence beside him.

When he finally stirred awake, he was surprised to find himself in a soft bed, the room dimly lit by a small lamp in the corner. The faint scent of lavender hung in the air, soothing and calming. Jaeyun blinked a few times, trying to adjust to the unfamiliar surroundings. It took him a moment to realize he was in Heeseung's home, a space that felt warm and inviting but somehow still foreign.

The absence of Heeseung by his side hit him unexpectedly. A pang of disappointment settled in his chest as he glanced around the room, searching for any sign of his mate. He was happy to be here, safe and cozy, yet a shadow of sadness crept in knowing Heeseung wasn’t there with him.

As he sat up in bed, he could hear the faint sounds of laughter and chatter coming from downstairs. It seemed like the rest of the family was still around, likely enjoying the evening together. Jaeyun’s heart ached with a mix of emotions—he longed to be with Heeseung, but he was also grateful for the time spent with his family.

He took a moment to gather his thoughts, allowing the warmth of the room to envelop him. Heeseung must have carried him to bed after they arrived. The gesture made his heart flutter, knowing that Heeseung cared for him so deeply.

Just then, there was a soft knock at the door, and it slowly creaked open. Hana peeked in, her warm smile brightening the room. “Good morning, Jaeyun! I hope you’re feeling well. You fell asleep on the way back, and Heeseung wanted to make sure you got some rest.”

Jaeyun returned her smile, feeling a rush of warmth at her kindness. “I’m okay, thank you. I didn’t mean to sleep so long.”

Hana chuckled softly, stepping into the room. “Don’t worry about it. Heeseung has been busy downstairs with Hansel, but he’ll be back soon. He was worried about you.”

The mention of Heeseung brought a flutter of excitement in Jaeyun’s chest. “He was worried?”

“Of course,” she said, sitting on the edge of the bed. “He’s very protective of you. It’s a good sign—he cares a lot.”

Jaeyun nodded, his heart swelling with affection for Heeseung. “I care about him too.”

Hana’s eyes sparkled with understanding. “You two are good for each other. I can see how happy you make him.”

Before Jaeyun could respond, the door swung open again, and Heeseung stepped inside. His expression shifted from concern to relief as he saw Jaeyun awake.

“Hey,” he said softly, a smile breaking across his face. “I was just checking in on you.”

Jaeyun’s heart raced at the sight of him. “I’m okay. Just… surprised I woke up alone.”

Heeseung moved closer, sitting on the bed beside Jaeyun, the warmth of his presence instantly comforting. “I’m sorry. I wanted to let you rest. But I’m here now.”

Jaeyun smiled, the earlier sadness fading away as he leaned into Heeseung’s side. “I’m glad you’re here.”

Heeseung wrapped an arm around him, pulling him close. “I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.”

In that moment, with Heeseung beside him, Jaeyun felt a sense of belonging. No matter what had happened before, they were together now, and that was all that mattered.