ETY | MW [✔]

14.

Ever since they'd rescued Wonwoo from Jung Jaehyun's party, Mingyu had been feeling extra protective of the omega. He assumed, now that Wonwoo was home and safe, that the feelings would return to normal. Only they didn't. If anything, as the days passed, they ramped up. He didn't want to leave Wonwoo's side, even to go work with Mark on whatever new project the beta had started. At first, he managed to keep a lid on it, enough that Wonwoo didn't notice. But, as it got worse and his need to be close to the omega intensified, it started to spiral.

It all came to a head in the kitchen of all places, when Wonwoo was leaning against the counter drinking a cup of coffee while Mingyu sat at the table eating a bowl of oatmeal. It was early, and they were alone but not for long. Jay waltzed into the room, offered them a rushed good morning, and started searching the cupboards and fridge. Mingyu didn't know what he was looking for but that wasn't the problem. The problem was how he kept brushing up against his omega. When it happened for the third time, he pushed to his feet with a low growl.

"Don't you touch him."

Jay went still and turned to look his way, eyes wide. Next to him, Wonwoo froze, cup halfway to his mouth.

"Mingyu?" the omega questioned.

But Mingyu's attention was all on the other alpha who was still too close. He stalked right up to him, growling again.

"What's wrong?" Jay asked, his eyes flicking to Wonwoo.

"Stay away," Mingyu growled, crowding him. "He's mine."

"Mingyu." Wonwoo's voice was sharp enough to cut through the haze of anger enveloping him. "Let Jay go."

It was only then he realized his hands were fisted in Jay's T-shirt.

"Mingyu," the omega said again. "Jay is no threat. He and I aren't compatible. Let him go."

Wonwoo's hand was on his shoulder, his scent surrounding him. Mingyu let go of Jay and pushed Wonwoo behind him, backing the two of them across the kitchen until they were out of Jay's reach.

There were footsteps behind them, and Mingyu glanced around to see Mark in the doorway. He pushed Wonwoo against the wall, putting himself between the omega and the others.

"What's up?" Mark asked.

"Beats me," Jay said, his arms folded.

"Jay, go find somewhere else to be," Wonwoo said, his voice still sharp.

"Aye-aye, Captain," the alpha threw out, being careful to leave as much distance between them as possible as he left the room.

Mark watched him go, turning back to them.

"What was that all about?" he asked, taking a step into the room. Mingyu growled again and pushed Wonwoo closer to the wall. The omega's hands pressed against his shoulders, their grip hard.

"Mingyu, stop this. Now."

"No one touches you," he told the omega.

Mark's eyes went wide at that. "Wonwoo?"

"Let's just... take this slowly," the omega said. "Mingyu, why don't we sit down at the table."

"No."

He had to protect his omega.

*****

It wasn't the sudden shift in behavior that it looked like. When Wonwoo thought about it, Mingyu had been stuck to him like glue since he'd been rescued. They'd barely been apart for more than a few minutes at a time. And now this. What had prompted this? Mingyu had been brought so close to the edge by what Jaehyun had done. Was he losing it, was he going feral again?