The Alpha's Mate

{16}

Jaeyun found himself lost in thought, his mind drifting as he stared into space. The warmth of Heeseung’s presence beside him was reassuring, but Jaeyun couldn’t shake the overwhelming emotions stirring inside him. The events of the past few days had been so intense—meeting Heeseung’s family, the expectations of becoming the Luna, and leaving behind his friends. It all felt like too much at once.

As the silence stretched on, Heeseung’s gentle touch on his arm brought him back to reality. Jaeyun blinked, realizing he had been zoned out for longer than he realized.

He cleared his throat, offering Heeseung a small smile. “Sorry… I was just thinking.”

Heeseung nodded, his expression soft with understanding. “It’s okay. You’ve had a lot on your mind lately.”

Jaeyun took a deep breath, feeling the weight of everything pressing down on him. He needed a moment to himself, to clear his thoughts and regain his composure. “Heeseung… would you mind if I took a bath? I just need some time to relax.”

Heeseung gave him a concerned but supportive look, sensing Jaeyun’s need for space. “Of course. Take as much time as you need.”

Jaeyun stood up, feeling a wave of gratitude for Heeseung’s understanding. “Thanks. I’ll be back soon.”

With that, he excused himself from the room and headed toward the bathroom, eager to soak away the stress and collect his thoughts in the calming solitude of the bath. Heeseung watched him go, a quiet expression on his face, knowing that Jaeyun just needed a moment to breathe amidst the whirlwind their lives had become.

After an hour of soaking in the bath, Jaeyun felt more refreshed, the warmth of the water easing the tension that had built up in his muscles. His thoughts were a little clearer now, though he still felt the weight of everything he had to learn. But today was the first step in his journey to becoming the Luna, and he was determined to face it head-on.

As he dried off and dressed, Jaeyun took a deep breath, mentally preparing himself for the training ahead. He knew Heeseung’s mother, Hana, would be kind and patient, but the responsibility of becoming the Luna still loomed large in his mind. It wasn’t just about being Heeseung’s mate—it was about leading the pack and ensuring their well-being.

Once ready, Jaeyun headed downstairs, his heart beating a little faster with anticipation. The sound of voices in the kitchen reached his ears, and he could already smell the faint aroma of breakfast. As he stepped into the room, he saw Hana busy at the counter, preparing some tea, while Heeseung sat at the table, talking quietly with Hansel.

Hana noticed him first, her face lighting up with a warm smile. “Jaeyun, good morning! You look ready for your first day.”

Jaeyun gave a small, nervous smile in return. “Morning, Mrs. Lee. Yeah, I think I am.”

“Please, call me Mom,” Hana reminded him gently, with the same kind expression she had when they first met.

Jaeyun’s smile widened a little. “Right. Mom.”

Heeseung glanced over at Jaeyun, his eyes filled with quiet pride. “You’ll do great,” he said reassuringly.

Jaeyun felt a sense of calm wash over him at Heeseung’s words. He turned to Hana, who had now set down her work and gestured for him to join her near the table.

“Alright, let’s get started,” Hana said, her voice steady yet encouraging. “Being a Luna isn’t just about standing beside the Alpha. It’s about understanding the needs of the pack, being a source of comfort, and knowing how to lead with empathy and strength.”