The Alpha's Mate

{18}

After finishing their intense training session, Jaeyun and Hana realized they were still in their human forms and without clothes. The shift back from wolf form had left them exposed, so they quickly made their way back to the house to get a change of clothes.

“Let’s go get dressed,” Hana said with a soft chuckle, clearly used to the process after years of shifting between forms.

Jaeyun blushed slightly but nodded in agreement. He was still getting used to the whole idea of being naked after shifting—it was part of the werewolf life, but it was a bit embarrassing for him nonetheless.

Once they arrived at the house, they quickly grabbed fresh clothes. Hana disappeared into her room while Jaeyun slipped into one of Heeseung’s shirts and a pair of loose-fitting pants. As he dressed, he felt his sore muscles protest with every movement, but the clean clothes provided some comfort.

When they both finished changing, they met in the hallway. Hana smiled at him warmly. “You did well today, Jaeyun. Now, go rest up. You’ll need your strength for tomorrow.”

Jaeyun smiled back, grateful for her guidance and encouragement. “Thanks, I’ll definitely need it.”

With that, they parted ways, and Jaeyun headed to his room, his mind still buzzing with everything he’d learned that day. Though his body was sore and exhausted, there was a sense of accomplishment that made it all worth it.

As Jaeyun walked back toward the house, his muscles still aching from the training, a sudden thought crossed his mind. He hadn't visited the pack's nursery yet, and curiosity began to bubble within him. He decided to make a small detour, heading toward the nursery to see the younger pups and meet some of the caretakers.

The nursery was a bright, welcoming space on the edge of the pack's territory, surrounded by flowers and greenery. It was a place filled with laughter and joy, where the pack’s youngest members were looked after and taught the basics of pack life. The closer Jaeyun got, the more he could hear the playful sounds of children, their giggles and excited yelps filling the air.

As he stepped inside the nursery’s open gates, several caretakers greeted him with warm smiles. Jaeyun smiled back, feeling a sense of calm wash over him. The nursery was a peaceful place, a stark contrast to the rigorous training he'd just endured. Pups of various ages ran around, playing games and practicing their shifting with the help of the adults.

One of the caretakers, a kind-looking woman, approached Jaeyun with a gentle smile. “You must be Jaeyun, Heeseung’s mate,” she said softly. “Welcome. It’s lovely to have you here. Would you like to meet some of the pups?”

Jaeyun nodded, a bit shy but eager to interact. He followed the caretaker deeper into the nursery, where a group of young pups were gathered around a few toys, shifting back and forth between their wolf and human forms. Their energy was contagious, and Jaeyun couldn’t help but smile as he watched them play.

A few of the pups noticed him and immediately bounded over, their little wolf forms wagging their tails in excitement.

“Are you going to be our Luna?” one of the braver pups asked, looking up at him with wide eyes.

Jaeyun knelt down to their level, his smile widening. “I think so,” he said softly. “I’m still learning, though.”

The pup’s eyes sparkled with admiration. “You’re going to be the best Luna! Will you play with us?”

Jaeyun chuckled, feeling a warmth spread through him. “Maybe another time,” he said. “I just came to visit today.”

The children, still eager, eventually ran off to continue their games, leaving Jaeyun with a sense of joy. Spending time at the nursery gave him a new perspective on the pack. He was slowly becoming more comfortable with his role, realizing that as Luna, it wasn’t just about protecting the pack—it was also about nurturing and guiding its future members.

After a while, Jaeyun bid farewell to the caretakers and pups, promising to visit again soon. As he headed home, he felt a sense of peace settle over him. Despite all the challenges ahead, he was starting to feel more at home in his new role.

As Jaeyun walked into the house, he immediately noticed Heeseung pacing in the living room, his expression tense and worried. The moment Heeseung saw Jaeyun, he crossed the room in seconds, pulling him into a tight hug. Jaeyun winced slightly from the pressure on his sore muscles, but he didn’t have the heart to say anything.

When Heeseung finally let go, his eyes searched Jaeyun’s face with concern, and the questions began to pour out all at once.

“Are you okay? How are you feeling? Where were you? Did something happen? Did you get hurt? You should’ve told me you were going somewhere!” Heeseung’s voice was a mix of worry and frustration, his hands moving to check Jaeyun’s arms as if looking for any sign of injury.

Jaeyun, still a bit dazed from the sudden barrage of questions, chuckled softly. “I’m fine, Heeseung. Really. I just stopped by the nursery to see the pups. I didn’t think you’d be so worried.”

Heeseung’s eyes narrowed slightly, but the tension in his shoulders relaxed a bit. “I was worried because you’ve been pushing yourself with the training. You should’ve rested after today. You’re sore, aren’t you?”

Jaeyun hesitated, not wanting to admit how sore he really was. “It’s not too bad,” he muttered, trying to downplay it. “Just a little muscle ache.”

Heeseung sighed, running a hand through his hair. “You don’t have to push yourself so hard, Jaeyun. I don’t want you hurting yourself. Next time, tell me before you go somewhere, okay?”

Jaeyun nodded, feeling guilty for making Heeseung worry. “I will. I promise.”

Heeseung gave him a softer look, his hand gently brushing a strand of hair away from Jaeyun’s face. “Good. Now, let’s get you something for that soreness. You need to rest.”