The Alpha's Mate

{19}

As mates, Heeseung had a deep, instinctual bond with Jaeyun that went beyond just words. He could feel Jaeyun's emotions, especially when something was off. Right now, he could sense the soreness radiating from Jaeyun, the discomfort hidden beneath his calm demeanor.

Heeseung frowned, realizing that Jaeyun was in more pain than he was letting on. “I can feel it, you know,” he said softly, his voice laced with concern. “Your pain, your emotions… you don’t have to hide it from me.”

Jaeyun looked up at him, surprised. He had heard about mates being able to sense each other’s feelings, but it still amazed him how deeply connected they were. “I didn’t want to worry you,” Jaeyun admitted, biting his lip. “It’s nothing I can’t handle.”

Heeseung shook his head, stepping closer and resting his hands on Jaeyun’s shoulders, his touch gentle. “It’s not about handling it alone, Jaeyun. We’re in this together. If you’re in pain, I feel it too.”

Jaeyun’s heart softened at Heeseung’s words. Heeseung was always so protective, and the bond they shared made everything more intense. He knew that Heeseung would do anything to keep him safe and comfortable.

Heeseung leaned down slightly, his voice softening even more. “Let me help you. I don’t want to feel you in pain any longer than I have to.”

Jaeyun nodded, finally giving in. “Okay,” he whispered, grateful for the comfort Heeseung was offering.

Without another word, Heeseung gently guided Jaeyun to the couch, his hands moving to massage his sore shoulders. The connection between them pulsed with warmth, and slowly, Jaeyun felt the tension in his muscles begin to ease. Heeseung’s touch, combined with the reassurance of their bond, was more soothing than anything else.

When they finally reached their room, Heeseung turned to Jaeyun with a gentle smile, though concern still lingered in his eyes. “Go take a bath,” he said softly, his voice full of warmth. “It’ll help with the soreness, and when you’re done, I’ll give you a proper massage.”

Jaeyun gave a small smile in return, touched by Heeseung’s thoughtfulness. “You really don’t have to…”

“I want to,” Heeseung interrupted, his tone firm yet tender. “You’ve been pushing yourself too hard. Let me take care of you.”

Jaeyun nodded, feeling a mixture of relief and gratitude as he headed to the bathroom. The hot water soothed his aching muscles as he let himself relax, allowing the tension from the day to melt away. As the steam filled the room, Jaeyun couldn’t help but think about how lucky he was to have someone like Heeseung—someone who not only protected him but also made sure he felt safe and cared for.

Once his bath was finished, Jaeyun dried off and slipped into a comfortable robe. He made his way back to the bedroom, where Heeseung was waiting patiently. The bed was neatly arranged, and Heeseung had set up some oils for the massage, his usual tough demeanor replaced with a gentleness reserved only for Jaeyun.

“Lie down,” Heeseung instructed softly, patting the bed. “Let’s get those muscles loosened up.”

Jaeyun did as he was told, feeling the warmth of the bed beneath him as he settled in. Heeseung’s hands soon followed, warm and firm, working through the knots and soreness in Jaeyun’s back. With every touch, Jaeyun felt more relaxed, more at ease, as the tension from his body slowly faded under Heeseung’s care.

“Better?” Heeseung asked quietly after a while, his voice soothing.

Jaeyun let out a content sigh, feeling the last of his aches ease away. “Much better,” he murmured, his voice heavy with drowsiness. “Thank you, Heeseung.”

Heeseung smiled softly, continuing the gentle massage until Jaeyun’s breathing evened out, signaling that he had fallen asleep. He carefully adjusted the blankets over him, making sure Jaeyun was comfortable before lying down beside him, his protective nature never fading as he wrapped his arms around his mate.

As they laid together on the bed, Jaeyun’s mind raced with thoughts. Despite the soreness in his body, all he could think about was how lucky he was to have met Heeseung. He remembered the first time they crossed paths in the forest, how his initial fear and hesitation eventually led to this—being wrapped in the arms of someone who cared for him more than he ever thought possible.

Heeseung wasn’t just protective and strong; he was also gentle in ways Jaeyun hadn’t expected. The contrast between his tough exterior and the warmth he showed when they were alone made Jaeyun's heart swell. He never thought someone like Heeseung could bring him such comfort and peace.

The bond between them was something Jaeyun hadn’t fully understood at first, but now, as Heeseung’s steady breathing surrounded him, he felt it deeply. They weren’t just mates in name—they were connected in every way. And that connection made him feel safe, cherished, and loved.

As his thoughts slowed and sleep began to take over, Jaeyun let out a quiet sigh of contentment. Heeseung had become more than he ever could have hoped for, and knowing he would spend his life with him filled Jaeyun with a sense of peace.

With that comforting thought, Jaeyun finally drifted off to sleep, feeling lucky, loved, and more at home than ever before.