My Vindicators

Chapter 30-Double Time

I followed Tae up the stairs, my mind still swirling with the day's events. The bite from Hwa had settled in, leaving a lingering warmth, but the anticipation of the others felt heavy. My relationship with Bangtan had been through so much, and now, adding Ateez into the mix? It felt like navigating a minefield, but one I was willing to cross if it meant keeping all of my mates safe—and happy. Once in the bedroom, Tae pulled me into his arms, his fingers running through my hair in slow, soothing strokes.

"You don't have to carry all of this alone, you know," he murmured against my temple. "We'll figure it out together."

"I know, but I can't help feeling like I'm walking a tightrope, trying to keep everyone balanced." I sighed, leaning into him.

"You've always been stronger than you give yourself credit for," Tae reassured me.

We lay down together, Tae wrapping his body around mine protectively, and I allowed myself to relax for the first time in what seemed like days. The next morning, I woke feeling rested and as much as I was worried about the upcoming bites, there was also a yearning to complete the rest of the bonds as quickly as possible. But we had to be smart and take it slow, so this wouldn't end up like last time.

After a quick shower, I dressed and made my way downstairs, where the rest of Bangtan was already gathered in the living room. Tae handed me a mug of warm blood as I sat beside Jimin, who flashed me a reassuring smile.

"You ready for round two?" he teased gently, nudging me with his shoulder.

"I guess we'll see," I said with a half-smile, taking a sip from my mug.

Once we were all ready, we headed over. They were all seated in the living room, minus Hwa, of course. The atmosphere immediately shifted, and the tension was palpable as everyone found their place, but it was clear we were all here for the same purpose.

"Alright," Joong began, his eyes scanning the room. "We'll continue the process as planned, slowly, so no one gets overwhelmed."

Everyone nodded, and Joong stood and stepped forward, his usual playful grin replaced by a serious expression. He approached me, his gaze intense, and I could feel the familiar pull between us—the same one I'd felt with Hwa.

"Ready for me, love?" he asked, his voice low.

I nod, and he takes my hand, leading me down the hallway.

As we made our way down the hallway, my heart raced. The anticipation of Joong's bite was almost more than I could bear. I love my mates but I would be lying if I said I wasn't aware of the undercurrent of attraction that seemed to always buzz between us. Once we reached his room, Joong shut the door softly behind us, his movements deliberate but filled with a hunger that simmered just beneath the surface. His eyes, normally playful, were now dark and intense. He stepped closer, his hands brushing against my waist, pulling me toward him. His lips found mine in a slow, almost reverent kiss, as though he was trying to savor every second before everything changed between us. My body responded instantly, a shiver running down my spine as his fingers trailed up my back.

"Are you ready for this?" Joong whispered, his breath hot against my skin as his lips grazed the curve of my neck.

"I am," I whispered, though my voice was shaking slightly.

"I respect mate bites, but I'm not going to lie and say I haven't imagined this moment so many times."

Joong's grip tightened slightly as he pressed a kiss just below my ear, his teeth grazing my skin teasingly before he pulled back, locking eyes with me.

"You're about to belong to all of us, completely," he murmured, his voice deepening with desire. "I won't take it easy on you, love."

His words sent a wave of heat through my body, and before I could respond, his fangs pierced my skin shallowly, and I could feel his tongue tracing the bite. The sensation was like fire—sharp, hot, and consuming.