The Alpha's Mate

{25}

As they stepped off the stage, Jaeyun felt a rush of elation wash over him. Laughter bubbled up inside him as he turned to Heeseung, who was grinning ear to ear. The warmth of the pack's acceptance made his heart swell with happiness.

“Can you believe that just happened?” Jaeyun exclaimed, still riding the high of the cheers and applause. Heeseung chuckled, wrapping an arm around Jaeyun's shoulders, pulling him close.

“Welcome to the family, Luna,” Heeseung teased, a playful glint in his eyes.

As they joined their friends and pack members, Jaeyun was greeted with smiles and warm embraces. Sunoo, who had been hovering nearby, rushed over with a wide grin. “You were incredible up there! I almost cried!” he joked, feigning wiping away tears dramatically.

“Thanks, Sunoo! You know how nervous I was,” Jaeyun replied, shaking his head with a laugh. “I thought I would trip or say something dumb!”

“You did neither. You nailed it!” Sunoo continued, beaming with pride for his friend. “And that outfit! You looked so cute!”

Jaeyun felt a blush creep across his cheeks. “Thanks! Heeseung’s mom really knows how to dress someone,” he admitted, glancing up at Heeseung, who was now surrounded by other pack members, happily chatting and laughing.

Jungwon approached with Taki and Ni-ki, both boys sporting bright smiles. “Jaeyun! You really rocked that speech! I can’t believe you’re our Luna now!” Jungwon exclaimed, pulling Jaeyun into a friendly hug.

Jaeyun hugged him back tightly, feeling more at home than ever. “I couldn’t have done it without all of you supporting me,” he said earnestly, his gaze sweeping over his friends.

As they mingled, Jaeyun noticed how welcoming everyone was. Pack members approached to congratulate him, share laughter, and ask questions about his life before joining the pack. Each conversation felt like a thread weaving him into the fabric of this community.

“Hey, Jaeyun!” a voice called from behind him. He turned to see a group of young pack members, some around his age, waving excitedly. “Do you want to join us for a game of tag?” one of them asked, bouncing on the balls of their feet.

Jaeyun’s face lit up. “Sure! That sounds fun!”

With Heeseung by his side, Jaeyun dashed off to join the group. Laughter echoed around them as they split into teams, the energy infectious. Jaeyun found himself chasing after one of the younger boys, his heart racing with exhilaration. The feeling of freedom and joy filled him as he played, losing track of time and simply enjoying the moment.

Heeseung watched from the sidelines, pride swelling in his chest as he saw Jaeyun’s laughter mingling with the other pack members. He could see how much Jaeyun was thriving, effortlessly connecting with everyone around him. It was a side of Jaeyun that Heeseung had hoped for, and it warmed his heart to see his mate so happy.

As the sun began to set, casting a warm golden glow over the pack, Jaeyun finally paused, breathless and exhilarated. He looked around, feeling a sense of belonging he had never quite experienced before.

“Hey, how about a break?” Heeseung suggested, walking over to Jaeyun and pulling him into a side hug. “We can grab some snacks and relax for a bit.”

Jaeyun nodded, still riding the high of the day. “Yeah, I could use some water. I’ve been running around like a maniac!”

The pair made their way to the refreshment table, where platters of food and drinks awaited. As they grabbed some snacks, Jaeyun felt Heeseung’s hand slip into his, intertwining their fingers effortlessly.

“This day has been amazing,” Jaeyun said, glancing up at Heeseung. “I never expected to feel this welcome so quickly.”

Heeseung smiled down at him. “You fit in perfectly, Jaeyun. This is just the beginning of your journey with us. I’m so proud to have you by my side.”

Jaeyun's heart fluttered at the sincerity in Heeseung’s words. “I’m really glad to be here,” he admitted softly, squeezing Heeseung’s hand gently.

As they settled onto a picnic blanket spread out on the grass, surrounded by friends, Jaeyun couldn’t help but feel a sense of peace. This was home, and he was exactly where he was meant to be.

As they sat on the grass, the sounds of laughter and chatter enveloped them. Jaeyun took a moment to enjoy the delightful array of snacks they had laid out—sweet fruits, savory pastries, and refreshing drinks. Heeseung, seated beside him, glanced over and caught his eye, a playful spark igniting between them.

“Jaeyun,” Heeseung called, his voice smooth and inviting. Jaeyun turned to meet his gaze, his heart racing as he sensed the shift in the atmosphere. There was something in Heeseung's expression—something that made the world around them fade away.

In one fluid motion, Heeseung leaned in closer, his warm breath brushing against Jaeyun’s lips. Time seemed to slow down as their lips met in a soft, slow kiss. It was tender and sweet, filled with unspoken affection and promises that lingered in the air. Jaeyun's heart soared as he melted into the moment, feeling safe and cherished.

The kiss deepened gradually, and Jaeyun felt himself leaning into Heeseung, surrendering to the warmth of his mate’s embrace. The sensation was electrifying, sending tingles down his spine as they shared a connection that felt both intimate and profound. Jaeyun's fingers found their way to Heeseung's hair, and he lightly tangled them, pulling him closer.

Around them, the laughter and voices of the pack faded into a distant hum, the world narrowing to just the two of them. Jaeyun’s mind was a whirl of emotions—joy, love, and an overwhelming sense of belonging. He could feel Heeseung's heart beating against his chest, matching the rhythm of his own.

As they finally pulled apart, breathless, Jaeyun couldn’t help but smile widely, his cheeks flushed with happiness. Heeseung’s eyes sparkled, and he chuckled softly, brushing his thumb along Jaeyun’s cheek.

“Wow,” Jaeyun breathed, still in a daze from the kiss. “That was… wow.”

Heeseung grinned, his expression mischievous yet tender. “I’ve been wanting to do that for a while now,” he confessed, his tone light but sincere. “You just looked so cute sitting there, I couldn’t resist.”

Jaeyun felt a rush of warmth spread through him, both from the kiss and the compliment. “I’m glad you did,” he admitted, glancing away shyly, still processing the intimacy they had just shared.

They spent the next few moments in comfortable silence, enjoying their snacks and the vibrant atmosphere around them. Jaeyun could feel the eyes of their pack members occasionally darting toward them, some teasing smiles exchanged among friends. It didn’t bother him, though; in fact, it made him feel more connected to everyone, a sense of shared joy in his relationship with Heeseung.

“So, what’s next for us?” Jaeyun asked, breaking the comfortable silence as he looked at Heeseung, his curiosity piqued.

Heeseung pondered for a moment, tilting his head slightly. “Well, after today’s festivities, I thought we could spend some time getting to know each other better. Maybe take a walk in the woods, or just relax somewhere quiet. Just the two of us,” he suggested, a hopeful smile on his face.

Jaeyun’s heart fluttered at the idea. “I’d like that,” he replied eagerly. “There’s so much I want to learn about you and your pack, and I want to share more about myself too.”

“Perfect,” Heeseung said, visibly pleased. He reached for Jaeyun’s hand, intertwining their fingers again, and together they stood up from the picnic blanket.

As they walked away from the group, Jaeyun felt a mixture of excitement and nervousness about the path ahead. But he was ready for it. With Heeseung by his side, he felt he could face anything. The kiss lingered on his lips, a sweet reminder of their bond, and he looked forward to the adventures that awaited them both as mates.

Hand in hand, they stepped into the future, surrounded by love and the promise of new beginnings.