Claws And Fangs__K.TH_J.JK

Chapter 17

"Where are we going, Tae?" I asked softly, my brows knitting in confusion as I watched him quietly packing bags-one for each of us.

Taehyung didn't respond. He just nodded absently, his mind clearly elsewhere, his hands moving mechanically through the pile of clothes.

"Tae!" I called again, a hint of concern creeping into my voice. "You're distracted."

Still no answer. My frown deepened.

I walked up behind him and gently wrapped my arms around his waist, resting my cheek against his broad back. Then, tilting my head to look up at him, I met his distant eyes with my icy blue ones.

"What is it, Tae? Tell me," I whispered, running my hand slowly up and down his back, hoping to ease whatever storm was brewing inside him.

Taehyung let out a shaky sigh and turned to face me. His lips curved into a small, wistful smile as he cupped my cheek, his thumb gently brushing over my skin.

"It's nothing, love," he murmured, though his eyes told a different story-one soaked in worry and weight.

"But-"

Before I could continue, he placed a finger on my lips.

"Shh... just stay like this."

He pulled me close, resting his chin on top of my head as his arms enveloped me in a firm embrace. I could hear the soft thump of his heartbeat against my ear.

"My home," he whispered.

A warm smile spread across my face as I closed my eyes and burrowed deeper into his chest, holding him tighter.

Suddenly, I felt a pair of arms wrap around me from behind, strong and familiar. Jungkook's scent filled the air as he buried his face in the crook of my neck, inhaling deeply.

"Is the packing done?" he murmured against my skin, planting a soft kiss on my neck that sent a shiver down my spine.

His low chuckle followed. He felt it.

"Almost," Taehyung replied, not letting go of me as he continued folding the last of our clothes.

And for a moment, surrounded by them both, I felt safe-even as the storm outside quietly crept closer.

---

They led me deep into the forest, farther than I thought civilization could stretch, to a hidden safe house nestled among ancient trees. It was small, cozy-almost storybook-like. Just a few meters away, a lake shimmered under the sun, fed by a cascading waterfall, wildflowers blooming freely along the edges.

"Wowww..." I breathed out, eyes wide in awe, lips parted in a perfect O. The beauty was surreal.

Taehyung chuckled softly behind me and gently pushed my jaw up, closing my mouth with his hand.

"Careful, love. You'll catch flies," he teased, before stepping forward to open the door.

"Welcome to our sanctuary, my Wolfie," Jungkook announced with a dramatic bow, one hand on his chest like a royal butler.

I laughed and shook my head. "You're always so dramatic, Kook."

He shrugged with an exaggerated smile and threw himself onto the couch-only to grab me by the waist and pull me onto his lap, making me yelp in surprise.

"Ah!"

"I'll go remove any trace of her scent in the forest," Taehyung suddenly said, his tone shifting to something sharp, protective. His face was blank, but his eyes-his eyes burned with fury at the mere mention of Hansoek. "We can't take any chances. He won't get a whiff of her blood."