𝐎𝐦𝐞𝐠𝐚'𝐬 𝐁𝐨𝐧𝐝 [𝗄𝗈𝗈𝗄𝗏]

Chapter Fifteen

~~~

Three years had passed since Jeongguk turned sixteen. Now nineteen, he was no longer the boy who used to follow Taehyung around with wide, curious eyes.

He was taller, his sharp features carrying a mature edge, but his rebellious nature had only grown stronger.

Jeongguk scoffed as he leaned against the truck, arms crossed, watching the pack members unload boxes. His piercing gaze made more than one of them uncomfortable, and the faint smirk on his lips only added to their unease.

"Gguk," Taehyung's soft yet firm voice broke through the silence. The Luna approached, his expression calm but tinged with exhaustion. "Stop standing there like a statue and help." With that he walked back into the house.

Jeongguk rolled his eyes dramatically, muttering under his breath, "Fine," as he grabbed a box from the truck. His steps were heavy and deliberate, and he cursed under his breath all the way to the house.

The new house stood proudly at the edge of the forest, its wooden structure elegant yet practical. It was a gift from Namjoon, the acting Alpha, meant to give Taehyung his own space.

Yet the weight of expectations loomed large within its walls. Taehyung couldn't leave Jeongguk behind even though the Alpha of Pack insisted to have Jeongguk in pack-house.

Inside, Taehyung found himself apologizing yet again.

"I'm sorry," he said softly, his head slightly bowed as he addressed the group of pack members. "Jeongguk is young, and I'll speak to him. Please don't take it to heart."

One of the men, an older member with a scar running across his cheek, sighed heavily. "Luna, you don't need to apologize, but that boy—you raised him. He's your responsibility, and he should know better by now."

Taehyung flinched at the words, a pang of guilt stabbing through him. "I'll do my best," he whispered, his voice barely audible.

"Luna, don't—"

The man's words were interrupted by Jeongguk's voice, sharp and dripping with disdain. "This is how you treat your Luna? Making him apologize for something as trivial as a teenager's attitude? Complaining about someone who isn't even obligated to respect you?"

All heads turned as Jeongguk stepped into the living room, his movements commanding attention. He dropped the box onto the floor with a thud and leaned against the wall, arms crossed, his dark eyes scanning the room with a hint of challenge.

"You are not just 'someone,'" the scarred man shot back, anger creeping into his tone. "You're his responsibility, and you should—"

Jeongguk interrupted, his smirk turning colder. "So? You think you can demand respect from me while showing none to my hyung? Apologize to him now, or I'll personally make sure you're thrown out of this pack." His voice lowered, carrying a dangerous edge. "Because I'm not just some 'kid,' and Hyung isn't just your Luna. He's my family. Disrespect him again, and you'll regret it."

As he spoke, he moved to stand beside Taehyung, towering over him with his commanding presence. His aura was suffocating, the air thick with dominance, and his red eyes flashed briefly—a warning to anyone who dared challenge him.

The older man hesitated, stepping back under Jeongguk's intense gaze. His defiance wavered, and he finally lowered his head. "I'm sorry, Luna," he muttered.

Taehyung blinked, momentarily stunned. His wolf, Luna, howled with joy, thrilled at being protected by her Alpha, but Taehyung himself was conflicted.

"It's okay—" Taehyung began, his voice soft.