𝐎𝐦𝐞𝐠𝐚'𝐬 𝐁𝐨𝐧𝐝 [𝗄𝗈𝗈𝗄𝗏]

Chapter Forty

~~~

A week had passed since that night—since everything between them changed.

The days blended together in a quiet rhythm, a stark contrast to the whirlwind of emotions that had consumed them before.

Jeongguk had stepped further into his role, his presence more commanding, more assured. The pack had begun to adjust, some still wary, others slowly warming up to the reality of their bond. It was progress, but it wasn't perfect.

For Taehyung, this past week had been both intoxicating and unsettling.

He had Jeongguk—fully, without restraint. Their days were spent tending to pack duties, but their nights were a different story—spent tangled in sweat-dampened sheets, limbs locked, mouths hungry, Jeongguk pressing him into the mattress until all he could do was gasp his name.

The weight of years spent apart was slowly lifting, yet still, something lingered beneath the surface—an unshakable feeling that gnawed at him whenever he looked at Jeongguk for too long.

He was happy, but he was worried.

Jeongguk had changed, and it wasn't just because he was stepping into his role as Alpha.

There was something else—a flicker in his eyes when he thought no one was looking, a hesitation in his touch when he thought too much.

He wasn't distant, but he wasn't completely at ease either.

Taehyung noticed everything.

Jeongguk still laughed, still teased him in the mornings, still touched him like he was something sacred.

But there were moments when he fell quiet, his jaw tight, his thoughts elsewhere.

The pack had seen the change, too.

They respected him now in a way they hadn't before, watching as he took on responsibilities with a seriousness that was once absent.

Taehyung didn't care what they thought. He had always known Jeongguk was meant for this.

But he needed to know—what was going on inside Jeongguk's head?

He would ask soon. He had given Jeongguk space, waiting for him to speak first, but the silence had lasted long enough. Whatever it was, Taehyung wasn't going to let him carry it alone.

~~~~

The atmosphere in the packhouse meeting hall was tense. Sunlight streamed through the large windows, casting long shadows across the polished wooden floor.

The midday air was thick with unspoken words and lingering doubts, though the presence of both Taehyung and Jeongguk at the head of the long table demanded a level of respect that kept the room from dissolving into outright conflict.

Jeongguk sat tall beside Taehyung, his expression composed despite the silent scrutiny of the elders and higher-ranking wolves.

Elder Hyunseok was the first to speak, his deep voice carrying through the room with measured authority. "We don't have the luxury of questioning leadership any longer."

He shifted his gaze between the gathered members. "The rogues have been getting bolder. They were sighted closer to our borders two nights ago, and our scouts report unusual movement near the eastern territory."

Elder Minah, one of the more cautious voices in the council, sighed. "This is why we must act now. We can no longer afford to let uncertainty dictate our decisions."

Jeongguk remained silent, letting their words settle in.

Elder Seok, who had been mostly quiet up until now, leaned forward. "I won't lie. I still have my doubts," He exhaled, crossing his arms. "We need an Alpha now more than ever. Our pack is in no state to wait."