The Rejected |Taekook|

Chapter 57🪷

The scent of damp earth and fresh pine still clung to Obsidian, a lingering reminder of the devastation, but now it mingled with the hopeful aroma of sawdust and new construction. The months following Kihyun's rampage - and his ultimate demise at Endymion's claws - had been a whirlwind of tireless activity. Jungkook, the head alpha, was a constant, formidable presence, his broad shoulders bearing the weight of his pack's recovery. He moved through several construction sites, his keen eyes missing nothing, his commands clear and precise, ensuring every plank laid and every stone set contributed to making Obsidian once again a haven for his people. Safety and comfort were his unwavering priorities.

One crisp morning, a bittersweet farewell unfolded at the edge of Obsidian's territory. Jimin, his vibrant spirit a balm to all who knew him, stood teary-eyed with his mate, Yoongi, a steady anchor beside him. In Yoongi's arms, their baby son, Taeyong, gurgled softly, oblivious to the emotional goodbyes. Taehyung hugged Jimin tightly, their bond a shimmering thread woven through years of shared laughter and tears. "I'll miss you, Jiminie," Taehyung whispered, his own eyes welling up. "And little Taeyong. Visit us anytime, you hear? Obsidian is always open to you." Jimin nodded, choked up, before turning to embrace Jungkook, who offered a firm, reassuring squeeze. Then, with a final wave, Evergreen's new head alpha family turned towards their own pack, a new chapter awaiting them.

Back in Obsidian, Taehyung, the very heart of the pack, focused his immense empathy on healing the unseen wounds. As Luna, his role was one of unwavering moral and emotional support, not just for Jungkook, but for every grieving soul. He moved like a sunbeam through the pack, offering solace to omegas whose mates had been lost, their grief a heavy cloak. He personally oversaw the establishment of a large, warm cottage dedicated to the orphaned pups and mateless omegas, envisioning a community where shared sorrow could be transformed into mutual support and nurturing love. Laughter, fragile at first, slowly began to echo from its walls, a testament to Taehyung's gentle strength.

Jungkook observed his mate with a profound sense of gratitude. Though Luna had lost her godly powers, her essence remained a powerful force. She was fiercely, almost possessively, protective of Taehyung. This protectiveness had intensified exponentially now that Taehyung was pregnant with their first pup.

Despite the relentless demands of rebuilding and governing, Jungkook always made sure to return to their secluded lakeside cottage before dinner. It was their sacred ritual: sharing a meal, recounting the day's events, big and small, in the quiet intimacy of their home. These moments, filled with soft touches and loving gazes, were the anchors that steadied them both amidst the ongoing challenges.

The slow, steady rhythm of recovery continued until a necessary, yet foreboding task called Jungkook away. He journeyed to the Shadow Pack, the very pack that had allied with Kihyun, supplying him with alpha and beta warriors to be corrupted into cannibal wolves. The air in their territory was thick with a palpable sense of shame and fear. Their former head alpha, Kang-dae, was held in their own dungeons, awaiting Jungkook's judgment.

Despite his humiliating circumstances, Kang-dae still possessed the cunning of a viper. When Jungkook faced him, the old alpha, gaunt but with sharp eyes, aimed to evade punishment by proposing something despicable. "Head Alpha Jungkook," he rasped, his voice oily with false deference, "it is tradition for a powerful alpha like yourself to have more than one mate. My niece, Minji, is available. Such a union would solidify the Shadow Pack's allegiance, a true sign of our commitment."

The suggestion hung in the air, cold and defiling. Before Jungkook could even process the audacity, a primal roar ripped through his mind. Endymion surged forth, taking control. Jungkook's eyes flared, glowing a terrifying, piercing gold, and his pheromones, normally controlled, erupted, suffocating the air in the cramped cell. His hand shot out, clamping around Kang-dae's scrawny neck, cutting off his breath with ease. The old alpha's face turned purple, his eyes wide with stark terror, stunned by the sheer, unbridled power emanating from Jungkook. Kang-dae clawed weakly at the iron grip, begging, "Spare me! Please!"