Crave

35 - caged to be protected

Today was the last day of Woo's break and he had one last important task to finish. Currently, he sat in the living room with his arms crossed. There was a frown on the alpha's face as Joon stood in front of him with a duffel bag on the table. The beta had healed completely under his brother's care and Zaire's affection. Joon had a smile on his face as he sat down next to his brother. "Hyung, please don't be upset."

"Stay here, Joon." Woo said calmly.

"You know I can't, hyung." The shorter wolf grabbed his brother's hand. "I need to go back to the university and catch up with my classes. I'll come to visit you sometimes and also eat Zaire's delicious cooking. Is that okay, hyung?"

"This is your home." The older brother said. "You don't need my permission to come here."

"Thank you for always taking care of me." Joon pressed a kiss to his brother's hand with affection in his eyes. Woo used his other hand to gently ruffle the beta's hair.

"Do something for me." The alpha said, eyes completely serious.

"What is it, hyung?" The beta asked softly.

"From now on, you won't enter that house unless I'm with you." Woo ordered. "No matter how many times they call to ask."

"Hyung...." The younger man couldn't bring himself to finish that sentence as his older brother watched him quietly, daring him to say no.

"Who will you listen to?" Woo asked with a challenge in his tone. "Me or Songjoon?"

Joon hugged his brother and hid in his embrace. "Of course you, hyung. You raised me alone while they neglected us both. I'll obey anything you say."

The beta pulled away and Woo set a hand on the wolf's head. "If anyone hurts you, what will you do?"

"I will call you." The younger brother replied. "I won't hide anything from you anymore, I promise you."

"Good. I'll drop you off." Woo said while standing up.

He went to the garage as Joon went to say goodbye to Zaire. The beta found the omega in the kitchen. Zaire looked up as he finished zipping up the large bag on the island. It was filled with glass containers, full of home-cooked meals. Joon looked confused as he looked at the bag. "Zaire, what is this?"

The smaller wolf looked down timidly. "I-I packed some korean dishes for you. They can be kept in the fridge for at least two weeks before you run out."

The omega gasped as he felt arms wrap around him. Joon hugged him tightly, his heart touched. "You didn't have to do this for me, Zaire."

"I-I want you to eat well." The omega said as they pulled away. "Please visit often."

"I will, don't worry. I enjoyed being here with you, Zaire. I'm glad hyung is protecting you." Joon said with a kind smile. "Text me if you need someone to talk to, I'm here for you."

"Please take care." The omega patted his shoulder and watched the man lift the bag in his arms, excitement sparkling in his eyes.

Zaire walked with Joon until they reached the entrance of the garage. Joon patted Katana's head as she stood next to the omega. "Goodbye!"

He sat in the vehicle with his brother and waved at Zaire as the Dodge rolled out. The omega went back inside the house and followed Katana to the garden. He sat near the fountain and his empty eyes stared at the water. The female dog set her head on his lap and the omega rubbed her head. Anxiety began to curl in his stomach. Once again, he would be alone with Woo in this big house.

"I'm scared." The wolf whispered, as if afraid that someone would hear him. Now that Joon was gone, what would Woo be like? Last night, his grip never loosened on Zaire no matter how much the omega pleaded to sleep alone. "I'm scared of your dad, Katana."