An Idol for the Omega

Chapter 29: Not Coming

Jae

Hyung came back already.

A small group of the others, too.

Jae...

Braden had called out to me, I heard it, his voice so clear in my head as if he had been standing in front of me. Just... my name.

I'd called out to him earlier, when the van slowly disappeared from sight. I don't even know if it worked because he hadn't responded. I'd just remember what hyung had told me, that its has to be intentional, like hitting send on a text message. Seodulleo.

He hasn't.

He hasn't hurried back to me yet.

After Braden left, I wasn't sure what to do with myself. The other pack members left behind slowly dispersed once the group had set out, busying themselves. I found myself heading back to Braden's room to wait.

I slumped across his bed and stared unseeing at the ceiling. I thought about the fact that Braden didn't even get any sleep after his patrol last night. When I woke up this morning, there was no ticklish feel of curls against my face. No bundle of warmth in my arms. I've already become used to his presence beside me. I like to wrap my arms around his cute, slender waist. It makes me feel ridiculously strong and safe at the same time.

I'd hurriedly dressed and went looking for Braden, finding him in Christopher's office planning on going out. I knew that was dangerous. The on-edge feel of the pack of the last few days was impossible to ignore, as well as the missing numbers for the past couple of days. At first, I'd been glad for that overbearing Beta to be gone, but it meant that Braden was busier with things for the pack.

Hyung didn't go to work the past couple of days, everyone was staying close. He explained that they found out who had sent the werewolves that had attacked his clinic before, a threat from Christopher's past. Reed and the others were supposed to stop them, far from here in the mountains.

I'd known something went wrong after Braden called out to me. I tried to respond back, focusing on saying his name, but it felt the same as before, where I wasn't sure if it worked. I went back downstairs, hoping that some of the others had heard something.

I know most of the werewolves now, at least by face if not by name. After the first couple of days of staring, they'd easily adjusted to having me around. They include me in conversation as much as possible and always help me if I'm not with Braden or Alec.

It was easy to find everyone, it seemed the whole pack was heading in the same direction, gathering into a large crowd in the main dining room. There was a low whisper of voices through-out the room. No one was talking loudly, all were obviously listening for news along the pack link.

I'd waited impatiently among the crowd but not for very long. Alec had arrived soon, coming in from the rear of the pack house, surrounding by two warriors I slightly recognized, heading to one end of the large room. I rushed through the crowd as quickly as I could, running up to hyung.

"Where's Braden?" I'd searched his face, gripping his shoulders tightly.

Alec's face softened for just a moment. He placed a hand over top of one of mine. "Just wait." One of the warriors pulled me away and to the side slightly. Hyung stepped forward, holding the room's attention.

"Some of you might have heard already, there was an ambush. The Alpha will have more details when he arrives, but he's already linked me a few minutes ago and the rogues have been subdued. Most of your family members will have already alerted you that they are safe, although some have been injured."