The Hunt

67

We all settled into the large formal living room.

Eleven people and their egos. To say it felt cramped would be an understatement. 

Daehyun and Sumi sat in the only two arm chairs, while the rest of us squeezed onto the two couches. 

"Y/n," my older brother addressed me. His eyes reflected something I had never seen from him before, concern. "I just want you to know the order to have you located and brought to our parents' house has been cancelled." 

I nodded my understanding, and felt Jimin's hand slip into mine. Fingers lacing together. He was seated between me and my brother, almost like a shield. A fact that did not go unnoticed by Daehyun. 

"I only ordered it because I was worried about you. After what happened with your fiance and then someone took out a hit on Sumi, I wanted to make sure you weren't alone and vulnerable," Daehyun said, his words dripping with sincerity that I wasn't totally buying in to. "Some elder Council members had expressed concern that Father was too lenient after you left and went into hiding. People were saying that if he wasn't able to control his own daughter, how could he possibly be a senior member of The Council?

With recent events, I believe that someone is looking to take Father out of his position on The Council. It seems that our family, and those associated with us, are being targeted." 

I had considered that possibility, but the fact that Sumi and JiHoon had both been in human/hybrid relationships couldn't just be a coincidence. Also, as far as I knew, no one in our immediate family had been attacked or targeted. "Has anything happened to the others? Sehyun didn't mention anything when I saw him." 

Daehyun glanced at Sumi, then to Jimin, before settling his gaze on me. "No, nothing has happened to Jae or Hanna. When did you see Sehyun?" 

"Tuesday," Jimin answered for me. 

This little revelation seemed to render Daehyun silent. While his face was unreadable, Sumi projected confusion mixed with outrage. 

Guess Sehyun didn't tell anyone. Seems they trusted that shifty bastard. Idiots. 

Next to me, Jungkook started bouncing his leg having become restless. Too much tension in the room, and nothing was alleviating it. 

"Daehyun-oppa," I began, using my sweet innocent voice in an attempt to make him think I was on his side. "We'll get this all figured out. But in the mean time, don't you want to get Sumi somewhere safe?" 

His strong exterior melted a little at the mention of his fiance's name. He looked over at her with loving eyes and nodded. She returned his gaze with one that was equally warm. 

"We should get going," Daehyun said. He turned to lock eyes with me once again. "You are welcome to come with us, Y/n. But I do believe you will be safe here." He glanced around the room, sizing up the hybrids. He briefly paused as his eyes landed on Sarah, one eye brow shot up and his eyes darted to mine before he continued taking everyone in. "It looks like you have a strong group of allies." 

I stood from my seat on the couch, Jimin following close behind. Daehyun and Sumi also rose from their seats. 

"Thank you for your offer, but I think I will stay here." With a smile, I started toward the front door with Jimin in tow, his firm grip on my hand unwavering. 

I turned to Daehyun and Sumi who were following closely behind. The others had all stayed in the living room. 

Daehyun turned to Jimin and offered his hand, giving a firm handshake. "Jimin-ssi, please take good care of our Y/n." 

"Of course." I watched as Jimin gave a hard squeeze before pulling his hand away and wrapping his back around mine. "Our security guards will make sure you make it to your vehicle safely. Good luck, and I hope we find out who is behind this soon." 

Daehyun agreed and he and Sumi slipped out the front door and into the darkness that had settled outside. 

After Jimin locked the front door behind them, I gave him a quick peck on the cheek. 

"Thank you," I whispered despite knowing the others could hear us. 

With a small grin, Jimin ran his free hand through his hair and sighed. "You're welcome." 

We re-entered the living room to find that the others had spread out more, leaving a dejected-looking Jungkook alone on one of the couches. 

Yoongi let out a loud sigh as Jimin and I sat back down. 

"I thought they'd never leave."