WHELVE | TK

SIX

TRIGGER WARNING

Blood; hunting

When I tell you I cried I'm not lying

•

Waking up to the sound of loud laughter and cheers wasn't something Taehyung was used to because it never happened. The only loud noises that surrounded their pack were either the voices of the children or those of their mothers scolding them but never loud laughter, not like that.

Succumbing to his curiosity, Taehyung got up from his bed, throwing Hoseok's shirt aside once he realized that the other's scent wasn't bringing him comfort anymore, then walked outside of his cabin to see what the whole commotion was about. He excepted to see the others sparring or playing around because it certainly sounded like that but what welcomed him and made him stop in the middle of the pack grounds was not the sight of cheerful alphas. It was the sight of those said alphas covered in mud and what looked like blood that made him stop in his tracks.

"Jeongguk?" Taehyung asked, his voice panicked as he stepped closer. The others' eyes turned towards him, Jeongguk's as well, and his frown disappeared once he noticed him walking towards them. "What happened? Were you guys attacked by rogues? Are you okay?"

His eyes were searching Jeongguk's body for any injuries because, out of them all, he seemed to be the most shriveled. However, after a short analysis Taehyung came to the conclusion that the other was just fine and Seungyoun's chuckle proved that he's panicked for nothing.

"Oh, this one," the other said as he got up and walked towards Jeongguk, patting him on his back in a friendly manner before throwing his arm over his shoulders. "is doing better than okay. He's doing great now that he finally got some action. We went hunting for the pack."

A frown appeared on Taehyung's face at his words, his eyes searching Jeongguk's face for an explanation. However, the other was not watching him. He was looking ahead, like he was trying to avoid his eyes, which made pain flash through his whole body.

"Oh," Taehyung mumbled once he realized the other wasn't going to talk to him too soon. "make sure you don't get hurt, alright? It's dangerous out there."

After hearing his words, Jeongguk's eyes flashed red for a few seconds before the male shook his head and groaned. Worry clouded Taehyung's mind as he watched the other close his eyes shut, like he was in pain, before finally opening them again.

"I'm fine, Taehyung." He finally said, forcing a smile towards him, which hurt even more because it looked completely and utterly fake. "You don't have to worry about me. We're here to protect and care for you all, not the other way around."

Taehyung never thought of it like that even if it was halfway true. It was true that they were the stronger ones, the ones that were supposed to fight and protect, but they also needed protection and care. Everyone needed a shelter, affection and love, even the strongest ones. However, he could sense from Jeongguk's aura that something's changed during those five years, that he wasn't yet ready to talk about it, nor he was ready to let Taehyung get too close again.

Maybe it was the fact that he didn't seem to have complete control over his wolf or maybe there were other reasons for his behavior but, nonetheless, Taehyung decided to offer him space. Even if it hurt since he's been waiting for so long to finally see him again. Jeongguk needed space and freedom and Taehyung was ready to sacrifice his own needs in order to make the other feel comfortable.

"I know, but that doesn't mean you don't need to be cared for as well." He answered, watching the others as well. "Go wash up. I will prepare lunch for you all so make sure you come as soon as you can to eat."