Moonlit Shadows

Moonlight

"Alright, everyone gather around." Hoseok was standing on top of a large oak tree stump. He was surveying his pack as they assembled.

Jungkook leaned against a large maple trunk, having heard this speech once a month for the last twenty years he wasn't exactly interested. He was simply present, as was required.

"What is this about?" Yun Hee had come up beside him, much to his own disappointment.

"The rules for the full moon run," he muttered. "Listen close."

Yun Hee scoffed and crossed her arms.

"Tonight is the pack run in honor of the full moon," shouted Hoseok, trying to project his voice to those in the back.

"If you have been in our pack for a while, you know the rules, but since we have new comers, I will go over them quickly. First of all, no one crosses the river. We stay on our side. Secondly, no fighting. This is supposed to be a fun time for our pack, not a chance to hammer out grudges. Thirdly, if you come across any humans, do not engage. And last of all, just have fun. Any questions?"

No one had any. Except for one of the pups who shot up his hand, only to have it promptly shoved down by his mother.

"Alright! Sunset is in an hour. When the moon is high, we celebrate!"

Everyone cheered, clapped, and expressed their excitement. For everyone to be shifted at once was always a big event. It was for one night only and even the pups could get in on the fun.

"Where will you run tonight?" said Yun Hee, turning to face Jungkook.

"Anywhere you are not," he said bluntly, walking away.

He knew he had been rude, but it seemed like that was the only language Yun Hee understood. His feelings of remorse were short lived to say the least.

"Hyung!" he called, running up to Jimin who was trying to corral the pups. He didn't have any real reason to talk to Jimin, except to shake Yun Hee off his trail.

"Kookie! Perfect timing! Want to help me wrangle the pups tonight?"

Jimin had become somewhat of a pup sitter for the pack. He loved the young ones and took it on himself to make sure they stayed safe. Especially during the monthly pack run. He took on the duty to give the parents a much needed break.

"Ah...I'm not feeling like it today, hyung. I need some time to myself."

Jimin smiled and nodded. "Understood. Ha Yoon has already agreed to help me."

Jungkook grinned and nudged Jimin with his elbow. "Oh? Practicing being parents to a whole litter, huh?"

Jimin blushed and tried to keep the smile off of his face. "Hey. You're just jealous that I found my fated mate and you're still single."

Jungkook's smile faltered a bit but he quickly recovered and shrugged. "Hey, good things come to those who wait."

"Yes, they do," hummed Jimin. "Enjoy your alone time."

Jimin clapped Jungkook on the shoulder before walking off to get ready for the run.

The sun was slipping down below the horizon and Jungkook basked in the final golden rays of the day letting his mind wander.

Jimin hadn't been that far off with his statement. He had found Ha Yoon after she had joined the pack several months ago. According to Jimin, finding one's fated mate was a feeling beyond all expectation.

Jimin wasn't gloating, Jungkook knew that, but it left Jungkook feeling empty. He wasn't necessarily a young pup anymore. By werewolf standards he was still quite young, but over one hundred and fifty years of loneliness was taking its toll.