psa! This blog contains mature contents so PLEASE do not engage if you are a minor. I tagged them under #mature just in case. I might have reblogged some stories made by minors before so please leave immediately once you have read my contribution to your story/ies.Â
Also, I rarely or do not read stories of dream members. I notice that dreamies stories are popular these days. Sorry to all my writer friends who write about dreamies but I donât read them.
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The idea of a mating/heat cycle is key to understanding any omegaverse fic. Indeed it is the defining characteristic. Characters who are omegas go into some sort of mating cycle or heat. This heat can occur as  often as monthly, as human menstrual cycles do, or as rarely as every five years. Heat frequency is entirely determined by the author.Â
The universal characteristic of each heat cycle is that the omega really really really really needs to have sex with someone, and the omega must be the receptive partner. Now.Â
The omega has conveniently been provided with a self-lubricating anus, to enable this activity.
Some  omegas are able to resolve their heat by locking themselves away with nothing more than a few of the largest dildos ever created. (The application of lubricant to the giant dildo is optional, as omegas are self-lubricating.) The majority of omegas require a penis, preferably that of an alpha, to be inserted in their self-lubricated, weeping hole. Knotting is optional here â in universes with knots, the omega absolutely must be knotted for the heat to end.
Heats, like menstrual cycles, can often be predicted. Unlike menstrual cycles, heats can also be triggered by such things as soul bonding an alpha, forgetting to take the needed pill, or being surrounded by too many alpha hormones.
During  the heat, the omega will issue hormones that serve as a siren call to all of the alphas, and some of the betas, in the area. These hormones are considered a public health hazard. This immediate pre-heat period, where the omega is throwing off huge quantities of pheromones that attract everyone in a set geographical vicinity, is the period of the most danger. The omega hopefully is able to get to a home or hotel room where they will lock themselves in for the duration of the heat.
Heat usually lasts from 3-5 days. Most of this time is spent having sex â even if the omega immediately starts having sex with the alpha at the beginning of the heat, they are still locked into sex for the next several days. Many orgasms are involved, as are utterly insane amounts of semen. The ass of the omega provides a huge amount of fluid and lubrication. The alpha/omega partners appear to be hormone-addled enough that they do not get bored or chafed during this time. The many orgasms appear to help make the whole situation tolerable.
Once mated, there is a high likelihood that the omega will become pregnant.  Depending on the universe, hormonal birth control and/or heat suppressants will be available. The hormonal birth control works generally like the pill in the regular universe, take a daily pill, take  some sort of shot, etc. On rare occasions you will even encounter the omegaverse version of Plan B, for post-heat use.
Scent Glands are skin areas on a body that hold and release a smell.
Scent glands vary in location based on secondary gender and age.
Different scent glands vary in sensitivity regarding how well they release and hold scents.
Scent glands release pheromones that impact the behavior of receiving individuals, whether it be to warn them, soothe them, express how the person is feeling, or other.
Alphas
Because Alphas have the biological urge to protect and, before civilized societies, were almost always the leaders and protectors of the pack, their scent glands cover more skin on their body than the other dynamics.
Having more of the Alphaâs scent on the pack kept them safe.
Alphasâ strongest scent glands are typically located on the neck and shoulders and on the inner thighs.
Having more scent glands allows Alphas to scent mark multiple pack mates at one time, satisfying their needs and keeping everyone safe.
The downside of having more scent glands is accidental scenting. Alphas have scent glands on their fingers and on the side of their torso, so brushing against people can cause unintentional scenting.
Alphas often have the most control of their scent out of all the secondary genders.
Omegas
Omegas have the biological predisposition to be the caretakers of the pack, so they developed the most sensitive and reactive scent glands.
On a biological level, Omegasâ scent glands have billions of nerves that relay information to the brain in record time so Omegaâs can quickly respond to situations.
Certain scent glands, such as the ones on the Omegaâs inner thighs and neck are as sensitive as lips or genitals (depending on where they are in their cycle). Many Omegas use numbing gel to take the edge off.
Omegas are prone to subconsciously respond to situations with their scent glands before they actually process them. For example, if a pup gets injured, an Omega will instantly release calming pheromones before physically reacting.
Scent glands on the breasts and stomach only develop once an Omega becomes pregnant. Scent glands on the stomach fade after pregnancy but the ones of the breasts remain.
Betas
Betas have the weakest scent glands out of all the secondary dynamics, however, this can make them more pleasant to be around and makes them excellent peacekeepers.
Betasâ strongest scent glands are on their neck, inner thighs and behind the ears.
Betas scent glands are generally weaker in terms of releasing pheromones and scent, but they can hold scents for longer periods of time than the other secondary genders.
Betas also have scent glands on their breasts, however, they only appear during pregnancy and fade in under 2 years after the birth of their child/ren. Scent glands on the breasts only appear on female Betas.
Pups
All Pups start out with about the same base scent glands. When they present and age, their scent glands develop to accommodate to their secondary gender.
A pupâs strongest scent gland is on the crown of their head.
Unfortunately, pupsâ scent glands do not hold smells for long periods of time, so they need to constantly be scented by their parents and pack mates. Evolutionarily, this ensured that a pack would not leave their pup alone for long durations.
Specific Glands
Inner Thighs
It is only proper for mates and partners to scent mark each otherâs inner thighs (for all secondary genders). Scenting inner thighs without consent, especially if the people are not mates, is considered highly inappropriate.
Aggressive scenting and biting to the inner thighs can trigger heats and ruts.
Aggressively scenting (such as licking, biting, etc) pups on their inner thighs is considered as rape.
Crown of Head
The scent gland on the crown of the head is called the Pupâs Crown. It is most sensitive during childhood and becomes the weakest scent gland as the person ages until it holds very little scent or fades completely.
Wrists
Wrists are the most respectful place to scent mark someone. Friends often scent each other on the wrists or after a successful first date, the people in question may scent each other on the wrist.
Rubbing oneâs wrist scent glands may be a sign of anxiety or stress.
Wrists are also where pack bites are placed, this includes siblings bites, close relatives, or pack leadership.
Cheeks
Cheek scent glands are very similar to wrists in terms of respect.
Pups often rub cheeks with their friends to scent mark.
Cheek scent glands are usually not very sensitive, but when stimulated can produce minor scent.
Neck
The scent glands on the neck are the most sensitive for all the dynamics.
The neck is where a mating bite is placed. Parents may also bite their pups on the nape of the neck to solidify pack and parental bonds.
Scent marking that occurs on the neck also holds smell longer than on any other gland.
Word Count: 384
Summary:âWhat kind of guard dog would I be if I let something happen to you?â
You groaned. âYouâre not actually a guard dog, Gunwook.â
Pairing: Gunwook X Reader
Taglist: @sh0dor1
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Gunwook had always been protective. It was in his natureâwired into his bones, running through his blood like an instinct he never questioned. So when it came to you, his protective streak wasnât just a habit. It was a duty.
And he wore that duty like armor.
You never asked for a guard dog, but Gunwook had assigned himself the role without hesitation. If anyone so much as looked at you the wrong way, he was there. If someone got too close, his presence alone was enough to make them rethink their life choices.
âGunwook, I can handle myself,â you told him once, exasperated, after he stepped in between you and a guy who had been pestering you for your number.
Gunwook had just given you a lookâone of those steady, unreadable ones before scoffing, âYeah? And what if you couldnât?â
You rolled your eyes but didnât argue further. It was useless. Gunwook didnât do things halfway. If he decided you needed protecting, then that was final.
Tonight was no different. The two of you were walking home from a late-night convenience store run when you noticed a group of guys loitering near the alleyway. They werenât doing anything outright suspicious, but something about them made your skin crawl.
You didnât even have to say anything. Gunwook noticed the way your steps slowed, how your fingers gripped the plastic bag just a little tighter.
Without missing a beat, he shifted closer, his arm subtly nudging you behind him as his shoulders squared. His usual laid-back demeanor melted away, replaced with something firmâunyielding.
The guys took one look at himâhis broad frame, the sharp warning in his eyesâand immediately decided you werenât worth the trouble.
As they slinked off, you let out a breath. âYou didnât have toââ
Gunwook shot you a look.
âI did, actually,â he said simply. âWhat kind of guard dog would I be if I let something happen to you?â
You groaned. âYouâre not actually a guard dog, Gunwook.â
He smirked. âCouldâve fooled me.â
You shook your head, but secretly, you didnât mind. Because in a world full of uncertainty, having someone who was willing to stand between you and danger without hesitation?
That was rare. And maybe, just maybeâyou were a little grateful that Gunwook had chosen to be yours.
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Limerence is an 18+ slice of life IF that follows you, one of the most globally demanded actors of all time. You just accepted a lead role in a romance movie, one thatâs amongst the most highly anticipated films of the year. You were ready, prepared, and content with the plan the directors and producers laid out for you.
Everything was perfect.
This was going to be your best work yet!
Until you heard a door click and felt the breeze of the air conditioning blow against your neck as you turned. And now that perfect plan was slowly falling apart as you spotted your devilishly attractive co-star and felt an electrifying pull that would blow every publicity stunt out of the water.
Now, you must avoid getting your heart absolutely shattered again.
Genres: slice-of-life, drama, romance
Some tropes: forbidden love, forced proximity
Full customization over your iconic MC, choosing how they look and react with the many options available!
Try not to fall in love with your customizable co-star(s)!
3 storylines in one book! Depending on which genre of romance movie you pick, you'll have a different RO
Manage the way the public views you - humble or self-absorbed?
A very expensive friend group, hopefully, with no drama involved.
Outfit changes! Shopping trips! Interviews! Premiers! Red carpets! A horrible ex! And a date in⌠Paris??
Experience what itâs like to be rich and famous!
A system built where actions and words contribute to the development of your platonic and romantic relationships
Iâm being so serious when I say you're gonna be able to strut your stuff. Like, you're THAT!
THE CAREFREE ROMANCE
"Is it sin to love?"
Arthur/Aria, a people-pleaser mixed with a warm heart, is the perfect actor for the counterpart lead in a movie that ends in the happiest way of all. Many would categorize them as a golden retriever, always filled with energy and a happy aura. They walked through those stage doors, immediately greeting everybody with respect and smiles on their face.
THE TRAGIC ROMANCE
"For the wounded and the lost."
Corin/Carrie, a cold demeanor mixed with a frozen heart, is the perfect actor for the counterpart lead in a movie that ends in heartbreak. You swore they were throwing daggers at you through the whole reading of the script. The directors say they can feel a connection brewing beneath their harsh exterior, but you can't seem to spot it.
THE THRILLER ROMANCE
"The vanity of existence."
Kenley/Kaylee, a mixture of both cold and warm, you don't actually know if they'd be the perfect actor at all. They're all over the place, left and right, backward and forwards, you can't ever seem to spot them in one place for more than five minutes. The directors are starting to wonder if you two will even be able to progress through these scenes with their attention being constantly stolen, but hey, who knows, it might work!
Evermount is a dystopian IF that takes inspiration from movies like "Don't Worry, Darling" and "Maze Runner."Â (18+)
Every day's the same: you wake up, you brush your teeth, you step into the shower, you get out, you make breakfast, you clean, as a homemaker does, and then, at exactly 12.10ânot a second earlier or laterâthere's a knock. You then step out of the house and into the streets: the Mingle.
It's compulsory.
It only happens in pairsâeveryone has a designated friend. And you're no stranger; you have one tooâyou are one too.
You walk, you talk, and you spend the majority of the day togetherâtwo hours minimum outside, gazing at the endless rows of pale houses in the neighbourhood; for the rest of the time, before it's time to prep dinner, you're free to do as you please with your friend.
That's Evermount.
Blue-suited guards stand in every corner, but they're no threatâyou're under threat. And this is how you keep safe. It's necessary; the council said so themselves. Under no circumstances shall Evermount be left, ever. So, no one has, and no one intends to.
Why would you? It's peacefulâyou're at peace. You have your spouse, and you have your house; everyone's happy. This is all you've ever known.
The Spouse [f/m] | Enemies to lovers
Every day at 7:00, you wake up, arrange breakfast on the table, wrap up the leftover dinner, and position yourself on the front porch, holding their lunch bag against your chest. The kiss is so swift that you hardly process it, and then they're gone. You wave, with a smile on your face, as you watch their car merge into a stream of Chevrolet Bel Airsâsupplied by the councilâall heading to work.
In the evening, you share dinner, in silence. They don't talk muchâonly when there's company. Sometimes, it feels like you don't even know them.
The Officer [f/m] | Friends to lovers
Their eyes scanned yours, filled with concern. A deep crease cut straight through the centre of their brow, marring their otherwise smooth face. Their lips moved hastily, and they clutched your hand, but you felt yourself slipping away, slowly.
"I promise, we'll find you."
Those words are so strange, you recall them, every day. But that's all. You don't remember the date, the time, or why. A figment of your imagination, maybe?
You see them in your dreams. Yet you don't know who they areâif they even exist.
The Voice [f/m] | ???
You're. Not. Crazy.
But someone who isn't you speaks inside your head. To you.
They'd lock you up for that. Take you somewhere far away. But you feel the exact sameâyou're no danger. So, you don't tell. You just keep acting as you are.
The Friend [f/m] | Forbidden romance  (relationship history can be an affair)
Your partner in crime, as some might say. They're your friendâyou've been assigned since the beginning. But they were already living here, long before you and your spouse moved into the neighbourhood, before you two were assigned together.
They talk a lot, more than your spouse. They like you, and you like them. That's what friends are supposed to do; that's what the Mingle is forâit's bad to feel alone, and the council doesn't want that.
The Council Member [f/m] | Forbidden romance
"Don't trust them," the voice warns.
Your eyes narrow at them; the area under their eyes is hollow, worn, riddled with fine lines. They expel an exhausted breath and reposition the tie that's wrapped around their neck, way too tight.
They look the part. They look like everyone else in Evermount, yet they're not: they're in the council, they're above you.
Road to Heaven is an 18+ Dystopian fic which takes inspiration from popular media like the âShatter Meâ series and âHunger Gamesâ. It may contain distressing content like major injury to the characters, character deaths, blood, gore, body horror, amnesia and optional sexual content. More specific warnings will be given at the beginning of each chapter.
You are inmate No. 1441, incarcerated in Tartarus, the most notorious prison on the continent. You find yourself imprisoned for a crime that you do not remember committing, leaving you in a state of uncertainty about your own identity and purpose. The first memory you have is awakening to the sensation of a gun being shoved into your mouth.
Within the grim confines of Tartarus, you have been branded as the most dangerous criminal, feared yet hated by both fellow inmates and prison authorities alike. It becomes clear to you that in order to survive and unravel the enigma of your past, escape from this formidable penitentiary is imperative. However, achieving freedom will not be an easy feat, as you must navigate treacherous encounters with some of the most malevolent criminals known to humanity. In your quest for freedom, you find yourself entangled in complex relationships with three significant individuals. Firstly, your cellmate, whose icy demeanor suggests a deep-seated disdain for your very existence. Secondly, your best friend within the prison walls, whose seemingly excessive friendliness may harbor ulterior motives. Lastly, there is the warden, whose overtly amicable nature masks a peculiar familiarity with your past. As you navigate the perilous labyrinth of Tartarus, your ultimate objective is twofold: to survive amidst the most notorious criminals and uncover the truth about your forgotten past. In a world where danger lurks at every corner, you must tread carefully, for the path to redemption and self-discovery is riddled with uncertainty and perilous choices.
Fully customize your MC. Choose your pronouns, sexuality, appearance and more. Take control of your interactions with the characters and experience the world of Elysium City through a personalized scope.
Romance one of the 7 ROâs, and if you are charming enough, fall in love with any two of them. The four possible poly routes available are: The Cellmate and The Friend, The Warden and The Master, The Protector and The Master, The Cellmate and The Rebel
Struggle against the evil that wants you dead and uncover secrets about yourself
Accept your identity as an Esper and rediscover your powers, or completely reject them
Master your ability of Conscious Manipulation and perhaps learn a few things about yourself unexpectedly
Choose to make allies within Tartarus or antagonize them. Your choices have consequences
Lead a dying rebellion against the Hightable or join them as an equal
There are a total 7 romance options, each with their own personality and a story along with dark secrets for you to uncover
Survive
1. The Cellmate [f/m] | Enemies to Lovers
Subject Name : Twenty
A palpable enigma surrounds the inexplicable disdain they harbor towards you, leaving you to ponder if your past misdeeds have sowed the seeds of their ire. Your questions remain unanswered, rarely do they grace you with a response, and when they do, it arrives veiled in hateful glares and a tapestry of venomous words. The origins of their animosity remain shrouded in silence, with fellow inmates mirroring their reticence. Only when they are complaining about the prison's wretched conditions and the Warden's despotic rule do they momentarily shed their icy facade, revealing hints of vulnerability and human emotion. When they do smile, albeit rarely, it is a fleeting moment of breathtaking beauty. If only you could find the courage to tell them that.
[ Number 1579 is an S rank Arcane Tendency Esper with the Cryokinesis ability. They are under Libraâs Jurisdiction, and thus only follow orders coming directly from them. ]
Other Tropes : Emotional Scars, Nobody thinks itâll actually work, Hate Sex
2. The Warden? [m] | ???
Subject Name : Nikita
There is an uncanny familiarity surrounding him, leaving you torn between the unsettling grip of dread and the elusive allure of desire. He claims to know you personally. Apparently the two of you were close friends before The Incident. Yet, when you press for details, he skillfully redirects the conversation before your emotions can catch up. "The past is but a fleeting shadow," he says, "no need to talk about something that can't be changed. Besides, you wouldn't remember anything." Evidently your memories had been erased. The question of who hangs heavy in the air, but his response remains enigmatic, offering only a mirthless smile.
[ Nikita is the Warden of Tartarus, the Reformation Asylum in Sector 10, 8th District. He is under Scorpio's jurisdiction. ]
Other Tropes : Slowburn, Betrayal, Puppy play
3. The Friend [f/m] | Friends to Lovers
Subject Name : Victor (m.) | Vanessa (f.)
A compassionate and devoted companion, V. shines as a beacon of light in the desolate depths of this grim abyss that became your world. From the moment you opened your eyes, they extended a helping hand, guiding you through the labyrinthine complexities of Tartarus and easing your transition into this unfamiliar realm. Unfazed by the venomous whispers that tarnish your reputation, they remain steadfastly by your side, unwavering in their loyalty. Their warm smiles and whimsical wordplay serve as a balm, mending your wounded spirit after every bitter clash with Twenty. How fortunate you are to be blessed with such an illuminating presence, brightening the shadows that consume your existence.
[ Number 1339 is an A rank Catalyst Tendency Esper with the Illusion Manipulation ability. They are under Scorpioâs Jurisdiction. ]
Other Tropes : Partners in crime, First Love, Good people get good sex, Slight yandere
4. The Count/Countless [f/m] | Forbidden Romance (relationship history can be friends with benefits)
Subject Name : Emir (m.) | Evara(f.)
A remarkable visionary and an exceptional entrepreneur, E. stands as an unrivaled figure in the illustrious realm of Elysium City. Holding the distinction of being the youngest Grandmaster in history and amassing unparalleled wealth, they reign as the CEO of the renowned Quinn Industries. E. is adorned with numerous titles within the esteemed echelons of society, serving as an icon of inspiration and a beacon of hope, while simultaneously arousing envy in the hearts of many. An arrogant and proud individual, their ugliness is conveniently covered by their astonishing fortune, combined with innate brilliance, seems almost mystical, as if destined for greatness from their very birth. Within Elysium City's grand social tapestry, few possess the persuasive prowess to sway the decisions of the Hightable itself, yet E. stands tall even among this select few. As an eligible bachelor, their daily inundation of love letters and marriage proposals is a testament to their allure. And yet, amidst all this splendor, it is you who has found a place of interest in their extraordinary life.
[ E. is a part of The Senate and thus does not fall under any District's jurisdiction. ]
Other Tropes : Belated love epiphany, Billionaire, Power play, Daddy/Mommy kink
5. The Master [f] | Forbidden Romance
Subject Name : Leo
In her calculated pursuit, you find yourself ensnared. Your allure captivates her discerning gaze, for you possess what she desires most. You are the coveted object of her desires. In this strategic game, you are but a pawn, a possession within her calculated grasp. Yet, curiously she maintains a measured distance. Her reason? She eloquently articulates, âWitnessing the growth of one's possession is a fascinating phenomenon.â
[ Leo is the Master of {DATA REDACTED}. They are the Ruler of the 5th District. ]
Other Tropes : Secret Identity, Second Chance, Blood play, Begging
6. The Protector [m] | Bodyguard Romance
Subject Name : Caesar
A battle-hardened soldier, Caesar bears the scars of a lifetime spent serving the FAE and the city. With an intimacy unparalleled, he has danced with mortality on numerous occasions, making death a companion rather than an adversary. Yet, behind that facade of strength, Caesar is a fractured soul, haunted by insecurities and a self-destructive nature. His journey, filled with shattered dreams and the weight of his daughter's aspirations, has brought him to the edge of despair. The immortality he once embraced now feels like a curse, a harbinger of misfortune that has become synonymous with his presence. In his eyes, he sees himself as not a protector but a bearer of ill fate. However, the stars, in an unexpected alignment, have granted him a final purpose: to protect you. Beneath the intimidating exterior lies a gentle giant, yet one plagued by a profound sense of self-loathing. He grapples with the belief that his very existence is a catalyst for tragedy, a vortex that draws calamity toward him and those he holds dear. Intrigued by this complex guardian, you see the duality within Caesar â an attentive and understanding individual burdened by the weight of his own perceived malevolence. As you navigate through the intricate layers of his psyche, perhaps you could help him ease his suffering, even by a little.
[ Caesar is a registered S rank Endura Tendency Esper with the Regeneration ability. He comes under Leoâs jurisdiction. ]
Other Tropes : Beauty and the Beast, Single parent, Stop calling me daddy
7. The Rebel [f/m] | Enemies to Lovers
Subject Name : Gael (m.) | Gwendolyn (f.)
You betrayed them. Or perhaps it's the other way around? You do not remember. The trust you once held dear has been shattered, and now you must face the price for your misguided beliefs. Like a fool enchanted by deceit, you must bear the weight of your choices. Remember this lesson, for betrayal's toll is a heavy one to pay. Proceed with caution, lest you become ensnared in the web of your own treachery.
[ There is no known information on this individual. Extreme caution is recommended. ]
Other Tropes : Amnesia, Revenge, Redemption, Breathe play
title: a drink, with love
pairing: college bf!wonwoo x gn!readerÂ
genre: fluff fluff fluff fluff FLUFFF, established relationship
wc: ~2K
summary: your relationship with wonwoo, told through photos and the drinks he brings you.
warnings: mentions of alcohol/puking due to alcohol but no graphic content!
a/n: if you canât tell iâm a w h o r e for fluff so here is this purely self-indulgent fic caused by my roommate bringing me tea bc she was worried that I was stressed <3
Wonwoo shows you his love with drinks.
When you first started dating, he always had an extra water bottle in his car (he picked up on your dehydration faster than you expected) or a coffee in his hands as he waited for you outside of your 8am lecture. You didnât realize it at first, but as you look through the last box of photos youâd tucked away before your move, it all becomes clear.
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Summary: He's cool, smart, attractive... and completely out of your league. But that won't stop you from falling head over heels for him.
Pairing: Jeon Wonwoo x fem!Reader
Genre: High School AU, fluff
A/N: this one goes out to all the book nerds i did this for us besties. this was loosely based on an anime i watched, but in the end it was not really like it lol. I've worked on this for months now so please show a lot of love!
updates every saturday! want to join the taglist? send an ask!
masterlist
table of contents under the cut!
I. the gentle indifference of the world
II. if you want to keep a secret
III. so this is my life
IV. a truth universally acknowledged
V. more myself than i am
VI. all this happened... more or less
VII. we interrupt this program...
VIII. if you want to keep a secret
IX. i like you (first, second, and third)
X. and so with the sunshine
summary: mark has a bad habit of second guessing himself in everything, especially when it comes to you.
pairing: mark x fem!reader
genre: college!au, friends to lovers!, fluff, angst, comedy
warning/s: profanities
part 1, part 2, part 3
"According to Freudâs theory, dreams depict unconscious thoughts and desires. He also....â Bull. Freud was a fraud. He was full of shit. You wanted to prove him wrong so bad. But heâs probably in hell right now, smirking, having a blast because of your misfortune. You could only imagine him saying, "I told you so.â Asshole.
You sigh. Your professorâs voice turns into a background noise while you drown in your very much unsolicited thoughts. The phrases longings of the subconscious mind and sexual instincts and motives were enough to put you in a profound contemplation.
Last night, you had a dream about Mark, a friend of yours, although you're not so sure if you can even consider him that because you only ever hung out when your mutual friends were around. But that's really not your main concern. In your dream, you and Mark... you were together. You were being domestic, lovey dovey and all that. You woke up this morning catching your breath because what the hell was that? The first thing you thought about was Sigmund Freud's The Interpretation of Dreams, a reading assignment in your major. You find yourself disagreeing (and quite frankly, disgusted) with some (read: most) of the late neurologistâs propositions. And man does the universe love keeping your smug attitude down to a minimum.
Why Mark of all people? Itâs not like you have feelings for him... well... do you? Oh, for fuckâs sake. You barely even know the guy! Your friends are starting to get in your head.
A few weeks ago, Haechan, one of your friends, jokingly suggested that you and Mark should date each other since you're both single. You just laughed because you know you weren't ready to enter a relationship with anyone anytime soon. And Mark just smiled, like he always does. He laughs a lot too. He does this thing with his nose and you just think that he looks cu- oh hell, no. Nope.
You were pulled out of your trance when you hear shuffling, the sound of backpacks being carried on shoulders. Your classmates are already starting to leave the lecture hall. So much for zoning out. You're supposed to be focusing on your lectures even more now that finals are around the corner. Yet, you spent your morning thinking about a guy who's essentially a stranger to you if you're being honest. All because of a dream? Why are you making such a big deal out of it anyway?
You stand up and put your things in your bag. You were putting your earphones on when you notice a familiar figure standing outside. Jeez, speak of the devil. A very good-looking one. Mark is wearing a plain white t-shirt, ripped jeans, and a pair of converse. Very casual and very... dazzling. You snap out of your thoughts, again, when Mark waves his hand at you.
"Hi," he says, out of breath. It seems like he ran and oh boy, his sweat-dripping hair- You blinked twice.
"Hey!" You laugh nervously. You seriously need to get it together. "What's up?"
"Uh... the group wants to eat out tonight at the new restaurant a few blocks away from campus." You see his hesitation but then he continues, "They told me to get you, uh, Haechan said they're running a little late so we might wanna... go first," he scratches the back of his neck.
Is this some kind of a deliberate ploy where your friends pretend to be late and end up leaving you both alone? You are so going to give Haechan hell. Is he really serious about setting you and his friend up?! You swear you're gonna kick his balls until they dro- "You know... so we could save seats?" He adds, eyeing you carefully. He must have seen your face starting to crumple.
"Oh," is the only thing you manage to reply. Oh. You shake your head slightly. "Yeah, of course. Let me get my things first."
You know, for a psychology major, you're pretty delusional.
a/n: i'm not really sure where this is going but i just had to post it because it's long overdue đ if you liked it please let me know in the replies... should continue this one or not I HONESTLY DON'T KNOW đľâđŤ this is inspired by steve lacy's bad habit! it's been stuck in my head ever since it came out and it doesn't help that mark recommended it on bbl đ§đťââď¸
Š 2022 marklyfan all rights reserved. do not copy, distribute, or translate my works.
â fantasy!au but i kinda just make my own universe // angst // fluff // hurt comfort // a little action? // suggestive at the end
â word count: 18k~ (loool)
âwarning: the magic concept isn't mine but I alternate it to my universe so lets not start pointing fingers about whats right and whats not, mentions of blood and kidnapping, this is the first time i write a fantasy au slash some action so im sorry if this aint it đĽ´, i have no beta so sorry in advance for typos and so on ;-; implied sexual activities (no smut), suggestive scenes in the end, that's about it?
âA/N: happy birthday, my muse, the love of my life, and everything in between đ¤ I started writing this not long after FTS teasers came out and and never expected this to go past 10k sjdhfbhsdbf honestly i thought it'd be like 6k at most. anyway! i hope you'll enjoy it despite the length and my nonexistent experience in writing fantasy, let alone actionđ don't hesitate to tell me your thoughtđ¤
Wonwoo canât figure you out.
Itâs been a few months since heâs joined the pack, quite late for a werewolf his age, but he was an omega for good reasons and he wouldnât even be here if he didnât owe Seungcheol, his alpha now, his life.
The process was quite bizarre, as Wonwoo never intended to join any pack to begin withâhas never considered to be a part of one since heâs learned the concept of it. He didnât even know it was possible for a werewolf to join a pack this late (heâs 26, for Godâs sake), but it was one fateful evening where he almost got killed by a ghoul that Seungcheol came to his rescue.
What was even a ghoul doing out in a town?
But, then again, it was stupid of him to go out during dusk in a town he doesnât know well enough.
Seungcheol himself almost lost his life too, and Wonwoo still remembered thinking why on earth would this man throw himself for some omega in danger that he saw by chance. But it was the way his whole pack suddenly came through and pried the ghoul off their alphaâs body that Wonwoo ever witnessed a pack move as one. And when he saw Seungcheol staggering forward, it was reflex that fueled him to catch him even though heâs a good two meters away.
And then he found out that these creatures have been lurking in this particular town when dusk comes around. Seungcheolâs pack was patrollingâhad been for the past few weeksâbecause they kept on detecting something crossing the borders and becauseâŚwho else would patrol if not them? Those humans know nothing of them and the danger that looms above their heads.
Next thing he knew, heâs visiting Seungcheol everyday because he felt like he owed the older man at least that much. Wonwoo might be indifferent and ignorant towards a lot of things, but he knows how to be grateful and he was waiting for the older guy to get back to his health before offering his gratitude and saying his goodbye.
At least that was the plan, until Seungcheol talked to him thoroughly and said thereâs always an open spot for Wonwoo in his pack. Wonwoo isnât sure what made Seungcheol say that, nor what really compelled him to say yesâbut he did.
And now heâs here, three months later, trying his best to hold back hisses as you tend to his wound.
âItâs getting very concerning.â You frown, and Wonwoo wonders if youâre too close or if itâs just the wolf in him being too aware of his surroundings. He can feel your soft breath against the back of his neck, and he winces a little at the warmth against the wound and your proximity.
Heâs never liked getting into fights with spirits; the aftermath is always nasty because theyâre not exactly physical unless they take another beingâs formâwhich means the werewolf's ability to heal faster doesnât exactly work when it comes to their attacks.
âThe attacks this month alone are already more than the last three months combined.â
Seungcheol passes by and pats your head before plopping down next to you on the sofa.
âI know. But thatâs why we need to patrol more, Moon.â
Wonwoo tunes out the conversation, already knowing the content of it before it even finishes. The humans in this area are lucky Seungcheolâsâhis also, Wonwoo guessesâpack is here to protect the territory. As much as it concerns them, the weirdness that has been happening the last few months are just urban legends or stories getting out of hand.
Why would they believe a hellhound made its way to the town, almost killing an innocent civilian being at the wrong place at the wrong time if not for Jeonghan pouncing on top of it with Minghao following close behind?
As far as theyâand the victim himselfâknow, there was a stray dog who attacked him in the middle of the night but thankfully you were there to help him and your brothers had fended the dog off before anything could happen.
That was your work.
Wonwooâs pretty sure the victim wasnât that out of it when it happened; heâs definitely sober enough to register the huge monster was anything but a stray dog. But you had done your magic, summoned magic circles and used your runes, making the guy unconscious and a little disoriented when he woke up again.
Wonwoo still remembers the kind smile you offered the victim when you relayed the fabricated story of a stray dog pouncing on him and how he went unconscious for quite a bit after that. The guy didnât question anything, whether he accepted your words because of your magic or because of the gentle glint adorning your eyes, Wonwoo would never know.
Just like how he never knows how to perceive you.
Thereâs something about you that pulls him in for reasons that he canât comprehend. But he never does anything about it, doesnât see why he should, too.
Youâre a part of the pack, that much he knows. Everyone calls you Moon, and Wonwoo never finds out your actual name and now, months later, it feels a little too late to ask anyone of it or how your nickname comes to be.
Not that heâs had any business calling you so far.
At first glance, he thought you were but a mage that was a part of the pack. But he just needed a few more seconds to figure out you do have wolf blood within you even though itâs very faint; untrained wolves wouldnât know if they donât try to see it.
He has never seen you transform though, and while heâs seen quite a few magic users himself, he has never seen one with wolf blood. One has wolf blood for a reason: to be wolves. Not⌠something else. Like a mage.
Your magic mainly uses runes, and heâd see you practice from time to time even though he never lingers long enough to be bothersome. Just a glance here and there whenever he passes by.
Jisoo, Jeonghanâs mate, would sometimes join you even though sheâs just there to accompany you or help you gather whatever you need for practice because Jisoo is very much human (he also doesnât know how she ended up as Jeonghanâs mate but heâs not really curious), and sheâs your only female companion within the pack.
The wolf blood within you is soâso faint that if itâs not because he already knew you are a wolf by blood, he wouldnât suspect youâre one even a bit. Sometimes he finds himself wondering if you never transform because you canât, but he stops the thought from going too far because itâs none of his business.
âItâs okay to come closer, you know.â Your voice is soft and your eyes are focused on the ruby stones in front of you. If not for the fact that the house is empty except for you both and Minghao sleeping upstairs, Wonwoo wouldnât know youâre even speaking to him. âI know we donât talk a lot, but weâre in the same pack so we should at least get along, right?â
Wonwoo doesnât say anything, not that you expect him to, but you can hear his steps getting closer and he stands right beside you in front of your working table.
Heâs a good one meter away from you, his eyes busy scanning everything that lays on top of it because itâs actually the first time heâs been this close. He doesnât want to cross a line and heâs not that curious (nor is he nosy), so he has never tried to see even if youâre not home. Thereâs just something personal about this place and Wonwoo feels like heâs intruding.
âYou can ask.â Your voice is so steady, so sure that Wonwooâs wandering gaze means curiosity instead of ignorance. But Wonwoo takes the bait. He is kind of curious, has always been when it comes to runes and magic.
âWhy ruby?â Wonwoo picks up the red stone, his fingers easily enclosing the cut oval before he asks. âDo you only use stones for your runes?â
He can hear the soft amusement in your grin, though unsure why you find his question amusing. It doesnât feel like youâre mocking him though. Far from it, in factâyouâre excited that you get the chance to talk someoneâs ears off about something you love most and itâs clear that Wonwooâs asking because heâs curious, interested, and genuinely wants to know.
After that, he spends his time next to you in your practice room every time heâs able to; not enough to be called often, but definitely enough for you to register the pattern of his heartbeat everytime he makes his way there.
He doesnât really talk, but Wonwoo canât deny the warmth spreading through his chest everytime you light up when a particular rune shines brighter than the other, or when your practice goes better than expected.
He wonders if itâs possible for someoneâs eyes to glow brighter than the moon like yours do. Is that way they call you Moon?
Wonwoo jumps when the jade runes on the table burst the exact second something crosses the border youâve set up on the corner of the room. Thereâs a grin on your face and your eyes are twinkling in excitement.
Theyâre probably warmer than the sun, too.
Jisoo is taking you out on a date, telling you thereâs a cafe sheâs been wanting to try but Jeonghan doesnât like sweets nor coffee.
âSo Iâm the second choice.â You mock offense, nudging her off you as she clings to your arm like a koala.
She gasps dramatically, a pout on her face as she denies the accusation. âI havenât had you all for myself these days and Iâm thinking about how I miss spending time with you, but this is what I got?â
You laugh at her antics. For all its worth, youâre glad you have Jisoo as your close (and only female) friend; sheâs the sunshine your little pack needs, and while everyone was skeptical of Jeonghanâs choice in a mate at first, you know theyâd all die for her if it comes to it now.
Of course no one hopes theyâd encounter any situation that would call for that.
âSo.â Jisoo sits down with her arms crossed, looking at you expectantly.
âSo?â You quirk an eyebrow, confused as to what sheâs possibly talking about.
âYou and Wonwoo, huh?â
You blink once. And then twice.
What?
But Jisoo doesnât say anything else, simply stares at you with a demanding posture. Between her tendency to be a little bizarre and to be vocal about everything that passes her mind no matter how questionable they are, youâve always known sheâll lose her mind one of these days. But you never thought it'd happen this early.
Her stare turns into something else, almost like something clicks in her head and her mouth drops slightly before she shakes her head without words. It always annoys you when people do this (granted, you donât know a lot of people), blatantly acting like they know something that you donât and proceed to not tell you anything.
âWhat.â You finally relent; cheeks puffed out of annoyance.
âNothing.â She shrugs, sipping her orange juice.
âSoo!â
At your whine, she laughs and leans forward on the table, elbows propped and her chin on her palms, her knowing eyes glinting with amusement like a kid given a new toy to play with.
âJust that you both have spent a lot of time together these days.â
Huh, is that what sheâs referring to?
âSo?â
Jisoo rolls her eyes, and you pout at the way sheâs shaking her head like you donât know what youâre talking about. Maybe you donât.
âSo.â
You look at her, unimpressed, and your friend cracks into a laugh before she reaches out to squeeze your cheeks.
âThereâs nothing going on between us.â You finally relent and address it head on, Jisoo would never back down either way and youâd rather talk about it than risk a headache.
And itâs not like youâre hiding or even lying about it, there really is nothing between the two of you. Yes, heâs easy on the eyes and you may or may not be a little attracted to him, but that doesnât mean thereâs something going on between you two.
Itâs just been some time since you meet someone new and the way youâd tense when he comes a little closer, or the way your heart would embarrassingly skip a beat when he steps into your practice room is nothing but a fleeting interest.
Itâll go away after a bit.
A wolf like Wonwoo wouldnât want someone like you, anyway.
âWe just talk about magic,â you offer the truth. Itâs not like you and Wonwoo ever talk about anything else but your magic or the whereabouts of the pack and their patrolling schedules. None of you try to cross the line, never asking anything personal about each other even though itâs true that Wonwoo has spent more time by your side now compared to the other members of the pack. âHeâs just interested in it, Soo, and Iâm happy to talk about my runes.â
âHeâs interested in your magic,â Jisoo insists, a teasing grin on her face.
You shake your head, and thankfully Jisoo drops the topic, not wanting to annoy you when you clearly donât want to talk about it. She talks instead about the concerning number of attacks these days, how Jeonghan has been more antsy everytime she tells him sheâs going out because heâs worried something would happen to her.
âWhat do you reckon is happening?â
Her tone is light, but you donât need to be a genius to be able to detect the fear in her eyes.
The girl is fidgeting a little, and itâs at times like this that you feel like you have to be the older sister for Jisoo even though youâre younger than her. Youâve always admired her for going against everything and leaving her family behind to be with Jeonghan.
Youâve never really been a fan of romance, but you know it takes everything to be able to decide something as big as that. Itâs not easy to be aware of the danger lurking in the dark, even more so when sheâs just⌠human.
And youâve offered to erase her memories if she chooses to leave your world and go back to her normal one, so she can live in ignorant bliss. But when she firmly rejects and says that she wants to be with Jeonghan and the pack, everyone swears theyâd protect her with all their lives.
Yet, for her parents, Jisoo is nothing but a disgrace for choosing a man over her own blood.
It hurts you to know someone as sweet as Kim Jisoo is labeled a disgrace, but you also know her family has never really been a family to herâthey do nothing but compare her to her older siblings who, according to human standards, are the perfect children.
And as much as it pains her to be constantly compared to the achievements of her siblings, Jisoo loves her family with all her heart. Thatâs just the kind of person she is. Which is why you know it took her an infinite amount of courage to tell them sheâs never coming back, not offering them any explanations except that sheâs going to move far away with Jeonghan who they simply know to be her human boyfriend.
Jeonghan marked her as his mate that night; a promise to take care of her for the rest of his life.
At least her siblings know deep down why she chooses to leave, and they would still update her from time to time to let her know they still want her in their lives.
âDonât worry,â you try to sound as calm as possible, reaching for her hand as your finger grazes the bracelet on her wrist. Itâs your gift for her, a protective talisman with your runes carved on the beads and magic flowing through it. The magic is connected to the rune in your necklace, and youâll be notified once the bracelet detects danger upon Jisoo.
When the pack found out about this, they demanded to get one also and you ended up designing it for everyone; if any of you is in danger, everyone will know where to find the other. Youâve threatened them all to never take it off because youâve even accustomed the talisman to their preferred form of jewelry.
Which reminds you, you should probably make one for Wonwoo too.
âWeâll protect you.â You grasp her hand firmly, trying to ease her worry.
She nods, and if the fear in her eyes isnât enough, the way her heartbeat picks up tells you just how afraid Jisoo actually is.
You canât blame her. How can you when youâre worried? The protective charms youâve set on the townâs borders have been triggering the alarm nonstop every few days, detecting something that doesn't belong crossing to town. It has never been this distressingâhas never detected so many hostile energies this often, too.
It used to be pretty peaceful even though your pack is always alert and readyâmaybe only two or three creatures detected crossing the border in a month, and, most of the time, they arenât hostile; just some faeries lost in the forest, or some nature spirits roaming the territory. The few common creatures that have to be fended off are usually wraiths, poltergeists, or maybe even other werewolves looking for troubles. (What are they thinking about, crossing another packâs territory?)
Anyhow, since a few months ago, just two weeks before your packâs encounter with Wonwoo, there have been more hostile creatures crossing the border, which is why you have been mostly anxious than you are alert. You know something strong crossed the border near then, but there was no attack whatsoever and the trace was so faint that youâre not able to track whatever crossed the border.
Whatever that thing is, itâs powerful. Powerful enough that you canât detect its whereabouts despite its supposedly enormous power. Something that you probably havenât faced yetâthat you might not be strong enough to face yet.
You have a suspicion that it was the cause of all those attacks. But it doesnât make sense, what could be strong enough to command those creatures and arrange their attacks? For what reason, too?
Nevertheless, you turn to Jisoo with what you hope to be a comforting smile and a squeeze of her hand.
âI promise Soo, weâll protect you no matter what. And you know how to activate some of the rune stones that Iâve made for you, right? Weâve been practicing and youâre good. Youâll be fine.â
Wonwooâs munching on his cereal in the dining room when you sit down next to him. He quirks an eyebrow, asking you a silent question because you never really approach him unless youâre together in your practice room, in which youâd often ask him to get this and that as you focus on your runes.
âDo you want a ring, bracelet, or a necklace?â you blurt out without context. âOr earrings, I guess.â
His questioning gaze burns the side of your face, and you hope heâs too sleepy to realize your heartbeat runs a little faster at that. It is only 8 on a Saturday anyway.
âFor what?â
You point the moon pendant on your necklace. âA protective talisman to alert us if any of the pack is in danger. Everyone has one, Iâve just realized I havenât made yours.â
Ah.
Wonwoo has been wondering if heâs just making things up when he notices the same pattern on everyoneâs jewelry, so to know that itâs you who designed them for protection⌠Wonwoo canât say heâs surprised. Something within him melts at your question, whilst everyoneâs been accepting and no one seems to be skeptical of his presence in the pack, he truthfully still feels like heâs an outsider at times.
Itâs the product of his own wall though, he admits. Wonwooâs used to being alone, to be independent and to care for himself. Heâs not selfish, but he never really goes out of his way to help people in need unless they ask for his helpâso to be in a pack that apparently goes as far as protecting an entire territory because they feel responsible for the ignorant⌠itâs not an easy environment to adapt to.
So far, Wonwoo really only does it out of respect for Seungcheol and the rest of his pack. He never really feels like he has to help. Heâs just doing his duty as a pack member. And while it does make him feel a certain type of things to know heâs helping people who are helpless and know no better, itâs not⌠out of the goodness of his heart.
Which brings him here, a weird tug in his heartstring at your question which basically embeds his place in the pack. He⌠really is Seungcheolâs beta, huh? Heâs surprised to recognize the realization isnât unpleasant. Itâs quite the contrary, if heâs honest, like a warm blanket enveloping his chest even though he still tends to be alone most of the time.
Little steps. Heâs only been there for three or so months anyway.
âSomething that wonât get in the way.â He nods to himself and continues eating. When you simply stare at him without saying anything, he continues. âI donât mind an earring or a ring.â
âYour ear is pierced?â
âNo.â
You look at him weirdly.
âGetting pierced wouldnât take long.â Your eyes wandered to his ear, the tip of his hair grazing it and you have to hold yourself back from reaching out and combing your fingers through his hair. âDo you have magic to do it for me?â
âMy magic is rune magic,â you deadpan. âDo you want me to pierce your ear with the edge of my stone?â
The sound of his chuckle travels through your ears, and for a second, you wonder if youâve heard his husky laugh like this. You donât think you have, because if you do, youâre sure you wouldnât stare at him as if gauging that you hear right.
âBut I can probably do it.â You clear your throat before he notices you staring, averting your eyes elsewhere. âI did Minghaoâs too. Just donât complain if it hurts.â
âDid he complain?â
You glare at him, and Wonwoo hides his smile by taking another spoonful of the cereal.
âAny stones you prefer?â You ask again for some reason, even though you couldâve cared less when Jihoon whined he wanted a ruby instead of an emerald. You force yourself to believe that you just donât want to make him something youâre not sure heâd like, but you knowâyou know you just want to be here longer and listen to him talk more.
Wonwoo hums, thinking to himself. You let him be, content with being able to look at him without having to be conscious of it. His eyes find yours then, and you hold his gaze because you canât look away. You see a glint of gold glow through his eyes for a second, and you cough before you avert your gaze elsewhere before he realizes your ears are getting red out of embarrassment.
You can still feel his eyes on the side of your face for what feels like hours until he eventually says again.
âMoonstone.â
Your eyes find his again, unsure why the sound of his answer makes your face feels warm.
âI think theyâre pretty.â
Thereâs no way he doesnât catch the jump in your heartbeat. At least you get a glimpse of his grin before he looks the other way, his amusement isnât lost on you.
Jeon fucking Wonwoo.
âAn incubus?â Jeonghanâs voice rings through the silent room, the chills throughout his body obviously not due to the air conditioner in the room. Wonwoo sees you flinch a little, and then notices Minghaoâs thumb softly caressing the skin near your knee. âWhy would an incubus be in this town?â
Jisoo has to grip his hand to remind him to calm down, and if itâs not the warmth of her palm against his, youâre sure itâs the fear painting her eyes that makes Jeonghan exhale a deep breath and sit back down next to her.
âWe saw a hellhound last month, Han,â Seungcheol reminds him grimly. âNot even in the forest, itâs literally on the main road. Pouncing on a human.â
You stare at the television, tuning out the rest of the packâs conversation because you know theyâre all antsy and itâll be seconds away from another debate. Five young female adults have been reported missing since two weeks ago, one of them was found todayâbarely even sane.
âItâs the convenient store two blocks away from the public library.â Someone enters the living room with a resigned tone, making everyone turn to him at once. Heâs still in his uniform, and you can feel how agitated he is from the way his shoulders tensed and the irregular pattern of his heartbeat. âThatâs always the last place these girls were seen.â
âDo you have more details you can share with us?â Seungcheol asks, worried.
Chan sighs and closes his eyes in contempt. He feels utterly useless as a police officer; he knows everyone in the station believes this is a kidnapping episode, which is partly true, but they wouldnât know what theyâre going up against, that they canât go against whateverâs kidnapping these girls either.
Since the beginning, heâs had a hunch that this must be another supernatural case and heâd have to yet again depend on the pack for this. He doesnât want to be unsure, so heâs been keeping it to himself, but after the victim turned up and started spewing things that the other officers deem to be insane, Chan knows this canât be normal.
âWhere did you find the girl?â you ask him, bringing him out of his thoughts.
Chan is fairly new to the supernatural scene, and you know heâs being careful because he doesnât yet understand the clear rule of this thing even though heâs already working with you for at least seven months. Before him, your pack used to work together with another guy called Kim Junmyeon, but Junmyeon has moved to another city with his family and has kindly introduced Chan to your pack as his successor last year.
Itâs impossible to work on a case like this if you donât get details (sometimes even backups) from authority. It took a while for your pack to eventually work together with Junmyeon; building the trust that he wonât tell a soul about the nature of your pack took months even though youâve bound him with a blood pact that would never let him spill the secret the moment he found out about your kind, and then finding the dynamic and the best way to go around things without making the rest of the authority suspiciousâthat took you almost a year.
âSomeone called 911 because they found someone unconscious on the side of the road,â he relays the info calmly. âBut the hospital contacted us after identifying the girl as one of the missing persons on the news. Seungkwan was allowed to question her for a bit, but she seemed to be out of it and when he asked if the kidnapper did anything to her, she shook her head quickly and said sheâs had enoughâsaid how his eyes were glowing red and her body was tied with invincible ropes.â
You move to sit next to him, your hand rubbing his back comfortingly as you tell him to breathe because he seems so distraught itâs making you feel bad. Chan mustâve not expected this when he joined the force, and while you believe Junmyeonâs judgement and your judgement, you know heâs still easily shaken when things like this happen. His heart and sense of justice are in the right place, but itâs never easy to accept that he canât really do anything but supply your pack support.
Wonwoo notices the slight glow on your palm, going up and down the younger guyâs back, and he can only guess youâre using your charm to make Chan relax; the guy does need it. He can see his tense shoulders easing a little, and the younger guy automatically leans to you as if to seek more comfort.
You seem tense too, have been since Jihoon brought up that it might be an incubus youâre going against. Itâs a pretty obvious suggestion, if heâs being honest, though he knows that an incubus wouldnât be that obvious unless itâs some sick power display.
As far as he knows, incubus prefers busy, metropolitan cities because there are many more unsuspecting females looking for fun. It takes longer for people to notice when someone goes missing, and they can leave the body just about anywhere when theyâre done and no one would find it weird.
This town is fairly small, let alone fiveâhaving two people missing with so little time in between would quickly raise suspicions.
So why this town?
âAny more info Seungkwan got from the interview?â you coax softly, and by the way the rest of the pack simply stays silent and watches, Wonwoo guesses this has always been your role: to make people talk.
He doesnât realize his eyes wonât leave the way your fingers are enclosed against Chanâs bicep in comfort.
âNot yet,â he sighs. âSeungkwan will get another chance to question her again tomorrow. I will inform you if we get something.â
So the pack concludes the meeting after talking a little more with Chan.
Because what else can you do?
But itâs midnight when Wonwoo finds you on the porch by yourself, your eyes a little lost and your fingers drawing patterns into your arm. By the looks of it, you either donât notice heâs there or youâre just not acknowledging his presence (do you have werewolves hearing?). But when he clears his throat to let himself known, Wonwoo hears your heartbeat jumping for a second before it calms again at the sight of him.
Itâs even calmer than the erratic heartbeat you had before.
He wonders why thereâs something warm in his chest knowing his presence calms you down.
âCanât sleep?â you ask, your arms securing the blanket around yourself further to ward off the cold.
He actually went down for water, and itâs pretty chilly outside and his pajamas arenât doing much to warm him, yet Wonwoo finds himself saying yes and sitting down next to you on the small couch barely enough for two adults.
Heâs undeniably conscious of the way your thigh presses against his.
âCan I tell you something?â you ask out of nowhere.
Despite the fact that youâve only known him for a bit and you really only talk to him from time to time, thereâs something about Wonwoo that has always comforted you.
You think itâs his solace.
Maybe itâs because you know Wonwoo knows how it feels to be alone, something that youâve always had a problem with. Wonwoo is not lonely, that much you can tell, heâs simply content in being by himself. But you⌠as much as you know the pack loves you and theyâd do anything for you, thereâs always a part of you that feels like you donât belong.
Youâve always envied Jisoo for being able to find her place in the pack despite being human, and you know, for her, this is the place that she belongs to. After going through a family that doesnât value her worth, this pack is everything she could ever ask for.
But your blood makes you even more of an alien at times.
Wonwoo hums, and you take a deep breath before you let it out to him. Youâre not even sure why you feel like talking about this to him; maybe heâs just in the right place when you need someone to be, maybe youâve been bothered for far too long and he happens to be there.
Maybe you just want to talk to him.
âIâm⌠an outlier,â you admit with a heavy heart, and itâs the first time Wonwoo has ever felt the urge to reach for someoneâs hand to comfort them. âI never found out why. But I have wolf blood without any power a werewolf is supposed to have except for the hearing. And mine isnât even that sensitive.â
His eyes drop to your fingers, theyâre gripping the material of your blanket so hard heâs sure theyâd leave a mark. âMy parents⌠their pack wouldnât accept me. My dad kept on stalling, told them my power had just not awakened yet. They could only wait so much, eight years was already pushing it, but I was old enough to understand I wasnât wantedâso I told my parents Iâd like to live with my aunt. Sheâs a druid, so theyâd know Iâd be in good hands even though theyâre reluctant to let me leave.â
Wonwoo stays silent, not because he doesnât know what to ask but because he knows you have more to say.
âSo I did. My aunt welcomed me with open arms, I helped her practice magic and Iâd learned runes and everything she did for as long as she let me. She taught me about them just for fun because she knew they fascinated me. But when I turned 14, my magic awakened so she started teaching me properly.â
Thereâs a wistful smile on your face, and Wonwooâs suddenly aware that youâre in a house full of werewolves. Are they awake? Can they all hear you? What will they think of you telling him this? He distinctly remembers you saying something about soundproof charms in each bedroom and a few other rooms, because constantly hearing each other really canât be good for any of your sanity.
âI was happy, knowing that I have magic and I can do something about it. Itâs not easy to be surrounded by werewolves for years and treated like you donât belong, you know? I heard what they said, but my parents could only do so much. I longed so much for my wolf power, and even though what I got wasnât that, I was more than happy to accept whatever I was given. I found happiness in my magicâthatâs more than enough.â
You exhale a deep breath, the look in your face almost makes Wonwoo reach out and ask if youâre okay. But he feels like youâre in a trance, and heâs afraid heâd break the spell if he calls your name.
It pains him though, to know someone as gentle as you had to go through all that. Yes, he did wonder about your wolf blood, but he never thought youâre less than him even if what he assumed was true.
Heâs been here for about three months, and he canât count the amount of time heâs seen you comfort just about anyone who needs it. From Seungcheol who wouldnât lean on anyone unless heâs about to burst, Jisoo who basically only confides you other than Jeonghan, or Minghao who would just lay his head on your lap if itâs been a long day⌠itâs clear to him that youâre the one that glues them together on top of their loyalty to Seungcheol and the pack.
Youâre their emotional support.
And from what he gathers of your words, thereâs a part of you that still feels like you donât have a place here and he canât even begin to think how thatâs possible.
He looks up when he hears you sniffle, your eyes glossy with tears though you try your best to blink them back. âI was 19 when my aunt passed. Got taken away by an incubus and laid her life down trying to save me.â
Wonwoo actually reaches out now, his fingers finding your shoulder in hope itâll comfort you somehow. You can feel his warmth even against the material of your blanket, and you take in a deep breath before you continue as you bask in the small form of comfort.
âI⌠Jeonghan found me when I was trying to run away. I was barely even conscious, having witnessed my aunt who practically raised me accepting her death,â you choke as you reach this part, and Wonwoo canât help but scoot closer and pull you into his hold. Heâs never really been one to comfort others, but what was he supposed to do when itâs just you and him and youâre being like that? Stay still?
âI fainted almost immediately,â you look down on your lap, trying your best to stay calm. You have no idea if the rapid heartbeat thatâs beating against your ears is yours or his, but you really couldnât care less because the only thing you can focus on is the feeling of his arm around you. âWhen I came to, I was in the packâs house and Minghao was tending me. They said they already took care of the incubus and⌠yeah, thatâs how I ended up here.â
Silence envelopes you both for a few moments, and itâs when you feel his fingers grip your arm a little tighter that you ready yourself for whatever heâs about to say.
Youâd never expect what he says next though, and youâre already crying into his chest before you even realize.
âIâm glad youâre you.â
Wonwoo hisses harshly as you tend yet another wound, another attack of some lost, angry spirit thatâs thankfully not too out of control.
You hold back a chuckle with twinkles in your eyes as he glares at you, telling you with his eyes that he knows youâre purposefully putting more pressure into the wound.
Seungcheol smiles softly at the exchange, and he looks up to meet Jeonghanâs knowing eyes.
Itâs hard to define your relationship with Wonwoo after that. Evidently, you spend even more time together, and it almost feels like his presence alone is enough to calm you down when youâre not in your best state even though itâs only been a week or so since then.
Wonwoo would linger longer as you practice, as if trying to make sure you wonât break down crying again. And heâll hover closer now, less reluctant about being near you to the point where itâs often for you to bump into him when you move even a little.
Itâs a weird dynamic; as you both mostly talk when everyone else is not there. Youâre not complaining though, and youâre thankful that despite the knowing looks the pack is giving you both, no one is saying anything about it.
Youâre sure Wonwoo also notices them, but he, too, stays silent and continues his way of being around you.
Which brings you here, almost a month after that night, with Chan once again bringing bad news because, apparently, another female has gone missing since almost a week ago but is only reported to the office this morning.
âBut,â he exhales deeply. âWe got the missing hour because thereâs a truck nearby when it happened and we got access to its dash cam.â
Everyone perks up at the news, but Wonwoo feels you tense beside him, most likely finding the thought of seeing an incubus repulsing even if you know it needs to be done. Your heartbeat jumps a little, and Wonwoo doesnât miss a second to plant his palm on your back. You shoot him a grateful look, your heartbeat still erratic though youâve relaxed a little, your body melting into his touch in the subtlest way possible.
Wonwoo canât explain the tingles across his skin as you do so.
You shiver as the video plays, and you see what appears to be a man walking out of the convenience store with a woman in his arm. The woman is walking, perhaps even voluntarily if you judge from the video, but itâs easy to say her consciousness has probably been put to sleep.
He only appears for about a minute before eventually getting out of the cameraâs angle. The guys watch a few times more, trying to see anything more, but you move away after the third time, sure that youâre not finding anything but an old scar opening the more you watch.
The concerned look Wonwoo throws your way makes you feel a bit better, but you can only offer him a weak smile before you settle back on your seat and get lost in your thoughts. Jisoo sits on your other side, her fingers linked with yours because everyone knows your stand on incubuses.
There have been a couple other encounters since that traumatic episode that led to you joining the pack, and while you managed to defeat the monster, youâre also incredibly shaken both times it happened. It was quite the trial to get you back to normal, the pain youâre feeling was so overwhelming that the pack could feel the torment off you.
âIs there a pattern?â Jihoon asks the million dollar question.
Unexpectedly, Chan nods his head yes.
âI donât understand why a⌠uh, mythical creature would go by a code, but this guy seems to only strike a woman in her 20s, and theyâre always last seen with a jacket. And, well, now weâre assuming the taken time is somewhere at 2 in the morning. We tried asking the cashiers who were on shift for the last two months, even showed them the video and asked to see their CCTV but, apparently, his face.. Uhh.. everyone describes him differently. The cashiers and the cleaners who were on shifts say the few regulars who come at those hours were usually university students, a woman in her late thirties, and two guys who usually come together. Weâve identified and talked to everyone but a few university students and some of them say they did notice a weird guy looming around sometimes but heâs always had his face covered by a shawl or mask. And, well, they say they never see him twice.â
âSome of them⌠can appear differently to everyone,â you say softly, fingers squeezing Jisooâs without realizing. âThis incubus must be a strong oneâone that knows what heâs doing and heâs not just looking for fun. Presumably, heâs strong enough to infatuate people and make them see an image of what they consider⌠desirable.â
Everyoneâs silent, their minds running on a thousand scenarios of what to do with the newfound information.
âAnd if I may remind you, these⌠things are demons, we canât understand them. Maybe they do this just for fun, simply to make us confused. This is different with the incubuses weâve encountered,â you continue, almost like a robot as the words come out of your mouth and your face remains blank. âWe need to prepare more and think through this carefully before we do anything. Thereâs a chance heâs the one thatâs been calling for the creatures the past few months.â
Seungcheol looks at you, the alpha in him almost angry at how small you seem to be right now. Itâs in his nature to be protective, but heâs always been more protective of you because he knows how important your existence means to his pack, how the pack instinctively chooses to depend on you when heâs not available.
âItâs late,â he announces, even though everyone knows itâs only somewhere between 8 and 9 in the evening. Itâs nowhere near late, but they have enough senseâeven Chanâto know why Seungcheol deems the meeting enough. âWeâll discuss more later. Thanks, Chan.â
Everyone goes despite their worry, knowing you prefer to be alone with your thoughts and itâs not yet time for them to voice their concern. Itâs Seungcheol, Jisoo and Wonwoo who stay, the alpha and the two people who are sitting beside you to begin with. Seungcheol eventually leaves too after his wolf calms down, sure that itâs okay to leave you alone. He drops a kiss on top of your head before squeezing Wonwooâs shoulder as if to tell him to take care of you in his place and returns to his room.
âMoon?â Jisoo whispers gently, her thumb caressing the back of your hand. âDo you want to talk about it?â
You donât say anything, but you shake your head and thatâs enough for her because at least youâre answering. Sheâs witnessed how you had to deal with this before and itâs really not something Jisoo wants to relive again. And if sheâs feeling that way, she can only imagine what goes inside your mind.
âDo you want me to leave?â she offers, sharing a concerned look with Wonwoo when you stay silent. Pressing her lips together, Jisoo translates your silence as a âyesâ and she whispers comfort to your ears before letting go and taking her leave.
Wonwoo moves to stand up too, figuring you wouldnât want his presence if you donât want Jisooâs. But your fingers move to grasp the end of his shirt, your eyes asking him to stay. So he doesâeyes meeting Jisooâs for a split second as she sends him a gentle smile.
He sits back down next to you, your fingers now gathered on your lap as you look down on them. Youâre not sure why you did that. Why did you even reach for him? Did you expect him to comfort you?
âHey,â he nudges you a little. âYou donât need to bear it by yourself, you know?â
Your tears well up at his words, and Wonwoo quickly takes your hand in his and pulls you to his room before anyone hears youâre crying. Theyâre worried enough already.
âIâm sorry, Iââ
âSsh,â he cuts you off and pulls you into his embrace. âYou donât need to explain anything to me.â
You take a sharp breath at that, burying yourself further into his collarbone as you steady your breathing because you donât want to cry over this anymore. Wonwooâs scent engulfs you and, after so long that you donât even remember when was the last time it happened, your wolf feels content and you almost purr at the way his arms cage you in like heâs always known that calms you down.
âDonât feel like crying?â he asks after a while, his finger caressing your arm as you stay in his embrace. You shake your head, and he can feel your hold getting tighter around his waist. âYou want to talk?â
Your fingers grip his shirt a little before you eventually nod. A thought passed by your head for a moment; wondering if you didnât want to talk earlier because you were out in the open, or if you simply wanted to talk to Wonwoo and no one else.
Whatever it is, Wonwoo pulls you to his bed; thigh to thigh, shoulder to shoulder. Youâre pressed against each other for no reason at all. Youâre not complaining though, and you can even feel your wolf whine when Wonwoo steps away for a bit to rearrange something on his bedside table for three seconds.
âIâm tiredâŚâ you start, fingers digging into your palm. âIâm tired of being afraid everytime we encounter this thing.â
Wonwoo lets you speak, figuring that youâd been wanting to say this for quite some time but unsure where to unload.
âI know no oneâs asking me to be okay. Theyâd probably ask me to stay in if thatâs whatâs best for me. And even though itâs not often that we see an incubus, Iâm tired of freezing up at the mention of it, Won. And this one is most likely more dangerous than the ones weâve fought before and I canât freak out because Jisoo will be terrified and we need to protect her. But itâs not something that I can control and Iâve been telling myself thatââ
You freeze when another pair of lips slots against yours, closing your eyes after a second and you melt when Wonwoo softly grasps your cheeks with his palms to deepen the kiss. Nothing else is happening though; itâs not rushed and itâs just your lips against his over and over again, your hands lay on top of his as he cups your face.
He pulls away when he feels you relax, hazy eyes finding each other before his eyes drop to your lips and he presses his lips once again for a short, chaste kiss.
âSorry⌠my wolfâŚâ
You chuckle and shake your head a little, cheeks a little warm at the way heâs still grasping your face and the way his eyes are piercing you. âMine too. Itâs fine.â
Wonwoo smiles; this is something you both would need to address, but now is not the time and he really kissed you because you seemed to panic and he wanted to stop you for a bit.
And, well, his wolf has been craving for you, which brings you both to the current situation.
âTake a breath, okay?â he whispers, squaring up his shoulders and pulling away a little even though his palms stay firm where theyâre at. He asks you to breathe with him, and when heâs sure youâve calmed down enough, he asks if you still want to talk about it.
You bite your lip at the question and, in the end, you can only repeat what youâve told him. âI just⌠Iâm afraid, Won. What if Iâm not strong enough to fight him? To protect Jisoo? To help you guys?â
âYouâre not doing this alone, Moon,â he reminds you; his deep voice is everything you need to calm your heartbeat. âI know I havenât been here for long and you probably know this better, but⌠weâre a pack for a reason. Weâll find a way together and weâll think this through together. Iâll protect you, okay?â
The next two weeks, the pack is busy training and discussing strategies. Youâre mostly in your room, preparing all sorts of runes that might be necessary. But, most importantly, youâre making as many protective runes as you can to make sure Jisoo would stay safe. Sheâd be staying at the house pack, like she always does when youâre all going out for an attack.
Youâre usually okay with leaving her alone, confident that your protection is strong enough. But knowing an incubus is behind all this, you canât help but feel like you need to put an extra layer of protection in any kind of form.
âThe wards are set on all perimeters,â Wonwoo informs you as he steps into the room. He was just out with Jihoon to check on the wards around the town, making sure theyâre all still intact. Youâve made sure to strengthen them too, because even though the incubus is presumably already in town, you need to make sure heâs not summoning other creatures again. âYou put on wards every 3 meters around the house until it reaches the main road?â
You hum, murmuring a short thanks when he places an iced coffee on your table. âGotta make sure Jisoo is safe. Iâve prepared preactivated runes too for her defense just in case.â
âOh, the ones that blow up when theyâre destroyed?â
âYup.â You pop the âpâ, and then stop what youâre doing when you remember something. âOh, right. I meant to give this to you.â
Wonwoo looks up as you rummage through your small wooden box, pulling out a single ring with small stones adorning one side.
âIt took me quite some time to find a moonstone, which is why I only managed to finish this now, but hereâs your ring.â
He cocks his eyebrow when you put it on his palm, and you tilt your head to the side, not getting what heâs on about.
âProposing to me already?â
âWonwoo!â
He laughs when you try to pinch his side, wincing a little at the sting though heâs just glad you seem to finally relax even if only for a few seconds.
âThanks,â he grins, putting it on his middle finger. âI was kidding about the moonstone, you know? You can just use anything and I wouldâve taken it anyway.â
You shrug, telling him you need to keep it in stock anyway. You crack your neck to the side, and Wonwoo frowns at how stiff your body seems to be. He tells you to sit down on the sofa and take a short break, taking your iced coffee with him before you can protest. Just in time, Jisoo walks in with Minghao, bringing tartlets with her.
âOh, you managed to sit her down.â Jisoo nods appreciatively, setting down the tartlets on the coffee table as she sits next to you and Minghao settles on the floor instead, his figure near your legs. âSheâs been standing for too long and she wouldnât answer when I call for her.â
âShe probably tunes you out,â Minghao happily supplies, taking one of the treats and offering you a bite after he does. You happily munch on the dessert, almost choking when Minghao flips another topic. âAnyway, what was that earlier about proposal?â
Wonwoo bursts out laughing as Jisoo tries to grasp the conversation, already used to this kinda situation though it still frustrates her at times. She catches the new accessory on his finger though, and Jisoo immediately grasps his hand and shows Minghao the ring as they all continue to tease you about it.
Itâs been like this since a few days ago. The pack has been teasing you both when they figure youâre comfortable enough for that. Theyâve caught you with Wonwoo a lot since that day, and they kept quiet because you still looked stressed, simply grateful that Wonwoo seems to be able to comfort you more than any of them could ever do.
They know.
They know.
And they didnât say anything, still.
But itâs a few days ago when everyone was huddled together in the living room for a movie night. Seungcheol said everyone deserves a break after the amount of training and decided that the pack should just chill together for the night.
Youâre particularly tired that day, because you spent the day sparring with Jihoon to make sure youâre not rusty. It went well, but it had been quite some time since you physically trained yourself so it felt like your energy was just drained the moment you stepped into the house.
Everyone was already in the living room when the two of you arrived (minus Jisoo and Wonwoo who were preparing food in the kitchen), and after Minghao informed you itâs movie night, you quickly washed up so you could join them immediately because youâve missed chilling and being surrounded by these puppies without talking about attacks.
Your body was moving on autopilot once you finished washing up and returned to the living room, because youâre just so drained and your body naturally seek for comfort. Before you even realized, youâre already plopping yourself into Wonwooâs lap and your head was nestled on his neck.
Wonwoo was so startled that his arms stayed frozen, hovering over your waist and didnât curl around your figure like they usually would when itâs just the two of you. It took you a full 5 seconds to realize why the room was strangely quiet out of nowhere, and it was already too late for you to deny anything so you just shyly hid yourself deeper into his neck and succumbed to his warmth when he finally wrapped his arms around you.
âAnyway, it will shine when any of us is in danger. My magic will tell you whoâs in danger as long as you have it on.â you tell him as he inspects his ring. âAnd itâll get warmer the closer you are to them so itâll help even if itâs not much. Jisooâs is more sensitive than ours, so whatâs considered dangerous for her and for us might be different.â
âSo itâs not a proposal?â Minghao asks just to be annoying.
âOkay, letâs stop about the proposal,â Seungcheol announces his presence as he leans on the doorframe, arms crossed over his chest. âMy Moon is still a child and I will not allow it.â
Jisoo snickers while you laugh at that, knowing full well that Seungcheol will probably let you marry Wonwoo this instant if thatâs what you want. Heâs your alpha, youâre sure he knows whatâs happening between you and Wonwoo before you two even realize yourself.
Which is a weird thought, because you havenât talked about whatever it is between the two of you. You both decide to focus on the problem at hand, figuring out your relationship could wait.
But itâs clear. And itâs so obvious that your wolf craves for him. Its existence has never been this prominent until Wonwoo.
Anyway, youâre pretty sure Wonwoo can feel the pull too, and you two are just doing a very good job not entertaining the thought because, else, you wouldâve jumped at him every single time youâre left alone with the guy.
âChanâs coming in a bit. Come to the living room after youâre done with your desserts, alright?â He steps in to ruffle your hair and leaves just like that, not waiting for an answer.
You nod at that, taking a deep breath at the thought of discussing it yet again. Wonwoo catches your eyes, giving you an encouraging smile as Jisoo feeds you some more and Minghao hugs your legs before he leans his head on your knee.
You almost cry at how loved you feel right now.
âIâll be bait,â you say as calmly as you can despite the erratic way your heart is beating.
âNo!â youâre not even sure who says it, probably everyoneâbewildered that you would volunteer to do that.
âThereâs no other choice and you guys know it.â Your tone is determined even though they know youâre scared, and they know thereâs little they can do when your mind is made. Youâre probably more stubborn than their alpha at that point. âHe only goes for a woman. We canât afford to use Jisoo. Do you have any other alternatives than to bait him?â
Everyone shuts up at that, knowing that youâre right. They want to believe thereâs another choice, but if the incubus is as strong as you assume it to be, as you paint it to beâŚÂ
âAnyway, thatâs not the important bit,â you pretend to brush it off to change the topic, not wanting the guys to worry too much even though their concern isnât groundless. âWhatâs important is what we are going to do after that.â
Everyoneâs still wary, and you can feel Wonwooâs burning gaze on the side of your face though you refuse to acknowledge it. You know he most likely doesnât agree with your decisionâwhat with the⌠uhh⌠relationship between the two of you, he does have the right to be skeptical of your decision. After all, you would be too if this was the other way around.
Youâll talk to him after this.
Itâs not that hard to distract everyone with the new topic, because you do need a proper strategy and this one is like never before. After an hour or so, youâre not really listening to them, because youâre busy reading through the old book of your auntâs to find out more about incubi.
You canât quite describe the rush that goes through your body as you do so, and while your fear is still there, thereâs a new kind of determination that flows through you at the thought of defeating an incubus thatâs been wreaking havoc in your little town. Perhaps, the thought crosses your mind, this could be your chance of finally making peace with your past.
The few incubi that youâve encountered were weak enough to be defeated without you having to use any exceptional magicâsome defensive and fire runes and theyâre done for. But this one? Youâve been practicing your magic, exerting yourself to summon fire and control your surroundings even though thatâs not your expertise.
Wonwoo, Seungcheol, and Jisoo have been taking turns in scolding you, because they can tell youâre getting more and more drained the more you practice. On one hand, they understand where youâre coming from, why youâve been doing itâbut on another, itâs obvious that youâre getting paler by the day and they donât see what good it would do if youâre not even going to be in your prime condition later on.
Itâs midnight when Wonwoo finds you perched on the balcony, and the scene looks awfully familiar to him as he remembers that time he found you aloneâthe night when it all began.
âMoon?â
You hum to acknowledge him, though you donât turn and you hear him closing the door before you ask, âCanât sleep?â
Wonwoo chuckles at the question, the exact same one you asked him those nights ago.
âWas looking for you.â Heâs glad he can say it out loud now, no longer having to be careful with his affections towards you.
âMiss me already?â you joke, reminding him it was just an hour ago you were together in the living room before everyone left for bed. Unexpectedly, Wonwoo hums an affirmation, his deep voice whispers a low âyesâ before his arms cage you from behind, his chest meeting your back.
Wonwooâs more affectionate since that day, not that youâre complaining, and even though he still lays low with the PDA, it is true that heâs been more touchy for some reason. You think itâs his wolf, because, like right now, itâs become his favorite thing to just bury his nose to the crook of your neck like a puppy. It tickles, but you welcome the sensation of his warm breath against your skin so you donât intend to say anything about it.
âWant to share your mind?â he asks after placing a soft kiss on your neck, his chin on your shoulder. The position mustâve been uncomfortableâwhat, with his height and allâbut he doesnât seem to mind and you donât have any reason to refuse his touch.
âYou know.â
And he does. He actually does. And it stirs something within him to know thereâs little to nothing he can do to help you feel better. His arms move to hold you by the waist instead, and itâs crazy how serene heâs feeling despite the rowdy rhythm his heart is beating into when you snuggle further into his embrace, your thumb caressing his arm.
He knows you donât need words right now, knows that nothing that comes out of his mouth would comfort you in any wayâheâs said all that he could say too, and if he were to say those again, it would just be repetitions and he imagines he wouldnât like those if it was him in your position.
So he doesnât say anything and you donât either. But you slightly pull from him just so you can turn around and take your turn to bury your nose against his neck. Youâre not sure how long the two of you spend just standing like thatâsimply reveling in the way that youâre against each other under the moonlight, his arms around you and his (now) steady heartbeat beating against your ear.
And for the first time in two weeks, you can finally relax and stop thinking about whatever kind of doom that awaits your pack.
[đŹđŹđŹ]
The attack will take place in three days. The pack (and Chan) has agreed that would be the perfect time because itâs going to be a full moon and their wolves are always stronger during a full moonâeven yours. You always feel the most like a werewolf during those times, something that your parents know, also the reason why theyâve taken to calling you âMoonâ.
That said, itâd be the safest time for you to be bait because your wolf would be stronger on top of your magic. Theyâre still unhappy with this part of the plain, but have long accepted that theyâd never win against your made mind.
Jeonghan, Seungcheol, and Wonwoo are currently out on patrol while everyone else is at the pack house. Jihoon is probably sleeping while you, Jisoo, and Minghao are in the living room talking about magic. Minghao has a little magic within him, not strong enough to use it for fights though it helps to make them trip or get confused from time to time. And Jisoo, well, she finds it fascinating, still.
Youâre telling Minghao about runes when Jeonghan barges into the living room, breath heavy and chest heaving hardly like heâs run a marathon, his hurried voice calling your real name and you know it couldnât be good. Did something happen during the patrol?
Seungcheol is right behind him, and heâs looking at you with something akin to guilt that he immediately drops to his knees and buries his face into your middle. His arms are holding you a little too tight that it slightly hurts, but itâs the look in Jeonghanâs face that gets your heart rate spiking beyond control and goosebumps on your skin.
âThey got Wonwoo.â The room immediately goes silent at that, and what he says next barely even registers to you as you look at him wide-eyed, your heart immediately dropping to your stomach and you stay frozen where youâre at. âWeâwe got ambushed and⌠and they took him. Iâm sorry, Moon.â
Jisoo is quick to take your hand, and youâre so shaken that your mouth keeps on opening and closing without anything coming out of it.
Seungcheol whimpers as his arms tighten even more around you, and you canât tell if heâs upset or agitated. Probably both; heâs an alpha whose beta has just been taken, presumably right under his nose too. He keeps on whispering something that sounds like apologies.
âWe tried to go for him but they masked their smell and we got tricked andââ
âDid they leave anything?â
The older man flinches at your curt tone, though heâs still more worried than he is scared. He nods nevertheless, and he hands you a black feather that you inspect with blank eyes though your minds are already running with a thousand scenarios of how to get Wonwoo back safe and sound.
âThisâŚâ you close your eyes in contempt as you finally recognize the feather. âWere you⌠was there a harpy when you were attacked?â
You release a frustrated sigh when Jeonghan nods. âTheyâre baiting us. They want us to find them. Harpiesâ feathers donât fall off. They donât shed, they leave it on purpose so we can track them.â
Itâs almost like something switched within Seungcheol at the revelation, and his emotion is so prominent that everyone except Jisoo slightly cowers at his alpha mode, your wolves submitting to him. Jihoon even turns up, his wolf recognizing the distress of his alpha and the whole pack that he woke up not long after Jeonghan and Seungcheol arrived.
âSo they want us to attack?â Seungcheol practically growls as he stands up tall, his fingers balled into fists. âCall Chan and tell him thereâs a change of plan. If he doesnât answer in five minutes, weâre doing this without him.â
Chan picks up on the first ring and arrives ten minutes later.
The strategy, to put it simply, doesnât really exist. The whole bait thing is obviously off the table and now that you know for sure where theyâre at, you just need to pick the right time to go and how youâre going to infiltrate them.
If what you assume is true, they mustâve been waiting for you to arrive, too. Are they expecting an attack? Do they want to taunt you? This doesnât make sense to you.
But, then again, your mind is all over the place because the only thing you can focus on is that theyâve got your Wonwoo and who knows what theyâre doing to him now, what they will be doing to him if you donât come as soon as they wish you to be. They wouldnât be kind enough to wait for the full moon, knowing you guys are a pack of werewolves.
âAs far as I know, thereâs an abandoned lab there,â Chan supplies helpfully after youâve successfully pinpointed their location. âIt belonged to an old hospital thatâs acquired by a new management, and the new owner couldnât be bothered to take care of the lab because that building actually belonged to another owner and not the one they bought the hospital from? Anyway, thatâs why that building is abandoned and, uh, no one really bothered to do anything about it.â
âDo you have the layout?â
âNo,â Chan shakes his head. âBut I know itâs just a two-level building with a lot of rooms. Storages, you know? I reckon the layout itself shouldnât be too complicated. What might be a problem is that⌠itâs long and big. Imagine a small hospital. Or maybe school? Itâs of that size.â
âOkay,â you exhale a deep breath. âSo we split. Seungcheol with Jihoon, and Jeonghan with Minghao.â
âAnd you?â Seungcheolâs so repulsed by the thought of you going in alone that his eyes glowed golden for a bit. You plant your palm on his arm in hope it will calm him down, and it does, at least enough for his eyes to turn back into its hazel shade and you tell him you donât mind going in with either group.
âChan, you stay at the pack house with Jisoo. Protect her and be mindful of our signal just in case weâd need police backup, Jisoo would know and she will tell you.â You instruct him carefully, and then proceed to run over the preactivated runes with Jisoo once again. Youâve even given Chan some too just in case, and you have him practice with you while the others get ready. You donât want to risk anything happening to Wonwoo, so youâve all unanimously decided that you must go tonight.
You zone out helplessly as you play with your necklace, a glimpse of hope running past you because it hasnât reacted at allâwhich means Wonwoo is safe. Heâs not put in any immediate danger for your charms to react.
A strong hand finds your shoulder, making you jump a little and taking you out of your trace. âWeâll save him. Wonwoo will be fine.â
Seungcheol sees a speck of gold glistening through your eyes for a millisecond, something that he has never seen in you.
âHe has to be.â Your voice is barely a whisper, but itâs firm and it sounds like a promise. He almost flinches at your next words, and he knows if it comes to it, thereâs nothing he can do to stop you. âIâll destroy them if heâs not.â
[đŹđŹđŹ]
Unfortunately, Chan is wrong.
The house is way more complicated than he makes it to be and youâre pretty sure Jeonghan and Minghao are fighting against something by the faint sound of growls and things falling to the ground from the other side of the building.
At least the place isnât as guarded as you prepared yourselves for. Either the incubus is too arrogant for his own good, or you havenât encountered his subordinates yet. Youâve expected each room to be guarded, but safe for the hellhounds that were guarding the front gate and whatever creatures Minghao and Jeonghan are fighting against; thereâs nothing else yet.
But, then again, you shouldnât be jinxing yourself because, next thing you know, a harpy and what you assume to be a ghoul are attacking the three of you. The ghoul throws you to the wall hard enough that thereâs a little crack when you slide down the wall, Seungcheol turns to where youâre at and growl. You groan from the sudden pain, but you attack back immediately after you stand back on your feet, whispering spells as you throw your runes at them.
Thatâs enough seconds for Seungcheol and Jihoon to take control of the situation.
You activate your other runes while youâre at it, making sure the two monsters wouldnât be able to leave the room. Youâre about to draw a magic circle when you feel your pendant warming up, and by the bewildered look Seungcheol and Jihoon send your way, you know theyâre both aware why itâs warming up.
Wonwoo.
âGo!â Seungcheol screams, pouncing on the ghoul as Jihoon takes care of the harpy. âFind him! Weâll catch up with you.â
You nod with determination and then set up a few other runes before you run out of the room. Wonwooâs near enough for your bracelet to react, and you run to wherever your feet are taking you, only to freeze on the spot when you see Wonwoo being chained down like heâs some kind of criminal deserving such confinement.
He looks up at you, and you almost cry at how weak he looks despite the clean state of his faceâno blood whatsoever. If youâre not too blinded by your worry and the overwhelming feelings of seeing Wonwoo again even if it has only been hours, youâd realize how easy things seem to be. Spending hours thinking about what these things might be doing to Wonwoo feels like years, you admit no matter how dramatic that sounds.
Your worry mixed with fear does not make a good recipe even for only a few hours.
You kneel in front of him, gentle hands cradling his cheeks as you examine his worn out face. Thereâs not a single scratch on his face, but he might as well look like his soul is sucked out of his body little by little and his eyes are a little empty that tears prick your eyes.
âWhat did they do to you?â you whisper weakly. Wonwoo doesnât even have the energy to answer you, though his eyes find yours and he sends you a defeated smile. He coughs at the effort to do that, and thatâs when you snap out of it and immediately try to rid him of the chains on his wrists.
âUh, donât think itâs a good idea,â an eerie voice greets you, which makes you take a protective stance in front of Wonwoo. You gulp as you take the man in front of you, and if the aura heâs emitting alone isnât already telling you that heâs the incubus, the horns protruding between his hair certainly did the job. âYou see, if you try to force open that chain, that⌠uh, necklace he has on will thrust silver into his neck and, well, we donât want that, right?â
The creature has it in him to grin at the pure rage in your eyes when you glare at him, only then realizing theyâve put on a collar on Wonwoo thatâs apparently lethal for his being.
âWhat do you want?â
âIn a hurry, are we?â he whistles as he glances at Wonwoo staggering behind you. âI think your furry mate isn't in any condition to go anywhere though?â
You try your best to calm down, because heâd want you unfocused and all over the place. Whatever it is that he wants from your pack, it must have something to do with you if itâs Wonwoo heâs taken.
âWhat do you want.â You press, not wanting to spend any more second in his presence if you can help it. If not for you then definitely for Wonwoo. If the collar is actually infused with silver as he claims it to be, itâs no wonder Wonwoo is rendered this way. The matter is lethal to werewolves and your neck is tightening at the thought of it; you can only imagine how Wonwoo is feeling.
Youâve never liked dealing with creatures with human natures; theyâre too cocky for their own good and itâs getting under your skin. Monsters, you can easily deal withâdefeat them and thatâs it. But creatures like incubuses, shapeshifters, demons, and so on have human natures and they enjoy instilling fearâenjoy that theyâre making the other party scared shitless. They taunt and taunt and taunt until youâre no longer sure which oneâs a bluff and which oneâs an actual threat.
Itâs not enough that youâre scared. They want you confused and they want to play with your minds.
âOkay, because youâve so politely asked.â
You truly donât know how he managed to hold you against him within seconds, his scent engulfing you and you almost whimper in fear at the way he noses your hair. And for the first time since youâve arrived, you see Wonwoo snap his neck up and he practically growls with every strength he still has in him.
âSol.â He calls for someone, and a wraith appears immediately, bowing his head so low in front of the incubus he almost folds himself in half. âRelease the dog.â
Sol treats him so roughly that you step forward to intervene, enraged by the way they address him, but the incubus holds you in place from behind, the hands on your shoulders bringing shivers down your spine, and whispers closely against your ear, his voice firm and brings chills throughout your body.
âBehave, doll. You know what we can do to him,â he reminds you, his teeth grazing your ear that you shiver at the touch. Youâd probably be crumbling with fear if not for Wonwooâyour worry for him overrides your traumatic experience with incubi. You want Wonwoo safe, whether you are also safe or not is not important.
Whatâs important is you donât want Wonwoo anywhere near this thing and youâre going to make it happen no matter what.
Wonwoo slumps forward the moment heâs released from the chain and the collar, and he coughs so violently like heâs drawing out blood. It doesnât take him long to get back on his feet though, and even though heâs still weak, thereâs an enormous amount of rage within him at the way youâre held against the demon which fuels his body even if his strength was basically nonexistent.
Itâs then that he realizes Sol is still holding him, a silver knife against his throat so you both immediately freeze as if breathing would even hurt him.
âTsk,â the incubus clicks his tongue in annoyance, his fingers descending to your arm and running down your skin. âUngrateful kids. I released you from your chain and thatâs the attitude youâre giving me?â
He grins at the way you go stiff on his hold; a maniac grin so wide that it brings shivers even to Wonwoo whoâs a good two meters away.
âCan you guys smell this?â he mocks, his nose nuzzling your neck and Wonwoo tightens his jaw at the sightâagitated and boiling with fury because no one should do that to you; no one should make your eyes sting with fear and your body turn into stone.
Heâs worried. But, above all, heâs angry and he feels so fucking useless because he canât do anything but watch you hopelessly from where heâs atâwith a silver knife against his throat that he can feel himself weakening yet again.
What did he say? That heâll protect you?
What a fucking joke.
âYou canât?â His mocking voice resonates once again, and you can feel his smirk even if you canât see it yourself. Youâre trying your best to focus on Wonwoo instead, and even though your body is still frozen in fear because this incubus is basically pressed against you and you can feel your throat closing upâeither from your fear of the proximity or because you canât stand to see Wonwoo like this, so weak that heâs probably using everything he has to stand on his feet.
Probably both.
âI thought you dogs have such a great sense of smell,â he continues his monologue, still holding you against himself. âBut since Iâm so kind, I will generously let you know. Itâs the smell of dread. Of horror, and, oh, itâs the second most beautiful thing Iâd ever encounter. Almost as beautiful as your sexual energy.â
You donât think itâs possible, but you stiffen even more at his words. These creatures are sexual beings, and you forgot about it because youâre too busy worrying over Wonwoo and your initial fear towards those things have more to do with the death of your aunt than anything. But now that he mentions itâ
âAnd youâre so powerful too,â he hums against your neck, lips grazing your skin and you genuinely feel like throwing up at the contact. You canât do anything; not when he has his subordinate pressing a silver knife against Wonwooâs throat, the smallest cut and Wonwoo would probably be paralyzed for God knows how long and the after effect once he wakes up wouldnât be pretty, too. âYou probably knew I took him to bait you, didnât you? Smart little thing.â
âGet away from her.â Wonwoo growls, his eyes shining bright golden as he does so. Sol presses the bladeâs spine deeper to Wonwooâs neck, unamused with his move.
âOh, mutt has something to say?â His voice is so sickening, and you hate yourself so much for being immobile under his grasp, unable to do anything but close your eyes when his fingers brush your cheek, his forefinger and thumb stopping on your chin to tilt it up. âOpen your eyes, doll. You donât want to disobey me.â
Your sight is blurry when you do, glassy with tears though itâs still clear to you that Wonwoo is whimpering on the ground, the silver pressed tightly against his neck can easily cut through his skin if Sol tilts the blade even slightly.
Theyâre doing this to play with you and Wonwoo, and you ask once again what it is that he wants just so Sol would put the knife away from him. What even is Wonwoo suffering for?
âOh, itâs not obvious?â he slurs his voice, his palm now fully grasping your cheek so youâd turn to him.
Wonwoo tightens his jaw at the scene in front of him, wondering if the guys are still busy outside and if itâs still going to take them long to come here.
He doesnât want to be rashâcanât be either because the silver pressed against his skin is draining his strength away. He canât even stand up at this point, and his consciousness is slowly slipping away because the blade keeps on touching his skin. But you look so pale and pretty much petrified that he just wants to do somethingâanything that would make the aghast look on your face go away.
Wonwooâs trying his best to stay still as the incubus nuzzles his nose further into your neck, and something is burning in his chest at the way you flinch and hold your breath as he sees the fingers on your arms clutching your tighter.
âWhy do you think Iâve been taking those girls? Summoning those creatures?â he drags on. âIâm not interested in humans. Their energy runs out fast and theyâre not fun to play with. You⌠on the other hand.â
You detest the way he's scenting your cheek, his lips grazing the skin there as he grins wider at the way youâre almost shaking from his touch. âPowerful little thing, arenât you? These mutts wouldnât last a day without your help fighting those things. I know you already put two and two together; smart girl wants to wait for the full moon to attack, hm?â
Youâre thinking of ways to get away from this thing, but anything sort of reckless wouldnât do good as much as you wish to just use your rune and make a run for it. Thereâs too much at stake, but most importantly, you canât risk the wraith actually gashing Wonwoo. What are the members doing outside? How much longer would you have to wait for them? You need at least two of them here, serving as a distraction to buy time so you can use your magic.
âI canât wait to taste you, doll,â he bares his teeth, and Wonwooâs fuming even more than he already was, which you didnât think was possible.
And itâs then that the door bursts open, Seungcheol panting along with Jihoon, Jeonghan, and Minghao right behind him. Thereâs no time for a grand entrance though, and that split second is enough opening for Seungcheol and Jeonghan to pounce on the incubus behind you, making you fall on your knees from the sudden force.
You can hear the incubus growls from behind, but you look up to see Sol grinning despite Jihoon handling him down, and your eyes widen in horror when you realize why heâs grinning. Minghaoâs holding Wonwoo in panic, and you donât even have it in you to scream, your feet moving on their own because thereâs blood slipping down his neck.
You take him away from Minghao, and you hear Wonwoo moans weakly when you quickly use your magic to at least stop the bleeding. Your eyes are red with angry tears; angry that Wonwooâs hurt for no reason at all, that he has to endure this because the incubus wants you, that humans in this area turn into victims for nothing but entertainment.
Itâs Wonwooâs weak grasp on your wrist that snaps you out of it, and heâs saying something stupid like heâs fine and that you should focus on defeating that thing instead of healing him. Youâd argue with him if not for the severity of the situation, and youâre honestly just trying your best to stop his wound from opening up before you get back to attack; Seungcheol and Jeonghan has got the situation for now, you can tell from the way the incubus is struggling against them.
Sol is slumped on the floor, because Jihoon is smart enough to take the silver knife from him and stabs the monster with it because the matter is just as lethal to wraith as it is to werewolf. A group of wraiths enter the room not long after, having been summoned by the incubus and unhappy to see their kin knocked out on the ground.
The incubus grins maniacally when the three werewolves upon him loosen their grip at the commotion. But Seungcheol is stronger than that, and even if he orders the other two to leave the incubus to him as they help Minghao take care of the wraiths, itâs easy to tell Seungcheol is starting to get tired.
They roll on the floor, fighting each other physically, trying to assert dominance over the other and your hands get frantic with Wonwoo on your lap.
âMoonâstop,â Wonwoo whispers weakly. âSeungcheol needs help. Iâm good enough for now.â
The wound wonât close and his consciousness is escaping yet again, and youâre about to refuse but a hoard of hellhounds come in and youâve got no choice but to stop trying to stop his bleeding. It has slowed down at least, and you take comfort in that until Wonwoo actually goes slack on your lap, his neck gushing with blood that youâre sure would leave a scar. His healing ability canât catch up with the silver and this is already the most you can do in such a tight time.
Despite the rowdy situation in the room, your sob sounds way too clear in everyoneâs ears, alerting them all in panic. Itâs not sad though; and when they turn to see you, youâre already standing up with tears running down your face. But you donât try to wipe them, simply let them be as your eyes glow the most golden with a speck of red, the first time Seungcheol has ever feltyour wolf and magic this strong.
Momentarily, everything stops and theyâre all staring at you; overwhelmed by the sheer power youâre emitting. Even the hellhounds whimper at this, some of them retreating through the shadows.
Your eyes are locked on the incubus beneath Seungcheol, and itâs pure rage that he registers in your eyesâyour aura. Heâs sure heâs not imagining the way you seem to almost glow with power, the feeling so immense that his wolf almost wants to submit to you.
For whatever reason, the devil has it in him to smirk, whispering something about how good youâd taste once he has you under him. Seungcheolâs about to attack him for the comment, but heâs suddenly twisting in pain that Seungcheol lets go of him, skin burning hot like heâs boiling inside out.
Heâs looking at the scene in front of him in horror, and itâs when he looks at the way youâre snapping your wrist that itâs you doing this. He doesnât know how you learn to do this, because, as far as he knows, you never did. Itâs your rage running over your magic, he concludes, and he sees Wonwoo fainted on the ground and he canât blame you for reacting this way even if it worries him.
He knows the both of you havenât addressed it, but itâs clear that your wolves are calling for each other and youâre practically mates even if Wonwoo hasnât marked you yet. Heâd probably go ballistic too if his mate was put on the brink of death for whatever reason.
The incubus is screaming in pain, body twisting in a weird way and itâs seconds after that Seungcheol is one hundred percent positive youâre actually glowing that the whole group of monsters within the roomâmaybe even buildingâare starting to run away even though they all failed because youâve warded the whole building so none of them could get out unscathed.
It gets easier to fight them at this point, but your pack doesnât need to fight them because, the next thing they know, the wraiths have all dissolved into a puddle of black goos, the hellhounds have all retreated, and the incubus is fighting for his life while you watch him suffer on your feet.
Minghao is the first person to snap out of it, immediately going to Wonwoo and trying to somehow check the older guy. He knows heâs not dead, but heâs getting paler by the seconds and he needs to be treated as soon as possible.
The rest look at each other uneasily, unsure how to handle you going berserk. The incubus deserves this, but with the way youâre going, Seungcheol is mainly afraid youâd lose yourself somehow.
âMoon?â he whispers softly, trying to see if youâll react.
You donât, which doesnât surprise any of them, because youâre probably in a trance and the only thing they can hear is the incubusâ painful scream thatâs getting louder by the seconds.
You stare blankly at the devil under you, nothing of remorse within you even though you know youâd never do this to any other being. You donât even know how youâre doing this, but it doesnât matter because what matters is what heâs done to Wonwoo and youâre going to make him feel the suffering a hundred times over.
Itâs then that the scream suddenly stops, because Wonwooâs weak voice calling your name echoes through the room, his consciousness slipping back in somehow and you turn to him, your magic calming down at the sound of his voice.
And then thereâs a surge of magic resonating throughout the building, strong enough that thereâs a gush of wind accompanying it as it goes past all of you.
Next thing you know, your body sways to the side and Jeonghan catches you in his arms.
And then itâs all black.
[đŹđŹđŹ]
Your whole body is sore when you come to, and the first thing you notice is that thereâs hair near your hand and someone else is caressing your other arm.
It takes quite the effort to even open your eyes, and through your blurry eyes, you register that itâs Jisoo laying on the side of your bed and the girl jumps awake at your soft whimper. The other person in the room is Minghao, and you canât help but chuckle at how awfully familiar this scenario plays out.
Jisoo cries and hugs you before you can say anything, and you see Minghao sighs in relief before he leaves the room to call for the others. Wonwoo steps in right after Minghao leaves, and you try to sit up with Jisoo in your arms, wincing slightly at how tense your body feels. How long were you out for?
âGood sleep?â Wonwoo muses with a small smile, going to your other side to drop a kiss on top of your head because Jisoo refuses to stop hogging you.
âLike I came back from the dead.â You wince at your strained voice, and Wonwoo tells Jisoo to let you go to give you space before he helps you with a glass of water, the girl simply moving to hug your middle instead, her face buried in your lap. You laugh at her antics, stroking her hair and assuring her youâre fine now.
The whole pack bursts into the room at that moment, and they all engulf you in a hug except for Jihoon who goes to stand beside Wonwoo and watches the scene unfold. Everyoneâs been worried though they all know youâll wake up; and to know that you seem relaxed and even have it in you to smile after the whole ordeal is good enough.
âHow are you feeling?â Seungcheol asks, sitting next to you on the bed once everyone except Jisoo lets you go, the girl still stubbornly hugging you even though it mustâve been uncomfortable.
âMy whole bodyâs sore and Iâm a little disoriented,â you shrug, honest with your explanation. âHow long was I out for?â
âThree days,â your alpha informs you, his hand stroking your hair. âWe planned on calling Lisa tomorrow if you still didnât wake up today.â
âGood call. Lisa would know what to do,â you chuckle hoarsely, making a mental note to hang out with the witch one of these days. âSorry to make you worried. Did anything⌠happen?â
The room falls silent at that, even Jisooâs arms that are holding you tighten at your question. But itâs Wonwoo who speaks up, telling you itâs a long story and that you should eat and wash up before going into that.
âThatâs a good idea.â Jihoon nods, and then offers to get the bath ready before telling Minghao and Jisoo to prepare food now that youâre awake. The rest seems to get the message and eventually steps out of the room, leaving you and Wonwoo behind.
âHi.â You say when he doesnât say anything. Wonwoo shakes his head and envelopes you in a hug which you accept with all your heart, your fingers grasping the front of his shirt while you bury yourself in his neck. His hug is a little too tight, but you donât care and you actually welcome it because if thereâs anything you need at this second, itâs his arms around you and your bodies against each other.
He whispers something in your ear that you donât quite register, but youâre crying for some reason and Wonwoo pulls you even closer like itâs possible.
It didnât register to you at firstâwhat had happened and how you ended up like this. But now that everyoneâs left and you donât have to worry about their wellbeing, the memory of that night returns though there are blank spaces in between.
Still, it is enough to remind you of the way the demon touches youâthe way his lips graze your skin and his fingers on your body. You choke at the memory, and Wonwoo seems to get it even though you donât elaborate; seems to understand why youâre crying and why youâre holding on to him for dear life.
The guys have told him about it; about how you coped before and how it took you quite some time to get over it. And as much as he thought heâs prepared to help you through it, itâs still a blow to his heart to see you like this, his wolf wailing in pain in tandem with yours.
You donât notice Jihoon by the door, about to tell you the bath is ready but has enough sense to step back when he catches Wonwooâs eyes.
Wonwoo lets you cry more, and then kisses your forehead once youâve calmed down, his thumb wiping the tears on your face as his forehead meets yours; his lips centimeters away from your own.
âI know, love. I know,â he whispers as your sobs turn into whimpers. âLetâs get you cleaned up? Iâll come with you.â
In any other scenario, youâd tease him about wanting to see you naked. Maybe flirt a little and then curse at him for making you flustered somehow. But this isnât your ideal world, and you can do nothing but nod as he takes your hand and leads you to the bathroom.
Wonwoo stays true to his words, and you want to cry at the delicate way heâs treating you. He helps you out of your clothes, and itâs weird that you donât feel anything as he does soânot the least bit of embarrassment even though he has never seen you naked at all.
He did ask if you want him to move away though, but when you shake your head and say that you donât mind, he helps you wash up like youâre a kid who doesnât know how to do it yourself. Itâs very intimate in ways that you canât quite describe, and you let him do everything for you as you simply stay seated in the bathtub.
You hug your knees as Wonwoo moves to wash your back, and itâs quite obvious that his clothes are all wet though he doesnât say anything about it. He doesnât say anything at all, actually, because he knows that you need solace and you want his company though you donât wish to talk.
âLetâs get out of the tub?â he tells you softly after heâs done with your body. He grasps your hand and wraps you in a big towel, then tells you to sit down on the edge of the tub.
âLook at me?â He stares into your eyes for a few seconds before telling you to close them again so he can wash your face. His touch is gentleâsafe, and you can feel your magic hum in content at the way heâs touching you.
Itâs probably asking for more.
You slowly open your eyes when you feel Wonwoo stills but doesnât move away, finding his face right in front of yours though you donât flinch at the proximity. You look into his eyes, wondering what goes inside his mind as he looks at you. Was he thinking about that night, too?
Your eyes wander to scar on the side of his neck, and the picture that your picture conjures of Wonwoo unconscious on the floor is way too real that your eyes water almost immediately. He seems to get what youâre thinking about, and before you can remember it further, Wonwoo cups your face and forces your eyes to meet his instead.
âHey, Iâm fine,â his voice echoes in the bathroom. âIâm here and Iâm safe. All thanks to you.â
That doesnât work like itâs supposed to, because you cry even more at his words for some reason and Wonwoo tries not to panic when your cry gets louder.
âIâm sorry,â you break into a sob, hugging the towel further into yourself. Wonwoo gently grabs your arms to help you stand up then brings you into his arms. Youâre shaking your head, murmuring further about how youâre sorry for making him go through it though you donât make any move to get away from him. âItâsâitâs all because of me and youââ
Your words die down when his mouth finds yours, because Wonwoo doesnât want to hear it and, most importantly, he doesnât want you to blame yourself for whatever the demon did. He pulls away when he feels you relax, and your eyes are a little hazy like youâre in a trance (which heâs sure he must be sprouting the same look, too), making him chuckle before he drops another chaste kiss on the side of your mouth.
âDonât apologize,â his stern voice whispers against your ear. âYou did nothing wrong, get it?â
It pains him that you donât seem to believe his words, but heâll remind you over and over again if thatâs what he needs to do.
âMoon, youâre my mate.â Your eyes snap to him in surprise at his statement; feeling the bound is one thing, but hearing Wonwoo vocalizing it out loud is another and youâre pretty sure the whole house can hear your heart beating wildly against your chest. But Wonwoo doesnât seem to care, and he keeps on talking as he cups your face. âThey probably took me because of that, they knew you'd come if it was me in danger. Iâd do it too if it was the other way around. All of that? None of it is your fault. We were caught in a situation and things happened. Itâs out of our control.â
âBut, stillâŚâ
âNo,â he shakes his head, his smile patient and understanding. âIâm not the only one who got hurt. You did too. Do you want me to apologize for not being able to protect you?â
âNo!â you raise your voice before you even realize, getting his point immediately. âBut itâs different. HeâtheyâŚâ
He places his finger on your lips, stopping you from talking further. He doesnât want to hear thisânot when youâve just woken up, not ever. That seems to do it for now, and he silently helps you with your clothes so youâd get out of the bathroom and eat something.
The meal is finished in the blink of an eye, and after more coddling from the pack, you find yourself back in your room by yourself, staring into nothing and thinking about what theyâve just told you about that night prior to you blacking out.
You donât actually remember much after Wonwoo passed out, and even though it isnât a story best fitting to be told while youâre having dinner, you insist because you canât help but feel like thereâs something missing in the back of your mind. And, true enough, they said you went berserk.
Not that youâre surprised.
Youâve called Lisa earlier to have a talk with her mom, one of the most knowledgeable mages youâve known after your aunt. Sheâs said something about your wolves already bonding with each other even though youâre not marked yet, and itâs not impossible that your wolf was just running on instinct the moment it felt its mate in grave danger.
The combined power of the wolf within you and the magic running through your blood intensified because Wonwoo was basically dying.
âMoon, may I come in?â Wonwoo asks from the other side of the door, and you answer by opening the door slightly with a flick of your wrist. âAm I disturbing you?â
âNope,â you shake your head, signalling Wonwoo to lay down next to you. âWas just thinking over some stuff.â
Wonwoo doesnât even need to ask to know what youâre thinking about, settling under your blanket and laying on his side to face you, his eyes scouting your face.Â
He was pretty shocked too when he found out you went berserk after he lost his consciousness; heâs always known youâre powerfulâbut to the point where youâre somehow able to turn a hoard of wraiths without doing anything? To return hellhounds to their shadows? To boil the incubusâ blood from the inside without straining any extra effort?
Seungcheol has told him he was worried youâd lose yourself for a moment there. But you passed out after that sudden wave of magic and Wonwoo figures that means your magic took control of your body if only for a brief period of time.
âHow are you feeling?â
âWeird,â you shrug, and then hesitate for a bit before you relay to him the information you got from Lisaâs mom. He doesnât reply immediately, mind still busy taking in what youâve just told him as his fingers absentmindedly play with yours. Itâs both flattering and frightening to know your bond is already that strong even if he hasnât marked you yet. But knowing what presumably is your full power got unleashed because he was hurtâŚ
He sees your eyes drop to the side of his neck again, and he lets your finger trace the scar in the most delicate way possibleâas if afraid heâll bleed again if you press too hard. Despite the severity of its wound when it happened, his scar has actually healed though the mark is still there.
âMoon⌠Itâs fine. Iâm here with you now and thatâs what matters,â he reminds you with a whisper, his hand grasping your wrist to place a kiss there. âItâs just a scar.â
âI⌠can still feel him if I close my eyes, you know?â you bite your lip as you admit this, not wanting to see Wonwooâs angry eyes. âItâs always like that after an encounter with an incubus. Usually Iâd even flinch when people tried to touch me, but I suppose itâs better now because youâre here? But if I close my eyes itâs likeâŚâ
You shiver at the thought, and it feels like something is crawling under your skin as you remember how the incubus held you that night. Wonwoo places his palms on your neck, compelling you to look at him.Â
âYouâre here with me, okay? Remember that. Youâre with me and he canât touch you now.â Wonwooâs voice is gentle but firm, you decide, and you find yourself nodding even though the fear is still there in the back of your mind. Thatâs the least you can do, you think to yourself. Pretend like it doesnât affect you until it really doesnât.
You donât have it in you to cry anymore, but youâre being real when you said you can still feel his touch against your skin, and when Wonwooâs thumb forces your lip down from the confinement of your teeth because you donât realize youâve been biting it, itâs then that you taste the blood on your tongue.
âDonât do that.â He brushes his thumb against your bottom lip, his eyes canât seem to look away from it. âYou want to talk about it?â
Exhaling a deep breath, you shake your head and bury yourself into his neck instead, your lips grazing the scar there and Wonwoo has to hold back a sigh from the sensation. He wraps his arm around you instead, pulling your body closer to his so youâre pressed against each other.
He can feel you stiffen when his fingers come in contact with the skin under your shirt, though you relax immediately and cuddle yourself further into his hold. The both of you stay that way for a moment, basking in the otherâs presence without saying anything as moonlight faintly shines through your window.Â
Wonwoo traces a circle on your skin, and your magic once again hums in content at the feeling of it. And while his finger is making circles there, yours once again finds the fading mark of his scar that you know would forever be etched on his skin.
Your eyes find his lips, and it seems that the world stops for a moment because Wonwoo does the same, then your eyes meet his in the exact same second.
âKiss me?â you breathe in a soft whisper, which only amplifies the effect it has on himâlike your words alone donât make his head go haywire enough. âMake me forget andââ
His kiss is soft despite the rush heâs feeling in his body. And he kisses you like itâs the only thing he wants to doâand maybe it isâand you actually have to gasp for air when it gets too much because youâre starting to get light headed from the whole thing.
You stiffen when his lips find your neck, but he reminds you again and again that itâs him, whispers over your skin to tell him to stop if it gets too much. But you find yourself making ways for his lips to wander further, your fingers already combing through his hair and pushing him deeper into you.
And it seems like your body understands that this man is worshipping you, reacting to Wonwoo in ways that youâve never experienced before. He doesnât forget to ask if youâre okay from time to time, doesnât think at all about his own pleasure even though his wolf is already screaming to mark you already.
His lips find yours again, and, before you know it, Wonwooâs hovering over you, his fingers intertwined with yours. The kiss is slower this time, and youâre pretty sure a little more and youâd be able to map the shape of his lips.
Wonwoo pulls away to take a breath, but you canât get enough of him so your lips chase his and he grunts from the sudden force when you pull him down right on top of you. Itâs safe for him to assume your wolf is dying to be marked as much as his is begging for the same thing.
âYou sure you want to do this?â Wonwoo pants, his eyes piercing into yours from above.
The smile you give him is enough to make all the stars in the sky seem faint, and thereâs a sudden wave of fulfillment that rushes through him at the sight of it; like heâs found his other half.
A/N 2: special thanks to @lily-blue for brainstorming with me when i first started writing this đ and happy birthday also @sunshinein17 who mentioned you share birthday with wonwoo hehe, hope you enjoy this also ^^ anyway, again!! if you're reading up to this point, thank you for sparing your time to read this rather lengthy fic and please dont hesitate to send your feedbacks bc i honestly wanna know!! i know my 10k++ fics usually have less audience but this is to celebrate wonwoo so đ¸
I remember a distinct conversation I had with a friend while walking through the halls of high school about how I couldnât fathom the concept of rewatching movies and actually enjoying themâ why would I watch something over again when I already know what happens? Now though, I understand that while we choose to watch movies for reasons as simple as the fact that they captured our attention, we rewatch the ones that evoked a sense of nostalgia within us. After all, we keep going back to these same movies because they resonated with us mostâ the ones that left a lasting imprint in our memories.Â
Maybe we feel particularly connected to them because we happened to come across the film at a time when we particularly needed it or the subject matter was relevant to what was happening in our lives. Sometimes they act as a security blanket, giving us the comfort we need in the moment. Other times, theyâre like an old diary: we know all the parts so well that we can recite the lines from memory, cringe at the right times, and relive the exact feelings we first felt as the familiar story plays in front of us.
The Movie I Watch When I Need A Laugh
âThe Social Networkâ (2010) dir. David Fincher
Source: IMDb
I had no interest in watching this film until I saw the iconic clip of Andrew Garfield , I mean, Eduardo shouting his infamous line, âSorry, my Pradaâs at the cleaners along with my hoodie and my fuck-you flip-flops you pretentious douchebag.â That line alone sold the movie to me. And now, I rewatch it partly out of my own amusement at the various obscene moments in this movie. Plus, if weâre being honest, thereâs just something a little cathartic about watching a rich businessman screw over his rich businessman friendâthe fact that Justin Timberlake is a villain in this film is just a bonusâ and partially out of pettiness knowing that the real-life Mark Zuckerberg absolutely despises this movie.
The Comfort Movie for Any OccasionÂ
âRatatouilleâ (2007) dir. Brad Bird
Source: IMDb
Iâll admit it: part of the reason why âRatatouilleâ is my most re-watched movie ever is because itâs everywhere. This movie comes up on my TikTok feed, my YouTube algorithm, and even my Facebook timeline. But Iâm not mad about itâ a wave of nostalgia washes over me each time I watch it. Also, every time I watch this film, I notice new social commentary moments as if theyâre pokemon Iâm trying to catch. My current running list involves: the rats representing the treatment of minority groups in modern society, the commercialization of art, defying societal expectations, mental health, the harmful effects of perfectionism, and the privileges that come with wealth.Â
The Movie That Iâd Choose When Iâm Feeling Insecure
âReal Women Have Curvesâ (2002) dir. Patricia Cardoso
Source: IMDb
This movie, although released almost two decades ago, has a message that remains relevant to this day. Weâve all felt insecure about our bodies before, but âReal Women Have Curvesâ teaches us to embrace the parts of our body we find imperfect and accept them as perfectly normal. Itâs a coming of age story that showcases a community of color and tackles important societal issues such as socioeconomic divide, body image, and gender norms.
The Movies I Watch When Iâm Regretting My Major
âWhisper of the Heartâ (1995) dir. âYoshifumi KondĹ & âDead Poets Societyâ (1989) dir. Peter Weir
Source: IMDb & Source: IMDb
There are moments in our academic lives where we start to resent or rethink our majors. Itâs normal, and I get through this feeling by watching the two films that encourage me to continue pursuing my degree.Â
âDead Poets Societyâ has always represented the wistful side of nostalgia to me. Re-watching the movie transports me back to the middle school classroom where I watched the movie for the first time. It also reminds me of why I fell in love with literature in the first placeâ the power that words hold over human emotions. It brings back the message that had really resonated with a young girl who would always overthink and second guess herself: choose what makes you happy. In the short life we have, we shouldnât let anyone other than ourselves dictate what we should do with our lives. Ultimately, you will only live this exact lifetime once, so we have to make the best out of it and carpe diem, seize the day.
While âWhisper of the Heartâ is the lighter of the two movies, itâs also the one that represents the darker side of nostalgia, the melancholic side. It makes you long for the past instead of focusing on your present or the future as it reminds you of how wonderful it was to be young and free, existing without a care in the world. The main characters of this animated film are young and in love, both with each other and with their future aspirations. Instead of poking fun at them, the filmmakers validate and romanticize their youth. But most importantly, this film reminds you that itâs okay to fail. Itâs important to appreciate the effort you put into achieving your goals even if you are not happy with the end results.
When Iâm in an Existentialist Mood
âI Lost My Bodyâ (2019) dir. JĂŠrĂŠmy Clapin
Source: IMDb
Sometimes you just feel lost and donât know if youâre wasting your life away, and thatâs okay. âI Lost My Bodyâ is a French film that really strikes a chord with me. The movie follows a severed hand searching around the suburbs of Paris in an attempt to reunite with its owner. As the hand wanders around the city, it notices regular objects that are actually symbols of the past life that the handâs owner had lived. The story then flashbacks to important moments that are out of the control of the owner that has involuntarily shaped his life, as well as each major decision heâs made. We donât know much about the owner of the hand other than his past until the hand gets closer to the rest of the body, transitioning the movie into scenes set in the present. Every time I watch this movie, it leaves me rethinking my entire life and the perception I have of the world: how do you move on and feel whole again when a vital part of you is missing? How do I determine the values in my life? How will the decisions I make today affect my future?
During the Times I Feel Homesick
âMy Annoying Brotherâ (2016) dir. Kwon Soo-kyung
Source: IMDb
When Iâm experiencing homesickness, itâs often more that I miss the moments spent with my friends and family, rather than missing my hometown itself. I watched this movie during my first year of college when I was at home while my best friend was approximately 382.7 miles away from me. Even though we were so far apart, watching this movie together at the same time with our cameras on really made the distance fade away: we laughed so loudly, cried the hardest we had ever cried, and reflected on the ending together. This memory connects so well with the theme of the movie serving as a reminder that there are people in your life who will love and support you through the hard moments in your life, whether blood bound or not.
The Classic Rom-Com
â10 Things I Hate About Youâ (1999) dir. Gil Junger
Source: IMDb
For a moment in time, I really believed that being serenaded on the bleachers of my high school was the most romantic act to exist. â10 Things I Hate About Youâ not only made me swoon over both Heath Ledger and Julia Stiles, but it also made me the feminist I am today. The first time I watched this film, Stilesâ character, Kat Stratford, was who I aspired to be. She was essentially a strong, independent woman who didnât need a man (or popularity) to thrive. She wasnât afraid to be loud (and disruptive at times) with her opinions about how men and women should be able to live equally in society without any double standards. However, growing older, Iâve come to realize that Stratford was actually the epitome of white feminism. Thereâs a particular scene in the movie that criticizes her for the lack of intersectionality in the version of feminism she subscribes to: when she declared that more women authors should be included in the curriculum, her teacher, a Black man, asks why she isnât as vocal about the exclusion of authors of color in the curriculum. Although the feminism portrayed in this film is flawed, there are still important conversation points about intersectionality that this film addresses. The film also depicts other important subject matters such as consent, which often gets ignored in teen films (e.g. âSixteen Candlesâ). Ultimately, this film not only leaves a strong impression on me as a feminist, but also as a hopeless romantic where I am endeared with the strong female lead and her bad-yet-soft male love interest.
So when youâre in need of de-stressing, donât reject the idea of cozying it up by rewatching your favorite movie. You might notice new details when revisiting a movie you havenât seen in a while, or just enjoy the comforted feeling it leaves you. Alternatively, you could watch some of the movies from my list of comfort films and maybe youâll discover a new favorite film. Whatever you choose, I hope that itâll give you one or two hours of forgetting about your worries and offers you some form of encouragement!
notorious for hiding his vulnerability, wonwoo has come to a point where he canât find that side of himself even if he went looking. itâs not that he doesnât trust you; youâre the one person he could see holding every part of himself without any worry. but wonwoo has programmed his mind to see vulnerability as a weakness. now, his lack of emotion and openness has become the only weakness he cares about. itâs the thing that pushed you away.
you left because he wouldnât share enough of himself with you. because he couldnât share enough of himself with you. arguments turned into fights, fights turned into him apologizing and tucking away his feelings because thatâs all heâs ever known how to do. now youâre gone, thinking that he never really had a deeper connection with you. that everything he said were just fantasies he created in hope of keeping you. they were so, so much more.
you think heâs fine without you. but heâs not - and he wonât ever be.
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with the tags and search officially being completely broken on all platforms (no new posts are showing up in them anymore), now feels like a good time to remind everyone that the only way to help creators is to reblog their stuff. even before the tags were busted most people found new creators through their content being rebloged onto their dash, and now, at least for the time being, that will be the Only way to find and spread things.
Fast reblog is a thing, you dont have to leave comments, you dont have to leave tags, just reblog stuff if you want to keep seeing new content being posted to this site.
and as a final note, with this change likes are officially completely pointless for content creators. up till now they served to boost a posts placement in the tag searches (a post tagged #girl with 40 likes would show up higher in the search than a post tagged #girl with only 10 likes,)
[outdated. the glitch was fixed a few hours after this post was made ^^ still reblog stuff tho]
ăâ synopsis: four different seasons, four different lives, and you meet seokmin in each and every one.
ăâ genre: reincarnation!au, soulmate!au (?), angst, fluff, some humor
ăâ warnings: major character death, mentions of blood and car accidents
ăâ word count: 6,320
ăâ pairings: seokmin x gender neutral reader
ăâ notes: hi guys ! this is my first oneshot after about a month of not releasing any ? i recently started winter quarter at my uni and iâm also working now so i probably wonât be able to release oneshots as much as i used to </333 i hope thatâs okay </333 but anyways, thank you to @sunlightwooâ for helping me come up with a few ideas for this oneshot ! sorry for lying to you about who this was about, i didnât want to get strangled <33333 i love you <333 i hope you all enjoy this, make sure to give seokmin lots of love <3