Taehyung was sitting on a bench situated in a dark area of the park. He was waiting for Minkyu and Yoo-Jung to pick him up when his phone rang.
He almost picked up the call thinking it was either of his siblings, but when he saw Jungkook's name, he just looked at it and ended the call. He started typing a message, but it rang again and he pressed the end button once more.
Taehyung wanted to answer the call so badly, but he knew that if he did, he might end up not pushing through with his plan once he hears Jungkook's voice. The omega started crying as he finished the message for Jungkook and pressed send.
His heart skipped a beat when he saw that Jungkook was typing a reply. He was just staring at the screen, anticipating a furious answer from his mate. But, when the message finally appeared on the screen, he saw a gentle reply from the alpha.
Taehyung, why don't we just go back to the pack house? Obviously, Jungkook's not mad anymore. Tannie said.
You know that I'm not leaving just because he's mad at me right? Taehyung corrected him.
I know. I was just hoping you'd change your mind. It's pretty obvious that this decision of yours is quite difficult for you, so why go through it?
You know what they say, sometimes the right decision would be the hardest to make.
Taehyung replied to the message and as soon as he pressed sent, he heard a car pull over the road. He grabbed his bag and walked over to the car.
Yoo-Jung stepped out from the passenger side, left the door open and transferred to the back seat. Taehyung went in and gave his bag to Yoo-Jung.
"Thanks for coming. I know I could rely on you two." Taehyung said.
"Of course we'll be here for you hyung. But, don't think that we agree with you when you say you're a burden to us. That's not why we're helping you." Minkyu said before he started driving again.
"We understand where you're coming from, oppa, but what we don't get is why you have to do this without Jungkook oppa with you. Why are you pushing him away, oppa?" Yoo-Jung asked.
"I need to do this for him. I need to be a stronger, more reliable mate so that I can protect him too. With me out of the pack, Rang will stay away and look for me. That will give time for Jungkook and the others to plan out and prepare for their next move without Rang lurking around them. I want him distracted and this is the only way. I'm the one he wants so he will be looking for me." Taehyung said.
"But he also plans to kill Jungkook oppa. What if he decides to do that first?" Minkyu asked.
"That's why I left So-Hyun noona with him. She will know what to do. I have to learn everything that I need to know about my abilities fast and I just know that Moon Stone is where I can be able to do that." Taehyung said.
"Why so?" Yoo-Jung asked.
"Do you remember Hyerim noona and her sisters Yoobin and Sunmi noona?" Taehyung asked.
"Yes, what about them?"
"Well, they're all witches. Their coven of white witches and wizards are quite powerful. And then there's the hybrids, Sohee and Ye-eun noona, Min-Ho and Hyun-Joong hyung, plus my halmeoni of course. I'm sure they would be willing to teach me everything I need to know as quick as possible. Rang wouldn't dare to mess with them, because if he did, he and his father would've attacked Moon Stone pack while we were still there. But, they didn't. Nobody would dare attack Moon Stone; lest, they have a death wish." Taehyung said.
"Well, I do hope you're right, hyung." Minkyu said.
"I have to be. I have no other option." Taehyung said as he looked straight ahead, hoping and praying that that he's headed for the right direction.
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BACK AT THE PACK HOUSE
"I think I know where he's going." So-Hyun said.
"Where?" Jungkook asked.
"To the Moon Stone pack." So-Hyun said.
"But, why there, So-Hyun? Does that mean he remembers everything from there? He was quite youn when we stayed there." Namjoon asked.
"Don't you remember, Namjoon hyung? Now that he's been removing his necklace, memories of his childhood would resurface. Perhaps he remembered that you have a house there?
More importantly, he knowns now that we had a coven there with witches and hybrids, including my eomma...Taehyung's halmeoni. Think about it. That's the only other safe place that Taehyung knows of and where he can learn more about his true self. Of course this is just an assumption from my end, but I really can't think of anywhere else he would go to." So-Hyun said.
"If Taehyung will go there, how sure are you that he will be safely protected?" Jungkook asked.
"I don't think you realize how important and special Taehyung is in the world of witches and hybrids. Being a white wolf makes Taehyung special. But, what makes him unique is the fact that he was personally saved and protected by the goddess Hecate herself. Naturally, any good servant will respect and follow what his / her god's actions and decisions are right? So, to answer your question, the whole coven plus our hybrid brother and sisters in Moon Stone has Taehyung's back. You have nothing to worry about." So-Hyun said.
"That is, if that's where he's going. What if he decides to go to Dark Moon pack and put matters in his own hands?" Jin asked.
"I don't think Taehyung would be that reckless, Jin oppa." So-Hyun said.
"By himself, he might not be, but with Yoo Jung and Minkyu...ugh those three, combined, think that they're invincible and would fight back if they know they are in the right." Jin said.
"Let's trust Taehyung on this yeobo, Jungkook. All his life we've been dictating how he has to live and made him feel worthless and weak. Now that he's decided to bravely stand and make a decision for himself and fight for his right and loved ones, then let's respect that. I am actually proud of him for doing this." Namjoon said.
Jungkook felt bad as he never thought of it that way, especially when he knew what Taehyung has been through. He was the first one the omega trusted and opened up to outside of his immediate family. Yes, Taehyung broke his promise and acted rashly, but his mate did it for everyone's sake and that's something worthwhile and admirable. A thought suddenly popped in his head.
"Uncle Namjoon, can I entrust Spring Flower pack to you and Yoongi hyung first?" Jungkook asked.
"What's on your mind, Jungkook?" Namjoon asked.
"I need to be with Taehyung, uncle. I need to follow him. If he went to Moon Stone to master his abilities, we need to master them together for us to beat Rang. I know that Taehyung is powerful by himself, but I remember him telling me what his appa said. He would need my trueblood strength as much as I would need his mental abilities. Rang is a hybrid too, but not a trueblood so we will have advantage over him if we combine our strengths.
I don't think the moments that we both saved each other were coincidental. Me being at the lake on the day he almost drowned and his presence during my encounters with the rogues and with Rang. We were both there for each other. We complement each other. His strengths are my weakness and vice versa. We were more than fated to be together, we are destined to fight for the good of everyone. So, I can't just stay here.
If he gets in trouble, he would need me. If we get attacked now, we can't make it without him. If Rang is after both of us, then might as well go missing together." Jungkook said.
"I agree. I will be at ease knowing that you will be with him. But, we're not sure if they are indeed going to Moon Stone." Jin said.
"Let me take care of that. I can track them. I'll let you know as soon as I'm done." So-Hyun said.
"I'll call Yoongi hyung here so I can turnover all the work that needs to be done, especially looking for clues on my appa and cousin's whereabouts." Jungkook said.
"You can't go alone, Jungkook. I suggest you bring Hoseok and Bogum with you." Namjoon said.
"Okay, uncle. In case Taehyung calls you, please don't tell him anything yet. It's best not to tell anyone as we can't take our chances. The less people knowing about our plans, the better." Jungkook said.
"I will ask Jackson and Jinyoung to gather the soldiers for a debriefing. We need to double up the security while you're away. So-Hyun will cast a spell around the perimeter to avoid shapeshifters coming in. We don't want another Jungkook or Ji-Cheol appearing out of nowhere." Namjoon said which Jungkook agreed to.
The trueblood left the room and went to his eomma's room to check on her. When he entered, he found her sleeping on the bed. He went closer and saw her tear-stained cheek.
Jungkook sighed. He can't imagine what his mother is going through. He knew that she's blaming herself now for the miscarriages she's had. On top of that, knowing that her husband — her destined mate — is in grave danger is adding to her misery. Now he doesn't know how to tell her that her only child is leaving the pack for days.
Jungkook sat on the bed beside his eomma and then leaned down to kiss her forehead. Shin-hye opened her eyes and upon seeing her son, gave the latter a weak smile.
"I wish I can take your pain away, eomma. I promise I'll do everything I can to bring appa back home." Jungkook said.
"I can feel him, son. I know he's alive somewhere. His mark is still on me which means he is safe and well. I know he will be back as he promised me that he will make sure to come home to me, always." Shin-Hye said.
"Eomma, can I make that promise too now?" Jungkook asked.
"What do you mean son?" Shin-Hye's eyes furrowed as she sat herself up.
"I have to leave for a few days. Taehyung left and I need to go find him and keep him safe." Jungkook said.
Shin-Hye nodded as she understood. "Your duty is to your mate first above all things, Jungkook. So, go and find him. But, please son, be careful. I can't afford to lose you too. I won't be able to survive if that happens." She said as a tear rolled down her cheek.
Jungkook wiped it awa y with his thumb and hugged his mother.
"I promise, eomma. I'll find Taehyung and we will be back home soon. I love you so much, eomma. Please take care of yourself, okay? I'm leaving uncle Namjoon and Yoongi hyung in charge while I'm away. Uncle
Jin and Go-Eun noona will keep you company for now." Jungkook said.
"I'll help you pack." Shin-Hye was about to leave the bed, but Jungkook stopped her.
"No need eomma. I can take care of it. You need to rest more. You look so pale. Plus, your scent has changed. Do you feel sick?" Jungkook asked.
Shin-Hye's eyes widened. "What did you say? My scent has changed?"
"Yes, eomma. Why?" Jungkook asked.
"Son, call luna Jin please." Shin-Hye said in a panicked state.
Jungkook, seeing her mother's reaction, quickly went out and ran to Jin.
"Uncle Jin! Eomma needs you!" Jungkook said, panting.
The two went back to his mother's room and Jin sat beside Shin-Hye. The two were whispering and after a few seconds, Jin leaned down Shin-Hye's belly and then smiled.
"What is it uncle? What's wrong with my eomma?" Jungkook asked.
"Come here, Jungkook." Jin said and then told Jungkook to lean his head on her eomma's belly.
Jungkook did as he was told and that's when he heard another heartbeat.
"You're pregnant, eomma?!" Jungkook asked in an excited tone.
Shin-Hye nodded, but didn't look happy.
"Wait, why aren't you smiling? Don't you want this? You've been wanting to have another child, eomma. You should be happy about it." Jungkook said.
"W-what if it's not your appa's? W-what if it was R-rang all along?" Shin-Hye asked with a trembling voice.
"Oh, luna. You should know that your wolf will not allow another wolf to touch you but her mate. Did you ever feel that when you mated?" Jin asked and Shin-hye shook her head.
"When did it happen, eomma? I hope you don't mind me asking." Jungkook asked?0.
Shin-Hye couldn't help but turn red at his son's question. "It was on the night that you and Taehyung mated. You two were so loud that you triggered your father's rut."
Jungkook blushed and scratched his head. "I see. Then that means, it was still appa then as uncle Jin is right. Your wolf would have sensed another wolf's presence. I've been trying to figure out when Rang replaced him."
Shin-Hye felt relieveved. "It must have been beforer or after the training the next day. I can't believe I'm going to be a mother again! Jungkook! You'll be a hyung!" Shin-Hye excitedly said.
Jungkook hugged his mother tightly.
"I'm so happy eomma. Now, you rest okay? And try to think of happy things. It would be bad for the baby." Jungkook said.
"Do you want me to cook you anything?" Jin asked.
"Pumpkin soup and japchae please." Shin-Hye excitedly said.
"Okay. No need to go down, I'll bring it to you. You need bed rest. Let's not take any chances this time. You are not leaving this room until you're ready to give birth." Jin said.
"Yes, eomma." Shin-Hye teased her best friend.
"I'll pack now, eomma. I'll pass by later before I go." Jungkook said before leaving the two lunas.
"My son is so lucky to have Jungkook as his mate, luna. You did a mighty good job raising him." Jin said.
"I can say the same for you. Seeing how your three children love, support and protect each other is so heartwarming. And, Taehyung is doing that to my son too. That's how I want my children to be." Shin-Hye said.
"Now, let's just pray to the moon goddess to keep all of them safe. I still can't help but worry knowing how evil Lee Rang is." Jin said.
"Good always prevails. And remember, we have two goddesses watching over our children." Shin-Hye assured Jin.
"That's right. Everything will be okay." Jin said.