Chapter 4

“Hyung?” taehyun whispered to soobin as he walked through their door. He was panting really hard, almost like he just ran a marathon.

“Hmm?” soobin hummed, looking up from his book he was reading on the couch. It was late afternoon, and he’s been wondering where taehyun has been.

“We are the alphas right?”

“What kind of stupid question is that?” soobin chuckled, closing his book and using his finger to mark the page. Something was definitely up with taehyun.

“We are alphas, the top of the society, the ones who are the hunters,” taehyun muttered.

“Yes…” soobin trailed off, not understanding. Taehyun then approached closer to soobin, causing the older male to wrinkle his nose at the scent. “You smell of beomgyu. Like he practically rubbed himself all over you-”

Taehyun cut him off, his intelligent eyes looking into soobin’s. “If we are supposed to be the hunters, then why does it feel like we are their prey?”

Soobin didn't have an answer for that.

**

“Soobinnieeee,” yeonjun shouted, running up to the younger wolf. Soobin startled, clearly lost in thought and not expecting yeonjun to seek him out. Yeonjun giggled at that, finding his reaction so cute.

“Aw, did I startle you?” he cooed, reaching up to pinch soobin’s cheeks. He gasped at the softness of them and how stretchy they were.

“Hyung? Are you done yet?” soobin asked fondly, patiently waiting for yeonjun to stop playing with his cheeks and neck.

“But your skin is so soft, almost like dough soup!” yeonjun shouted with glee. He wanted to take a bite out of the alpha. Was that weird?

Yeonjun has been making a point of it to find soobin whenever he could. The stupid alpha refuses to give him the attention he craves, so yeonjun decided to grab that attention for himself.

Unfortunately, the other alphas and betas that follow yeonjun around have also taken notice of yeonjun’s obvious interest in soobin, and have been glaring behind the alpha’s back whenever he passes by.

Soobin hummed in response, walking to his class while yeonjun trailed next to him. Yeonjun felt like pouting, or kicking up a tantrum. He clearly was way more important than whatever it was soobin was thinking about, so why wasn’t he paying any mind to the omega? Yeonjun was beyond frustrated.

Touch me.

Yeonjun started to reach out for soobin’s arm, desperately craving the physical contact from him. He’s never had to beg before, and he isn't going to start now. Yeonjun is going to take what he thinks he deserves.

However, just at the last second soobin’s phone went off in his pocket, making him shift his arm to dig it out. There goes yeonjun’s chance, and he wanted to pout even more.

Soobin answered his phone, his face immediately brightening. “Ningning!! I've missed you so much! How come you haven't called me yet this week, you’re late!” soobin chastised the other person playfully.

Yeonjun froze in his spot, panic settling in his chest. Ningning? That obviously was a cute nickname, and the way soobin’s face just lit up. He’s never seen that face with him before. And they call each other regularly?

Soobin was quiet for a few moments, patiently listening. He glanced at yeonjun, giving him an apologetic smile for the interruption of their walk together. Yeonjun faked a smile back, indicating it was ok to continue the phone conversation.

“You want to visit me and taehyun? Tomorrow? Of course you can! But don't you have school too?”

Soobin waited for a response, and yeonjun could just barely hear the muffled cute voice of the other person on the line.

“Ahhh, I didnt know you guys had a day off. Well in that case of course you can stop by! You need me to pick you up at the train station?”

And with that, soobin hung up, happiness radiating all around him. He turned and smiled a gorgeous dimpled smile at yeonjun, it took yeonjun’s breath away.

It also brought forth a feeling yeonjun has never experienced strongly before: jealousy.

“Sorry hyung, I gotta go! Someone very important to me is coming over tomorrow and I have to leave right after classes to prepare. See you around!” soobin smiled at him, his eyes shining with excitement.

Yeonjun nodded, trying not to let his feelings show. “Sure thing soobinnie, I'll see you some other time.”

Soobin began to turn away, yeonjun’s face immediately falling. But then soobin stopped in his tracks, glancing back at yeonjun. A cute frown took form on his face, surprising yeonjun before he could fake a smile again. With gentle fingers, soobin reached out and caressed yeonjun’s face almost lovingly. He had a worried pout on his lips that yeonjun secretly wanted to kiss away.

“You look tired, yeonjunnie. You should get more sleep,” he noted, smoothing away the dark circles under yeonjun’s eyes. Yeonjun’s face felt like it was on fire at his touch. He wanted more of it, his wolf was whining inside of him, urging yeonjun to submit himself to the alpha.

But then soobin’s hand retreated, and yeonjun found he was missing the touch even more.

“Bye yeonjun,” soobin whispered, turning and leaving quickly with those beautiful long legs of his.

Yeonjun was in a sour mood after that.

Who the hell was ningning? Did soobin have someone precious to him this whole time and yeonjun was just too stubborn to see it? Was yeonjun so confident he could get any alpha he wanted, that he was blind to the fact that maybe there was just one alpha that didn't want him?

**

“Ningning!” soobin yelled, rushing over to the younger boy. Hueningkai noticed him, and then immediately ran right into soobin’s waiting arms. He nuzzled his face into soobin’s chest, breathing in the familiar scent and letting it calm down his nerves. Travelling by himself has been stressful for the beta wolf.

Soobin let his comforting scent wrap around the younger beta, chuckling when hueningkai clung to his arm as they walked back to his and taehyun’s apartment. He was only this clingy when he was nervous or anxious. Soobin would give it a few hours before all of that goes away and he will be back to teasing and joking with him.

“So how have things been going? I've been hearing less and less from you this semester and it breaks my fragile heart,” soobin pouted.

Hyuka laughed, softly hitting soobin’s arm. “You know how it goes...school is busy, mom is a control freak as usual, dad ignores her, same old same old.”

Soobin frowned at that. “Have they been giving you a hard time since I left and switched universities?” he was afraid their parents would put too much pressure on hyuka since he wasn't there to mediate things.

Hueningkai shook his head. “It's fine hyung. Nothing I cant handle.”

Soobin decided to let it go, not wanting to sour their reunion. It's been too long since he’s seen his precious brother. Well...step brother, but that doesn't make a single difference to the two of them.

Once soobin and hueningkai walked in to the apartment, they were greeted by taehyun. “You’re back!” taehyun shouted, him and hueningkai running and hugging. They all grew up together, so of course taehyun would be overjoyed to see their little hyuka again.

Well, he's not so little anymore….taehyun noted as he looked up into hueningkai’s eyes.

“Holy shit, hueningie. You’re a giant now!” taehyun exclaimed.

Hyuka laughed. “Oh yes, I did some growing in the months we have been apart. I'm even as tall as soobin!”

“Not so fast,” soobin interrupted. He walked up to hyuka, and indicated for him to turn around. They stood back to back, heel to heel.

“Alright, who’s taller taehyun?” hyuka asked.

Taehyun squinted his eyes. “Hmmm, sorry hyuka, soobin is still taller by an inch or two.”

Hueningkai pouted. “That’s ok! Soobin is old and done growing. I'm still young and fresh, I got a few years yet!” he laughed evilly as soobin punched him in the shoulder.

Taehyun snorted as they all spent the night together finally catching up.

**

“Hyung, you’re glaring,” beomgyu muttered. They were sitting in the library the next day, trying to get some studying done. Well, in reality yeonjun was hoping soobin would show up at the library again to read during lunch. His hunch was right (he knows pretty much all of soobin’s habits by now) but this time he wasn't alone or just with taehyun. This time, a new person showed up with them.

“Shit beomgyu, he's cute! Whoever that beta is, he’s so adorable, I want to pinch his cheeks and mother him like he’s my own child. No wonder soobin was so excited to see him,” yeonjun grumbled.

“Wait, I dont get it. You aren't jealous because he could potentially mate soobin one day, but because you aren't the one babying him?” beomgyu asked, resting his hand on the table.

Yeonjun scoffed. “Of course. Do you see his little doe eyes? He’s an innocent child that needs to be protected from everything bad in the world.”

Beomgyu sighed. “Ok, I can agree with you there. Both soobin and taehyun think the same way, it's obvious they dote on him. Kinda wish taehyun doted on me like that,” beomgyu sighed again.

Yeonjun felt slightly guilty at beomgyu’s miserable state. It was his phone call that supposedly interrupted their moment last week. Ever since then beomgyu hasn't had a chance to talk to taehyun, and his wolf was craving the alpha’s touch. It was so strong that beomgyu could feel it as a physical ache in his bones. Whenever that happens to an omega, things could get dangerous. Omegas crave touch, protection, and safety from their partners. If they get attached to someone and then get ignored, it could lead their omega into depression or fatigue to the point of basically wasting away. The thought crossed yeonjun’s mind slightly, but surely beomgyu and his omega aren't attached to taehyun and his alpha so soon, right?

Beomgyu is just feeling down because he isn't being complimented and told he’s pretty like he’s used to. This is a first time for an alpha to avoid him. He will get over it.

Right?

Yeonjun was snapped out of his thoughts when he noticed soobin and his friends walk over to their table. Immediately beomgyu perked up slightly at taehyun’s closeness.

“Yeonjunnie! Beomgyu! I'm glad you’re here. I want you to meet someone very precious to us,” soobin smiled. Clinging to his arm was the beta, looking slightly shy with all of the attention put on him. Yeonjun’s omega wanted to coo at the cute little thing.

Apparently beomgyu’s omega wanted to do the same thing, because he actually did squeal about how cute the beta was.

“This is hueningkai!” taehyun introduced him.

“Hi,” he said shyly, waving a little and leaning in closer to soobin. Yeonjun wanted to be jealous, he really did. But who could ever hate someone as adorable as this? And besides, he doesn't blame the beta for wanting to cling onto soobin for protection. Soobin has that calm and comforting aura. His presence puts anyone at ease. He doesn't need to be super aggressive and controlling to show how protective he is. He is someone who is always there in the background, ready to lend a helping hand or a shoulder to lean on when things get too tough.

“Hi, I'm yeonjun, this is my friend beomgyu. Nice to meet you!” yeonjun smiled, giggling. Just because he finds the younger boy cute, doesn't mean he isn't totally not nosy. “Soobinnie, you didn't tell me you have a cute beta as a partner!” he said, putting soobin on the spot. Beomgyu coughed, knowing exactly what yeonjun was getting at. By the way taehyun’s eyes slightly crinkled, yeonjun would bet he had caught on too.

Soobin’s eyes widened, and hueningkai spluttered next to him, dropping his arm. “Ew, partners with hyung?!” hyuka made fake gagging noises, causing soobin to hit him to shut him up. They were in a library for goodness sake.

Soobin waved his hands around frantically, making yeonjun chuckle in adoration. Everything soobin does is so adorable and soft.

“Oh god no. Ningning is my younger step brother!” soobin all but shouted.

Well….yeonjun didn't see that coming. But soobin still said ‘step’ which means they aren't related by blood. His omega was still weary of the beta.

“My dad married soobin’s mom when we were children. We’ve been living together ever since, up until hyung here switched universities last semester and moved in with taehyunnie,” hueningkai explained.

Yeonjun nodded. “Ahh, that makes sense. Sorry for misunderstanding,” he said sheepishly, ignoring the huge relief he felt.

“Us three are all like family,” taehyun added in.

“Hey, we get that. Me and yeonjun have been together since forever too,” beomgyu smiled at taehyun, causing the alpha to quickly glance away. Beomgyu frowned at that.

“How long are you visiting us?” yeonjun asked the beta. Now that there was no competition, his mothering instincts were kicking in again.

“Ah! I'm here for today and the weekend,” hyuka answered. (it was friday)

“We should all hang out then,” yeonjun grinned. “I can treat us to some ice cream if you want.”

Hueningkai gasped in delight. He turned to soobin, grabbing his arm again and jumping up and down. “Can we, can we, can we?” he said.

Soobin laughed, reaching over to ruffle hueningkai’s hair. “Of course we can, but be quiet, we are still in a library.” Hyuka nodded eagerly, making yeonjun’s heart swell up at the soft exchange.

**

After getting ice cream, yeonjun and beomgyu said goodbye outside soobin and taehyun's apartment.

“The kid is cute,” beomgyu muttered. Yeonjun had to agree.

“You and taehyun were quiet the whole time,” yeonjun noted. He didn't want to say anything, but he just wasn't used to beomgyu looking so down and out.

“I dont think he wants me,” beomgyu mumbled, leaning into yeonjun’s shoulder.

“Why not?” yeonjun asked.

“Because he’s obviously avoiding me. Maybe I came on too strong?”

“I mean, it's possible. Or maybe he thinks you weren't being serious?” yeonjun suggested. Beomgyu likes to flirt with everyone, this was no surprise.

Beomgyu was quiet for a few moments.

“Are you serious with him?” yeonjun asked gently, glancing down at beomgyu’s silver-blonde head.

“Yeah, I think I am,” beomgyu whispered. “My omega doesn't even glance at other wolves now. He only wants that nerdy, intelligent, poker-faced alpha that won't even give me the time of day,” he whined.

Well that was news to yeonjun’s ears.

Maybe, just maybe, yeonjun feels the same way about a certain tall alpha.

They both sighed, heading back home with heavy hearts.

**

Soobin was sitting at their small kitchen table late the next night, drinking a warm mug of tea. Tomorrow was sunday, hueningkai’s last day with him before he goes back home for school. To say he was a little sad was an understatement. He and hyuka have always been together, along with taehyun. It was weird being separated so much now.

But still, soobin will be strong and send hyuka off with a bright smile. It's not like they will be separated forever.

His thoughts were interrupted by the soft patter of hueningkai coming out of taehyun’s room, closing the door gently. Taehyun kicked up a fuss about soobin hogging hyuka and wanted to sleep with him this time. Soobin relented, letting the two have some time together. They were both of the same age. Taehyun was a first year university student at this university, and hyuka was a first year student back at the university soobin used to attend the prior two years. It upset hueningkai greatly when soobin switched and they couldn't attend the same school, but he supported soobin’s decision to pursue music instead of business like their parents forced him to do.

Hyuka scooted a chair out across from soobin at the table, the scent of slight nervousness radiating off of him.

“Why are you up ningning? Don't you have an early train in the morning?” soobin asked gently. To be fair, it was only like 11pm, but hyuka really liked his sleep and always went to bed kind of early.

“Can I talk to you?” hyuka said quietly, hiding his hands inside his pajama shirt sleeves.

“Of course,” soobin answered, his wolf slightly alert at the uneasiness of the beta.

“I have a confession. I wasn't really off on friday. I skipped classes and left without telling our parents.”

This surprised soobin. But he waited patiently for hyuka to finish speaking.

“It's just...hyung, can I switch to this university with you and taehyun after this semester?” hueningkai looked at soobin with such sad eyes.

“Why the sudden change of heart?” soobin asked gently. There was more to the story, hyuka never did anything so rash without a good reason. That was more of soobin’s style.

“Well...when you left home, mom and dad were furious. Mostly mom though. She...she said they don't even consider you a son to them, and they were always talking bad about you. I tried to argue with them, but they didn't listen. And the truth is... I wanted to also pursue music, you know how much I love the piano. But they forbade it, saying since you won't take over the business, then I'm to do it in your place.”

“What?” soobin asked quietly, a slow irritation building in his heart as hueningkai continued to talk. He didn't think things at home were so bad. He thought by him leaving, it would be easier on them all.

“Of course I fought them on it and argued. And then they said…” hyuka didn't finish his sentence.

“It's ok ningning, you can tell me,” soobin said softly, masking the anger that was growing like a wildfire.

“They said that if I dont go to study business in your place, they were going to force an arranged mating on you. They want an heir to take over from me later in life. They…” hyuka slightly sniffled. “They said I was just a placeholder until someone who is an alpha can lead properly. They basically said I was too weak and an embarrassment to them.”

Soobin gently set his mug down with great effort, forcing both him and his wolf to calm down. The rage was building underneath, growing to dangerous levels, but he fought it. Comforting his precious family was more important at the moment. The urge to protect was stronger than the urge to destroy.

“Oh ningning, I didnt know this was going on. Why didn't you tell me sooner when it was happening? I would have come back home and-”

“No!” hyuka shouted. Then he quieted himself down, remembering taehyun sleeping in the other room. “No, binnie. You finally are free of them. You are happy here at this university, living with taehyun and studying music. I could never ruin that. They have always shit upon you when we were growing up. You've always protected us from their anger and hurtful words. Now it was my turn to protect you instead.”

Soobin was quiet, his wolf whining at hyuka’s distress. He didn't argue, and he didn't try to convince hueningkai of anything. He merely nodded.

“If you want to switch to this college with me and taehyunnie, and you want to pursue music and play the piano, then I'll help make it happen. There is no reason why you should be forced to do something you hate merely for my sake.”

“But hyung, what about our parents-”

“Don't worry about that. I'll take care of it. You just focus on finishing up these last weeks of the semester, try your best, and then next semester we will all help you move in with us. Taehyun can even take care of all of the transferring of classes and stuff.”

Hueningkai began to tear up, sniffling a little as he scooted his chair out and flung himself at soobin. Soobin chuckled, wrapping up the beta in his arms and patting his head.

“Now go on to bed and get some sleep. I'll see you in the morning.”

Hyuka nodded, detaching himself from soobin and shuffling back into taehyun’s room.

Soobin stomped down on the anger he felt, forcing himself to remain calm just a little bit longer. For hueningkai’s sake.

**

Taehyun glanced nervously at soobin, clearly something was wrong. However, soobin was hiding it very well from hyuka.

They said their goodbyes, hueningkai giving soobin and taehyun a kiss on the cheek as he skipped happily to the train, waving as he left.

Soobin was silent the entire walk home, the rage seething, trying to escape. Taehyun waited patiently until they were behind their closed door before he asked.

“Soobin? What’s wrong?” he finally said, dreading the answer.

Soobin calmly walked over to the stove, making himself a cup of tea. But the air was permeated in his angry aura, the alpha vibes finally coming to the surface and suffocating the atmosphere. It's been a long time since taehyun has seen this happen, and the last time it did, it didn't end well.

Even taehyun would have to admit he was slightly afraid of the older alpha in that moment. But taehyun was never one to back down. He walked up to soobin and waited for him to reply.

Soobin gently stirred his mug of tea, the forced calmness making the simple action that much more deadly.

“Oh nothing,” he said softly, bringing the mug to his lips to take a sip. “Except that my mom is harassing ningning, forcing the poor boy to study something he doesn't want to do and take over the business in my place. Then mom and dad proceed to tell him how worthless he is, saying they are going to force me into an arranged mating if he doesn't listen to them and do what they say. Just my little brother getting bullied for months while I selfishly ran away to live here and do as I please.”

Taehyun sucked in a breath. He knew things weren't great in their household, he grew up witnessing it. But this was a little extreme. Taehyun also knows that if anybody messes with the people soobin cares about, his wolf goes ballistic.

Like he is right now. This is just the calm before the storm.

Soobin walked leisurely over to the couch. To anyone else it may seem like a normal thing to do, but taehyun could see the prowl and forced casualness of the gesture. He sat down, pulling out his phone.

Taehyun stayed in their small kitchen, his heart beating in his chest in nervousness.

“Hey mom,” soobin began. “Care to explain some things for me?”

To say that conversation didn't go well would be putting it lightly. Not once did soobin shout or yell. His mother screeched and argued. Then she threatened to take away all of their financial support. Basically, if soobin didn't come home, they were going to cut off his money supply for both him and hueningkai. They would be forced to work rather than go to school just to have a living. Basically, they were playing dirty, dangling all of hueningkai’s hopes and dreams on a line in front of soobin, clearly knowing he was soobin’s weakness.

Taehyun squeezed his hand into a fist, feeling helpless. This was downright rotten, and they both knew it.

Soobin hung up the phone, a dazed look in his eyes.

Uh oh.

Taehyun knows that look. He hasn't seen it in years, not since they were small children.

Soobin’s wolf was coming to the surface, his anger doubling. Being an alpha, soobin’s wolf hates to feel caged and cornered. He hates being tied down and told what to do.

Taehyun watched as soobin raised his phone in his hand, and threw it at the wall with such a calm force that it shattered into pieces. Then he took his hand and swiped the mug of tea off of the coffee table letting it break into many shards of glass.

Like before, taehyun has no idea what to do to calm soobin down. With quick footsteps, he walked to the door and closed it tight. He brought his phone up, calling the one person that came to mind.

**

Beomgyu and yeonjun were just laying around in their apartment, doing homework and watching tv. It was a comfortable silence. They liked to spend their Sundays like this, just hanging out and catching up from the busy week they had. Their dance evaluation was coming up soon, and they both were a little on edge between that and finals.

But then suddenly their quiet morning was interrupted by the sound of beomgyu’s phone going off. Beomgyu glanced up from the floor.

“Can you see who that is?” he asked yeonjun.

“God you are so lazy,” yeonjun laughed, reaching over for the phone on the coffee table.

“Someone by the name of ‘Love-of-Life-But-He’s-Just-Too-Stupid-To-Know-It’ is calling…” yeonjun laughed. Beomgyu launched himself at yeonjun, grabbing the phone out of his hand immediately.

“Obvious much?” yeonjun snickered. Beomgyu ignored him, answering the call casually, like he didn't just have a mini freak out moment.

“Hey,” he said coolly. Yeonjun snorted.

Beomgyu’s smile immediately fell, glancing at yeonjun as taehyun continued to talk. Yeonjun didn't like the sound or look of this. His wolf immediately became alert.

“Ok, ok, calm down. I'll meet you outside. Are you almost here?”

Then beomgyu ended the call.

“Everything okay?” yeonjun asked, knowing things obviously weren't ok.

Beomgyu shook his head. “I'm not sure. Taehyun was kind frantic while talking. Apparently something happened with soobin and his parents about his brother, and now soobin is losing control, destroying the apartment in a rage. Taehyun is on his way over right now.”

“Wait...did I hear that correctly? Soobin is destroying things in anger? Soft and kind soobin?” yeonjun asked, blinking the disbelief away.

“Yeah, I'm just as confused as you are too,” beomgyu said, grabbing his shoes. Yeonjun followed him out the door while worrying his bottom lip. An alpha in a rage was a very dangerous situation.

Yeonjun’s questions were answered by the look on taehyun’s face. He seemed fine, but his eyes were wide and worried. Soobin indeed was in a rage, to the point that taehyun (another alpha) had to get out of there.

“What the hell is going on?” yeonjun asked. Being omegas, their presence helped soothe taehyun’s unsteady alpha so that the other boy could get his thoughts together.

“Hyuka and soobin’s parents have always been controlling. They wanted soobin to take over their business, forcing him to study at a university of their choosing and to live at home with them. Soobin was fine with it at first, but eventually his alpha side kicked in, finally having enough of being confined. Last semester he just up and left home. I helped him transfer schools and get into the music program with me. Then he moved in to my apartment. Of course hyuka helped too. He was ecstatic that soobin was finally doing something for himself. Soobin always protected hyuka from their parent’s wrath, always taking the punishments, even for stuff that wasn't his fault. But now…” taehyun trailed off, worrying his wrist in nervousness that beomgyu quickly learned was one of his ‘tells’ about how he really was feeling.

Beomgyu carefully took a step closer to taehyun, gently tapping his hand to stop him from rubbing his wrist.

“But now what?” yeonjun asked impatiently. His omega was pacing back and forth, eager to go after the alpha and stand by his side, to help him.

“Now hyuka admitted to soobin that their parents were bullying him this whole time he was gone, and forcing him to study in soobin’s place. When hyuka tried to argue about wanting to study music instead, they threatened they would make soobin enter into an arranged mating.”

Yeonjun pursed his lips into a thin line, not liking the sound of that.

“What the hell?” beomgyu swore. “What, are we living in the 1900s here? Who does that anymore?”

Taehyun smiled weakly at beomgyu’s outrage. “I know, it's stupid. Soobin doesn't care about that, what he cares about is his little brother. There’s nothing he can do at the moment to help hyuka, and right now he’s blaming himself for all of this. His wolf finally snapped, letting the rage take over.”

“Well then he just needs an omega to calm him down. I volunteer as tribute,” yeonjun joked, giving beomgyu a look that said the alpha was his. Beomgyu held his hands up in surrender, the thought not even crossing his mind.

Yeonjun went to walk off, but taehyun quickly grabbed his wrist to stop him. His eyes were wider if that was even possible.

“No, you don't understand. Nobody can get close to soobin when he’s like this. I've only seen him this angry once before and it was downright terrifying.”

“Come on taehyunnie. It can't be that bad. Soobin is so gentle and caring, I'm sure its just a quick tantrum. Nothing I can't handle,” yeonjun said confidently with a smile.

Taehyun shook his head. “Hyung you just don't get it. Nobody does. It's true that soobin is very soft and calm, his wolf almost never gets angry or violent because they both have a very peaceful nature. But with all of that compassion comes a great urge to protect what’s important to them. When something threatens what they cherish, his wolf completely snaps and goes crazy. It happened when we were young.”

Okay, now yeonjun was listening. This is a side of soobin he’s never seen.

Taehyun continued. “Hueningkai was waiting for soobin to finish up a school activity. We were all so young. Soobin was walking back to meet up with his little brother when he saw a bunch of bullies beating the shit out of hyuka. They were making fun of him because he wasn't 100% korean. Soobin witnessed hueningkai on the ground, crying and curled in on himself. Both he and his wolf just...flipped personalities. I didn't make it until the end, but what I saw was horrifying.”

“What happened?” beomgyu whispered.

“Soobin was beating them all up. They were all unconscious, his wolf completely surfaced, his eyes completely changed. It was downright animalistic. I...think one of the boys made it out of the hospital. The other...well he can't walk anymore.”

Yeonjun sucked in a breath.

“Ever since that day, soobin has been very careful. He blames himself constantly for what happened. He’s also super strong, so he tries to handle everything with care. He’s pretty easy going, and he’s never lost his temper ever again. But we all know that deep down the rage is still there, waiting to surface in case one of us needs protecting.”

“Like now?” beomgyu guessed. Yeonjun was still quiet, his mind racing. Taehyun nodded.

“Like now." he confirmed. "He waited until hyuka left, and now he’s destroying the apartment. I don't think he’s as angry as he was when hyuka was getting beat up when we were children, but he’s still pretty pissed off. There’s nothing I can do about it. We just need to wait it out until he calms down and gets it out of his system.”

Yeonjun wanted to snort. Like he was going to let a little bit of anger scare him off.

“Taehyun, give me your key to your apartment,” yeonjun demanded.

“What? No way!” taehyun said. Yeonjun held out his hand, waiting patiently.

“Trust me on this. Just give me the key and make sure you guys stay away until I can calm his alpha down.”

Yeonjun gave taehyun such a piercing stare, the younger boy reluctantly gave up his key.

“You can stay with beomgyu at our place while I sort this out,” yeonjun said, winking at beomgyu (well, trying to wink. he still hasn't gotten that quite right). Beomgyu pretended not to see it.

Then yeonjun spun on his heel and marched in the direction of taehyun and soobin’s apartment.

**

When yeonjun arrived outside the door, all was quiet. That was never a good sign. Either soobin left, or maybe passed out? Yeonjun wasn't going to wait to find out. He turned the door knob, and with a deep breath he stupidly entered the home of an enraged alpha.

He forced himself to show no reaction at the mess before him. Glass was shattered, the coffee table was upturned, papers littered the floor, the couch cushions were thrown across the room. You name it. His shoes crunched on the stuff as he walked in and quietly shut the door.

Soobin stood in the middle of the mayhem, his chest heaving with deep breaths and his eyes glowing a soft red towards the floor. His alpha was still pissed, but it didnt seem to be as bad as taehyun described it. He didn't even react when yeonjun locked the door and stood there calmly.

Finally yeonjun spoke.

“Soobinnie?” he called out. Yeonjun watched as soobin’s red eyes slowly looked up and met yeonjun’s. He shivered from the dominance in that stare. Soobin has never looked at him like that before. Gone was the soft gentle brown, gone was the compassionate and kind eyes. Looking right at him was a mix of pure rage, hunger, want. Instead of being afraid, yeonjun’s omega secretly liked all of that attention. The fact that this alpha could be a warm and protective person to satisfy his omega’s emotional needs, but also at the same time show the dominance to prove he was strong willed and a fighter was enough reason for yeonjun and his wolf to finally accept this alpha as a mate. Yes, in the omega’s eyes this alpha was worthy of being theirs.

Yeonjun dared to do what no one should do. He took a step closer to an enraged alpha. Soobin tracked his every movement, watching quietly like a hunter would their prey.

Yeonjun took another step towards soobin, then another, until he was just a foot away.

He was about to enter the alpha’s personal space, never breaking eye contact with him to show he wasn't afraid. But then soobin’s calm and cold voice forced him to stop advancing.

“Don't,” soobin said. It was so demanding, yeonjun almost obeyed. But yeonjun obeys no one, and so he fought the command.

“Don't come closer,” soobin warned.

“Why not?” yeonjun asked stubbornly. His eyes glared right back at soobin. No one should stare down an alpha like that. But instead of getting angrier, soobin’s wolf almost seemed amused at the show of dominance from this little omega.

“Because I can feel the anger. I need time to reign it back in. I dont want to hurt you,” he whispered to the older boy.

Yeonjun snorted. “You’re not going to hurt me. Let me calm you down,” he said softly, reaching forward with his hand to touch soobin’s arm. But before he could make contact with his skin, soobin jerked back. Yeonjun wanted to whine. That was pretty much a rejection to the omega.

“You don't understand. I cant control myself right now. Whenever I get angry, there is only two things that can calm me back down. I either let the rage run dry and I destroy things or…” soobin hissed out, clenching his hands into fists.

“Or what?” yeonjun asked. His heart started beating really fast at the look soobin was giving him. He swallowed, finding his mouth dry.

“Or I need physical contact. A way to vent my feelings, someone to grab onto and ground me, someone to distract me from my rage,” he whispered, his body quivering with the primal urge to take the omega right in front of him.

Yeonjun was quiet for a few seconds, letting soobin’s words cut through the thick atmosphere. Soobin looked away, afraid he would see disgust in yeonjun’s eyes at the admission. Soobin basically just said he needed to use someone like an object to calm himself down. That was sickening to himself.

However, that was the best thing yeonjun has heard all day. This big soft alpha needs an omega to calm him down from his rage? Sign him the hell up. Without soobin seeing, yeonjun’s lips quirked up into a cocky smile. He and his wolf always did like to live on the edge. They were both bat shit crazy.

“I can be that someone for you,” yeonjun said in the quiet apartment. He was trying like hell to contain his excitement. What would it feel like to have soobin’s hands all over him? To have soobin finally pay attention to him like he’s always wanted? To have all of that dominance and possessiveness directed towards him? It made his body flare up with a strong need he’s never felt before.

Soobin shook his head stubbornly. Yeonjun wanted to growl at that. “I can't ask that of you. You deserve so much better. I don't want to hurt you. I can get very rough, maybe even marking you,” soobin argued.

Even better, yeonjun thought.

Then he took another step closer, entering soobin’s personal space. Soobin’s nostrils flared at the strong heady scent of cinnamon and spice. A growl started to rumble from his throat, warning the omega that he’s crossing a thin line.

Yeonjun ignored the growl, his lips curving coyly. Soobin wanted to wipe the smirk off of him, preferably with his own lips. Yeonjun took another slow step until he was so close soobin could feel his warmth. Still looking into soobin’s eyes, yeonjun reached for the alpha’s arm again, this time soobin letting him touch him. That made yeonjun’s wolf puff up with pride. It was a big honor being allowed in an alpha’s personal space when they were out of control. Yeonjun’s fingers softly caressed his skin, and soobin held his breath, not daring to move a muscle. Then yeonjun stepped even closer so that they were chest to chest, his fingertips slowly trailing up soobin’s arm. He licked his lips, drawing soobin’s attention to them.

“Yeonjun...you need to stop,” soobin tried to say in finality, but even he was starting to lose his resolve.

“Make me,” yeonjun smiled, letting his hand wander up and around soobin’s shoulder to the back of his neck.

“Don"t say I didnt warn you,” soobin growled out, finally losing control.

He moved so fast, yeonjun didn't even see it coming. He blinked and the next thing he knew he was slammed against the wall so hard, all of the breath left his lungs. A few of the hanging pictures rattled from the force, but yeonjun didn't have a chance to look because then soobin was pinning him to the wall with his entire body.

Yeonjun glared at the alpha, his dominant streak coming out. His wolf couldn't help but enjoy a fight. If this alpha wanted his submission, he was going to have to earn it. That only seemed to spur soobin and his wolf even more in their rage-induced state.

“Hey, a little bit of a notice next time would be nice-mmph," yeonjun started to mouth off, but soobin soon shut him up. He kissed yeonjun with such force that the older’s head banged against the wall slightly. However, yeonjun didn't notice nor care. He kissed soobin back while at the same time his hand was pushing soobin’s shoulder to get the alpha off of him. What can he say? His omega liked to play hard to get, it was just part of his nature.

Soobin was way stronger than he let others believe. Despite yeonjun’s struggling, he didn't budge an inch. Still kissing his pouty lips, soobin grabbed yeonjun’s hand that was pushing on his shoulder and pinned it to the wall by his head. Yeonjun gasped at that, his breath coming out in puffs against soobin’s lips. Then soobin took his other hand and gripped yeonjun’s chin, angling his head so that he could kiss him deeper. He licked yeonjun’s bottom lip and then wasted no time slipping his tongue inside, making yeonjun moan out. He and his omega still didn't give up though. His tongue battled soobin’s for dominance, the two alternating between biting and sucking on each other’s lips and tongues.

This kiss wasn't anything that yeonjun has experienced before. It was rough but then gentle, and then rough again. Soobin left him dizzy and wanting more. Soobin’s scent was intoxicating, a mix between rage and want. It was all for yeonjun, all of that hunger and possessiveness was all for him. Yeonjun moved his free hand up and into soobin’s hair, wrapping his fingers into the silky strands and yanking harshly. But whether he was trying to push soobin away or pull him closer he will never know. All he knows is that soobin’s lips tasted incredible and he never wants this kiss to stop. He wants more.

Soobin growled into yeonjun’s mouth, unlocking his lips from yeonjun’s and trailing down his jaw. Yeonjun whined at that, yanking soobin’s hair to make him come back, but soobin resisted, chuckling as he kissed yeonjun’s neck all the way down to his collarbone. Yeonjun leaned his head back against the wall, his eyes glazed over and half lidded in desire as he gave soobin more access to his body. Soobin’s hand gripped his wrist even tighter against the wall, finally sliding his palm up to connect and intertwine their fingers now that yeonjun stopped fighting him somewhat.

It wasn't enough. Everything soobin was giving him still wasn't enough. He wanted more. He wanted to be greedy and selfish. His wolf urged him to get closer.

“Come back here,” yeonjun growled out, pulling soobin’s head back up so that he could kiss those pouty lips again. This time soobin didn't resist, letting the omega bite his bottom lip and force his tongue back inside his mouth. Soobin's wolf enjoyed yeonjun’s bossy nature, finding it refreshing. He wasn't meek or submissive, Yeonjun was demanding and confident. Soobin’s wolf respected yeonjun for not being afraid of them in their time of need.

Yeonjun took what he wanted without remorse, licking and tasting soobin however he liked. It drove soobin crazy, and soon he found his hands travelling down yeonjun’s sides and gripping his thighs. Yeonjun wasted no time wrapping his long legs around soobin’s waist, soobin pushing him even harder into the wall. They were both very turned on, causing yeonjun to get a bit daring and grind against soobin. Soobin growled out, but yeonjun swallowed it with another forceful kiss. His hands roamed all over his body, not leaving an inch untouched. He gripped the back of soobin’s shirt, pushing the alpha closer if that was even possible.

Soon soobin’s rage was completely gone, nothing but desire for yeonjun overwhelming his senses. He was in a daze, his lips never leaving the omega’s skin. His fingers dug so harshly into yeonjun’s thighs that they would leave bruises again. His teeth scraped against yeonjun’s neck leaving marks, and yeonjun’s lips were swollen from him biting and tugging on them. They were both panting, the kisses becoming messy and sloppy. Soobin looked no better. He would bet that there was going to be slight scratch marks on his back later.

It got so bad between the two, the desire so potent, that soobin found himself licking the junction between yeonjun’s neck and shoulder. He was moments away from doing something they both couldn't take back. His teeth began to scrape harshly on the soft skin, yeonjun’s moans filling his head. Yeonjun’s omega was urging him on, begging the alpha to finish what he was starting. To finally bite and claim them.

Soobin was going to do it, the animal side of him not giving a damn that he was somewhat forcing himself onto the omega- to win him over like he was a prize. His teeth began to sink into yeonjun’s shoulder, just barely, making yeonjun gasp.

Soobin doesn't know how he did it. He doesn't know how he was able to bring back control to his senses. But he managed to stop himself before permanently claiming yeonjun as his.

In another blink yeonjun was panting against the wall, his shirt falling off his shoulder, his skin marked all over and his lips red and swollen and spit slicked, but there was no soobin with him. He just managed to coherently see soobin step away from him, making a quick escape out of the lust-filled room, the door slamming behind him.

Yeonjun’s omega was crushed at the rejection. It was almost as if the alpha didn't want to claim them. Tears threatened to burn behind yeonjun’s eyes, his emotions raging all over the place.

What the hell just happened?

Was he really not good enough to claim?

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