I stare Bang Chan down in the packhouse hallway, unsure if I can believe my own ears.
"I can't let you sleep alone. Seungmin almost killed you last night. You'll sleep in my room. In my bed."
In his bed?
Bang Chan takes a step closer, hot spring water still dripping from his hair. His hand reaches for mine.
"What's going on here?"
Bang Chan pulls his hand back as Felix walks up the stairs toward me, his eyebrows raised.
"It's fairly late to be soaking wet. Did you two fall into the hot spring by chance?" he giggles.
"We might have taken a dip." I giggle back.
"Caught in the act."
The giant man that suddenly appears at Felix's side holds out a hand to me.
"We haven't formally met. I'm Changbin. Felix's mate."
"I claimed him. Not the other way around."
Changbin nods with a bashful smile. I shake his hand.
"Nice to meet you." I smile.
"Is Seungmin secure in the barn?"
"Yep."
A pretty woman skips up the stairs, alongside O.de.
"Gave O.de and I a run for our money but he's secure in a cell."
"(Y/N), this is Yeonwoo, my better half."
Yeonwoo winks at me as O.de gives an introduction.
"We'll meet tomorrow to decide what to do with Seungmin. You should all get some sleep."
Changbin escorts Felix down the hall. Yeonwoo turns to leave, but stops. She hands Bang Chan a paper bag.
"Oh, here is what you requested from my little jaunt to town."
"Thank you, Yeonwoo."
She skips off with O.de. Suddenly, I'm alone with Bang Chan again. I eye the door to my old bedroom.
"That went smoothly. Looks like you're starting to fit in here."
"Well, I owe it all to my natural charm."
"Is that what you'd call it?"
"Yes. And what will help me be even more charming is a good night's sleep, so–"
I reach for my bedroom door, but Bang Chan's hand closes over mine faster than the speed of light.
"Nice try. But my word is final. You're sleeping with me."
"That's a terrible come-on."
"Not a come-on. A necessity. Besides…"
Bang Chan laces his fingers with mine and tugs me close. I feel heat radiate off him as he smirks.
"You're still my prisoner, aren't you? You'll go where I tell you to go." Bang Chan says seductively.
I flush, completely lost for words. With a winning grin, Bang Chan tugs me down the hall. We climb several flights of stairs until we reach a long hallway with a door on the end.
"This is me."
He leads me inside. I stare at the large room. A roaring fire casts an orange glow over the high beams.
"This room is stunning." I say with wide eyes and a huge smile.
"You think so?"
"Yeah. You've been holding out on me."
I drift past the fireplace, and find something out of place lying in the corner; A small, burnt backpack.
"What's this?"
Bang Chan's eyes fall on the backpack. A shadow crosses over his face.
"Nothing."
He quickly shoves it out of sight.
"Sorry if that was personal."
"It's not personal, it's just clutter."
Bang Chan holds up the paper bag he was handed.
"Enough about that stupid bag. Take this one instead. It's for you."
"For me?"
I take the paper bag and open it. Inside are silky pajamas.
"I had O.de and Yeonwoo pick this up when they were in town. I thought you might like something more comfortable to sleep in."
"This is– thank you."
"You can thank me by wearing them. Enjoy them."
Bang Chan gestures at the bathroom connected to his room and I step inside, sifting through the bag.
"Did Yeonwoo pick this out?"
"I may have given her some…instructions."
Through the crack in the door, I catch a hint of color on Bang Chan's face. He rubs the back of his neck.
"I just told her you'd look good in black. That's all."
After throwing them on, I turn and look at myself in the mirror, and my breath nearly catches. The black lace spills off of my curves as if it's made of liquid.
I've never worn anything like this before.
"So? Do you like it?
"Yeah."
The words leave my mouth almost automatically. I catch the curl of a smile on Bang Chan's face through the crack in the door.
"I mean, I don't know. You tell me."
I step out of the bathroom and Bang Chan turns to face me. All of his cocky composure is wiped away the second he sees me.
"Wow. (Y/N), you look…"
He takes his time looking me up and down, his mouth parted almost in awe.
"That looks like it was made for you."
"I guess you know my style better than I do. Thank you."
Tearing my eyes away from Bang Chan's, I step back into the bedroom, looking around.
"So, is there a pull-out bed or cot or something?"
"No. There's just my bed."
"Just your bed? But where will I sleep then?"
"On my bed. Like I said."
Bang Chan pulls off his shirt and unbuckles his pants, stripping down to his boxers.
"Listen, I know we're getting along better, but–"
"Don't worry. I'm not sleeping in the bed with you."
"You're not?"
"No. I'll be sleeping by the door."
Sure enough, Bang Chan gets down on the ground and sits with his back against the door.
"Can't have another incident like last night."
"So you're going to be my guard dog?"
"You treat me like a dog half the time anyway so I don't see what the problem is." he says sarcastically.
"I don't treat you like one, you act like one. Like a possessive hound with his favorite bone."
Bang Chan raises an eyebrow.
"I thought you didn't want to share a bed with me?"
"I didn't say that exactly. You'd be able to protect me just as well from the bed, that's all I'm saying."
Bang Chan stands up, his lean, athletic body casting a long shadow as he takes a step toward me.
"Do you want me to sleep next to you, (Y/N)?"
He steps closer, a heated challenge lurking in his eyes. He bends down, his hands on the mattress.
"Just say the word."
I stare at Bang Chan as if I'm dreaming with him there leaning over me.
"Bang Chan…sleep in bed with me."
"Are you sure?"
"Yes. I'm sure."
I climb into the bed and pull the covers back for Bang Chan. He takes one last look at the door.
"It'll be fine. And to be totally honest…I've gotten used to you being nearby the past few days."
"Yeah?"
Bang Chan slips into the bed beside me, the hard angles of his body dipping in the moonlight.
"I've gotten used to you, too."
He slides in next to me under the sheets. Our bodies touch, and our true mate bond hums. I slide an arm around his torso and nuzzle my face in the crook of his neck. Bang Chan groans on contact, the bond between us burning bright.
"Are you comfortable?"
"Very."
"Yeah. I could say the same."
Breathing in his vanilla scent, listening to his heartbeat, it's easy to drift off. Bang Chan shifts slightly closer and we both close our eyes to finally rest. As I drift to sleep, I'm met with my terrifying, familiar nightmare. The smell of smoke and blood. The crackle of flame. Someone screams my name.
"(Y/N)!!"
Suddenly, for the first time in my life, an image appears.
This place…
Flames lick the canvas of hundreds of makeshift tents…tents I recognize.
This is my father's pack.
"(Y/N)!"
I'm running. Someone is dragging me along. I turn to see Taecyeon chasing after me.
"(Y/N)!"
Then, I hear myself scream…
"Let me go!"
What?
I tug on the hand, trying to break free from the person pulling me. Taecyeon reaches for me–
"(Y/N)!!!"
I gasp awake, back in Bang Chan's room once more, panting for air.
"(Y/N)?"
I'm on my back on Bang Chan's bed, and he hovers over me, concerned and so close. My cheeks are wet. Tears spill from my eyes and I realize I'm sobbing.
"(Y/N), I'm here, it's alright." he says holding me tight.
"Please don't worry about me. I'll be okay. I just get these nightmares or–or memories–agh, I don't know what they are…"
I break down in tears, pressing my palms to my eyes. Bang Chan gently pulls my hands away.
"You think it was a memory?"
"I don't know…"
"What did you see?"
Bang Chan moves beside me, his fingers brushing my tears away.
"Tell me. Maybe I can help."
He leans closer, his thumb stroking my cheek.
"Please. Let me try to help you."
I think it's finally time to tell him about my dreams.
"I've had this dream…or this nightmare…my whole life. It's pitch black, and someone screams my name."
"Pitch black?"
"Yes. Until tonight. Tonight, I saw Taecyeon's encampment. It was in flames, and he–"
A shiver runs up my spine.
"He was chasing me. It felt so real."
Bang Chan's brow furrows. He inches closer to me.
"What do you mean?"
"It almost felt like a memory in a way. He was calling me, chasing me, but someone was pulling me in the other direction…"
Bang Chan brushes a strand of hair away from my face.
"It was just a dream."
He holds me tight, comforting me.
"But the flames actually felt hot. They burned." I tell him looking down at my hands.
"I know how it felt. But you're safe. You're right here with me."
I shake my head.
"You're here. Feel me."
Then, Bang Chan pulls me close, pulls me into his chest.
"Feel me. And know that you're safe."
Giving in, I press my face into Bang Chan's chest.
"That's it. Just feel me."
Bang Chan strong arms wrap around me tight, and he strokes my hair.
"You're right here with me."
"Bang Chan…"
I whisper his name, almost like a plea, against his chest. His grip tightens. The steady beat of his heart slowly calms my own.
"You're safe. Nothing will hurt you while I'm here."
"Thank you."
Bang Chan brushes his lips over my temple and continues to stroke my hair.
"Just sleep."
Finally, I close my eyes, letting sleep take me once again. But seconds later, I hear a pounding on Bang Chan's door.
"What?" Bang Chan sighs and howlers.
Felix immediately barges in.
"Alpha, Seungmin broke out of his cell. He's talking to the pack, trying to incite a riot."
"What?!"
"Let's go before he causes more trouble." Felix urges.
The three of us head downstairs, where Seungmin has gathered a large crowd around him. Yesterday's bloodstains still linger on him, and a crazed light shines in his eyes.
"We've suffered several hits the past few days and it's clear where it all started."
Seungmin jabs a finger at me.
"Hey…I'm just as upset about all of this as you." I glare at him with tears.
"Sure, shed those fake tears. You're not as good an actor as you think." he growls.
"None of this is her fault, Seungmin." Bang Chan jumps in.
"Don't tell me that. Tell your pack."
I look out at the countless faces before me; Han and I.N, Yeonwoo, Changbin…they all look beaten down and exhausted.
"We don't exactly feel safe anymore…" Yeonwoo says nervously.
"It's not just (Y/N). You're not as sharp and ruthless as you used to be, Bang Chan."
"Yeah. We need an Alpha with teeth."
Murmurs ripple through the crowd as all eyes land on Bang Chan and I.
"Are you still our Alpha? Maybe it's time to give the honor to a stronger wolf. A wolf like me."
Seungmin puffs his chest out with a smirk and several people in the crowd clap for him.
"Hey, Bang Chan as done more than you know."
"(Y/N), stop. You don't have to do this." Bang Chan tells me.
"She shouldn't do it. Because she doesn't have a leg to stand on."
More of the pack turns toward me, many of their eyes angry and defensive.
They're listening to him.
"Taecyeon's pack has broken into our territory again and again." Changbin says.
"Right. Doesn't it make sense that his daughter would be spying for him?"
"Spying?!" I blurt.
I couldn't believe the things he would say to try and convince them.
"Enough!"
Bang Chan's growl rips through the air, reverberating with power.
"(Y/N) is my mate. She's not a spy."
"Let the traitor speak for herself."
Seungmin sneers, pointing at me. The packs' eyes burn into me from all sides. I'm glued to the spot. A few take a step back, confusion, fear, and anger, warring on their faces as they whisper to one another.
"I just don't know if we can trust her." Yeonwoo says.
"She's not a traitor. She's mine. She's pack."
The word "pack" rockets through me. Bang Chan stands tall as he speaks, his confidence palpable.
"Pack? She hasn't committed to this pack. Where's her loyalty?" Seungmin asks.
I turn to the pack, locking eyes with each member as I stare them down. Even Felix looks suspicious.
"Are you with us, (Y/N)? Or against us?" he asks.
This is it. I need to prove my loyalty to the pack.
"I know it didn't seem like that in the beginning. But I want to learn about who I am, what I am. And I…"
I look back at Bang Chan, then to Han and I.N, and to the other friends I've made.
"And I trust you all. I do. I want to be part of this pack."
A ripple of amazement travels through the crowd like a wave. Many of the pack whispers.
"You're lying." Seungmin blurts out.
"Let her talk, Seungmin." Bang Chan bites back.
"Don't you want her to be part of the pack, Seungmin?" Little I.N asks with scared little eyes.
"She's part of Taecyeon's pack. There's no way she can be loyal to ours."
"Then let me prove it. I want to show you all that I mean it, just tell me how."
The tide turns, and the gathered pack smile up at me, energized by my words. Seungmin huffs, but Bang Chan growls and cuts him off.
"You heard her. She's trying. Maybe you should, too."
Seungmin grabs my arm, his grip painfully tight. Bang Chan snarls but stops short when Seungmin speaks.
"You have to choose, Bang Chan. Her or this pack."
Bang Chan's eyes narrow dangerously.
"It sounds like you're making me decide between (Y/N) and you."
"I'm your beta. Your right hand. I speak for the pack."
It's as though time stands still as the two men face off, anger and fury clear on their faces. Finally, Bang Chan opens his mouth to speak.
"(Y/N). I choose (Y/N)."
The crowd murmurs. Bang Chan strides forward, freeing me from Seungmin's grip as he gets close to his face.
"Seungmin, you have undermined me as Alpha. You have deviated from my explicit orders. And you tried to kill my mate."
At this revelation, the pack erupts with shock. Their angry eyes turn to Seungmin.
"Is…is that true, (Y/N)?" Han asks worriedly.
"Yes…he tried to kill me in my sleep."
I show the bruise marks on my neck to the gathered pack. Outrage erupts through the crowd. Bang Chan straightens, putting me behind him as he raises his voice.
"Seungmin. By the ancient laws set for all shifters, you're hereby banished from my pack."
The room grows deadly silent.
"You…you're not serious." Seungmin says in shock.
"I am."
Seungmin takes a step back, his eyes wide with fury and shock.
"Now, get out of my sight."
Seungmin staggers, the gathered crowd moving away from him, turning their backs.
"F-fine. Let me get my damn things."
"Would you have done the same for me? For (Y/N)?"
Seungmin growls, baring his teeth, then backs away.
"Okay, I don't need them. Just like I never needed a weak Alpha like you."
Bang Chan's eyes flash with hurt, but his face hardens as he stands firm. Seungmin begins to stalk off, heading straight for the doors.
Bang Chan will have a hard time living with himself if he ends things like this. Maybe I will, too.
"Bang Chan, let him get his things."
Seungmin spins around to face me, eyes flashing. Bang Chan raises his eyebrows in confusion.
"I'm the one he tried to kill. And I think it's okay."
Everyone watches me in silence, but I see the small smiles of approval on some of the pack members' faces.
"Alright. Seungmin, make it quick. O.de, Felix, Lee Know, escort him to his room."
The three stand at attention and bring Seungmin upstairs. I feel Seungmin's eyes on me as he disappears. After Seungmin leaves for good, Bang Chan turns to the rest of the pack, challenge in his gaze.
"Anyone else have a problem with (Y/N)?"
Mute, the others shake their heads and shuffle out of the room. Once they're all gone, Bang Chan's shoulders sag in relief. He turns to me.
"Are you okay?"
"Yes. That could have been worse."
"Yeah. I suppose it could have ended in bloodshed."
Bang Chan bows his head, his arms crossed.
"Listen. I think we should get some of your things. Since you're officially loyal to our pack I should treat you less like a prisoner and more like a guest."
"It's about time you trusted me." I say sarcastically.
"That was my bad. I'll make it up to you now, though."
"I…thank you. I'd love to go into town and get some things." I smile.
"Good. Let's go."
The two of us leave for town before the sun is high in the sky. A little over an hour later, we're walking the streets I once called home. The locals pass us by, happily going about their days, oblivious to everything going on with the shifters.
In some ways, it's nice to be somewhere familiar again. But in other ways it feels wrong. No one here has any idea about the packs.
"What's with the sad look on your face?"
"It's just that…I don't belong here anymore. I mean, now I know that I probably never did, but it makes me sad in a way."
"You don't belong here. But you do belong with us."
"You think so?"
Suddenly, we pass a dilapidated townhouse. One I recognize. I stop in my tracks, a pit of dread falling into my stomach along with the memories of past grief.
"(Y/N)? What's wrong?"
That's…one of the foster homes I lived in. The worst one.
"Did you…did you live here?"
I don't answer. Bang Chan steps over the fence and walks closer to the house.
"What are you doing?"
"I want to see it."
He turns to me, his eyes glinting gold for a moment as he takes me in.
"I want to know everything about you, (Y/N). Good and bad."
"Because I'm your mate?"
"No, not because you're my mate."
His expression turns serious and he holds his hand out to me.
"Mate, friend, something else…I just want to know you, (Y/N). What happened here?"
I look away from him and stare at the house.
"This is…the worst foster home I ever lived in. And the one I stayed the longest in."
I take Bang Chan's hand and step over the fence, into the yard I once knew.
"So, this is where I'd play…at least when we were allowed to."
"What were you doing most of the time?" he asks.
"Chores. I've scrubbed every inch of this shitbox ten times over. And if I refused…"
I look down at the dead leaves beneath my feet."
"I can still feel where they hit me."
Bang Chan stares at me in shock. He turns to the front door with snarl, lunging for it.
"Whoa, what do you think you're doing?"
"You deserve revenge."
"They don't live here anymore. They're long gone."
I pull Bang Chan back and he bows his head, shaking with fury.
"I'm sorry, (Y/N). I can't imagine growing up so alone, separated from your pack. Especially as a shifter. We're designed at a biological level to move together."
"Yeah, well maybe I can be in a pack now." I say with a smile.
"Yes. If you'll have us."
Bang Chan takes my hand, squeezing once.
"Thank you for showing me this. I know it wasn't easy."
"Thank you for wanting to see it. For…for wanting to know me."
We both wander down the main street, until we come to the dojo.
"Home sweet home. Not that you haven't been here before, you kidnapper."
Bang Chan smirks at my teasing. Then, his eyes grow dark as he looks past me.
"What's wrong?"
"Someone's here."
With a growl, Bang Chan grabs my waist and pulls me behind him. Only then do I notice that the lock on the door has been broken open.
"I'll take care of it."
I push by Bang Chan and charge through the door without hesitation.
"(Y/N), wait! The scent, it's–"
"Hyunjin?"
Hyunjin is leaning languidly against a wall, teasingly. And there, standing beside him, is Jooe.
"(Y/N)! Welcome home!"
Jooe smiles brightly as she turns to face me. Hyunjin smirks when my eyes lock with his.
"Yes, (Y/N). Welcome."
"Jooe…get away from him."
"What? Why? Hyunjin was just telling me how close you two have gotten."
"Jooe's been so sweet. You never told me how cute she was, (Y/N)." Hyunjin says making Jooe laugh.
"Oh, stop."
My stomach lurches in disgust as I begin to rush forward. But Hyunjin's faster. Before I can even take two steps, he smiles wide and grabs Jooe by the hair.
"Ah!"
"Jooe!"
He gives a sharp tug until Jooe is flush against his body, a single hand snaking up and around her throat. He gives me a sickly sweet smile as Jooe struggles against his supernatural strength.
"I've been waiting so long, my darling mate."
"Let the girl go, Hyunjin. She has nothing to do with this."
"Hm. No. I love a little appetizer before the main course."
"Hyunjin…let her go. Now." I growl.
"Is that a threat? How cute." he chuckles.
His grip tightens on Jooe, and she cries out.
"Bastard!" Bang Chan yells.
With a snarl, Bang Chan lunges at Hyunjin, forcing him to let Jooe go as they tumble to the floor.
"Jooe, over here!"
She runs to me, embracing me for a moment before I put myself between her and the two men. Hyunjin uses his unnatural strength to slam Bang Chan to the floor, his clawed hand around Bang Chan's throat.
"I've been waiting to kill you for a very, very long time."
Bang Chan gasps, scratching at Hyunjin's hand as his airway is cut off.
"Pity it's so easy."
As Bang Chan struggles helplessly, something bubbles inside me like a storm. Panic and fear and rage churn into a cyclone.
"Get off him!"
I surge forward, shoving Hyunjin with both hands. I expect it to leave no more than a dent. But Hyunjin flies back and smacks the far wall hard, his body indenting the plaster. Jooe gasps and Bang Chan stares at me in shock.
"Wh-what?"
A strange heat flows through my veins. My heartbeat is impossibly loud in my ears as the storm rages inside me.
"I feel strange. What's…what's happening to me?"
"(Y/N)...you're transforming." Bang Chan tells me. "You're shifting into a wolf."