"I'm not going to be able to control it, (Y/N). I'm going to shift."
His tone is deadly serious, an intensity Bang Chan saves for only the most dire of moments.
"Bang Chan…you can fight this!"
"I can't. It's too strong."
"Just hold on a little longer."
Bang Chan turns around then, tearing off down the street, even as his body begins to twitch and grow.
"Bang Chan, wait!"
I let out a silent curse as I take off after him, trying desperately not to lose track of him amidst the crowd. A handful of people have stopped to gather around by the time I catch up to him.
"Get back…all of you."
His voice is coming out in a guttural growl now, barely restrained by willpower alone. I dart between Bang Chan and the group around him, shielding both sides with my body.
"Get back…applies to you, too." he says glaring at me.
"I can take it. They can't."
One of the stragglers still standing around makes the mistake of stepping closer toward us both.
"Is everything alright? If there's any way I can help…"
Bang Chan's growl comes from somewhere base and primal, the power flowing through it causing goosebumps to rise on my skin.
"Sir–"
"Those eyes of his don't look right."
The man places a friendly hand on my shoulder.
"If you want me to call a doctor, I…"
Before the man can finish speaking, Bang Chan's on him. With his feral strength, he hoists the man by the collar and slams him up against a nearby wall.
"Ah!" the man screams.
"Don't touch my mate."
The crowd has begun to close in now, a few taking out cellphones to record the interaction.
"She's mine. I won't allow anyone to touch her."
Bang Chan's eyes seem to glow brighter, his grip on the man tightening. The poor man starts to turn purple.
I need to do something. Now.
"Bang Chan."
I step closer to him until we're chest to chest. Warmth radiates from him, flaring like a beacon. His eyes snap to me, wild and enraged.
"Calm down, okay?"
Then, ever so gently, I flatten my palm against his chest and over his heart.
"I'm right here."
"You…you are."
"I'm right here. I'm fine."
He lowers his head to my shoulder, his breathing slowing as his weight falls against me. But his grip on the man is still tight and, just barely, I feel a low growl rumble from Bang Chan to me.
"Say you're mine, (Y/N)."
"Bang Chan, I–"
"S-someone! Call the police!"
The man's voice seems to break the spell from the crowd, and I see a few people dialling. I put my hands on Bang Chan's face, running my fingers over his sharp jaw as I pull him to look at me.
"What are you…"
And then, before he can react, I press my lips against his. Bang Chan reacts instinctively, his fingernails extending into claws as he grips onto me.
"(Y/N)."
He whispers my name, growling and low. I jolt at the sensation, but he holds me fast.
"(Y/N)… You're mine."
The bond ignites like fire, burning through us both, even as he releases his grip on the bystander.
"You're mine."
"Yes. I'm yours."
The man staggers as his feet hit the ground.
"What the hell?"
"Get out of here!"
He doesn't waste any more time, rushing off. Quickly, I pull Bang Chan away from the crowded streets into a nearby alley.
"Nngh…"
Bang Chan struggles, tearing at his clothes, clearly locked in a battle with himself. Finally, he pulls himself through it, clutching his head as he regains control.
"That man. I almost…and to an innocent person."
His eyes, now human again, find mine.
"You stopped me."
His shoulders slump forward in relief.
"Thank you."
As the vestiges of the shift fade, Bang Chan staggers backwards, nearly collapsing against the alleyway wall.
"Shit, I… It's been a long time since I've lost control like that."
"It's okay, It's–"
"Damn it!"
He slams his hand into the wall behind him, leaving a sharp crack in the concrete.
"I'm supposed to be acting like an Alpha, not some newborn pup who can't keep himself under control." he growls.
"This wasn't your fault, Bang Chan. You lost control."
"If I was stronger, I wouldn't."
"Everyone has limits. We need to focus on one thing at a time."
I glance down at his clothes. They're dirty from the fight, and torn from his episode just now.
Come to think of it, most his clothes have wear and tear. I guess it comes with the territory, but…
Just then, an idea strikes me.
"If we want to avoid attracting even more attention, you're going to need something else to wear."
Bang Chan glances down at his torn up clothes, confused.
"What's wrong with them?"
"Just come on."
It doesn't take us long to find an open clothing store. We wonder through it, pulling a few options for Bang Chan, as he studies all of the clothes with curiosity.
"Some of these should help you blend in while we're here."
Bang Chan holds up a stylish, black buttoned up shirt. It brings out his strong features.
"This one's not half bad." he says holding out the outfit.
"I bet you'd look good in that."
"You think so? It's a nice material."
He runs his hands over the shirt, looking up at me with a challenge in his gaze.
"Well, human expert, what do you think? Pick the one you like best on me…"
He takes a step toward me, a whisper of a smirk on his lips. I look at the outfit he has picked out and back at him. I look around at some possibly other choices but not of them scream 'Bang Chan' more than the outfit he picked.
"Go put this one on."
Bang Chan emerges from the dressing room with a wide smile.
"Not bad."
"You like it?"
He gives me a smirk as I look him over.
"Maybe I should be asking you that."
"Shut up?"
I give him a playful shove and he chuckles.
"You actually have good taste in clothes. You know, for a wolfy mountain man."
"Well, I do operate as a fashion consultant on the side." he jokes.
"You do?"
"No."
I let out a startled laugh.
"Come on, let's go. We can stay in here forever."
The two of us exit the store, expecting to be met once again with the sleepy comfort of the Colorado countryside. However, we're almost immediately confronted with the sound of ringing music and the distant mingling scent of peanuts and cotton candy.
"What's going on here? Is this some kind of party?"
"Oh man, with everything going on, I totally forgot. Today's the first day of the summer festival."
"Summer festival? Like a human religious ceremony?"
"You've never been to a carnival?"
"We don't have anything that resembles that."
"They're a ton of fun. I think you'd like it."
"Really?"
"I'd love to show you around, but I can't imagine it will be safe there. After all, Hyunjin's probably still looking for us."
"Actually, something like a festival could be perfect. The smells, the sounds, the people…there's no way he'd be able to track us there."
"Really? Well, in that case…"
I reach out, grabbing Bang Chan's hand.
"I guess it's time for me to finally show you a few things.
I tug Bang Chan down the street, following the growing crowd and the sounds of laughter, until we reach the festival. Countless people roam food stalls and game booths, celebrating the first days of summer.
"Whoa."
Bang Chan's eyes light up like a child's as he takes in the sights. He cocks a half smile.
"This is amazing. What are we checking out?"
"Well, I want to show you the roller coaster."
It doesn't take long for me to lead Bang Chan to the ride, and soon the two of us are at the top of the ride.
"So, what do we do now?"
"Now? Hold on tight!"
The roller coaster dips down fast and Bang Chan's eyes go wide from surprise.
"Whoa!!"
Bang Chan holds onto me for dear life as we whip around tight corners and flip upside down. I laugh. When the ride finally comes to a stop, Bang Chan turns to me with a wide, unadulterated smile.
"That was awesome."
As the two of us make our way through the festival, one of the booth workers calls out to the two of us.
"Step right up! Try your hand and win a prize."
"What's he talking about, (Y/N)?"
"Oh, booth games. Those are kind of like competitions for prizes."
"Competitions, huh?"
As the two of us make our way toward the booth, I notice a beaming couple ahead of us. A young man hands his girlfriend a small plush prize with a smile. The girl flushes. Bang Chan eyes the prize, then his eyes move to the much larger grand prizes lining the top of the booth.
"I bet I can win you one of those."
"Oh? Give it your best shot. If anyone can do it, it's you."
"Damn right."
Bang Chan makes his way to the front of the booth, handing the man a few dollars and being handed a hacky sack in return.
"All you need to do is use that hacky sack to knock over the stack of bottles we've just set up."
"Easy."
Bang Chan winds back, and with perfect aim tosses the sack with a resounding thwack into the center of the bottles. However, the bottles stand firm.
That was a perfect hit.
Bang Chan pulls a few more dollars out, once more handing them to the booth worker.
"Again."
I let my voice fall to a hushed tone, quiet enough to not let the booth worker overhear.
"Bang Chan, I think this game is rigged."
Bang Chan matches my quiet tone.
"Rigged? But the couple ahead of us…"
"They'll switch out the bottles so they don't lose too often. But I'm pretty sure those are firmly stuck in place."
Bang Chan shakes his head.
"Every contest is winnable."
"Not if someone cheats." I say with an unsure smile.
"Then you cheat harder. Watch, I'll show you."
Once again Bang Chan tries, this time with more force, and again the hacky sack bounces off.
"One more try."
This time Bang Chan winds back, concentrates for just a moment, then unleashes.
"Yah!"
The hacky sack sails through the air with blistering speed, shattering the bottles and ramming through the back of the booth.
"Holy shit!" the booth workers jaw drops.
"Did I win?"
"I uh…I suppose you did."
The booth worker reaches up, pulling down the largest prize available. Bang Chan takes it with a smirk before turning to me.
"Here. For you." He says handing me the giant stuffy.
"For me?"
"Yeah. I won it for you. After the day we've had I just…I don't want you leaving here empty-handed."
My heart warms at the earnest look in his eyes. I look down at the plushie in his outstretched hands. I take the gift with a smile.
"It's perfect, Bang Chan. Really."
"I'm glad you like it."
Bang Chan tries to hide the pride on his face, but I catch it.
"You know, being a part of your pack, getting to know you through all this… It's been great. I mean…minus the Taecyeon stuff…and the you kidnapping me bit."
"That's been most of it, hasn't it?"
"You know what I mean. Actually getting to know all of you has been nice. Still, it's nice to have a reminder like this that my old world is still here, too."
Bang Chan considers me for a moment, reaching out to run his fingers through my hair.
"Just because you're joining my world doesn't mean you have to give up on your old one."
"Yeah, I get that now. And gifts like this are a nice way of remembering that. Come on. Let's get some food."
The two of us make our way back to the heart of the festival, navigating past a few different venders.
"So, what strikes your interest?"
Bang Chan glances around, clearly out of his element.
"Truth be told, I don't recognize any of these. Are they good?"
"You've really never tried any of this stuff?"
Bang Chan shakes his head.
"In that case, you've got to try a caramel apple." I smile sweetly.
"A what?"
"It's like a sweetened apple."
He looks confused as I try and explain a caramel apple.
"But apples are already sweet." he says.
"Just...you'll have to try it."
It doesn't take long before I've bought myself and Bang Chan each a candied apple. He sniffs it suspiciously before finally taking a bite. Then, he lights up.
"Okay, this isn't half bad." he says.
"Told you!"
As I chew, I can't help but notice how still Bang Chan is sitting, and the oddly intense look in his eyes. He seems locked in on me, as though his sense are on high alert.
"Hey...is everything okay?"
My words seem to snap him out of it, and he shakes his head.
"What? Yeah, of course. I'm fine. I just..."
Before I can press him, Bang Chan grabs my hand.
"I just want to know what that big circle light machine is over there. Come on! Let's go."
He grabs my hand and pulls me to follow.
Guess I'm not getting answers out of him now.
The machine in question turns out to be a Ferris Wheel, and the two of us buy tickets just as the moon starts to rise. As the two of us load into the ride together, I can't help but notice that same rigidity in Bang Chan's movements.
"I..."
Before I can finish the thought, the ride begins to move, both of us taking our seats as we're hoisted into the air. Bang Chan looks away from me, shuffling slightly in his seat as he gazes out at the brimming sunset.
Maybe I just need to take his mind off whatever's going on.
"Bang Chan, how did you like the festival?"
"It was fun. I'm surprised how much I like it, actually."
He forces a smile as he answers, but it doesn't quite reach his eyes. The two of us sit in silence as the Ferris Wheel takes us higher and higher.
"Bang Chan...about what I saw in that memory... What happened after I left?"
Bang Chan stiffens for a moment before he shrugs, trying to keep his tone casual.
"Taecyeon found me pretty quick. He punished me then branded me an outcast. I wasn't the only one of course. A few others were cast out, too, over time. That was the start of our own pack." he begin to tell me.
"You give the pack hope." I say, trying to smile.
"I don't know about that."
"So this whole time...this whole time you've known me?"
My question is punctuated by a loud pop from outside the Ferris Wheel, the evening fireworks just starting. Still, a flash of light and sound doesn't distract Bang Chan. He keeps his gaze steady and trained directly on me.
"Yeah. I've known you this whole time." he says with sad eyes.
"And you knew about my memory? About what JYP did?" I ask curiously.
"JYP told me what he did a long time ago. He helped get you out of the forest and to safety. He's been like a second father to me ever since."
He tails off, his jaw clenching and I feel my throat tighten.
"You have been through so much."
"So have you."
His eyes darken as he stares at me, something guttural and primal responding back.
"You've been through far worse than me. Not knowing your family, not knowing yourself...but I won't let anything like that happen to you again."
The lights outside reflect off his eyes, illuminating the gold inside them like sunlight.
"I'll always protect you."
The power in his voice, the sheer determination, the loyalty...it's all so vivid that I could almost touch it. And, somehow, in the depths of my own heart, I just know that what he's saying is the truth.
How much has this man given up for me? How much has he sacrificed?
"Bang Chan...I'll always protect you, too."
Bang Chan exhales sharply.
"What?" he asks.
"I didn't know you were out there watching over me. Protecting me from afar. But now that I do...now that I know you..."
I look up into his eyes, fireworks light splashing across his stunned face.
"I'll protect you, too. Always."
"(Y/N)."
Bang Chan slips his hands into my hair. He pulls me to him and kisses me. The kiss is gentle but deep. He holds me close, and I clutch his shirt. It is a long time before we part. When we do, he presses his forehead to mine.
"I'll do my best to make sure you never have to make good on this promise." Bang Chan says caringly.
"Bang Chan...I'll do the same for you." I say staring into his eyes.
"You shouldn't have to. I'm the Alpha."
"Well, you'd better get used to it."
Bang Chan smiles, tracing the corner of my mouth with his thumb. A question surfaces in my mind.
"Bang Chan...why?"
"Why what?" He says confusingly.
"Why would you do all of this for me?"
The smile leaves Bang Chan's face. He grows serious and stiff.
"Bang Chan?"
Bang Chan stands then, a sharp glow flashing for just a moment behind his eyes. He pulls me to my feet.
"What are you--?"
As our gondola reaches the highest point of the wheel, Bang Chan opens the door and pulls me close.
"Hang on."
He jumps then, holding me tight as the two of us soar through the air and away from the Ferris Wheel.
"Whoa...I'm gonna die!"
The two of us crash down onto an adjacent rooftop, my heart practically in my throat from the sudden drop.
"Bang Chan what the fu--"
Before I can finish the thought, he leaps again, over a sheer drop to another rooftop. It's only here, once he seems certain that the two of us are away from any prying eyes or ears, that he releases his grip on me.
"What the hell was that?"
Instead of responding, Bang Chan moves in suddenly, pressing me down against the shingles of the roof. He pushes up against my neck, his lips trailing my throat as he inhales me. Our bond ignites like fire, a deep swirling sense of him pulling me towards him.
"Bang Chan...don't stop."
"Not for the world."
His breath trails over me, and something deep within me throbs with need.
"I need your scent. More than anything."
"My scent?" I asked in confusion.
"Yeah. After everything we went through last night...after shifting against my will...I don't know if I can hold myself back as much as I normally do around you."Bang Chan tells me while caressing my body.
He's normally holding himself back? How much?
"I need to scent you, (Y/N). I have to."
There's a heat to his voice, one that feels similar to the fire burning within me, the one drawing me to him.
"I know you feel it too. Don't fight it."
He rocks his hard body against me, bringing his lips to my ear.
"Let me have you."
"I'm not fighting anything."
I draw Bang Chan in against myself, letting both of us give way to our driving need.
"Yes."
His lips trail over me with teasing, gentle movement as he inhales me deeply.
"Mine."
His voice is low and primal. His eyes flash gold.
"All mine."
On his words, he buries his face in my neck, nuzzling hard enough to make me gasp.
"Bang Chan..."
Suddenly, my body grows hot. I feel his intoxicating musk wash over me, claiming me.
After shifting, his scent is even more powerful to me. God, it's like a drug.
His teeth come next, grazing my neck, sinking down just enough to feel good.
"Thank you, (Y/N)."
Bang Chan tears himself away, tangling his hands in my hair as he looks down on me.
"I needed that. More than you know." he says, still caressing my face.
"Bang Chan, you still haven't answered my question. So many years watching over me. Protecting me. Why?"
Bang Chan grits his teeth. He opens his mouth to respond... But suddenly, his phone begins to ring.
"Who is that?"
He takes a moment, shaking off the heat that's overwhelmed him before pulling out his phone.
"It's the pack. They wouldn't be calling me here unless..."
He raises the phone to his ear, going stock-still as he listens to what's on the other end. I feel his rising fury, the sense of dread and apprehension building to something explosive.
"The pack is under attack. We need to move. Now."