Bathed in the crimson glow of the red moon, Bang Chan stares me down.
"What did you just say?"
"You heard me, (Y/N)."
Something is drawing me closer to him. Something primal.
"When a red moon rises, the desire, the need to mate is stronger than ever."
He moves closer, his body sweat slick and virile against the red moon's light.
"Do you feel it? Because I do. I want you, (Y/N)."
His confession rings in my ears.
"I want you, too, Bang Chan."
"You do?"
Bang Chan moves toward me, each step deliberate and slow. Like a wolf stalking his prey.
"I never thought I'd hear you say that."
He prowls toward me, backing me up against a tree, holding me in place. When he is just inches away, his eyes blaze with a heat that I've come to crave.
"Your move, my mate."
God, I want him.
I reach out and brush my fingers over Bang Chan's sloping abs, drawing my hand higher and higher...
"(Y/N)–"
My name is hot on his lips. He braces himself against the tree, ripping into its trunk without thinking.
"I can't hold back. And I don't think it's entirely because of the red moon."
Bang Chan kisses me then. Blistering passion ignites within me as he claims me with his lips, his tongue...he rakes hands through my hair, searching my eyes with a ravenous hunger.
"What am I going to do with you?" he smirks.
"You could take my clothes off."
"Now, that's an idea."
Bang Chan smiles and leans in slowly. He kisses me, his tongue reaching deep, exploring me until I soften beneath him. I feel him gather up the fabric near my stomach and skate it over my breasts. I raise my arms and he guides it off my body.
"Wow."
I stand perfectly as Bang Chan studies my bare chest in the red moonlight. His arresting eyes rove over my skin, taking in every inch of me as my heart pounds. He strips off his own leather facets, until he stands shirtless before me.
"(Y/N)...you're fucking beautiful."
The sincerity in his voice catches me off guard.
"You're like no one I've ever met before."
"Is that a good thing?" he asks.
"Yeah. I think it is."
Wrapping his hands around the small of my waist, Bang Chan pulls me close. Our bond ignites as his chest rubs against my tender nipples. I moan softly into his mouth as he kisses me. Searing desire courses through my veins. I rock against Bang Chan, feeling the steal of his erection.
"Bang Chan–"
"Shh."
Bang Chan slides down my neck, my collarbone, kissing me just above the swell of my breasts. His wolfish tongue dances across my skin, leaving that mind numbing trail of pleasure in its wake.
"Fuck. You taste so good."
His hands slide up my bare torso, over my ribs, inching ever closer to my exposed chest.
"I need more."
Bang Chan bends, his spellbinding tongue flicking out, just a breath away from my aching nipples.
"I need you, (Y/N). Right now."
"Do it. Please."
On my word, Bang Chan kisses me again, and I lose myself in him. His fingers skim up my stomach, over my ribs, and he cups my breasts. A small sound escapes me.
"You like that?" He asks in a low tone.
"Mmm...yes." I moan.
"Thought so."
Smiling, he pushes his hands further up, his fingers barely brushing against my taut nipples. I gasp. Then, he brings his mouth down hard over my breast. I arch my back as Bang Chan's tongue swirls around my nipples, sending explosions of pleasure through my supple body.
"Yes. God, yes."
The contact is like nothing I've ever dreamed of. Swirling currents of pleasure washing over and under my flesh. With a ravenous growl, Bang Chan travels to my other breast, dragging his tongue hard over me before sucking down with force. I dig my hands in his hair, throwing my head back in ecstasy. A low rumble sounds in his throat, and I feel his teeth graze my flesh.
"(Y/N), let me mark you here."
His eyes glint gold, his voice one octave away from an Alpha command. He runs his teeth gently over my breasts, straining for control.
"Let me make you mine." he whispers.
"Bang Chan...mark me. Make me yours." I beg in a moan.
"Yeah?"
"Yes. Don't stop."
Bang Chan reaches up, tugging my hair, arching my back to perk my breasts for him. His teeth find purchase there, strong yet gentle, scraping along my most sensitive parts.
"Bang Chan..."
He sucks hard then, sending a wave of pleasure through me as he pulls me in with lips and teeth.
"Fuck."
He moves across my chest, leaving desperate marks of ownership all over my flesh with bruising passion. My vision blurs with the pleasure of him, as he treads the line between discomfort and bliss.
"Yes. Mine."
And that's all I want to be is his. All his. Bang Chan breaks away then, admiring the splashes of color all over my flesh.
"Are you okay?"
"Yes. More than okay."
"Leave it to me to have a girl like you for a true mate."
"You know you like it."
" Do I? You never follow her Alpha's rules..."
He pulls me to him, his breath hot on my lips.
"And you come with a hell of a lot of danger." He grins.
"You don't strike me as the type to shy away from a little danger." I smile back.
"No? Maybe you're right."
I can feel his cock strain beneath his pants.
"Maybe I crave it."
With a move I never saw coming, Bang Chan throws me off balance and I topple to the ground. He pins me there, his body long and lean over mine. Our bond flares with the weight and heat of him on top of me.
"Got you." he raises an eyebrow with a grin.
"Is this payback of some kind?" remembering the dojo.
"I would call it more of a reward."
Bang Chan reaches down, skating his fingers over my parted thighs. I gasp. When he reaches my damp panties, he runs his fingers up and down, teasing me, so close to my aching bud.
"Bang Chan–"
I close my eyes, arching my back against the feeling of him there. The heat from our bond threatens to burn white hot.
"Is this okay?" he asks gently.
"Mmm...I could use some convincing."
"Oh, yeah?"
Bang Chan wedges a finger beneath my waistband, teasing me with his fiery touch. I bury my face in his shoulder and swear.
"Do you need more convincing?" he groans.
"No. No, I'm sure, Bang Chan."
"So am I."
Bang Chan brushes lightly over my center–wet and throbbing for him. I grip his shoulders, grinding myself against him.
"(Y/N)..."
Bang Chan pierces me with his scorching eyes.
"I want to sink my fingers inside you."
He growls into my hair, his hands hot and promising between my legs.
"I want to feel you. As deep as I can possibly go. After so long...I need to feel you." He groans.
"Please. Make me feel good, Bang Chan." I beg.
"Really? You sure?"
I wrap my arms tight around his neck and raise my hips to meet his hand.
"Yes. I'm sure."
He leans down and his tender lips meet mine. His tongue slips into my mouth and he kisses me until my thighs soften. Then I feel him press the tip of his two big, warm fingers slowly into me. I gasp into his mouth.
"Tell me how it feels."
"You feel really big." I moan as I pull him closer.
"Yeah? Are you saying you can handle me?"
He crooks his fingers up, a shock of pleasure rocketing through me. I cry out. I clutch his shoulders as he picks up speed, watching his bulging arm move as he fingers me.
"You're close. I can tell."
Euphoric tears roll down my cheeks and I nod.
"Can you take a third finger for me, mate? Can you handle more?"
"Yes. I want more."
A low, guttural groan escapes Bang Chan's throat as he buries his face in my hair. I can feel his erection against my thigh.
"God, you're good."
He presses three large, hot, persistent fingers into my slick opening. I moan and arch my back.
"More?"
"More!"
He pulls his fingers out, then presses into me again, persuading my body to take him. God, this feels incredible. He's incredible. I gasp at the fullness of his fingers all the way inside of me. Then, he presses his thumb against my clit. I scream into his chest as our bond rockets from his hand all the way deep inside me, coursing like fire.
"I'm going to push you to your limits."
He increases the pressure then, pumping in and out of me with sinful need, holding nothing back.
"That's it."
I lose control of my hips, rising and falling at Bang Chan's command, desperate to move closer as he finger fucks me. He plunges in deeper, faster, taking every delight in twisting my body to his will.
"Cum for me, mate."
On his command, a blinding orgasm seizes me. Torturous waves of bliss tear through me, bright and hot as he holds his fingers deep. Bang Chan's dark eyes bore into mine, as if owning every shudder and gasp he coaxes from my body.
"God, I could look at you like this all night."
Bang Chan reaches for me...but he suddenly stops short, his head snapping sharply up.
"Wait. Do you smell that?"
"Smell what?" I ask.
"Smoke."
I do smell it. The sickening sweet smell of fire in the air. A fire much larger than the one burning before me. Before he can say more a sharp scream pierces through the air.
"Was that I.N?"
We don't waste a moment. We both grab our clothes and charge back to the estate. There's no question where the smell of smoke is coming from. A blazing fire wreaking havoc throughout the pack house.
"No!" Bang Chan yells.
"Bang Chan, we need to look for survivors."
"You're right. Get everyone to the tree line before–"
Bang Chan stops short, his eyes catching sight of something through the flames. That's when you see him, too, almost entirely hidden by the shadows of the night: Taecyeon. And there, by his side, holding a torch with a victorious grin, is the person who set the fire.
"Is that...JYP... Our doctor?"
Bang Chan's closest ally and he is standing with the enemy.
"How could he?"
Bang Chan stares, the shock and hurt on his face brighter than the roaring flames. With a smirk, Taecyeon and JYP both take off into the woods. I can't let them get away. Not like this. I don't hesitate, tearing off after them.
"Wait! Stop!" Bang Chan shouts after me.
"Bang Chan, I've got this, you focus on the fire." I yell back.
"What the hell, no! (Y/N), you'll get hurt."
"I can take them."
I bolt off alone through the woods at top speed, ignoring the tearing branches and sharp rocks beneath my feet. I can feel energy calling to me from a nearby river, urging me onward, into the woods toward the target of my hunt.
"Taecyeon! Get the hell back here!"
My head pounds. The demon who's caused me so much pain is here again, almost within my grasp.
"I'll kill you, I'll kill both of you!"
Just then, there's a shift in the current, and dark waters from the same stream snap up to slash across my back.
"What?"
He emerges then, stock still from the shadows, grinning with too many sharp teeth.
"Well, isn't that cute? The pup's inherited the same powers I have."
The water lashes out, pulling me forward with physical force before forcing my head under.
"Too bad I'm still better."
Taecyeon chuckles. I break free at the last second, gasping for breath, but it's clear Taecyeon's just toying with me.
"Taecyeon, why can't you leave us alone?" He lets out a grim laugh.
"This little clubhouse Bang Chan's put together is an insult to wolves everywhere. Really, I'm doing everyone a favor. Even you."
JYP walks out of the shadows next, his face illuminated by the torch he used to set fire to the estate.
"JYP...why?"
He sneers down at me with cold eyes I don't recognize.
"Why would I slum it with a false Alpha like Bang Chan for as long as I have? I've always been loyal to Taecyeon, (Y/N). I would follow him to the death." He smirks.
"And for his service he will be richly rewarded." my father tells me.
"No...Bang Chan treated you better."
"That runt can't offer me a fraction of what your father can."
JYP strides toward me, the flames from his lit torch licking the air.
"You know, breed mates should really learn to shut up and do what they're told."
"Well, assholes like you should really find a hole to die in."
I try to stand, but Taecyeon bares his teeth.
"Nice try."
Taecyeon commands the dark water to hold me down, forcing me to kneel before the doctor. JYP lets out a laugh, lowering the torch to my face, the heat threatening to sizzle my cheek.
"JYP...you helped me...all those years ago...you helped me escape."
JYP bends low, whispering just loud enough for me to hear.
"I did that for me. Not for you."
His words make me wonder what he means when he says he did it for himself. JYP grips my hair, pinning me to the ground. He lowers the torch toward my face... Just then, something crashes hard into the doctor from behind, causing the torch to fall to the ground.
"Don't you fucking touch her!"
Bang Chan squares off with Taecyeon and JYP, anger pouring off of him.
"Bang Chan, save our pack instead."
"And leave you? Never."
Taecyeon lets out a deep laugh.
"So good of you to join us, Bang Chan. Now, it's a real party."
Taecyeon and JYP back Bang Chan up against the edge of the river. He's clearly outnumbered. Bang Chan swings his fist at JYP but Taecyeon catches it mid-air. They struggle against one another. Bang Chan grits his teeth, shoving Taecyeon back. Taecyeon's feet slip.
"Getting stronger, I see. But not strong enough."
With a surge of power and a flash of red eyes, Taecyeon slams Bang Chan to the dirt. JYP stands over him.
"(Y/N), the torch. Hurry."
My father and JYP raise their claws over Bang Chan, victorious grins clear on their faces.
"Get your revenge."
With a mighty heave, I hurl the torch at Teacyeon, hitting him square in the chest. He yells in agony swatting at the fire.
"That's for my mate."
Bang Chan regains his footing, catching the torch and holds it to the burning hole on Taecyeon's chest
"No!"
JYP rushes to his Alpha's side, and Bang Chan swings out and splashes JYP with burning flames as well. Their clothes ignite and they let out a howl, darting back into the shadows.
"Come on! We need to get out of here. The estate is still in danger."
"Right."
The two of us tear back through the woods, not looking back.
"That was a solid hit. Your father won't be forgetting injuries like that anytime soon." Bang Chan chuckles.
"He'll heal from them." I tell him.
"Maybe, but it'll take time. Time we can use to save the others."
The estate is still ablaze as the two of us charge back. A few people have made it outside.
"You came after me, even knowing not everyone here was safe." I look at Bang Chan.
"My pack had orders to protect one another, and to get out however they could. They had each other, but nobody else was going to help you." he tells me reaching for my hand.
"Bang Chan, I would have come for you, too."
"I know."
Changbin runs up to us both then.
"We couldn't get everyone out. Some of the structural supports have collapsed. Some of the pack...they're still trapped inside." Changbin says panting.
"Who?" Before Changbin can respond, a frightened voice calls out from inside the burning wreckage.
"Someone. Help!"
"I.N!!"
I run up to the building.
"Grab water!" I shout.
"We don't have any left." Changbin replies.
Bang Chan rushes to the door, even as fresh flames block his path. He tries to fight past it, but debris comes crashing down, blocking the entrance.
"Shit, there has to be something we can do. But what?"
Suddenly, I feel a mysterious call. The water from the river beyond beckons me. I can save them. I'm the only who ca. Taking a deep breath, I close my eyes. Everything goes quiet as I focus the power within me.
River, please help me. Help me save everyone.
My veins flash ice cold as the power within me answers the call. A booming crash sounds beyond the tree line, and everyone turns.
Soon, a massive wave rushes toward the burning house.
"Whoa." Bang Chan gasps.
It slices a clean, watery hole straight through the front door and I rush inside. In the burning entry hall I find I.N, his dads, and several others trapped behind a fallen beam.
"(Y/N)! Help!!"
I put my hand out, and the wave of water slams over the beam, extinguishing its flames. Everyone rushes out of the building. Once outside, I.N slams into me with a grateful hug. Lee Know and Han give me a nod.
"Thank you. You saved us."
"You saved all our lives, (Y/N)." Lee Know says putting a hand on my shoulder.
Bang Chan appears out of the smoke looking both amazed and relieved. He looks like he wants to say something to me, but he shakes his head, refocusing on the problem ahead.
"We...we need to get moving. It's not safe here anymore."
Bang Chan turns back to his pack.
"Follow me. I know a place. Somewhere we can lay low and heal our wounds."
It's a long trek through the woods, set at a rough pace, but finally Bang Chan's able to lead our pack to the safe house he mentioned.
"Not much in the way of supplies and possessions but this will keep us safe for the time being." he states.
"We'll be okay. We're just lucky to all be here together. Thanks to (Y/N)." Han smiles.
Though beaten and exhausted, the whole pack nods, grateful for my aid. Those able to, set about setting up what camps they can, desperately holding onto what they have left. There has to be something I can do around here. I find those too injured to aid themselves and offer what help I can, bandaging wounds and applying salves. I can't fix their spirits, but I can mend their bodies. Fortunately, wolves heal fast, and with the aided benefit of my help. it doesn't take long before many of them are back on their feet.
"Thanks, (Y/N). I owe you one." Yeonwoo grins.
Finally, when the basic duties are taken care of, Bang Chan breaks off the group, making his way toward the exit.
"I'm going to scout out the area. Shouldn't be long."
His back is to the pack, his shoulders high and stiff.
"I'll come with you. I can help you look around."
Bang Chan's words come out in a sudden growl.
"No. Stay here."
Tension cuts through the room. A few wolves turn, surprised at his sudden intensity.
"Bang Chan–"
"Stay."
He storms off then, out of the safehouse and into the woods beyond. There was no way I'm leaving things like that between us. I storm off after him, keeping pace behind him as he angrily rips through the tree, to a cleaning filled with wildflowers.
"I thought I told you to stay." He growls.
"Bang Chan, I'm not leaving you. Just like you didn't leave me." I growl back.
"You have no idea what I just went through, do you?"
He stops in his tracks, turning to face me head on.
"I almost lost you, damn it! Why are you always rushing headfirst into danger? Why the hell did you take off after Taecyeon like that?" he shouts.
"Because someone had to take him down. Someone had to–"
"That someone didn't have to be you!"
The anger grows in his eyes but also fear.
"Listen, I know you have some instinct to protect me but–"
"This isn't instinct! it's–" He stops short.
"It's what?"
He locks his gaze on me, his eyes burning with a light from within. A light I can't name.
"It's more than that."
Bang Chan takes the back of my neck and pulls me into a deep, passionate kiss. The red moon is gone, but the passion cursing from his mouth to mine is undeniable.
"What do you mean it's more than instinct?"
Bang Chan's hands slip inside my clothes, finding my body. I can feel the need in him. The desire to take me all the way.
"Come here, (Y/N). I'll show you exactly what I mean."