The clock on the dashboard glowed 11:00 PM, but the streets of the city refused to sleep. Lights painted the road in streaks of gold and white, illuminating the restless movement of cars and pedestrians. Everyone seemed in a hurry—except for his car. Taehyung's foot barely pressed the accelerator, and the car crept along at a crawl that contrasted sharply with the storm raging in his mind.
The weight of the night hung between them like a dense fog, suffocating and unspoken. Taehyung's hands gripped the steering wheel tightly, knuckles pale against the leather. He let out a slow, controlled breath, trying to steady himself, but his thoughts ran faster than any vehicle on the road.
From the corner of his eye, Taehyung glanced at the passenger seat. Jungkook. The younger omega sat hunched, as if trying to make himself small, his arms wrapped protectively around his trembling body. He looked like a criminal, though Taehyung knew he wasn't at fault. But the mark on Jungkook's neck—the proof of what had happened between them—burned in Taehyung's mind like a brand.
Turning his gaze back to the windshield, Taehyung tightened his jaw. His hand moved to the gearshift, and the car surged forward, the engine roaring as they left several vehicles behind in seconds.
The sudden speed drew a sharp inhale from Jungkook, and Taehyung felt his eyes on him, tearful and searching… apologetic…maybe… that was all Taehyung could feel—just the weight of Jungkook's gaze.
But the bond from the alpha's bite allowed Jungkook to sense the dull edges of Taehyung's emotions, a faint echo of the storm within him. Yet Taehyung had no such privilege. As an alpha, he had marked Jungkook, not the other way around.
Jungkook's bite—the one that would complete their bond—was given only in the most private of moments, when the omega was at their most vulnerable. It was an intimate act, shared in a space of trust and surrender, and Taehyung knew it wouldn't happen… atleast not tonight. Not when his omega— no... jungkook... trembled beside him, his emotions a locked door Taehyung couldn't open.
The only clues Taehyung had to Jungkook's turmoil were the physical ones: the slight trembling in his hands, the way his shoulders curled inward, and the way he refused to meet Taehyung's eyes. It was maddening for Taehyung's alpha—being unable to know what the omega was truly feeling or thinking.
Taehyung pressed his lips together in a thin line, swallowing the urge to speak. What would he even say? Apologize? Reassure him? The weight of everything that had transpired loomed too large, silencing him.
The bond tugged faintly at his chest, a one-sided thread reminding him that Jungkook could feel him but not the other way around. Taking a deep breath, he tried to remain calm for jungkook, feeling already possessive of his omega.
Jungkook's gaze was fixed on the city lights streaming past the window. The golden hues danced across his face, glinting in his wide, glassy eyes. His reflection stared back at him from the glass—a face too pale, dimples visible as his lips pressed tightly together to suppress the whines threatening to break free.
The world outside blurred as the car passed under a cascade of streetlights, each flash pulling him deeper into his thoughts.
The memory swept over him like a wave, stealing his breath. He wasn't in the car anymore.
He was back in that room, standing inches away from Taehyung. The alpha loomed over him, exuding a power that seemed to fill the air and leave no space for escape. Jungkook felt small next to him, his clothes faded and simple he wasn't even allowed to change them for his mating—a stark contrast to the sharp, tailored perfection of Taehyung's.
Jungkook's pulse quickened as Taehyung stepped closer, his fingers gripping Jungkook's chin gently but firmly, forcing their eyes to meet. The weight of the alpha's gaze pinned him in place, and the unspoken words passed between them like a heavy storm cloud.
He'd heard about mating bonds, about the mark that would tie an omega to an alpha forever. But nothing had prepared him for the reality.
"You can relax, omega. I've got you" Taehyung's voice had been low but steady. "Once I do this, we're bound forever."
Jungkook's chest tightened at the memory of those words.
He had wanted to protest, to run, but his body betrayed him, frozen in place. Taehyung's fangs had grazed his neck, sharp and deliberate, before sinking into his skin, followed by several consecutive licks to heal the wound.
The pain was instant—a white-hot sting that spread quickly, mingling with a strange, euphoric warmth that left him trembling. The bond surged to life, a pulsing force that tied them together in a way Jungkook had never thought possible.
And then Taehyung had pulled back, his eyes glowing with primal power, red in dominance and Jungkook was sure his own glowed blue in an ultimate submission, leaving him breathless and dizzy.
The sudden honk of a passing vehicle jolted Jungkook from the memory. His chest rose and fell with shallow breaths as he blinked, the lights outside the window snapping back into focus.
His fingers instinctively brushed against the faint, sore mark on his neck, and his gaze flickered to Taehyung. The alpha was staring ahead, his jaw tight, hands gripping the steering wheel like it was the only thing anchoring him. The connection was overwhelming, but the realization that followed was worse— worse and more overwhelming than the mark itself: he was bound to someone who might never truly loved him.
Jungkook bit his lip and turned back to the window, curling in on himself. The memory lingered like a ghost, and with it he felt the bond—strong, unbreakable , and a constant reminder that this was his fate now, he swallowed hard, closing his eyes against the sting of tears.
Just then the tires screeched sharply as it took a sudden turn, jolting Jungkook out of his thoughts as colours danced in front of his eyes, modern building with a pristine, marble exterior. The windows glittered, and the doors gleamed beneath a row of ornate lanterns, every inch meticulously designed to impress.
Jungkook tensed, his heartbeat quickening as he recognized the place.
The Kim estate.
He has heard about them... the chaebols, the richest people of the state, living a lavish life in mansions, with enough money to buy and sell whole countries.
It was where he was supposed to be taken—to live— as one of them.
He wanted to scoff but instead, a soft whine rose in his throat, but he suppressed it, forcing himself to take a deep breath.
As the car rolled through the gates, the guards stationed outside moved swiftly, closing them the moment the vehicle passed. Jungkook's breath hitched as he took in the size of the property—a world so far removed from his own humble experiences.
The soft click of the driver's door opening caught his attention. Taehyung stepped out, his tall, commanding figure bathed in the glow of the mansion's lights. Jungkook's heart raced as the alpha rounded the car and opened his door without a word.
"Come on," Taehyung said, his voice firm but not unkind. He reached for Jungkook's hand, his grip warm and steady as he helped the younger omega out of the car.
The sudden physical contact made Jungkook's pulse quicken, but he allowed himself to be pulled up. Taehyung didn't let go as they walked toward the grand entrance, his long strides purposeful. Jungkook, struggling to keep up, glanced at the massive gate that swung open and closed with mechanical precision, its sheer size intimidating.
Understandingly, Taehyung reached the door and held it open for him, motioning him inside. The interior was just as the exterior, and as they crossed the foyer, the floor beneath them glowed, a beautiful, shimmering mosaic that reflected the light and their movements.
Jungkook paused and gawked at the surroundings, hesitating for a moment, feeling small and out of place, but the alpha's sharp gaze left no room for argument.
Jungkook followed, his steps tentative. The long corridor gleamed under overhead chandeliers, the polished floors so pristine they reflected every flicker of light. It was almost too much—too shiny, too luxurious, too overwhelming.
His steps faltered as his shoes slid slightly on the smooth surface, and his eyes widened in alarm. He stared down at the floor like it might betray him at any moment, his posture stiffening.
Taehyung, already a few paces ahead, stopped when he noticed the lack of movement beside him. Turning, he found Jungkook standing frozen, his eyes darting nervously at his feet as if terrified of slipping.
The alpha let out soft chuckle as if amused at the doe eyed beauty. Without a word, he walked back to him and reached for Jungkook's hand again, this time holding it with a firmer grip. "It's just a floor," Taehyung muttered, his tone teasing, "stop looking at it like it will attack you."
Jungkook swallowed hard and nodded, his tongue tied by nervousness, but the tension in his body didn't ease. He clutched the lapels of his own jacket tightly, as if seeking some form of comfort.
With a gentle tug, Taehyung began to lead him forward again, this time keeping a steady hold on his hand. The omega shut his eyes briefly, drawing in a shaky breath as he tried to steady his nerves.
Each step felt like a battle, they moved further inside, the corridor giving way to a grand staircase that swept up and around, the elegant railings curving and twisting in intricate patterns.
The sound of their footsteps echoed, each step a soft tap on the stone floor. The silence between them stretched on, until a soft murmur came from somewhere near, followed by the sharp click of heels against the marble floor echoeing through the corridor.
"Where the hell is he? I've been calling, but he won't pick up!"
Taehyung knew exactly who his mother was talking about, and judging by the mood it wasn't going to be easy. Taking a deep breath, Taehyung stepped into the living room, his voice steady but loud enough to cut through the tension.
"I'm right here, Mom."
Mrs. Kim—Eun-Jung—turned sharply at the sound of his voice. Her eyes locked onto Taehyung, and for a moment, her tense expression softened with relief.
"thank god.. where have you be..." she began, but her voice trailed off as her gaze fell on the man at Taehyung's side.
Jungkook stood awkwardly, head slightly bowed but still holding onto Taehyung's hand as though it were his lifeline. His torn jeans and dirt-streaked face told the story of a hard day, but it wasn't his appearance that drew Eun-Jung's attention—it was the fresh mark on his neck and the scent clinging to him, lavender laced with soft rain kissed earth.. the scent of her son.
Eun-Jung's eyes narrowed, her expression hardening into a mask of cold disapproval. She turned back to Taehyung, her voice cutting like ice.
"Who is he?"
Taehyung didn't flinch, his tone calm and unwavering. "My mate."
The words were simple, but they fell like a thunderclap in the silent room.
"WHAT?!"
"TaeTae, are you serious right now?" Jimin— the eldest son in law of the family, demanded, the disbelief in his voice laced with amusement. "Don't tell me this is some kind of prank."
"It's not a prank," Taehyung replied, rolling his eyes.
Jimin's gaze flickered to Jungkook, his brow furrowing as he took in the omega's appearance. "Wait a second." He sniffed the air pointedly and raised a brow. "He smells like…lavender?" He turned back to Taehyung with a smirk. "TaeTae, since when do you go for delicate flowers?"
"Jimin." Taehyung's voice carried a warning edge, but Jimin just raised his hands in mock surrender, though his expression was far from apologetic.
Eun-Jung, meanwhile, hadn't taken her eyes off Jungkook. Her lips pressed into a thin line, and her voice dropped to a deadly calm.
"Your mate?" she repeated slowly, her tone dripping with disbelief.
"Yes," Taehyung confirmed without hesitation.
Eun-Jung's nostrils flared, her sandalwood-and-jasmine scent thickening in the room. She took a step closer, her gaze pinning Jungkook in place. Despite the weight of her presence, Jungkook held his ground, though the wildflowers in his scent grew faintly bitter, like crushed petals.
"Your only mate-to-be is Hana... Choi Hana," she said firmly, her tone leaving no room for argument.
Taehyung felt the omega's grip on his hand tighten as if silently pleading, 'Don't let me go.'