*Yongguk's POV*

“Do what?” I asked her suspiciously. “You should join me. All of us. We’re working on a much bigger project.” She clapped.

“What are you talking about? Who’s we?”

“Oh just me and a couple of other people. Aren’t you tired of living in hiding Yongguk? I mean, why should a powerful pureblood like yourself hide your true identity as a vampire from puny humans?” She began.

I rolled my eyes, “I thought you said you weren’t fighting in the war.” I scoffed.

“I’m not.” She assured.

“Yongguk, listen to me. This war is greater than what it looks like…from the outside.” She continued.

I narrowed my eyes at her. Does she know something? “I know you Yongguk. I know what you’re truly like. You like power. You want power. That’s why you left home and became a leader of the BAP clan. So, you can be in charge, so you can have the final say.” She pushed.

“That was over a hundred years ago. I was young and rebellious then.” I said.

“Pfft, please, us vampires don’t change that much. You’re still young and rebellious.” She remarked. “That’s not my focus anymore. I have Zelo now, and that’s all I need.” I growled.

“Huh, I always wondered why you chose such a weak mate.” She scoffed.

“What is it that you want?” I barked, now getting irritated.

“I already told you. Join us Yongguk. We can offer you all the power you want, and safety for your precious little Junhong.” She smirked, slowly striding around the room, her sharp eyes never leaving me.

“What the are you talking about? How can you make such a bold offer?”

“Easy. How do you think all of this even started, huh? You don’t believe that those weak hex hunters discovered all weaknesses of demons on their own do you?” She laughed.

I didn’t respond, Jaehwan might’ve actually been right.

“Yongguk, I know that you don’t like to do or join anything without being fully prepared or having concrete information. But I can promise you that we are already set in stone. We have an army, all special information, and a seat just for you. You don’t even have to fight in the war…you can just sit and watch.” She chimed persuasively.

“So, you’re behind this?” I questioned.

“Of course not, but I made the right decision and joined them.” She said.

“Who is them? Or we?” I asked.

“Ha, well that information is classified unless you agree to join.” She chuckled. “Why do you guys want me?” I quizzed.

“Why wouldn’t we want you? You’re perfect.” She sang.

“No…” I said. “I won’t join you.”

“Huh, why don’t you take the time to think about it? It is a big decision.” She said.

“I said no!” I growled.

Sooyoung sighed, “We can offer you and your clan ultimate safety from the war. Think about it.” She demanded. “I’ll be back when I’m ready for an answer.” She winked before vanishing. “Don’t disappoint me.” were the last words I heard her say.

I couldn’t help but ponder on the thought that Jaehwan might be right.

“Now’s not the time to think about it.” I lit a match, lighting the damp cloth and threw it against the furthest wall catching the house on fire. Can’t leave behind any traces. I then jumped out the window and sprinted home.

*Doojoon’s POV*

I sat on a large rock that toward over a large pond about 10 miles from the manor, blocked by a barricade of thick trees. My friend was sat on the ground in the lushes green grass at the edge of the pond, enjoying the slight cool breeze. “I’m a terrible person.” I said, running my strained hand through my hair.

“Everyone has their bad moments. But it doesn’t make them a bad person.” Jun K said, his eyes closed. “If you knew what I did, then you wouldn’t think that way.” I told him. “Try me.” He said.

I sighed, ashamed in telling him, but he’s one of my closest friends.

I explained to him about what happened at Busan when the Hex hunters came and attacked and how Kikwang wasn’t home. “You don’t know how scared I was. Knowing Kikwang, he’d get himself killed. I couldn’t even think straight.” I said. “That’s understandable. Anyone would be scared.” Jun K said.

I went on telling him about the situation concerning the little girl and how he went back to get her. Then I told him about mine and Kik’s argument…and how my anger got the best of me.

Jun K opened his eyes when I told him about how I choked him. “I…I didn’t mean to…I…” I was unable to find my words, as I felt a lump form in my throat. “Did you apologize?” The hybrid asked me.

“No…I couldn’t. and he won’t even talk to me, he refuses to. And I go out pretty much every day.” I answered.

“How come?”

“Because…I’m afraid that I’m going to do it again…I had no control Jun K.” I confessed.

The elder sighed, hanging his arm over his knees lazily. “I’m not saying what you did was okay. In fact it was terrible, but something like this was bound to happen Joon. I’m surprised it didn’t happen sooner. You know vampires and humans aren’t meant to be together, let alone a pureblood and a human.” He reminded me.

“But I think you guys can make this work, you’ve lasted this long. This is just an obstacle. That you two need to get over together.” He smiled at me.

I just sighed. “It’s only getting worse. He doesn’t understand. He complains about every single thing I do, when everything I do is for him. I don’t know what it is I’m doing wrong.”

“Well, for starters you can be home more often, so that you can at least get the chance to make up.” Jun K said.

I let out a heavy side, “The thing is…when I am home he’s upset the entire time…but when I leave, he’s happy. I can feel it.” I said.

The elder didn’t say anything and only gave me a pitiful look. Kikwang will never forgive me…and I don’t blame him. He’s human after all, he’s never going to understand. “He never takes the time to even try to understand me…never.”

“Doojoon, you can’t just give up. Until you’ve tried everything, you can’t give up.” Jun K urged.

“Fine…I’ll try…but he’s already happier without me.”

*Kikwang’s POV*

I laughed uncontrollably at Taecyeon’s embarrassing story that he told me, while we sat in the back porch of my parents’ house, watching Keomi play in the backyard and drank pink lemonade. “That’s terrible.” I laughed. “Yeah…I was so embarrassed though.” Taecyeon chuckled. “I can only imagine.” I said. The werewolf nodded.

I exhaled, leaning back in my seat. The sun blazed high in the sky, basking the vast farmland. A gentle breeze kept the earth cool. The setting was so calming and nice, just the thought of leaving seemed impossible.

“It’s so nice and peaceful out here.” I said, reflecting a little of when I lived at home with my parents and how Youngjae and I used to always hang out at each other’s houses when we were younger.

“Yeah…I know, it makes you forget that the hex hunters are out to get you.” Taecyeon said staring into the open space. “Yeah,” I said in agreement, sipping my glass of pink lemonade.

“I heard from a couple of friends that fighting has already broken out in a few towns already.” Taecyeon informed.

“Really? How is it in Busan?” I asked.

“It’s already under Hex control. It’s not a safe place for demons at all. Rumor has it that there are plans of them building a fort. They’re planning for a war.” He said.

I was in shock. I could only imagine what was going on and what the demons who were unable to escape could be going through. “All the demons decided to put their differences aside and team up together and fight against the humans.” Taecyeon added.

“Really? I didn’t know that.” I said a bit surprised.

“Yeah? I thought Doojoon told you.” Taecyeon said. I looked away my face dropping. “No, he hasn’t told me.”

“Oh…you’re not talking?” He sighed. This confused me a little bit, why was he sighing?

“No, ever since we left Busan things have been worse.” I confessed.

“I wish you guys would talk and make up already.” He admitted.

“Why?” I asked him curiously, as to why he would care. “You seem to be really upset about it. And yes, it’s obvious. I don’t know, but I just want you to be happy, I guess.” He said avoiding eye contact with me.

I blushed slightly. “Huh, thanks…but don’t worry about it. I’m happy right now.” I smiled assuringly.

At that moment, Keomi ran up to us, struggling to reach for her drink.

Taecyeon chuckled and handed the little girl her refreshment. “Thank you.” She said, the juice through her straw. “You’re welcome.” He smiled at her adorableness.

“This is really good!” Keomi announced.

“Thanks. I made it myself.” Taecyeon said. “Really? Can you teach me?” She asked.

“Maybe~, if you promise not to tell anyone, not even Kikwang. It’s a secret recipe.” Taecyeon said. “What?” I butted in. “I promise.” Keomi nodded.

“Hey~, that’s not fair.” I said. “Sorry Kiki, you just can’t be trusted.” The little girl shrugged.

“Well, I have a secret too.” I told her.

“Oh? What is it?” Keomi perked.

“I can’t tell you.”

She just looked at me. “Whatever, you’re just saying that.” She said.

“Taecyeon busted into laughter, “She’s a smart one.” He said. I nodded in agreement, she was pretty smart for her age. She catches onto things quick and she’s observant.

“When are we going to see you in your wolf form?” Keomi suddenly asked, climbing onto my lap. “You want to see me in my wolf form?” Taecyeon repeated, not expecting the question. Keomi nodded.

“Haha, you don’t want to see me in my wolf form.” He told her. “It’s pretty scary. I’ll only transform when it’s really necessary. And I hope that time won’t come.” He said, looking back into the distance.

I studied the elder closely, though he was well built I couldn’t see him fighting, especially in his wolf form. As an Alpha at that. He seemed like an easy going guy, who’d rather talk it over a drink instead of brawling it over. “So, what are you going to do about the war?” I asked.

The elder was silent for a minute. “I’ll stay out of it as long as I can. No matter how cruel a person may be, they don’t deserve to die.” He said.

“Oh,” was all I could say.

He looked back at me and smiled, “But let’s not talk about it and just enjoy our time now.” He said. I couldn’t help but smile as well, it was contagious.

We stayed for another hour and a half before deciding it was time for us to return to the manor.

“Thanks again Taec, for allowing us to come over and bother you…again.” I thanked. “It’s not a bother at all. Besides, this is your home. I’m the one who should be thankful. Plus, I enjoy your company.” He winked, causing me to blush.

“Thank you for the lemonade too!” Keomi added. “My pleasure. Thank you for drinking it.” He chuckled. I was reluctant to leave, but I know we had to if we didn’t want feel Doojoon’s wrath. Who’d know what he’d do? “Well, goodbye.” I said a little less enthusiastic, turning around to head back home with Keomi’s hand in my own.

“Oh! Kik!” Taec called. I immediately stopped and glanced over my shoulder. “Yeah?”

“Please be careful. If need be, please listen to Doojoon’s safety protocols. I’d hate for anything to happen to you or Keomi.” Taecyeon said, almost imploring me to do so.

I gave him a small smile, “Okay, I promise, but you have to be careful too though.”

“Promise.”

On that note I muttered an incantation and Keomi and I were back in the manor, in the guest room that we both shared.

I sighed, plopping back on the bed. I hadn’t slept in the same room as Doojoon since we’ve gotten here. “Are we going again tomorrow?” Keomi asked.

For the past week or so, we’ve been sneaking off to my parents’ farm to hang out with Taecyeon. “Probably not. We can’t keep going every day, or else the others will catch on.” I sighed. The 8 year old nodded in understanding.

“Hurry up and go take a shower before they call us down.” I quickly instructed, knowing that they’ll definitely smell werewolf on us. There was a special soap that we used to clean ourselves off that cleaned off any scent that lingered on us.

Once we both finished taking our own showers and cleaning our clothes we joined the others downstairs. “Keo!” Yoseob greeted. “Yoseobie!” Keomi cheered, jumping into his arms for their routine hug.

“I haven’t seen you all day. What were you guys doing up there?” Yoseob asked. “Playing.” Keomi simply said.

“How come you guys couldn’t have played down here?” Yoseob questioned. “Because you would’ve taken her away from me like you always do.” I remarked teasingly.

“I can’t help it if she likes me better Kik.” Yoseob said proudly.

“Hey, Keomi, I’m making cookies today if you want to help.” Hyunseung called from the kitchen. “Cookies!?!” Keomi slipped out of Yoseob’s arms. “I want to help too.” Dongwoon said. “You can help.” Keomi said, taking his hand pulling him into the kitchen. “I’m already Hyunseung’s assistant but you can be my assistant.” She said.

“Damn, she’s popular.” Junhyung remarked.

“It’s because she’s a kid. All kids are popular around old people.” Yoseob said. “I don’t know what you’re talking about. I’m not old.” Junhyung said. The younger vampire just rolled his eyes, not even bothering to argue with him.

About a half an hour later, Doojoon returned home. Everyone greeted him except for myself. When he got near me, he stopped and looked at me. I could feel my heart tighten under his stare. I couldn’t even bare to look back at him. I know I should forgive and forget, but it’s hard to forget.

He looked as if he wanted to say something but didn’t know what he wanted to say. And ended up standing there awkwardly. “Hi Doojoon!” Keomi squeaked, running out the kitchen to greet the pureblood with her award winning smile.

He just looked at her before walking away to ‘his’ room in the back of the manor.

“Aigoo~, why does he have to be so cold hearted? He does this every time.” Y