'Sleep with one eye open. I'm terrified to get my heart broke.'

~

“They’ll probably come today. You said that Jessica was the next head alpha of the pack. They’ll definitely attack right away.” Jaebum explained. He and Youngjae were in the living area of the alpha’s cabin discussing their next move.

“They are coming.” Youngjae said knowingly. He felt the changes in Daehyun’s emotions. He was heartbroken. That brokenness then turned to anger, then to something fiercer. That was his indicator.

Jaebum thought to himself. “If that’s the case. You should stay behind.” He finally said. Youngjae frowned at him. “Youngjae, listen. If they come, the chief will probably be there. Hs daughter was killed.” Jaebum stressed. “If he comes. Let him come.” Youngjae brushed off. “Young-,” “Jaebum, I am the leader of this pack now. I will not stay behind just because I’m an omega. My father was already dying, and he still went out alone to protect the pack. And that’s what I’m going to do.” Youngjae cut him off.

Before Jaebum could argue back, the front door opened. “Sorry I’m late. But I brought some friends who want to help.” Jinyoung entered, followed by Wonho, Hyungwon, and Changkyun.

Youngjae raised an eyebrow as they all sat down. “You told them?” Jaebum asked. “We figured you guys were up to something.” Wonho said. “And we want to help. This is out battle too.” He said, getting serious. “Where’s Kihyun?” Youngjae asked.

“He’s with my mom, he’s helping her with Zelo. He doesn’t know anything about this.’ Hyungwon assured him.

Youngjae nodded.

“So, what’s up?” Wonho asked.

“Midnight Shadow is on their way here.” Youngjae answered. The three nodded, understanding what that meant.

“We’ll meet them outside the village’s borders. So, the fight will be far enough from the village, so no one else is at the risk of getting help. I don’t think they’re gonna be a lot of them, so we should be fine in holding them away from everyone else.” Youngjae began.

He spent the next 10 minutes explaining his plan to everyone with a few inputs from Jaebum ever now and then.

“Don’t hesitate. Kill anyone that attacks you. I want everyone to be able to return to their families.” Youngjae stressed when he finished. “Protect yourselves and each other.” The others nodded in understanding. “Are you going to be fighting too?” Changkyun asked curiously. The young chief leader nodded. “Oh.” He said. “Don’t’ worry about me. Just protect yourselves and each other.” Youngjae reiterated, earning a sigh from Jaebum.

“Any questions?” Youngjae asked. The others shook their heads. “Good. They’ll be here any minute. Let’s get ready to go.” On his last statement, everyone stood up and left the cabin.

“Changkyun.” Youngjae stopped the alpha before he could leave. “Yeah?” The younger turned around. “Here.” Youngjae handed him an envelope.

Changkyun was confused, but took it anyway, “What is this?”

“It’s for Kihyun. Don’t let him open it until tonight, after the sun has set.” Youngjae instructed throwing the alpha into further confusion. “I will.” He promised anyway. “I don’t want you to come with us.” Youngjae continued. “I want you to stay here.”

“What?”

“You have a crush on my brother, right?”

Changkyun’s face turned red at the elder’s accusation. Youngjae looked at him expectantly. “Y-Y-Yeh.” Changkyun rubbed the back of his neck, unable to make eye contact.

“That’s why I’m leaving this job to you. I want you to stay here and protect my brother, just in case. Make sure he stays here and doesn’t go looking for us. Don’t tell him about anything, we’re doing until we get back.”

Changkyun was surprised by the instructions. “Shouldn’t he know?” He asked.

“No. If he finds out, then he’ll come looking for us.” Youngjae said.

Changkyun nodded in complete understanding. “I won’t tell him.”

“Distract him as much as you can, so he won’t get suspicious. And when he reads the letter. Please make him listen to what I wrote. You have to make sure he does what I say. Please. Nothing can happen to him. He can’t get hurt.”

Changkyun’s eyes widened. He saw the desperation in his new leader’s eyes. He was practically begging him. Changkyun straightened up. “I will. You can count on me. I’ll make absolutely nothing happens to him.” He promised whole-heartedly. He was already going to protect him. But he was more determined.

Youngjae nodded, “Thank you.” A wave of relief washed over him. “You know, I never liked anyone who crushed on my brother. But I like you.” Youngjae gave him a genuine smile. “You’re just what he needs. Make my brother happy.” He patted the Youngjae’s shoulder and left the now red-faced alpha.

It didn’t take them long to prepared. Youngjae informed Ms. Chae that they were heading out for a little bit and put her in charge of the pack for the day. Youngjae stopped to say goodbye to his brother. “You sure you don’t want me to come with you?” Kihyun asked. “I’m sure. You stay here.” Youngjae assured him.

Kihyun frowned. “I don’t like you going around doing everything on your own. I can help you; you know.” He said. Youngjae gave him a gentle smile, “I know you can. And I’m sorry. I’m just afraid of anything happening to you.” He confessed. Kihyun’s shoulder’s dropped, “I know. But I worry about you too. I don’t want you to take the burden all on your own. And I don’t want anything to happen to you either.” He pouted. “I’m sorry, but I’m the leader. And as leader I say that you’re not allowed to worry about me. “Youngjae ruffled his hair. “Yah.” Kihyun swatted his hand away.

Youngjae laughed at this, “You have helped a lot. More than you know.” he finally said. Kihyun scoffed at this. “Well, I want to help more.” He said. “You will. Soon.” Youngjae winked. “But I have to go.” He gave his brother one last hug. “Just remember and know. You’re strong, and you can do anything, so much more than me. That’s why everything I do is to protect you.” Youngjae whispered in his ear. And with that he left the cabin to join Jaebum, Jinyoung, and the others.

-

The group circled the perimeter a few times before heading further away from their pack. Jaebum and Wonho were already in their wolf forms, walking on either ends of the group. Youngjae was in the middle with Jinyoung and Hyungwon on either side of them.

Jaebum and Wonho growled after having walked 30 minutes away from the village. Jinyoung, Youngjae, and Hyungwon stopped as well. “They’re here.” Youngjae announced.

Jinyoung and Hyungwon immediately shifted into their wolf forms.

At that moment the Midnight shadow members emerged from the bushes. Jaebum and Jinyoung growled more threateningly, recognizing Daehyun who was stood in the middle.

Daehyun and Youngjae locked eyes. The tension between their glares were strong as emotions swirled back and forth through their bond. “I’ll give you one chance, because that’s what my father would’ve wanted.” Youngjae narrowed his eyes at Daehyun. “Leave now, and everyone can leave unharmed.”

Bambam scoffed at his words. “You killed our friends!” He barked.

Youngjae dragged his attention to the younger alpha. “And you killed our friends and my father.” He retorted calmly. “And rightfully so!” Bambam snapped back.

A crooked smile etched on Youngjae’s lips. “Is that so?” He cocked his head to the side. “So then, I guess I should go for your parents next.”

Bambam growled at this. “You little.” He shifted into his wolf and jumped at the omega, but Hyungwon intercepted him, slamming him back to the ground. Yugyeom transformed to help his friend, but Wonho jumped on him before he could get close.

Youngjae cocked an eyebrow when Himchan and Jongup both transformed as well. “I see. So, this is your answer?” He questioned. Daehyun took a step forward toward the silver moon leader. However, Jaebum blocked his path.

Daeh