[CONTENTID1]CHAPTER SIX[/CONTENTID1]

[CONTENTID2]SCARS[/CONTENTID2]

[CONTENTID3]

Jong In carried her in his arms, holding her close to his chest, as they darted through the mountain forest. Kris, Lu Han, Tao, Chanyeol and Lay formed a protective circle around them while the rest stayed behind, waiting for his older brother and the Busan Pack betas and deltas. His body still tingled but it was another part of him that was sorely affected.

 

After halmeoni left, the atmosphere vibrated and shimmered. Everyone paused and lifted their gaze to the sky. The moon was partially hidden from view and a few stars lit the dark expanse. Jirisan went deathly still. Seconds seemed like hours as they waited for what was coming. All of a sudden, a strong surge of energy burst forth, like a mighty rush of wind, destroying everything on its wake. The ground shook and roared and a number trees crashed to the ground. All twelve werewolves remained standing and unaffected while Soo Jin bore the brunt of such powerful force. She whimpered in his arms and Jong In cradled her closer, in his futile attempt to shield her. Soon enough, the heavy weight on the air was lifted and the shaking stopped.

 

Jirisan slowly came alive and the silence was replaced with the incessant buzzing of the insects and squeaking noises of little animals. His shared mental bond with his father reconnected and his panicked voice rang loud inside his head. 

 

'Good heavens! What happened?! Why aren't you and Soo Jin in the cave yet?'

 

His old man was beside himself with worry when he couldn't feel him on the other side of the bond. And it didn't help that he didn't have the same bond with Soo Jin. Jong In felt the same fear and gave him a summary of their encounter with rabid werewolves and a mysterious pack, giving the assurance that Soo Jin was fine except for her cuts and bruises. His father noted his hesitation, as he didn't go into details, but he was glad that his father decided to contain the situation first. He had already ordered the pack's betas to search for them. He expected them to arrive shortly now that the dark magic cloaking Jirisan a while ago dissipated.

 

'Bring her back to the compound as quickly as possible. Junsu has to inspect on her wounds first so that she wouldn't get any infection.'

  A low growl emitted from his lips. Another unmated male was going to touch his Soo Jin. Was there never an end to this?     'I know how you feel, son.' The unexpected response startled him. He was so caught up in his anger he didn't realize that he was projecting his thoughts. 'But for her sake... She is still human and she can't heal like us,' his father implored.     'I...understand, dad.' She is more important than his jealousy but he just couldn't help it. Male werewolves are possessive. It's in their nature and it was getting harder and harder to go against it.     A tap on his arm shifted his gaze to his precious bundle.      Seeing the spaced out look on his face, Soo Jin knew he was having a mental conversation with their father. She always wished she could do the same. But at the moment, she was more concerned about her father. Werewolves are overprotective to a fault, especially her father with her. And she could only imagine how she had caused him worry.     "Tell daddy I'll be seeing him when we get home and that I'm okay."     Jong In nodded and relayed her message. Waves of hurt rushed through their bond. Kim Tae Hyun is a rock, the fortress of the pack. But with Soo Jin, he is a big cuddly teddy bear. Some members resented her because of the way their Alpha doted on her. But if they just tried to get to know her like the others did, they wouldn't hate her so much.     But it was what his father said afterwards that had his heart stopping.  

"This is embarrassing," she muttered, pulling him from his thoughts. He couldn't help but chuckle at her annoyed yet adorable expression. Soo Jin hated being treated like a weakling. She always believed that she had to pull on her weight in everything. But to him and those who love her, she was never a burden, even if others made her feel that way. "I can't believe I let you carry me. I can still walk. If you just give me a moment-"

  "We don't have a moment. It would take us forever if I let you walk," he explained. "Your feet is not up for more abuse." He really hated to see her so torn up but besides that, he also didn't like the presence of so many other males near her. It calmed him and his wolf to have her tucked safely in his arms.      A frustrated sigh escaped her lips and a smile of self-satisfaction played on his face at the sign of her surrender.     He was right. She'll just slow them down. Tired and sleepy, she rested her head on his shoulder and closed her eyes. That simple action, she didn't realize, made him feel loads better.     He really didn't want Kris and his pack to know where the cave was located. It was the same reason Soo Jin had when she made him take a different route. But halmeoni's instructions were clear. And halmeoni's words were as good as his father's, who also gave his permission. Morever, Soo Jin didn't seem to protest, unlike earlier. Somehow, her not disagreeing with it, bothered him. She wasn't even suspicious.      Straight ahead, the foliage thickened and Kris cleared a path for them. His concerned gaze would land on Soo Jin, every once in a while. It unnerved Jong In but Kris didn't do anything to provoke his wolf; never even once met his burning glare.     They reached the cave's mouth without incident. Hidden behind thick vines and dense leaves, a hiker wouldn't notice it even if he was looking for it. Two of their companions - Lu Han and Tao - separated from the group. Kris told him that they would just survey the area. He nodded, not having anything to say.     A movement near the opening had him stopping and scenting the air. He visibly relaxed when he realized it was one of the female omegas.      "Young master Jong In," she greeted politely, lowering her head in deference. For him, it wasn't necessary but it was protocol.      "Yun Hee," he acknowledged and she relaxed.      Not long after, her eyes landed on Soo Jin in his arms and alarm flashed all over her face. "The miss!"      She frantically slid the steel door open, her worry rang clear in her voice as she ordered him, of all people, to hurry up. Jong In wouldn't put up with anyone ordering him around but the fact that a five foot omega was doing it made the situation a little less serious. He fought the chuckle tickling his insides. Besides, she was only concerned about the well-being of her miss, his mate. Anyone who cared for Soo Jin got plus points in his books. So he merely watched in silent amusement as the once shy and submissive Omega took charge, leading them inside the branching corridors of the cave, turning on the lights as they went.      He was amazed as to how much it had improved.  It was a huge project that took them years to build. The weres kept the damage on the cave walls to a minimun as they installed fixtures necessary in case of an emergency attack. All entrances and exits were shut with steel doors. Rooms wer