Weeks had passed since the studio incident, and in that time, Serin and Kairan had grown impossibly closer. Now, she stood in the middle of his luxurious apartment in the heart of Seoul, carefully inspecting the dresses she had brought along. Golden sunlight poured through the floor-to-ceiling windows, illuminating the room and the striking man leaning casually against the wall.
Kairan watched her with quiet intensity, his sharp blue eyes tracking her every movement like a predator silently observing his prey. Though his posture was relaxed, there was an undeniable air of command about him that made the entire space feel smaller when he was present. Yet, for Serin, that commanding presence always felt like a warm, protective shield rather than a weight.
She picked up a soft emerald-green dress and held it in front of herself, examining its cut in the mirror. "What about this one?" she asked, glancing at him over her shoulder.
Kairan stepped forward, his movements unhurried but deliberate, until he was close enough to brush his fingers lightly over hers. "It's beautiful" he murmured against her hair, his voice low and soothing. Then, his hand moved to her waist, gently turning her to face him. "But not for today."
Serin raised a brow. "What's wrong with it?"
He tilted his head, his eyes studying her as if she were a puzzle only he was allowed to solve. "It doesn't say enough" he said softly. "Today, you're more than beautiful. You're mine, Serin. They need to see that."
Her breath hitched at his words. There was no harshness in his tone...just quiet conviction, possessiveness wrapped in reverence. Kairan never demanded, never pushed; he simply guided, his dominance settling over her like a comforting embrace.
"Alright" she replied, smiling sweetly as she turned back to the rack. After a moment, her fingers settled on a crimson gown. The dress was fitted, with a high slit that revealed just enough skin to hint at her fiery nature, and the rich color mirrored the passion she had. It was bold, elegant, and carried an air of defiance that matched her perfectly.
She held it up and asked, "What about this one?"
His lips curved into a faint smile, his approval evident in the way his gaze softened. "Perfect" he murmured, as his lips brushed against hers briefly as he stepped back. "Now, there won't be a single doubt in their minds."
Her cheeks warmed slightly at his words, but she refused to let him see just how much his approval meant to her. "And what about you, Mister President? What are you wearing to make them all quake in their boots?"
He chuckled softly, a sound that was as rare as it was disarming, and adjusted the cuffs of his tailored black shirt. "I don't need much for that" he said, his tone teasing. His outfit was simple yet commanding...a black suit perfectly tailored to his broad shoulders and lean frame. The silk shirt beneath was unbuttoned just enough to reveal a faint glimpse of his chest.
She rolled her eyes but couldn't help the smile tugging at her lips. "You're insufferable, you know that?"
For a moment, the weight of where they going flickered across her expression. Kairan noticed immediately, his hand moving to cradle her cheek. "They'll never hurt you again" he said gently. "Not while I'm here."
Her heart clenched at his words. "I'm not worried about me" she whispered. "I just... hope you don't regret this."
His eyes softened, the fierce glow dimming slightly as he leaned down, his forehead brushing hers. "Never" he promised. "I'd burn the entire world down before I let anyone take you from me Luna."
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The drive to Serin's hometown was quiet, the air filled with a mix of anticipation and unease. Kairan kept his hand on Serin's thigh the entire journey, a silent reminder of his support and presence. When they arrived, the familiar scent of the packlands hit her, bringing back memories she'd long since buried. The sight of her brothers and their mates waiting at the entrance brought a small smile to her lips.
Taejung was the first to react, his sharp whistle cutting through the air as he threw himself at Serin, enveloping her in a tight hug. "Damn, girl!" he exclaimed, stepping back to give her a once-over. "Who knew you could look this good? Is that dress or you? Either way, I approve!"
Serin rolled her eyes, swatting at him playfully. "Shut up, Taejung."
Kairan, standing just behind her, felt his jaw tighten. The sight of another man—albeit an omega—clinging to his mate didn't sit well with him. His blue eyes darkened slightly, and the faintest growl rumbled in his chest.
Junghyun, who had been watching the interaction with his usual calm, smirked knowingly. "Don't worry, Kai" he said dryly, his voice laced with amusement. "Tae is harmless. Just a little too... enthusiastic sometimes."
"Excuse you!" Taejung turned, placing a hand on his hip dramatically. "I am 'very' enthusiastic, thank you. And don't act like you didn't like it." His cheeks flushed slightly at the end, the bravado slipping when he met Junghyun's gaze.
Junghyun's smirk widened, and Serin couldn't help but laugh at Taejung's sudden flustered state. Kairan, however, wasn't as entertained, though he refrained from saying anything.
"I see you've recovered from your little... incident" Serin teased, crossing her arms.
Taejung groaned, shooting a glare at her and Inseo. "Don't even start. You two lied to me. Lied. I was ready to kill you both."
Inseo grinned, stepping behind Junghyun for protection. "What can I say? Desperate times call for desperate measures. Besides" he added, glancing at Junghyun, "we all know you can't resist him."
Taejung's cheeks reddened further, but he didn't deny it. "You're lucky he was there" he muttered, his tone softer now. "Otherwise, you'd both be dead."
"It worked, didn't it?" Serin said with a shrug. "You're here, and everything's fine now."
Taejung rolled his eyes but didn't argue further. It had taken days of talking...and more intimate moments with Junghyun for his anger to subside completely.
With that, the group made their way toward the main house. The siblings walked ahead with their mates, leaving Kairan and Serin to follow at their own pace.
The hall of the main house was grand but cold, the air heavy with tension as they entered. Moments later, the siblings' mother appeared, her sharp heels clicking against the floor. Her eyes immediately zeroed in on the alphas and enigma in the room, completely bypassing the omegas.
"Junghyun" she greeted with a forced smile. *Inseo. And you must be Kairan" she added, her tone warming slightly as she addressed him. "Welcome to our humble home."
The warmth in her voice was anything but genuine, and Kairan's sharp gaze caught the way her nose wrinkled ever so slightly when she glanced at the omegas.
Ii Hyeok and Taejung exchanged uneasy glances, while Serin's expression hardened. Kairan noticed the tension in her shoulders and immediately moved closer, his hand brushing against hers in a silent show of support.
Their mother's gaze finally shifted to Serin, her lips curling into a faint sneer. "And you" she said, her voice dripping with disdain. "Still causing trouble, I see. I must say, Kairan, I'm curious,what exactly do you see in someone like her?"
The air in the room grew heavy as her words hung in the air. Kairan's blue eyes darkened, his wolf barely restrained as a wave of killing intent radiated from him. Everyone froze, the sheer force of his presence making the atmosphere almost suffocating.
"What I see" Kairan said, his voice dangerously calm, "is none of your concern. But you'd do well to remember who you're speaking to before you utter another word."
His tone was like ice, and even the siblings' mother, who prided herself on her composure, seemed momentarily shaken. She opened her mouth to speak but thought better of it, choosing instead to turn on her heel and walk away.
Serin released a breath she hadn't realized she'd been holding, her fingers brushing against Kairan's hand in silent thanks. His gaze softened slightly when he looked at her, the anger in his eyes replaced by something far gentler.
"Let's get this over with" she muttered, leading him further into the house.
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Dinner was set, and the tension in the grand dining hall was palpable. Serin sat at one side of the table beside Kairan, while her brothers and their mates seated along the other. At the head, their father presided, his presence cold and unyielding. He surveyed the group with a look of disdain that had been honed over years of disappointment, particularly directed at Serin. Which she couldn't even understand.
It didn't take long for the barbs to start flying.
Their father's sharp gaze fell on Ii Hyeok first. "I see you've brought... your friend" he said, his tone dripping with contempt. "Tell me, what does an omega doctor do in his spare time? Stitch up those too weak to fight for themselves?"
Inseo's eyes darkened, his jaw tightening. Serin opened her mouth to retort, but her father's focus shifted to Taejung.
"And you" he said, his gaze sharp and unkind. "The infamous runaway. You dare to walk into this house as though you belong? Tell me, did it take long to find another alpha to warm your bed?"
Junghyun's calm exterior cracked for the briefest moment, his fists clenching. Taejung's usual sass faltered, the cutting words leaving him uncharacteristically quiet. But he held junghyun's hand tightly under the table to calm him.
Serin's voice rang out, steady but fierce. "That's enough" she said, her tone carrying the weight of years of pent-up frustration. "You don't get to judge them. Taejung and Ii Hyeok have more integrity in their smallest actions than you've ever had.... atleast they are not fake."
Her father laughed coldly. "Integrity? Don't make me laugh. You've always surrounded yourself with the weak and the broken, Serin. Maybe it's because you see yourself in them. A disappointment clinging to others for validation. Look at you you were a blessing but now, a mere toy for an enigma"
The insult stung, but Serin didn't flinch. Her chin lifted, her resolve unshaken.
Kairan's low voice cut through the room like a blade. "You should tread carefully" he said, his eyes glowing faintly with restrained power. "You're speaking about the woman who is My mate . You may not value her, but I'll destroy anyone who dares to disrespect her."
Her father's lips curled into a sneer. " Mate? Or did she manipulate you like she does everyone else? You think you're protecting her, Kairan, but all you're doing is playing her game. Open your eyes it is the influence of her magic. Inside, she's the same weak little girl she's always been....of no use"
The words hit their mark, stirring something deep in Serin. Memories of being dismissed, belittled, and overlooked rushed to the surface, but she gritted her teeth, refusing to show the impact.
Kairan, however, wasn't as composed. His killing intent surged, and for a moment, the air in the room felt thick with danger. His wolf, Hades, clawed for control, the glow in his eyes intensifying.
Serin's trembling hand on his arm was the only thing holding him back.
Junghyun and Inseo weren't as restrained. They rose from their seats in unison, their expressions fierce. "You don't get to talk to her like that" Junghyun said, his voice sharp and commanding.
"You've done nothing but drag her down her entire life so that she won't leave. Or else you knew your weak ass won't be able to handle this pack" Inseo added, his tone laced with anger.
Their father leaned back in his chair, momentarily flustered by the unified defense. But his arrogance quickly returned. "So, this is what it's come to? A pack of fools letting themselves be led by a weakling? She's got you all wrapped around her finger like dogs on a leash."
The silence that followed was deafening....until Taejung, ever the unexpected force, let out a sharp bark. The absurdity of the sound cut through the tension, and Ii Hyeok, usually so reserved, joined in with a low, rumbling growl.
The room stilled for a beat before Serin burst into laughter, the sound clear and bright. It echoed through the hall, breaking the heavy atmosphere.
The alphas and enigma softened at the sight, their anger momentarily replaced by affection. Kairan's gaze lingered on Serin, his heart swelling with pride and love. She wasn't just his mate....she was his strength, his equal.