Journey's End (Chapter 6)
Title: Journey’s End
Pairings: Yunjae as a main, but there will also be: JaeChun, HoMin, Minsu and maybe some Yoosu.
Rating: PG to NC-17
Genre: Adventure, angst, romance, drama
Summary:Yunho, an unhappily married man, gets on a boat headed to Germany. That same day, a violent storm hits and the boat is destroyed. When Yunho awakes on a foreign shore, he’s tossed into an adventure of werewolves, vampires, lust, greed and destiny.
WARNINGS: This story will contain adult themes such as sex between two men as well as violence, gore and nonconsensual sex.
Chapters: Forwards (1) (2) (3) (4) (5)
=----------------------------=
Yunho groans and pushes the heavy covers off his body, frustration eating away at him as he sits up and looks out the window.
Everything is so empty, so quite and undisturbed. It’s like there’s no life around him, like it’s just him.
He stands and pads over to the window, resting his forehead against the cool glass. His mind is spinning, laughing and crying in turns. What’s he supposed to do with the information that Jaejoong has given him?
He can’t believe it, he just can’t. He doesn’t see a way for it to be true; doesn’t see the logic to what Jaejoong has told him.
He keeps picturing all the people that had been at the market. How many of them had fled from the cages? How does Jaejoong know that it’s him and not one of the others that got sold or set free? What had been so special about him?
Yunho lifts his fingers and presses them against his neck, feeling his pulse steadily beating there. He tries to imagine what it would be like to never feel that pulse again. What would it be like to crave for the blood of other people and creatures?
He shudders and pushes away from the window, a cold sweat lingering on his brow as he glances towards the clock on the wall. Four in the morning. He’s only gotten three hours of sleep so far and he can already tell that sleep won’t be coming his way again.
He moves over to the single, high-backed chair and removes the black robe that Junsu had given him. The soft material feels wonderful against his chilled skin. He’d given Junsu his clothes in order to have them properly washed.
Yunho stands before the dark door, bottom lip caught between his teeth.
He pads over to the it and slowly pushes it open, the squeak from the hinges echoing loudly in the dark corridor.
It’s dead outside his room, so much so that the silence itself seems too loud. He finds it odd that he hasn’t seen a single person since his arrival at the monstrous castle. He’s beginning to wonder if there’s anyone besides Jaejoong, Changmin and Junsu here.
He takes a few more steps out of his bedroom, his feet made a muted thud against the ground as he walks. The sound helps to break the overwhelming silence, the wringing in his ears growing dimmer.
He wanders down a long corridor, peaking around corners and simply sitting in awe at the way the light from the full moon spills through the windows.
The blue-ish light gives castle a very eerie aura and Yunho finds himself glancing over his shoulder as he goes shuffling forward.
It takes him all of five minutes to lose track of where he is. Things look vaguely familiar. The painting hanging on the wall, the large vase set in the corner…it all rings a familiar bell in the back of his mind.
Choosing at random, he veers to the right and pulls open the heavy wooden door.
He squints as he’s greeted by the muted light of oil lamps burning low in the cavernous library.
His curiosity is pricked and he goes padding forward, eyes scanning over the numerous shelves and lined nearly every wall. There was even a small spiral staircase that led to the second floor.
“You shouldn’t be wondering around alone.”
Yunho jumps and goes scuttling backwards, pitching to the left slightly when he begins to trip over his own feet.
He manages to steady himself, his yell of surprise still caught in his throat.
“What are you doing here?” He questions, ignoring the warning that had been issued.
“Hm, whatever could I be doing in a library? Do you need a few days to puzzle that one over, or are you smarter than I assumed?” Changmin draws, closing his book with a soft snap. The usual smirk pulls at his lips and that amused light dances in his eyes.
Yunho straightens himself, feeling that edge of annoyance beginning to pick at his nerves. The older male is sitting in one of the high-backed chairs that dotts the library, hands folded neatly in his lap as he contemplates Yunho’s form.
“Why are you here at this time of the morning?” He amends his question, biting back the words of insult that hang at the tip of his tongue.
“I don’t have to sleep. Be it three in the morning or three in the afternoon, it really makes no difference for me.” Changmin shrugs his shoulders and places the grey book on the small table next to his chair. “You, on the other hand, are human and require a good six to eight hours of sleep. So why are you here so earlier in the morning?” His eyebrows arch as he returns his gaze to Yunho.
“I wasn’t tired.” Yunho lies, doing his best not to look away from Changmin’s knowing stare.
“Oh yes, I hear it’s perfectly normal for people who aren’t tired to have black circles under their eyes.” That smirk returns as one of his eyebrows arches smoothly.
Yunho clenches his fist, fighting to keep his anger in check. “It doesn’t really concern you if I’m sleeping or not.” He knows the words sound childish, but he can’t seem to find anything else to throw back at the older male.
“You’re right, I’m not concerned. I am slightly curious though.” Changmin crosses his left leg over his right, gesturing to one of the chairs as an invitation for Yunho to sit.
He contemplates just turning around and going back to bed. Changmin’s not exactly his favorite person and he doesn’t relish the thought of spending “quality time” with him. Despite his dislike, he finds himself sinking into the chair, the black leather cool against his arms.
“So shouldn’t you be meditating right now?” Yunho begins, finding himself slightly unnerved by the other male’s silent contemplating.
“I took care of it earlier.” Changmin responds simply, fingers drumming a silent tattoo against the armrest.
“Have you ever…” Yunho trails off, worrying at his bottom lip, “…have you ever read the prophecy that Jaejoong’s talking about?”
“I’ve never read it personally, but I’ve heard it throughout the years.” Changmin shrugs his shoulders, keen eyes still locked on Yunho’s face.
“Do you doubt what Jaejoong told you?”
“Of course I do.” Yunho sighs, brushing a hand through his hair. “What person in their right mind wouldn’t doubt what Jaejoong said?” He lets his eyes close, head falling back with a soft thud.
“I don’t doubt what Jaejoong said.” Changmin responds with an easy arch of his eyebrows.
“Yeah…but…who’s to say that I’m the one the prophecy’s talks about?” Yunho presses, leaning forward in his chair slightly. He’s gone over it nearly a hundred times in his head, wondering how exactly Jaejoong knew it was him. How in the world did they even find out he was there?
Changmin purses his lips, face pulling a look of deep thought. “Of course, the prophesied one could have been in one of the other cages, but don’t you find it odd that you’re here in the first place?” Changmin lifts his eyebrows and redirects his attention towards Yunho.
“After all, you’re from a very different world. So why only you and why now, at the precise time that was spoken of in the Book of Veritas?”
“I can’t believe this is actually happening.” Yunho groans, leaning forward slightly as a wave of nausea washes over him. “Vampires and werewolves don’t exist! They’re nothing but fictional beings made up to scare children!”
“I’m sure that would be very convenient for you, but I can guarantee you that vampires and werewolves actually do exist.”
“Is this some kind of twisted version of hell?” Yunho breathes, ignoring Changmin’s response in favor of working himself into a frenzy.
“What the fuck is going on?”
“Have you ever read this book?”
Yunho comes up short, brow furrowing from his confusion.
“Uh…no.” He responds, finding himself so caught off guard that all he can do is focus on what Changmin’s saying to him.
“It’s a child’s book about the mice and dogs who ban together to kill all the cats.” Changmin runs his hands over the book, his eyes amused as he looks down at the cover. “It’s was written by a werewolf during the Turpis War. It’s an innocent child’s book full of propaganda against vampires…or the conniving cats, as we’re called.”
Yunho sits in confused silence for a moment, trying to figure out what Changmin is telling him.
“So…what?” He questions lamely, shrugging his shoulders to show his confusion.
“This is why Jaejoong needs you to be the one that the prophecy talks about. The vampires are being slowly run out of the land by humans and werewolves alike. We’re painted as evil demons that set out to snatch children from their beds at night. All anyone knows of us is glowing red eyes and fangs--which we don’t have, by the by.” Changmin lets out a long breath and places the book back on the small table. “The people don’t even seem to notice that it’s the werewolves who enslave the people and kidnap their children in the middle of the night. It’s always the vampires.”
“I don’t see what I can do! I-I can’t even push Junsu off of me.” Yunho groans, fisting his hands in his hair as he leans his head downwards. His headaches badly and his body is weak and tired from the patchy nights of tossing and turning on the hard ground.
“Once you become a vampire, you’ll be able to defend yourself just fine.” Changmin replies with a slight nod of his head, eyes alight with amusement as he watches Yunho’s reaction.
“I don’t want to become a vampire!” Yunho bursts out, standing abruptly from his chair. “I don’t want to give up my life for some stupid prophecy that might not even be true!”
“Well, the only thing I can suggest is that you have a little faith until we reach our journey’s end and see if you really are who we think.” Changmin stands from his chair with graceful ease, a slight smirk pulling at his lips.
“I can’t see that you’d be any worse off as a vampire. At least Junsu would stop trying to eat you.” He lets the words trail back over his shoulder as he goes moving from the room, steps so graceful it appears as if he’s gliding over the floor.
Yunho’s left in sudden silence, his eyes pinned to the door that Changmin has just left through. This is all too crazy for him. Too far out there to be true.
He contemplates going back to his room, but the book that Changmin had been reading catches his attention and he slowly shuffles over to the table to retrieve it.
He sinks into the chair Changmin had vacated moments before, pulling a small lamp closer.
Hardly a half-hour later he’s fast asleep in the chair, book still splayed open in his lap.
=-----------------------------------------------=
“Is he angry?”
“What do you think, you dumb fuck?”
“Both of you shut your traps.” Dennis snaps, pushing himself off the wall in order to stand before a closed door.
Marcus and Rain both duck their heads, falling into line behind their leader. The air in the room is suddenly subdued, not a sound echoing in the large chamber.
The floors are home to creamy travertine that spans the entire length of the room, right up to the marble fireplace that sits up against walls of white and black. The room screams a sort of classy sterility.
The large black door swings open and the three men stand taller, heads still bent towards the ground.
“Why did no one tell me of this?” A smooth voice snaps, anger apparent in every syllable that rolls off the deadly tongue.
“Did no one think that I would need to know about this!”
“I’m sorry, Sir. We didn’t think anything of finding him. We never thought--”
“Yes, that’s your problem, isn’t it? You mutts never seem to use your brains, even if they are so small.” The man cuts him off, eyes narrowed in a sharp glare. His voice dips with contempt, his lithe body alive with his anger and displeasure. He strikes a very noticeable figure, daunting even in his elegant beauty.
“I will not have you insulting the werewolves.” Dennis growls, lifting his head to meet the other male glare-for-glare.
The elegant male arches one brow at the unspoken challenge, his lips curving upward in a dark smirk. “Do I really need to remind you where you are and to whom you’re speaking? You would do well to remember that dogs are not the only thing with deadly teeth.”
Dennis purses his lips, the look on his face fluctuating between rebellion and one of slight fear.
He says nothing.
“Huh, I suppose that’s beside the point. You have truly proven yourself weaker by failing to hold onto a simple human. Could you have been given an easier task?” The man sneers, graceful steps carrying him to stand next to the crackling fire.
“We didn’t expect the sudden raid. The Lamia came out of nowhere. Marcus was the only one manning the cages.” Off to Dennis’ left, Marcus shifts slightly, looking keenly uncomfortable with the attention that’s being paid to him.
“What, do you expect the Lamia to come marching out playing trumpets and beating drums? Of course they came out of nowhere!” The man explodes, his voice edging close to a growl as the words leave his mouth.
“I've had enough of your condescension, Junki.” Dennis snaps, standing to his fullest height, which places him a few inches above the other male. “Tell me what the fuck needs to happen so we can get down to it.”
“We’re going to kill him.” Lee Junki provides with a wicked smile pulling at his mouth . “We’re going to kill him and every pathetic hope that Kim Jaejoong harbors for the Lamia.”
“When do we leave?” Dennis questions, his own eyes alight with a look of sinister anticipation.
“Tonight. Have your men ready to go by midnight.”
=------------------------------------=
“Yunho.”
He feels a gentle push against his arm, but he doesn’t want to open his eyes and acknowledge the other man.
“Yunho, what are you doing here?” Junsu’s soft presses, hand shaking his shoulder in a more insistent manner.
Yunho finally manages to get his eyes open, his gaze first landing on Junsu’s gentle face before skittering about the room. He’s swimming in a sea of confusion for a moment, forgetting where he is for a brief moment.
He takes a second to blink the sleep from his eyes before he sits up, achy muscles screaming their protest at uncomfortable position.
“I was…” He trails off, glancing around sleepily until his eyes fall on the open book in his lap. “I was reading.”
Junsu’s face lightens with a worried smile, his hand resting lightly on Yunho’s shoulder. “Changmin said you’ve been in here since four in the morning.”
The tone of Junsu’s voice makes Yunho feel warm, as if someone has laid a blanket over him and placed him next to a crackling fire. He could sit for hours and simply let that voice wash over him.
“I couldn’t sleep.” Yunho finally speaks, his voice fuzzy and slightly rough.
“It’s dangerous for you to be alone here.” Junsu brushes his hand across Yunho’s cheek in an affectionate manner, a small, worried smile pushing at his lips.
Something about the touch feels paternal, as if Junsu is the mother that gently wakes her child from a nap.
“I’m sorry.” He responds, forcing himself to sit up and move away from the touch of the older boy. The ring on his finger feels ten times heavier. “I guess I should know by now hat being alone is not best for me.” He chuckles slightly and ruffles the hair at the back of his head.
“I’m just glad nothing bad happened to you.” Junsu offers him a full smile now, his face nearly glowing with that angelic look. Yunho wonders how someone so sweet and innocent looking could be a blood-sucking vampire. It almost seems like something to cheer about, knowing that Junsu’s beauty and grace will be around forever.
“Changmin didn’t say anything to me when he left last night.” Yunho groans as he stands and stretches his arms behind him to work loose the abused muscles.
“Jaejoong got onto him for doing that.”
“It’s fine.”
“No it’s not.” Jaejoong’s voice cuts in, echoing beautifully in the large room. “It would have made me very angry if I had come to find out that all my trouble to fetch you was for nothing.” He adds as he comes to a halt behind on of the chairs, his hands resting against the top.
Yunho bites at his lower lip and lets his gaze flicker about the room. He can feel the nervous butterflies in his stomach, the ones that tell him Jaejoong is not to be messed with. He’s keenly aware of the fact that he’s still wearing his robe while the other two males are fully dressed and perfectly groomed.
Yunho can’t remember the last time he shaved. Probably the morning before he got on the boat. His chin and jaw are becoming rough with his beard.
“I’m going to have a meeting with Yoochun and the rest of the clan, Junsu. I need you to stay here with Yunho.” Jaejoong addresses Junsu, easily brushing off Yunho’s obvious discomfort.
“Yes sir.” Junsu responds with a slight nod of his head, taking a moment to flash Yunho a bright smile.
“Take the day to relax and get some sleep. Junsu will pack you some clothes to take with you for tomorrow’s journey.” Jaejoong raises his brow at Yunho, silently asking if the other male understands.
“Okay.” Yunho bobs his head slightly, finding himself unable to hold Jaejoong’s steely gaze for very long.
“Take care of him, Junsu.” Jaejoong adds before turning on his heel and swiftly exiting the room.
Yunho shivers, chill-bumps lifting across his arms as he begins to recall the ice-cold beauty of Jaejoong’s face as he spoke.
Yunho twists the ring on his finger.
“Well, looks like we have the whole day to be lazy.” Junsu sighs softly, gracing Yunho with another of his brightest smiles. “A day of rest will do you some good. You look like you haven’t slept in ages.” Junsu chuckles as his own words, reaching out a hand to gently grab Yunho’s wrist. “Let’s go get you some clothes and then something to eat.” He states in a happy voice as he pulls the younger male from the room.
=--------------------------------------------=
“Can I ask you a question about Jaejoong?” Yunho broaches the subject that’s been eating at him all day.
The clock chimes to announce the time at 11:30 P.M.
“Sure.” Junsu nods his head, looking up from the fire crackling in the fireplace of Yunho’s bedroom.
“If he hates werewolves so much…what’s with him and Yoochun?” He tries to make the question sound casual, but if the smile on Junsu’s face is any indication, he’s failed miserably.
“Thirty years ago, Yoochun became rather disenchanted with the werewolves. He came to Jaejoong and offered to play the spy for the Lamia. Jaejoong would have just as soon killed him as let him into our coven. But time went on and Yoochun proved his loyalty in more ways than one. Somewhere in all that, he and Jaejoong just ended up gravitating towards each other.” Junsu shrugs his shoulders, a warm light sparkling in the depths of his dark eyes.
“So he’s not just using Yoochun?”
Junsu’s face suddenly changed to one of slightly less emotion, his eyes growing distant as he turned towards Yunho. “Jaejoong doesn’t use people. He would never take someone’s heart and crush it like that.”
Yunho feels thoroughly stung, like a puppy that has been put in its place. “I didn’t mean to offend you.” He mutters towards the fire, finding himself unable to hold Junsu’s gaze.
“You didn’t offend me. I just want you to know that you can trust Jaejoong. He’s the good guy in all of this.”
The door to Yunho’s room suddenly flew open, causing Yunho to stumble out of his chair with a surprised yelp.
Changmin and Jaejoong stood in the middle of the room, faces the picture of seriousness.
“Get Yunho’s things, we have to go now.” Jaejoong commands, sending Junsu into instant action. The smaller male asks no questions and simply reaches onto the bed to retrieve the black bag that he’d packed earlier in the day.
“What’s wrong?” Yunho questions, his chest tightening with panic at the look of anger and slight fear in Jaejoong’s eyes.
“The resistance found out about you and they’re on their way here to kill you.” Jaejoong snaps quickly as he reaches out and jerks Yunho into his arms.
“What the hell?” Yunho doesn’t manage to get anything else out before he’s been hefted off the ground by Jaejoong.
The other male’s body is strong against him, firm and powerful in every sense of the word. Yunho finds himself flustered for a moment before he lets out a slight yelp as Jaejoong takes off running.
Questions began to swirl through his mind, hanging on the tip of his tongue in a bid to get out.
What is the resistance and why are they trying to kill him? Why do they need to run? What the hell’s happening?
Yunho’s pulled from his thoughts when he hears a howl echo in the distance.
Terror grips at his heart.
Werewolves.
Pairings: Yunjae as a main, but there will also be: JaeChun, HoMin, Minsu and maybe some Yoosu.
Rating: PG to NC-17
Genre: Adventure, angst, romance, drama
Summary:Yunho, an unhappily married man, gets on a boat headed to Germany. That same day, a violent storm hits and the boat is destroyed. When Yunho awakes on a foreign shore, he’s tossed into an adventure of werewolves, vampires, lust, greed and destiny.
WARNINGS: This story will contain adult themes such as sex between two men as well as violence, gore and nonconsensual sex.
Chapters: Forwards (1) (2) (3) (4) (5)
=----------------------------=
Yunho groans and pushes the heavy covers off his body, frustration eating away at him as he sits up and looks out the window.
Everything is so empty, so quite and undisturbed. It’s like there’s no life around him, like it’s just him.
He stands and pads over to the window, resting his forehead against the cool glass. His mind is spinning, laughing and crying in turns. What’s he supposed to do with the information that Jaejoong has given him?
He can’t believe it, he just can’t. He doesn’t see a way for it to be true; doesn’t see the logic to what Jaejoong has told him.
He keeps picturing all the people that had been at the market. How many of them had fled from the cages? How does Jaejoong know that it’s him and not one of the others that got sold or set free? What had been so special about him?
Yunho lifts his fingers and presses them against his neck, feeling his pulse steadily beating there. He tries to imagine what it would be like to never feel that pulse again. What would it be like to crave for the blood of other people and creatures?
He shudders and pushes away from the window, a cold sweat lingering on his brow as he glances towards the clock on the wall. Four in the morning. He’s only gotten three hours of sleep so far and he can already tell that sleep won’t be coming his way again.
He moves over to the single, high-backed chair and removes the black robe that Junsu had given him. The soft material feels wonderful against his chilled skin. He’d given Junsu his clothes in order to have them properly washed.
Yunho stands before the dark door, bottom lip caught between his teeth.
He pads over to the it and slowly pushes it open, the squeak from the hinges echoing loudly in the dark corridor.
It’s dead outside his room, so much so that the silence itself seems too loud. He finds it odd that he hasn’t seen a single person since his arrival at the monstrous castle. He’s beginning to wonder if there’s anyone besides Jaejoong, Changmin and Junsu here.
He takes a few more steps out of his bedroom, his feet made a muted thud against the ground as he walks. The sound helps to break the overwhelming silence, the wringing in his ears growing dimmer.
He wanders down a long corridor, peaking around corners and simply sitting in awe at the way the light from the full moon spills through the windows.
The blue-ish light gives castle a very eerie aura and Yunho finds himself glancing over his shoulder as he goes shuffling forward.
It takes him all of five minutes to lose track of where he is. Things look vaguely familiar. The painting hanging on the wall, the large vase set in the corner…it all rings a familiar bell in the back of his mind.
Choosing at random, he veers to the right and pulls open the heavy wooden door.
He squints as he’s greeted by the muted light of oil lamps burning low in the cavernous library.
His curiosity is pricked and he goes padding forward, eyes scanning over the numerous shelves and lined nearly every wall. There was even a small spiral staircase that led to the second floor.
“You shouldn’t be wondering around alone.”
Yunho jumps and goes scuttling backwards, pitching to the left slightly when he begins to trip over his own feet.
He manages to steady himself, his yell of surprise still caught in his throat.
“What are you doing here?” He questions, ignoring the warning that had been issued.
“Hm, whatever could I be doing in a library? Do you need a few days to puzzle that one over, or are you smarter than I assumed?” Changmin draws, closing his book with a soft snap. The usual smirk pulls at his lips and that amused light dances in his eyes.
Yunho straightens himself, feeling that edge of annoyance beginning to pick at his nerves. The older male is sitting in one of the high-backed chairs that dotts the library, hands folded neatly in his lap as he contemplates Yunho’s form.
“Why are you here at this time of the morning?” He amends his question, biting back the words of insult that hang at the tip of his tongue.
“I don’t have to sleep. Be it three in the morning or three in the afternoon, it really makes no difference for me.” Changmin shrugs his shoulders and places the grey book on the small table next to his chair. “You, on the other hand, are human and require a good six to eight hours of sleep. So why are you here so earlier in the morning?” His eyebrows arch as he returns his gaze to Yunho.
“I wasn’t tired.” Yunho lies, doing his best not to look away from Changmin’s knowing stare.
“Oh yes, I hear it’s perfectly normal for people who aren’t tired to have black circles under their eyes.” That smirk returns as one of his eyebrows arches smoothly.
Yunho clenches his fist, fighting to keep his anger in check. “It doesn’t really concern you if I’m sleeping or not.” He knows the words sound childish, but he can’t seem to find anything else to throw back at the older male.
“You’re right, I’m not concerned. I am slightly curious though.” Changmin crosses his left leg over his right, gesturing to one of the chairs as an invitation for Yunho to sit.
He contemplates just turning around and going back to bed. Changmin’s not exactly his favorite person and he doesn’t relish the thought of spending “quality time” with him. Despite his dislike, he finds himself sinking into the chair, the black leather cool against his arms.
“So shouldn’t you be meditating right now?” Yunho begins, finding himself slightly unnerved by the other male’s silent contemplating.
“I took care of it earlier.” Changmin responds simply, fingers drumming a silent tattoo against the armrest.
“Have you ever…” Yunho trails off, worrying at his bottom lip, “…have you ever read the prophecy that Jaejoong’s talking about?”
“I’ve never read it personally, but I’ve heard it throughout the years.” Changmin shrugs his shoulders, keen eyes still locked on Yunho’s face.
“Do you doubt what Jaejoong told you?”
“Of course I do.” Yunho sighs, brushing a hand through his hair. “What person in their right mind wouldn’t doubt what Jaejoong said?” He lets his eyes close, head falling back with a soft thud.
“I don’t doubt what Jaejoong said.” Changmin responds with an easy arch of his eyebrows.
“Yeah…but…who’s to say that I’m the one the prophecy’s talks about?” Yunho presses, leaning forward in his chair slightly. He’s gone over it nearly a hundred times in his head, wondering how exactly Jaejoong knew it was him. How in the world did they even find out he was there?
Changmin purses his lips, face pulling a look of deep thought. “Of course, the prophesied one could have been in one of the other cages, but don’t you find it odd that you’re here in the first place?” Changmin lifts his eyebrows and redirects his attention towards Yunho.
“After all, you’re from a very different world. So why only you and why now, at the precise time that was spoken of in the Book of Veritas?”
“I can’t believe this is actually happening.” Yunho groans, leaning forward slightly as a wave of nausea washes over him. “Vampires and werewolves don’t exist! They’re nothing but fictional beings made up to scare children!”
“I’m sure that would be very convenient for you, but I can guarantee you that vampires and werewolves actually do exist.”
“Is this some kind of twisted version of hell?” Yunho breathes, ignoring Changmin’s response in favor of working himself into a frenzy.
“What the fuck is going on?”
“Have you ever read this book?”
Yunho comes up short, brow furrowing from his confusion.
“Uh…no.” He responds, finding himself so caught off guard that all he can do is focus on what Changmin’s saying to him.
“It’s a child’s book about the mice and dogs who ban together to kill all the cats.” Changmin runs his hands over the book, his eyes amused as he looks down at the cover. “It’s was written by a werewolf during the Turpis War. It’s an innocent child’s book full of propaganda against vampires…or the conniving cats, as we’re called.”
Yunho sits in confused silence for a moment, trying to figure out what Changmin is telling him.
“So…what?” He questions lamely, shrugging his shoulders to show his confusion.
“This is why Jaejoong needs you to be the one that the prophecy talks about. The vampires are being slowly run out of the land by humans and werewolves alike. We’re painted as evil demons that set out to snatch children from their beds at night. All anyone knows of us is glowing red eyes and fangs--which we don’t have, by the by.” Changmin lets out a long breath and places the book back on the small table. “The people don’t even seem to notice that it’s the werewolves who enslave the people and kidnap their children in the middle of the night. It’s always the vampires.”
“I don’t see what I can do! I-I can’t even push Junsu off of me.” Yunho groans, fisting his hands in his hair as he leans his head downwards. His headaches badly and his body is weak and tired from the patchy nights of tossing and turning on the hard ground.
“Once you become a vampire, you’ll be able to defend yourself just fine.” Changmin replies with a slight nod of his head, eyes alight with amusement as he watches Yunho’s reaction.
“I don’t want to become a vampire!” Yunho bursts out, standing abruptly from his chair. “I don’t want to give up my life for some stupid prophecy that might not even be true!”
“Well, the only thing I can suggest is that you have a little faith until we reach our journey’s end and see if you really are who we think.” Changmin stands from his chair with graceful ease, a slight smirk pulling at his lips.
“I can’t see that you’d be any worse off as a vampire. At least Junsu would stop trying to eat you.” He lets the words trail back over his shoulder as he goes moving from the room, steps so graceful it appears as if he’s gliding over the floor.
Yunho’s left in sudden silence, his eyes pinned to the door that Changmin has just left through. This is all too crazy for him. Too far out there to be true.
He contemplates going back to his room, but the book that Changmin had been reading catches his attention and he slowly shuffles over to the table to retrieve it.
He sinks into the chair Changmin had vacated moments before, pulling a small lamp closer.
Hardly a half-hour later he’s fast asleep in the chair, book still splayed open in his lap.
=-----------------------------------------------=
“Is he angry?”
“What do you think, you dumb fuck?”
“Both of you shut your traps.” Dennis snaps, pushing himself off the wall in order to stand before a closed door.
Marcus and Rain both duck their heads, falling into line behind their leader. The air in the room is suddenly subdued, not a sound echoing in the large chamber.
The floors are home to creamy travertine that spans the entire length of the room, right up to the marble fireplace that sits up against walls of white and black. The room screams a sort of classy sterility.
The large black door swings open and the three men stand taller, heads still bent towards the ground.
“Why did no one tell me of this?” A smooth voice snaps, anger apparent in every syllable that rolls off the deadly tongue.
“Did no one think that I would need to know about this!”
“I’m sorry, Sir. We didn’t think anything of finding him. We never thought--”
“Yes, that’s your problem, isn’t it? You mutts never seem to use your brains, even if they are so small.” The man cuts him off, eyes narrowed in a sharp glare. His voice dips with contempt, his lithe body alive with his anger and displeasure. He strikes a very noticeable figure, daunting even in his elegant beauty.
“I will not have you insulting the werewolves.” Dennis growls, lifting his head to meet the other male glare-for-glare.
The elegant male arches one brow at the unspoken challenge, his lips curving upward in a dark smirk. “Do I really need to remind you where you are and to whom you’re speaking? You would do well to remember that dogs are not the only thing with deadly teeth.”
Dennis purses his lips, the look on his face fluctuating between rebellion and one of slight fear.
He says nothing.
“Huh, I suppose that’s beside the point. You have truly proven yourself weaker by failing to hold onto a simple human. Could you have been given an easier task?” The man sneers, graceful steps carrying him to stand next to the crackling fire.
“We didn’t expect the sudden raid. The Lamia came out of nowhere. Marcus was the only one manning the cages.” Off to Dennis’ left, Marcus shifts slightly, looking keenly uncomfortable with the attention that’s being paid to him.
“What, do you expect the Lamia to come marching out playing trumpets and beating drums? Of course they came out of nowhere!” The man explodes, his voice edging close to a growl as the words leave his mouth.
“I've had enough of your condescension, Junki.” Dennis snaps, standing to his fullest height, which places him a few inches above the other male. “Tell me what the fuck needs to happen so we can get down to it.”
“We’re going to kill him.” Lee Junki provides with a wicked smile pulling at his mouth . “We’re going to kill him and every pathetic hope that Kim Jaejoong harbors for the Lamia.”
“When do we leave?” Dennis questions, his own eyes alight with a look of sinister anticipation.
“Tonight. Have your men ready to go by midnight.”
=------------------------------------=
“Yunho.”
He feels a gentle push against his arm, but he doesn’t want to open his eyes and acknowledge the other man.
“Yunho, what are you doing here?” Junsu’s soft presses, hand shaking his shoulder in a more insistent manner.
Yunho finally manages to get his eyes open, his gaze first landing on Junsu’s gentle face before skittering about the room. He’s swimming in a sea of confusion for a moment, forgetting where he is for a brief moment.
He takes a second to blink the sleep from his eyes before he sits up, achy muscles screaming their protest at uncomfortable position.
“I was…” He trails off, glancing around sleepily until his eyes fall on the open book in his lap. “I was reading.”
Junsu’s face lightens with a worried smile, his hand resting lightly on Yunho’s shoulder. “Changmin said you’ve been in here since four in the morning.”
The tone of Junsu’s voice makes Yunho feel warm, as if someone has laid a blanket over him and placed him next to a crackling fire. He could sit for hours and simply let that voice wash over him.
“I couldn’t sleep.” Yunho finally speaks, his voice fuzzy and slightly rough.
“It’s dangerous for you to be alone here.” Junsu brushes his hand across Yunho’s cheek in an affectionate manner, a small, worried smile pushing at his lips.
Something about the touch feels paternal, as if Junsu is the mother that gently wakes her child from a nap.
“I’m sorry.” He responds, forcing himself to sit up and move away from the touch of the older boy. The ring on his finger feels ten times heavier. “I guess I should know by now hat being alone is not best for me.” He chuckles slightly and ruffles the hair at the back of his head.
“I’m just glad nothing bad happened to you.” Junsu offers him a full smile now, his face nearly glowing with that angelic look. Yunho wonders how someone so sweet and innocent looking could be a blood-sucking vampire. It almost seems like something to cheer about, knowing that Junsu’s beauty and grace will be around forever.
“Changmin didn’t say anything to me when he left last night.” Yunho groans as he stands and stretches his arms behind him to work loose the abused muscles.
“Jaejoong got onto him for doing that.”
“It’s fine.”
“No it’s not.” Jaejoong’s voice cuts in, echoing beautifully in the large room. “It would have made me very angry if I had come to find out that all my trouble to fetch you was for nothing.” He adds as he comes to a halt behind on of the chairs, his hands resting against the top.
Yunho bites at his lower lip and lets his gaze flicker about the room. He can feel the nervous butterflies in his stomach, the ones that tell him Jaejoong is not to be messed with. He’s keenly aware of the fact that he’s still wearing his robe while the other two males are fully dressed and perfectly groomed.
Yunho can’t remember the last time he shaved. Probably the morning before he got on the boat. His chin and jaw are becoming rough with his beard.
“I’m going to have a meeting with Yoochun and the rest of the clan, Junsu. I need you to stay here with Yunho.” Jaejoong addresses Junsu, easily brushing off Yunho’s obvious discomfort.
“Yes sir.” Junsu responds with a slight nod of his head, taking a moment to flash Yunho a bright smile.
“Take the day to relax and get some sleep. Junsu will pack you some clothes to take with you for tomorrow’s journey.” Jaejoong raises his brow at Yunho, silently asking if the other male understands.
“Okay.” Yunho bobs his head slightly, finding himself unable to hold Jaejoong’s steely gaze for very long.
“Take care of him, Junsu.” Jaejoong adds before turning on his heel and swiftly exiting the room.
Yunho shivers, chill-bumps lifting across his arms as he begins to recall the ice-cold beauty of Jaejoong’s face as he spoke.
Yunho twists the ring on his finger.
“Well, looks like we have the whole day to be lazy.” Junsu sighs softly, gracing Yunho with another of his brightest smiles. “A day of rest will do you some good. You look like you haven’t slept in ages.” Junsu chuckles as his own words, reaching out a hand to gently grab Yunho’s wrist. “Let’s go get you some clothes and then something to eat.” He states in a happy voice as he pulls the younger male from the room.
=--------------------------------------------=
“Can I ask you a question about Jaejoong?” Yunho broaches the subject that’s been eating at him all day.
The clock chimes to announce the time at 11:30 P.M.
“Sure.” Junsu nods his head, looking up from the fire crackling in the fireplace of Yunho’s bedroom.
“If he hates werewolves so much…what’s with him and Yoochun?” He tries to make the question sound casual, but if the smile on Junsu’s face is any indication, he’s failed miserably.
“Thirty years ago, Yoochun became rather disenchanted with the werewolves. He came to Jaejoong and offered to play the spy for the Lamia. Jaejoong would have just as soon killed him as let him into our coven. But time went on and Yoochun proved his loyalty in more ways than one. Somewhere in all that, he and Jaejoong just ended up gravitating towards each other.” Junsu shrugs his shoulders, a warm light sparkling in the depths of his dark eyes.
“So he’s not just using Yoochun?”
Junsu’s face suddenly changed to one of slightly less emotion, his eyes growing distant as he turned towards Yunho. “Jaejoong doesn’t use people. He would never take someone’s heart and crush it like that.”
Yunho feels thoroughly stung, like a puppy that has been put in its place. “I didn’t mean to offend you.” He mutters towards the fire, finding himself unable to hold Junsu’s gaze.
“You didn’t offend me. I just want you to know that you can trust Jaejoong. He’s the good guy in all of this.”
The door to Yunho’s room suddenly flew open, causing Yunho to stumble out of his chair with a surprised yelp.
Changmin and Jaejoong stood in the middle of the room, faces the picture of seriousness.
“Get Yunho’s things, we have to go now.” Jaejoong commands, sending Junsu into instant action. The smaller male asks no questions and simply reaches onto the bed to retrieve the black bag that he’d packed earlier in the day.
“What’s wrong?” Yunho questions, his chest tightening with panic at the look of anger and slight fear in Jaejoong’s eyes.
“The resistance found out about you and they’re on their way here to kill you.” Jaejoong snaps quickly as he reaches out and jerks Yunho into his arms.
“What the hell?” Yunho doesn’t manage to get anything else out before he’s been hefted off the ground by Jaejoong.
The other male’s body is strong against him, firm and powerful in every sense of the word. Yunho finds himself flustered for a moment before he lets out a slight yelp as Jaejoong takes off running.
Questions began to swirl through his mind, hanging on the tip of his tongue in a bid to get out.
What is the resistance and why are they trying to kill him? Why do they need to run? What the hell’s happening?
Yunho’s pulled from his thoughts when he hears a howl echo in the distance.
Terror grips at his heart.
Werewolves.