Of Flesh, Fur, and Fang - Chapter Sixteen
Of Flesh Fur and Fang
Chapter Sixteen
“Relax,” Kyuhyun murmured, his hand slipping to the small of Zhou mi’s back.
“Easy for you to say,” Zhou mi snapped back, “You don’t have to perform in thirty minutes.” Kyuhyun grinned as their bond told him that Zhou mi wasn’t angry with him at all, only worried and nervous.
“You’ll do fine,” Kyuhyun tried to reassure him.
“How do you know? You haven’t even heard me?” Zhou mi countered.
“Not for lack of trying,” he muttered in return, knowing Zhou mi would hear him anyway. He had tried with little success to hear Zhou mi singing but the other teen had said that he wanted Kyuhyun to hear him for the first time at the festival. It had been a long week of anticipation and pent up anxiety as the festival had neared. While Kyuhyun couldn’t deny that it had lead to interesting bedroom activities he was rather glad that the day was finally here. “Don’t worry I’m sure you will sound fine. The whole pack will be there so you’ll be fine.”
“What?!” Zhou mi exclaimed, rounding on him. “The whole pack is coming!?”
“Well yeah,” Kyuhyun said with a shrug. “Between the girls and Leeteuk over half would be coming as mates so the rest just came along as well.”
“You didn’t tell me that,” Zhou mi said narrowing his eyes.
“Well if you hadn’t been avoiding the house like it’s diseased for the past week, I wouldn’t have needed to,” Kyuhyun countered. He could tell by the eyes that flicked away and the pang of guilt through their bond that he had Zhou mi there, but he didn’t regret the words. It was true there was a life changing decision that needed to be made this weekend but that didn’t give Zhou mi any excuse for his behavior.
“You still should have told me,” Zhou mi hissed.
“You should have asked,” Kyuhyun countered and Zhou mi snarled, irritation finally overlapping all of the other feelings traveling down their bond as he pulled away from Kyuhyun and stormed off towards the karaoke booth. Kyuhyun had no doubts that he would regret his words later, Zhou mi always found a way to make that happen, but for the moment he basked in the healthy irritation and watched Zhou mi’s behind as he stormed off through the crowd.
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Zhou mi wasn’t a hypochondriac but there were times when he wished he could be. Then at least he could have a legitimate, or at least to his mind, reason to go to the hospital and get out of everything he was supposed to do today. It wasn’t the singing in front of people that bothered him, that he was certain he could do in his sleep, but there was something else looming over his head.
As if the decision of whether or not to become a member of the pack wasn’t enough, his mother had clearly implied that something else was going to happen tonight and that would decide everything. She had checked to see that he had the dagger on his hip before he had left the house and had refused to tell him anything further.
He felt that he somewhat knew what people in the books and movies felt like now, the ones who knew they were coming to a point that would change everything but they had no idea if they would make the correct decision or not. It was an awful feeling and his Beast was being strangely silent on the subject as well. A part of him felt bad for taking his worry out on Kyuhyun, but at the same time he knew that his mate could feel exactly what he was feeling and very likely didn’t take it seriously at all.
His feet carried him to the stage where the karaoke would open with Ryeowook and him performing a self written song to start the evening off right. Ryeowook was already there, playing the piano on stage and humming to himself. A few people milled around and several stood to listen to the melody he was producing. The booth was a simple small stage with all the equipment needed for karaoke that would allow people to sign up for a time slot to perform and then come and go as they chose.
Yesung was standing near the stage a pleasant smile on his face. Zhou mi nodded to him politely as he moved to the stairs around the side and climbed up to the stage. He moved to Ryeowook’s side and the young man, seeing him coming, slid sideways and made room for him on the piano bench.
“Are you nervous?” Ryeowook asked softly, his fingers never stopping their motion so the music would cover their conversation.
“Not for this,” Zhou mi said with a shrug. “Yesung is here.”
Ryeowook’s face split into one of the brightest smiles that Zhou mi had ever seen on him. “Yes, he wanted to hear me play. There are several of the seethe here to enjoy the evening and celebrate with us.”
“Oh,” Zhou mi responded, wondering briefly if the werewolves knew that they would be here. He hoped that no one would start any fights.
Ryeowook, as if he knew exactly where his mind had gone murmured, “Don’t worry, this is neutral human territory. Normal humans aren’t supposed to know or be hurt. If any fights start here it is a violation of the treaty and it would mean all out war. No one will do anything.”
“What is this treaty I keep hearing about,” Zhou mi asked. Kyuhyun had refused to tell him, saying instead that it didn’t matter.
“It’s pretty simple really. The Alpha, the leader of the seethe and the head of the witch coven all signed it. It is magically binding so all three will know the moment it is broken. It basically says that humans cannot be harmed in any way, shape, or form with the exception of true self preservation. The vampires’ meals must be willing, and the wolves are forbidden to hunt humans. Fights on human grounds are forbidden, they may only fight one another to defend their own homes from each other. Basically it keeps us all from killing each other, without it, it could be a constant power struggle to see who gets the top.”
“Why wouldn’t Kyuhyun tell me that,” Zhou mi muttered, irritated.
“Probably because if you knew you would know exactly what he would be destroying if you chose to join the vampires or Heechul tried to take you or persuade you away. I think he would destroy everything for you,” Ryeowook said with a soft smile as he switched which song he was playing.
“He couldn’t,” Zhou mi muttered shocked, but he knew that wasn’t the truth. Kyuhyun would, he would do whatever it would take to keep Zhou mi safe.
“I think it is sweet,” Ryeowook told him. “To be loved like that.”
Zhou mi swallowed and turned to see Yesung staring transfixed at Ryeowook in a way that looked very familiar. “I think Yesung would to. For you.”
Ryeowook’s smile nearly split his face then. “I know he would. You didn’t think vampires were capable of that did you?”
“No,” Zhou mi admitted.
“Most can’t,” Ryeowook said with a laugh. “But only some of them become monsters, just like only some of the werewolves are monsters, and some humans are monsters.”
Zhou mi nodded as his brain tried to process that information. “Did we have people sign up for time slots,” he asked, simply to give his conversation something else to focus on.
“Some,” Ryeowook said nodding towards a clipboard on a small table. Zhou mi rose and lifted it. There were names scattered here and there, but the spot directly after their performance was open. Zhou mi glanced around and then took the pencil and began writing names with a grin on his face.
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“You’re acting like a woman,” Key grumbled, looking out over the milling people disgustedly.
Onew fidgeted and straightened his clothing again. “I don’t know when he is coming by, Jonghyun just said he would be bringing him.”
“Oh goodie,” Key mumbled dryly.
“Stop it,” Jessica snapped. “I know you have made up your mind to hate them, but this is important to him. Just stop it.”
“Well I don’t need to be here to see the sappy reunion with a blood sucker,” Key mumbled disgustedly.
“Then don’t be,” she told him. “It isn’t like we need your bad attitude anyway.”
Key lunged off the stool so fast that Onew was worried for a second he might lunge at her. “Fine. I didn’t want to hang around here anyway,” he snapped before storming off.
“He needs a swift kick in the pants,” she muttered, handing a bottle of sauce to Henry who was studiously cooking for their class booth.
“He doesn’t deal well with showing strong emotions,” Onew told her. “It’s ok. I know what he is really thinking.”
“If he would just be a human for half a second,” she muttered.
“Last time he was, he got hurt,” Henry piped up for the first time.
Jessica sighed. “I know.” She looked as if she was going to say more but then her phone vibrated and a smile spread across her face as she read the screen. “You’ll be alright without me right?”
“I should be,” Henry told her.
“Great. I’ll be back later.” The smile on her face as she walked away was huge.
“What was that about,” Henry asked confused.
“No idea,” Onew replied, equally as perturbed. They exchanged another look before shrugging. At least one member of their little band was happy at the moment.
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It was cute how Leeteuk tried to pretend that he wasn’t with Kangin. Zhou mi was certain that even the most unobservant human could sense the complete protective and claiming aura that he had while standing next to Leeteuk. Not to mention the not so subtle glances that they shared back and forth as Leeteuk clearly attempted to get him to knock it off. Zhou mi thought it was cute.
Throughout the small gathering crowd in front of the booth, the rest of the werewolf couples were scattered. They appeared to be more blatant about their relationships then their Alpha, as Eunhyuk had his arm around Taeyeon’s waist and was murmuring to her while Shindong had only moments before dramatically presented Yoona with food and then offered her a passionately comical kiss that had sent most of the gathered witnesses into laughter and cat calls. Zhou mi thought it was cute until Kyuhyun had given him a look that clearly displayed he would have no trouble leaping on stage to participate in some dramatics of his own.
Zhou mi had never been more relieved than when the student who was in charge of running the booth for the evening stepped forward with the microphone in hand. “Welcome,” a young girl from their year named Yuri said with a brilliant smile, “To the opening of our festival weekend. We have a real treat for you tonight to kick off the festivities of this little booth with a performance from the Compositions and Vocals enrichment class. So without further ado, here they are singing a self composed song, ‘At Least I Still Have You’.”
There was a brief smattering of applause, most enthusiastically from the werewolves as Zhou mi stepped forward and accepted the microphone from her fingers. Ryeowook settled at the piano and took a moment to adjust the microphone there so that he could easily sing into it. He turned to look at Zhou mi and Zhou mi offered him a subtle nod. A moment later Ryeowook’s fingers settled on the keys of the piano and he began to play.
The music was familiar, it was the song they had rehearsed for nearly a month to make certain they had it down before performing it and he didn’t miss a beat as he lifted the microphone to his lips and began to sing. “I stop breathing, I want to hold you,/ A small trembling on my shoulder/ Can you feel it while we are facing each other/ Looking at your eyes, I’ve to ask/ If this love is real/ Then I’ll do it for you.”
As Zhou mi finished his note, he allowed his microphone hand to fall to his stomach as he closed his eyes and listened to Ryeowook’s pure voice singing the next lines, “As you got older through the years/ The black hair on your head/ Will begin to have hints of white color expanding as snow/ Until my eyesight becomes blurry/ Until I stop breathing/ Until that moment, let’s be together.”
Zhou mi knew it was such a treat to hear a voice like Ryeowook’s, who even to werewolf’s ears would sound so pure, that he almost didn’t want to lift his microphone and join him for the chorus but he did anyway, their voice blending together beautifully as they had in practice. “‘Love’ such a beautiful word/ Because of you I still can live/ To me, you’re the best miracle in the world/ And with the promise that can’t be said/ On the first day of sunshine I met you and/ I’ll remember everything of you, even your scent”
When the chorus had finished Ryeowook dropped out, allowing Zhou mi to sing again. “I stop breathing, I want to hold you,/ The warmth on our red cheeks/ Can you feel it while we’re facing each other?”
Zhou mi couldn’t help swaying a bit as he listened to Ryeowook finish the verse and begin the chorus on his own. “Until my eyesight becomes blurry/ Until I stop breathing/ Until that moment, let’s be together/ “Love” such a beautiful word/ Because of you I still can live/ To me, you’re the best miracle in the world.”
“And with the promise that can’t be said,” Zhou mi sang alone, emotion clear in his voice. “On the first day of sunshine I met you and/ I’ll remember everything of you, even your scent.”
“The world is too tough for us/ I’m afraid that this time will pass too quickly,” Zhou mi knew that Ryeowook didn’t need to turn and look for Yesung to know that every passionate word he was singing was written just for him. “Rather today my life will ends/ If there will be a farewell’s day, I…”
As Ryeowook’s voice carried out the long note full of passion, Zhou mi began the final chorus by himself knowing that Ryeowook would add in echoes and notes as it went. His eyes, as he sang, sought and found Kyuhyun in the crowd and he knew with certainty that his mate could not only hear every word but feel everything that he was through their bond. “‘Love’ such a beautiful word/ Because of you I still can live/ To me, you’re the best miracle in the world/ And with the promise that can’t be said/ On the first day of sunshine I met you and/ I’ll remember everything of you, even your scent.”
“Forever, Forever”
The moment the piano and their voices died out there was loud applause accompanied by whistles and shouts. Zhou mi wanted to melt into the stage as voices that he recognized as pack members cat-called towards him. Ryeowook simply laughed as he rose from the bench and bowed beside Zhou mi.
“Let’s give them another round of applause,” Yuri said, as soon as she had the microphone back from Zhou mi’s fingers. The crowd obliged her and she lifted the microphone to her lips again in hopes to cut it off. “What a great way to kick this thing off and a hard act to follow. Now who is going to have that impossible job?” She looked down at the clip board in her hands and began to read off the first act. “It looks like it is the ‘Old Time Boys’ made up of Cho Kyuhyun, Eunhyuk, Choi Siwon, Shindong, and their leader Kangin. Let’s give them a hand!”
Zhou mi couldn’t look out into the crowd as he made his way to the edge of the stage and to the stairs, certain if did so he would burst into very incriminating laughter. As he passed the pack members climbing up the stairs as he went down, Eunhyuk and Shindong both appeared enthusiastic and had a clearly less eager Kangin sandwiched between them, herding him forward. Siwon appeared nervous but willing. Kyuhyun glared.
“It was you, wasn’t it,” he hissed as they passed. Only once they were by did Zhou mi give into his urge and grin.
The pack was easy to find in the crowd, most of them were standing near each other, and Leeteuk had clearly given up pretending that he didn’t know them besides being their teacher. “That was beautiful, Zhou mi,” Leeteuk told him with a smile as he joined them.
“Thank you.”
“You did this, didn’t you,” Taeyeon asked and her grin displayed that not only was she pleased but she was proud as well.
He shrugged. “Kyuhyun was being a jerk earlier. I thought he should have to do something too. Then I figured you ladies might like if your men serenaded you too.”
There was a bit of clamor on stage and the music began. Zhou mi recognized it immediately as an older English song, and interesting choice as he didn’t think that they knew English, yet he was learning not to be surprised by anything they did anymore. Kyuhyun lifted the microphone to his lips and his eyes sought out Zhou mi’s as he sang the first few lines, stunning him by the intensity of both the words and his look. “Although loneliness has always been a friend of mine/ I'm leavin' my life in your hands/ People say I'm crazy and that I am blind/ Risking it all in a glance’
Kangin was clearly more hesitant as he lifted his microphone, but his eyes found Leeteuk and the small noise that the man made, told Zhou mi that something must have passed unspoken between them. “And how you got me blind is still a mystery/ I can't get you out of my head/ Don't care what is written in your history/ As long as you're here with me”
Zhou mi did laugh then, as all the other men on stage joined in for the chorus and Shindong and Eunhyuk seemed to be creating their own dance motions to go with the song as they sang. “I don't care who you are/ Where you're from/ What you did/ As long as you love me/ Who you are/ Where you're from/ Don't care what you did/ As long as you love me”
The rest of the wolves fell out, leaving Eunhyuk alone to sing the next verse by himself. “Every little thing that you have said and done/ Feels like it's deep within me/ Doesn't really matter if you're on the run/ It seems like we're meant to be.”
Zhou mi chanced a look over at Taeyeon as the werewolves on stage lunched into the chorus again and she was beaming, her eyes locked on her mate. “I don't care who you are (who you are)/ Where you're from (where you're from)/ What you did/ As long as you love me (I don't know)/ Who you are (who you are)/ Where you're from (where you're from)/ Don't care what you did/ As long as you love me (yeah).”
Siwon, the one Zhou mi had put down just on principle, took the beginning of the bridge, his eyes finding someone in the crowd. “I've tried to hide it so that no one knows/ But I guess it shows/ When you look into my eyes.” Leeteuk immediately followed his gaze as did nearly ever wolf in the pack, and Zhou mi couldn’t be certain but, Siwon could have been looking at a student in their school who he was fairly certain was named Jessica.
“I knew it,” Leeteuk murmured.
Then Shindong was singing, cutting off any further comments. “What you did and where you're comin’ from/ I don't care, as long as you love me, baby.”
“Everybody!” Eunhyuk called, clapping his hands to the beat and clearly enjoying himself as they launched into the final chorus. “I don't care who you are (who you are)/ Where you're from (where you're from)/ What you did/ As long as you love me (as long as you love me)/ Who you are (who you are)/ Where you're from (where you're from)/ Don't care what you did (yeah)/ As long as you love me (as long as you love me)/ Who you are (who you are)/ Where you're from/ What you did/ As long as you love me/ Who you are (who you are)/ Where you're from (where you're from)/ As long as you love me/ Who you are/ As long as you love me/ What you did (I don't care)/ As long as you love me.”
As the final notes died out there was enthusiastic cheering and clapping, mostly from the women beside him and Zhou mi leaned closer to Leeteuk so he could whisper, “I’m going to go make sure everything is going alright with Henry.”
“Kyuhyun will find you,” Leeteuk replied with a knowing grin.
“I know,” Zhou mi admitted, “but a least when he does there will be food to appease his Beast.”
Leeteuk laughed, “Probably a good-” the words died on his lips as Kangin leapt off the stage in a nearly inhuman feat and the crowd parted before him. Leeteuk’s eyes were wide as the Alpha made his way to him and dragged him close with an arm around his waist.
“Mine,” Kangin murmured before pressing their lips together firmly.
The crowd gasped and then led by Taeyeon who released a cat-calling jeer, “Go Mr. Park!” a smattering of applause began.
Zhou mi took it as his cue to leave and he slipped from the gathered people with a smile on his face knowing that Kangin was very likely going to pay for that one later and for a very long time.
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Onew nearly choked on the noodles he was eating when he saw Jonghyun’s familiar body making its way through the crowd. “Onew?” Henry asked, glancing at him worriedly.
“What do I say?” Onew muttered almost desperately, placing the bowl on the small table and wiping his hands on his pants.
“I would say ‘hi’,” Henry offered.
Onew couldn’t even find the irritation in him to scold Henry for the obvious answer as he caught sight of Taemin walking behind Jonghyun. “What if he hates me and doesn’t want to see me?”
Henry sighed, “Then he clearly wouldn’t be here would he?”
“Hey,” Jonghyun said as they approached. “Smells good,” he said with a grin staring at the food. “Taemin you remember-”
“Jinki!” was the excited exclamation and Taemin had moved faster than anyone could follow to Onew and had enveloped the startled boy in his arms. “I’m so excited to see you! I didn’t know you were in this area!”
Startled, Onew glanced to Jonghyun who offered him a half smile and proceeded to turn his attention back to the food. “Uh yeah. I just found out you were around and Jonghyun said you would be here. You’ve grown Taemin.”
Grinning, the young man stepped back and could easily look Onew in his eyes. “I’m as tall as you are now. I told you I would grow into it.”
“I believe you,” Onew agreed grinning.
Taemin looked around and Onew couldn’t deny how normal he looked, just like the Taemin that he had known. “Is Kibum around here too? You guys were always hanging out together.”
“He’s around,” Onew said quickly. How could he possibly tell Taemin that Key didn’t want anything to do with what he had become?
“Oh cool. Maybe we can see him later then too,” Taemin said happily. “Did you help with this?” he asked gesturing to the booth full of food.
“A little,” Onew replied.
“Sorry I can’t try any of it,” Taemin said and he sounded truly remorseful.
“Don’t worry, it’s ok.” Onew said quickly. “Do they treat you well?”
“Yeah. Heechul makes sure that nothing happens to me.” He paused as if weighing his words and then blurted out, “Do you hate what I’m becoming?”
“Yes,” Onew said before he could stop himself. “I hate what you are becoming. Vampires killed Minho. I could never hate you though.”
“But Jinki, Minho-”
“Taemin,” Jonghyun called sharply catching the younger man’s attention. “I think it’s best not to bring it up again.”
Taemin looked as though he wanted to say more and Onew watched his eyes narrow at the other young man before he sighed. “I’m glad you don’t hate me Jinki. I couldn’t stand it if you hated me.”
“Why Taemin?” Onew asked. “Why this?”
“It’s my choice,” Taemin replied a bit of fire in his voice as if he had had to defend it more than once. Jonghyun laughed.
“But why this,” Onew pressed. “Out of all the things, why the one creature that took Minho from us?”
“Sorry,” Taemin murmured. “Even if I explained it, you wouldn’t understand,” he almost sounded regretful.
Onew sighed. “Never mind. I’m just happy to see you. Do you go to school?”
“Sort of,” Taemin replied. “Heechul home schools me, so that I will get the education required.” His head turned to the side and his eyes flashed, the first sign that Onew had seen of him being anything other than human. “There is a werewolf coming. A friend of yours?”
“Possibly,” Onew admitted, looking through the press of people. He noticed Zhou mi coming closer and he nodded. “Yeah, he is a friend of mine.”
“I can be here,” Taemin said defensive.
Jonghyun rolled his eyes. “Ok teenage mood swing boy, take a pill.” Taemin glared and Onew had to laugh at them. It seemed so normal, something that would have happened, could have happened, if nothing had changed.
“Hey Zhou mi,” Onew greeted as the man approached. “This is Taemin, a friend.”
Zhou mi nodded with a smile. “Hey, I’m going to hide out here for a while.”
“Hide? What did you do?” Henry asked.
“I may have made Kyuhyun get up and sing on stage. I don’t think he is very happy with me,” Zhou mi said with a laugh.
“You are the Quieter,” Taemin blurted out. “The one that Heechul wants.”
“I,” Zhou mi started, clearly unsure what to say to that.
“It’s ok. Heechul can’t have everything he wants,” Taemin said with a grin, almost as if he was pleased by this idea.
Jonghyun snorted. “He thinks he can.”
“Don’t worry. Heechul won’t take you by force. I know he won’t,” Taemin stated firmly.
“Good,” Onew agreed. “That would be a violation of the treaty.”
Taemin smiled. “He knows that, so he wouldn’t.” He looked as though he was going to say more but his head snapped up and his eye began to glow a brilliant red.
“What is it?” Jonghyun asked immediately, clearly alerted by the behavior.
“Magic. Powerful magic,” Taemin answered and he appeared to sniff the air. “Fae,” he mumbled. By his feet glowing tendrils reached from the ground, shining like the sunlight themselves. Taemin, wide eyed looked down at them as they curled around his ankles, then he screamed in pain. A moment later, blinding light surrounded him.
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Heechul was playing a self named game of ‘Stalk Down the Sneaky Hunter Known as Hankyung’, when he felt it. Something had happened to his fledgling, something painful. He could feel the pain and fear in his very being and he snarled, turning in the direction Taemin was. One step was all he was able to take before the pain intensified and vanished.
An angry snarl left Heechul’s lips. Taemin wasn’t dead, that he would be able to feel as clearly as if it was himself, but he wasn’t here. No amount of searching here would produce what was his. Heechul lifted his head and inhaled, pulling all the scents in the air into his body. He smelled them then, werewolves, the most logical one to target something of his. They were here, their Alpha was here. He could locate him easily and take back what was his.
Heechul turned with a snarl and slipped through the people milling about like a deadly shadow with the name of his target on his lips, “Kangin.”
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“What did you do!?” Jonghyun screamed, lunging towards Onew.
“It wasn’t him,” Henry cried, grabbing at him and trying to keep him from reaching the stunned young man who was doing nothing but staring blankly at the spot Taemin had been.
“It wasn’t,” Zhou mi agreed, moving to help. “Didn’t you hear what Taemin said?”
“He said magic! They can both do magic!” Jonghyun snarled.
“He also said Fae,” Zhou mi countered. “It doesn’t smell right for human magic. This is Fae.”
“And you would know wolf,” Jonghyun cursed, jerking free.
“Actually, he would,” a new voice added. “His nose is much better than yours human.” Zhou mi spun to see a young man dressed all in black and twirling what appeared to be a piece of shadow between his fingers. His smell was different, it smell of dampness, of the night crisp and cool, but certainly not human.
“Sungmin,” Jonghyun hissed. “Did you take Taemin?”
“No, but I have an idea who did, not that I really care,” he said with a shrug. “I came for something else.”
Zhou mi felt the tightness first, like fingers twisting around his ankle, grasping it firmly and spreading up his leg. He glanced down to see darkness moving over his pants and on its way slowly up his body. “Don’t worry,” the creature called Sungmin told him as he walked forward. “As long as you don’t struggle, it won’t hurt. I can’t promise about afterward though.”
“Fae,” Zhou mi gasped, his mind placing the scent.
“Good, good,” Sungmin said brightly. “Don’t worry your little friends will be fine.” Zhou mi’s head snapped sideways to see dark shadows covering the mouths of Henry, Onew and Jonghyun as well as restraining them, only Jonghyun seemed unafraid and fighting the hold of the shadows out of anger. “Can’t have them using their annoying little human spells now can I?”
Zhou mi’s mind scrambled for something he could use to counter the Fae. He had very few spells to draw on, and certainly none that would help him. As if on automatic, his hand fell to the dagger at his waist. He pulled it from its sheath and it slid free with a melodious note, beginning to glow as soon as it was clear. He had no idea if it would work but it was worth a try and he reached down, swinging at the things wrapped around his ankles. They recoiled as if hurt and fell from his body.
When he was free of them he turned his attention back to the Fae. Sungmin was staring at him wide eyed and backing up a step. “Where did you get that?” he hissed. “Why would she give that to you?”
“It was a gift,” Zhou mi said, hoping he sounded more confident then he felt. “To protect.”
“She would never,” Sungmin hissed again, backing up another step.
“She did,” Zhou mi countered.
“Damn you,” the Fae snarled and then vanished in a cloud of shadows. Behind Zhou mi there were gasps as the shadows removed themselves from the others bodies.
“What just happened?” Henry asked, utterly confused.
“I have no idea,” Zhou mi replied. “But I know someone who might.” He could already feel Kyuhyun through their mate bond, angry and frightened at what he had felt from Zhou mi and if he wasn’t mistaken the werewolf was on his way over as quickly as he could possibly travel without appearing to be something other than human.
“Great because I want to know what the hell two Fae are doing at our festival,” Jonghyun said crossly.
“Two?” Onew asked confused.
“Yeah two. Sungmin couldn’t do whatever was done to Taemin,” Jonghyun responded.
“Are you sure?”
“He’s sure,” Zhou mi replied before Jonghyun could. “If I didn’t know any better I would say the first one smelled like Sunny, a different Fae.”
“What the hell is going on?!” Henry asked angrily.
“Wish I could answer that,” Zhou mi muttered.
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Leeteuk couldn’t muffle his noise of surprise as Kangin grabbed his arm and shoved him behind him. The Alpha was growling in true protective anger of the dangerous sort and a moment later there was a man standing before him. Leeteuk’s nose told him, a second later, that it wasn’t a man, but a vampire. “Heechul,” Kangin growled. Leeteuk knew that name, not the person, but the stories behind it, and the history.
“You have taken something of mine,” Heechul hissed and Leeteuk could feel the anger and threat of violence of another predator. It made his hackles rise.
“I have done nothing,” Kangin returned his voice thick with the power and strength of an Alpha. Leeteuk could feel violence rising in both of them as well as himself and he glanced around. People were giving them wide birth and looking away, both products of Kangin’s powerful dominance, but if it came to a fight here, people would notice.
“Not here,” Leeteuk said firmly. “A mile from the school is a large field that no one is using and will be deserted. We will meet you there to speak.”
“Very well,” Heechul said stiffly after a moment. "If you are not there in two minutes I will hunt down your wolves."
“Do not threaten what is mine,” Kangin growled.
“Then do not take what is mine,” Heechul snarled in return and disappeared.
Chapter Seventeen
Masterlist
AN: Well I hope I didn't let anyone down with that chapter after the long wait. I was going to wait until tomorrow or Christmas to actually post this, but my beta gave it back to me right away so you all get your Christmas present early! There are only two more chapters to this little saga and I promise you will be able to read it's conclusion before the year is done.
For anyone who is curious the songs in this fic are Super Junior M - At Least I Still Have You (Korean Version) (yes there is a difference) and Backstreet Boys - As Long As You Love Me (or for you Kpop nerds like me you can try the U-KISS cover of the same song).
Chapter Sixteen
“Relax,” Kyuhyun murmured, his hand slipping to the small of Zhou mi’s back.
“Easy for you to say,” Zhou mi snapped back, “You don’t have to perform in thirty minutes.” Kyuhyun grinned as their bond told him that Zhou mi wasn’t angry with him at all, only worried and nervous.
“You’ll do fine,” Kyuhyun tried to reassure him.
“How do you know? You haven’t even heard me?” Zhou mi countered.
“Not for lack of trying,” he muttered in return, knowing Zhou mi would hear him anyway. He had tried with little success to hear Zhou mi singing but the other teen had said that he wanted Kyuhyun to hear him for the first time at the festival. It had been a long week of anticipation and pent up anxiety as the festival had neared. While Kyuhyun couldn’t deny that it had lead to interesting bedroom activities he was rather glad that the day was finally here. “Don’t worry I’m sure you will sound fine. The whole pack will be there so you’ll be fine.”
“What?!” Zhou mi exclaimed, rounding on him. “The whole pack is coming!?”
“Well yeah,” Kyuhyun said with a shrug. “Between the girls and Leeteuk over half would be coming as mates so the rest just came along as well.”
“You didn’t tell me that,” Zhou mi said narrowing his eyes.
“Well if you hadn’t been avoiding the house like it’s diseased for the past week, I wouldn’t have needed to,” Kyuhyun countered. He could tell by the eyes that flicked away and the pang of guilt through their bond that he had Zhou mi there, but he didn’t regret the words. It was true there was a life changing decision that needed to be made this weekend but that didn’t give Zhou mi any excuse for his behavior.
“You still should have told me,” Zhou mi hissed.
“You should have asked,” Kyuhyun countered and Zhou mi snarled, irritation finally overlapping all of the other feelings traveling down their bond as he pulled away from Kyuhyun and stormed off towards the karaoke booth. Kyuhyun had no doubts that he would regret his words later, Zhou mi always found a way to make that happen, but for the moment he basked in the healthy irritation and watched Zhou mi’s behind as he stormed off through the crowd.
▪▫▪☼▪▫▪
Zhou mi wasn’t a hypochondriac but there were times when he wished he could be. Then at least he could have a legitimate, or at least to his mind, reason to go to the hospital and get out of everything he was supposed to do today. It wasn’t the singing in front of people that bothered him, that he was certain he could do in his sleep, but there was something else looming over his head.
As if the decision of whether or not to become a member of the pack wasn’t enough, his mother had clearly implied that something else was going to happen tonight and that would decide everything. She had checked to see that he had the dagger on his hip before he had left the house and had refused to tell him anything further.
He felt that he somewhat knew what people in the books and movies felt like now, the ones who knew they were coming to a point that would change everything but they had no idea if they would make the correct decision or not. It was an awful feeling and his Beast was being strangely silent on the subject as well. A part of him felt bad for taking his worry out on Kyuhyun, but at the same time he knew that his mate could feel exactly what he was feeling and very likely didn’t take it seriously at all.
His feet carried him to the stage where the karaoke would open with Ryeowook and him performing a self written song to start the evening off right. Ryeowook was already there, playing the piano on stage and humming to himself. A few people milled around and several stood to listen to the melody he was producing. The booth was a simple small stage with all the equipment needed for karaoke that would allow people to sign up for a time slot to perform and then come and go as they chose.
Yesung was standing near the stage a pleasant smile on his face. Zhou mi nodded to him politely as he moved to the stairs around the side and climbed up to the stage. He moved to Ryeowook’s side and the young man, seeing him coming, slid sideways and made room for him on the piano bench.
“Are you nervous?” Ryeowook asked softly, his fingers never stopping their motion so the music would cover their conversation.
“Not for this,” Zhou mi said with a shrug. “Yesung is here.”
Ryeowook’s face split into one of the brightest smiles that Zhou mi had ever seen on him. “Yes, he wanted to hear me play. There are several of the seethe here to enjoy the evening and celebrate with us.”
“Oh,” Zhou mi responded, wondering briefly if the werewolves knew that they would be here. He hoped that no one would start any fights.
Ryeowook, as if he knew exactly where his mind had gone murmured, “Don’t worry, this is neutral human territory. Normal humans aren’t supposed to know or be hurt. If any fights start here it is a violation of the treaty and it would mean all out war. No one will do anything.”
“What is this treaty I keep hearing about,” Zhou mi asked. Kyuhyun had refused to tell him, saying instead that it didn’t matter.
“It’s pretty simple really. The Alpha, the leader of the seethe and the head of the witch coven all signed it. It is magically binding so all three will know the moment it is broken. It basically says that humans cannot be harmed in any way, shape, or form with the exception of true self preservation. The vampires’ meals must be willing, and the wolves are forbidden to hunt humans. Fights on human grounds are forbidden, they may only fight one another to defend their own homes from each other. Basically it keeps us all from killing each other, without it, it could be a constant power struggle to see who gets the top.”
“Why wouldn’t Kyuhyun tell me that,” Zhou mi muttered, irritated.
“Probably because if you knew you would know exactly what he would be destroying if you chose to join the vampires or Heechul tried to take you or persuade you away. I think he would destroy everything for you,” Ryeowook said with a soft smile as he switched which song he was playing.
“He couldn’t,” Zhou mi muttered shocked, but he knew that wasn’t the truth. Kyuhyun would, he would do whatever it would take to keep Zhou mi safe.
“I think it is sweet,” Ryeowook told him. “To be loved like that.”
Zhou mi swallowed and turned to see Yesung staring transfixed at Ryeowook in a way that looked very familiar. “I think Yesung would to. For you.”
Ryeowook’s smile nearly split his face then. “I know he would. You didn’t think vampires were capable of that did you?”
“No,” Zhou mi admitted.
“Most can’t,” Ryeowook said with a laugh. “But only some of them become monsters, just like only some of the werewolves are monsters, and some humans are monsters.”
Zhou mi nodded as his brain tried to process that information. “Did we have people sign up for time slots,” he asked, simply to give his conversation something else to focus on.
“Some,” Ryeowook said nodding towards a clipboard on a small table. Zhou mi rose and lifted it. There were names scattered here and there, but the spot directly after their performance was open. Zhou mi glanced around and then took the pencil and began writing names with a grin on his face.
▪▫▪☼▪▫▪
“You’re acting like a woman,” Key grumbled, looking out over the milling people disgustedly.
Onew fidgeted and straightened his clothing again. “I don’t know when he is coming by, Jonghyun just said he would be bringing him.”
“Oh goodie,” Key mumbled dryly.
“Stop it,” Jessica snapped. “I know you have made up your mind to hate them, but this is important to him. Just stop it.”
“Well I don’t need to be here to see the sappy reunion with a blood sucker,” Key mumbled disgustedly.
“Then don’t be,” she told him. “It isn’t like we need your bad attitude anyway.”
Key lunged off the stool so fast that Onew was worried for a second he might lunge at her. “Fine. I didn’t want to hang around here anyway,” he snapped before storming off.
“He needs a swift kick in the pants,” she muttered, handing a bottle of sauce to Henry who was studiously cooking for their class booth.
“He doesn’t deal well with showing strong emotions,” Onew told her. “It’s ok. I know what he is really thinking.”
“If he would just be a human for half a second,” she muttered.
“Last time he was, he got hurt,” Henry piped up for the first time.
Jessica sighed. “I know.” She looked as if she was going to say more but then her phone vibrated and a smile spread across her face as she read the screen. “You’ll be alright without me right?”
“I should be,” Henry told her.
“Great. I’ll be back later.” The smile on her face as she walked away was huge.
“What was that about,” Henry asked confused.
“No idea,” Onew replied, equally as perturbed. They exchanged another look before shrugging. At least one member of their little band was happy at the moment.
▪▫▪☼▪▫▪
It was cute how Leeteuk tried to pretend that he wasn’t with Kangin. Zhou mi was certain that even the most unobservant human could sense the complete protective and claiming aura that he had while standing next to Leeteuk. Not to mention the not so subtle glances that they shared back and forth as Leeteuk clearly attempted to get him to knock it off. Zhou mi thought it was cute.
Throughout the small gathering crowd in front of the booth, the rest of the werewolf couples were scattered. They appeared to be more blatant about their relationships then their Alpha, as Eunhyuk had his arm around Taeyeon’s waist and was murmuring to her while Shindong had only moments before dramatically presented Yoona with food and then offered her a passionately comical kiss that had sent most of the gathered witnesses into laughter and cat calls. Zhou mi thought it was cute until Kyuhyun had given him a look that clearly displayed he would have no trouble leaping on stage to participate in some dramatics of his own.
Zhou mi had never been more relieved than when the student who was in charge of running the booth for the evening stepped forward with the microphone in hand. “Welcome,” a young girl from their year named Yuri said with a brilliant smile, “To the opening of our festival weekend. We have a real treat for you tonight to kick off the festivities of this little booth with a performance from the Compositions and Vocals enrichment class. So without further ado, here they are singing a self composed song, ‘At Least I Still Have You’.”
There was a brief smattering of applause, most enthusiastically from the werewolves as Zhou mi stepped forward and accepted the microphone from her fingers. Ryeowook settled at the piano and took a moment to adjust the microphone there so that he could easily sing into it. He turned to look at Zhou mi and Zhou mi offered him a subtle nod. A moment later Ryeowook’s fingers settled on the keys of the piano and he began to play.
The music was familiar, it was the song they had rehearsed for nearly a month to make certain they had it down before performing it and he didn’t miss a beat as he lifted the microphone to his lips and began to sing. “I stop breathing, I want to hold you,/ A small trembling on my shoulder/ Can you feel it while we are facing each other/ Looking at your eyes, I’ve to ask/ If this love is real/ Then I’ll do it for you.”
As Zhou mi finished his note, he allowed his microphone hand to fall to his stomach as he closed his eyes and listened to Ryeowook’s pure voice singing the next lines, “As you got older through the years/ The black hair on your head/ Will begin to have hints of white color expanding as snow/ Until my eyesight becomes blurry/ Until I stop breathing/ Until that moment, let’s be together.”
Zhou mi knew it was such a treat to hear a voice like Ryeowook’s, who even to werewolf’s ears would sound so pure, that he almost didn’t want to lift his microphone and join him for the chorus but he did anyway, their voice blending together beautifully as they had in practice. “‘Love’ such a beautiful word/ Because of you I still can live/ To me, you’re the best miracle in the world/ And with the promise that can’t be said/ On the first day of sunshine I met you and/ I’ll remember everything of you, even your scent”
When the chorus had finished Ryeowook dropped out, allowing Zhou mi to sing again. “I stop breathing, I want to hold you,/ The warmth on our red cheeks/ Can you feel it while we’re facing each other?”
Zhou mi couldn’t help swaying a bit as he listened to Ryeowook finish the verse and begin the chorus on his own. “Until my eyesight becomes blurry/ Until I stop breathing/ Until that moment, let’s be together/ “Love” such a beautiful word/ Because of you I still can live/ To me, you’re the best miracle in the world.”
“And with the promise that can’t be said,” Zhou mi sang alone, emotion clear in his voice. “On the first day of sunshine I met you and/ I’ll remember everything of you, even your scent.”
“The world is too tough for us/ I’m afraid that this time will pass too quickly,” Zhou mi knew that Ryeowook didn’t need to turn and look for Yesung to know that every passionate word he was singing was written just for him. “Rather today my life will ends/ If there will be a farewell’s day, I…”
As Ryeowook’s voice carried out the long note full of passion, Zhou mi began the final chorus by himself knowing that Ryeowook would add in echoes and notes as it went. His eyes, as he sang, sought and found Kyuhyun in the crowd and he knew with certainty that his mate could not only hear every word but feel everything that he was through their bond. “‘Love’ such a beautiful word/ Because of you I still can live/ To me, you’re the best miracle in the world/ And with the promise that can’t be said/ On the first day of sunshine I met you and/ I’ll remember everything of you, even your scent.”
“Forever, Forever”
The moment the piano and their voices died out there was loud applause accompanied by whistles and shouts. Zhou mi wanted to melt into the stage as voices that he recognized as pack members cat-called towards him. Ryeowook simply laughed as he rose from the bench and bowed beside Zhou mi.
“Let’s give them another round of applause,” Yuri said, as soon as she had the microphone back from Zhou mi’s fingers. The crowd obliged her and she lifted the microphone to her lips again in hopes to cut it off. “What a great way to kick this thing off and a hard act to follow. Now who is going to have that impossible job?” She looked down at the clip board in her hands and began to read off the first act. “It looks like it is the ‘Old Time Boys’ made up of Cho Kyuhyun, Eunhyuk, Choi Siwon, Shindong, and their leader Kangin. Let’s give them a hand!”
Zhou mi couldn’t look out into the crowd as he made his way to the edge of the stage and to the stairs, certain if did so he would burst into very incriminating laughter. As he passed the pack members climbing up the stairs as he went down, Eunhyuk and Shindong both appeared enthusiastic and had a clearly less eager Kangin sandwiched between them, herding him forward. Siwon appeared nervous but willing. Kyuhyun glared.
“It was you, wasn’t it,” he hissed as they passed. Only once they were by did Zhou mi give into his urge and grin.
The pack was easy to find in the crowd, most of them were standing near each other, and Leeteuk had clearly given up pretending that he didn’t know them besides being their teacher. “That was beautiful, Zhou mi,” Leeteuk told him with a smile as he joined them.
“Thank you.”
“You did this, didn’t you,” Taeyeon asked and her grin displayed that not only was she pleased but she was proud as well.
He shrugged. “Kyuhyun was being a jerk earlier. I thought he should have to do something too. Then I figured you ladies might like if your men serenaded you too.”
There was a bit of clamor on stage and the music began. Zhou mi recognized it immediately as an older English song, and interesting choice as he didn’t think that they knew English, yet he was learning not to be surprised by anything they did anymore. Kyuhyun lifted the microphone to his lips and his eyes sought out Zhou mi’s as he sang the first few lines, stunning him by the intensity of both the words and his look. “Although loneliness has always been a friend of mine/ I'm leavin' my life in your hands/ People say I'm crazy and that I am blind/ Risking it all in a glance’
Kangin was clearly more hesitant as he lifted his microphone, but his eyes found Leeteuk and the small noise that the man made, told Zhou mi that something must have passed unspoken between them. “And how you got me blind is still a mystery/ I can't get you out of my head/ Don't care what is written in your history/ As long as you're here with me”
Zhou mi did laugh then, as all the other men on stage joined in for the chorus and Shindong and Eunhyuk seemed to be creating their own dance motions to go with the song as they sang. “I don't care who you are/ Where you're from/ What you did/ As long as you love me/ Who you are/ Where you're from/ Don't care what you did/ As long as you love me”
The rest of the wolves fell out, leaving Eunhyuk alone to sing the next verse by himself. “Every little thing that you have said and done/ Feels like it's deep within me/ Doesn't really matter if you're on the run/ It seems like we're meant to be.”
Zhou mi chanced a look over at Taeyeon as the werewolves on stage lunched into the chorus again and she was beaming, her eyes locked on her mate. “I don't care who you are (who you are)/ Where you're from (where you're from)/ What you did/ As long as you love me (I don't know)/ Who you are (who you are)/ Where you're from (where you're from)/ Don't care what you did/ As long as you love me (yeah).”
Siwon, the one Zhou mi had put down just on principle, took the beginning of the bridge, his eyes finding someone in the crowd. “I've tried to hide it so that no one knows/ But I guess it shows/ When you look into my eyes.” Leeteuk immediately followed his gaze as did nearly ever wolf in the pack, and Zhou mi couldn’t be certain but, Siwon could have been looking at a student in their school who he was fairly certain was named Jessica.
“I knew it,” Leeteuk murmured.
Then Shindong was singing, cutting off any further comments. “What you did and where you're comin’ from/ I don't care, as long as you love me, baby.”
“Everybody!” Eunhyuk called, clapping his hands to the beat and clearly enjoying himself as they launched into the final chorus. “I don't care who you are (who you are)/ Where you're from (where you're from)/ What you did/ As long as you love me (as long as you love me)/ Who you are (who you are)/ Where you're from (where you're from)/ Don't care what you did (yeah)/ As long as you love me (as long as you love me)/ Who you are (who you are)/ Where you're from/ What you did/ As long as you love me/ Who you are (who you are)/ Where you're from (where you're from)/ As long as you love me/ Who you are/ As long as you love me/ What you did (I don't care)/ As long as you love me.”
As the final notes died out there was enthusiastic cheering and clapping, mostly from the women beside him and Zhou mi leaned closer to Leeteuk so he could whisper, “I’m going to go make sure everything is going alright with Henry.”
“Kyuhyun will find you,” Leeteuk replied with a knowing grin.
“I know,” Zhou mi admitted, “but a least when he does there will be food to appease his Beast.”
Leeteuk laughed, “Probably a good-” the words died on his lips as Kangin leapt off the stage in a nearly inhuman feat and the crowd parted before him. Leeteuk’s eyes were wide as the Alpha made his way to him and dragged him close with an arm around his waist.
“Mine,” Kangin murmured before pressing their lips together firmly.
The crowd gasped and then led by Taeyeon who released a cat-calling jeer, “Go Mr. Park!” a smattering of applause began.
Zhou mi took it as his cue to leave and he slipped from the gathered people with a smile on his face knowing that Kangin was very likely going to pay for that one later and for a very long time.
▪▫▪☼▪▫▪
Onew nearly choked on the noodles he was eating when he saw Jonghyun’s familiar body making its way through the crowd. “Onew?” Henry asked, glancing at him worriedly.
“What do I say?” Onew muttered almost desperately, placing the bowl on the small table and wiping his hands on his pants.
“I would say ‘hi’,” Henry offered.
Onew couldn’t even find the irritation in him to scold Henry for the obvious answer as he caught sight of Taemin walking behind Jonghyun. “What if he hates me and doesn’t want to see me?”
Henry sighed, “Then he clearly wouldn’t be here would he?”
“Hey,” Jonghyun said as they approached. “Smells good,” he said with a grin staring at the food. “Taemin you remember-”
“Jinki!” was the excited exclamation and Taemin had moved faster than anyone could follow to Onew and had enveloped the startled boy in his arms. “I’m so excited to see you! I didn’t know you were in this area!”
Startled, Onew glanced to Jonghyun who offered him a half smile and proceeded to turn his attention back to the food. “Uh yeah. I just found out you were around and Jonghyun said you would be here. You’ve grown Taemin.”
Grinning, the young man stepped back and could easily look Onew in his eyes. “I’m as tall as you are now. I told you I would grow into it.”
“I believe you,” Onew agreed grinning.
Taemin looked around and Onew couldn’t deny how normal he looked, just like the Taemin that he had known. “Is Kibum around here too? You guys were always hanging out together.”
“He’s around,” Onew said quickly. How could he possibly tell Taemin that Key didn’t want anything to do with what he had become?
“Oh cool. Maybe we can see him later then too,” Taemin said happily. “Did you help with this?” he asked gesturing to the booth full of food.
“A little,” Onew replied.
“Sorry I can’t try any of it,” Taemin said and he sounded truly remorseful.
“Don’t worry, it’s ok.” Onew said quickly. “Do they treat you well?”
“Yeah. Heechul makes sure that nothing happens to me.” He paused as if weighing his words and then blurted out, “Do you hate what I’m becoming?”
“Yes,” Onew said before he could stop himself. “I hate what you are becoming. Vampires killed Minho. I could never hate you though.”
“But Jinki, Minho-”
“Taemin,” Jonghyun called sharply catching the younger man’s attention. “I think it’s best not to bring it up again.”
Taemin looked as though he wanted to say more and Onew watched his eyes narrow at the other young man before he sighed. “I’m glad you don’t hate me Jinki. I couldn’t stand it if you hated me.”
“Why Taemin?” Onew asked. “Why this?”
“It’s my choice,” Taemin replied a bit of fire in his voice as if he had had to defend it more than once. Jonghyun laughed.
“But why this,” Onew pressed. “Out of all the things, why the one creature that took Minho from us?”
“Sorry,” Taemin murmured. “Even if I explained it, you wouldn’t understand,” he almost sounded regretful.
Onew sighed. “Never mind. I’m just happy to see you. Do you go to school?”
“Sort of,” Taemin replied. “Heechul home schools me, so that I will get the education required.” His head turned to the side and his eyes flashed, the first sign that Onew had seen of him being anything other than human. “There is a werewolf coming. A friend of yours?”
“Possibly,” Onew admitted, looking through the press of people. He noticed Zhou mi coming closer and he nodded. “Yeah, he is a friend of mine.”
“I can be here,” Taemin said defensive.
Jonghyun rolled his eyes. “Ok teenage mood swing boy, take a pill.” Taemin glared and Onew had to laugh at them. It seemed so normal, something that would have happened, could have happened, if nothing had changed.
“Hey Zhou mi,” Onew greeted as the man approached. “This is Taemin, a friend.”
Zhou mi nodded with a smile. “Hey, I’m going to hide out here for a while.”
“Hide? What did you do?” Henry asked.
“I may have made Kyuhyun get up and sing on stage. I don’t think he is very happy with me,” Zhou mi said with a laugh.
“You are the Quieter,” Taemin blurted out. “The one that Heechul wants.”
“I,” Zhou mi started, clearly unsure what to say to that.
“It’s ok. Heechul can’t have everything he wants,” Taemin said with a grin, almost as if he was pleased by this idea.
Jonghyun snorted. “He thinks he can.”
“Don’t worry. Heechul won’t take you by force. I know he won’t,” Taemin stated firmly.
“Good,” Onew agreed. “That would be a violation of the treaty.”
Taemin smiled. “He knows that, so he wouldn’t.” He looked as though he was going to say more but his head snapped up and his eye began to glow a brilliant red.
“What is it?” Jonghyun asked immediately, clearly alerted by the behavior.
“Magic. Powerful magic,” Taemin answered and he appeared to sniff the air. “Fae,” he mumbled. By his feet glowing tendrils reached from the ground, shining like the sunlight themselves. Taemin, wide eyed looked down at them as they curled around his ankles, then he screamed in pain. A moment later, blinding light surrounded him.
▪▫▪☼▪▫▪
Heechul was playing a self named game of ‘Stalk Down the Sneaky Hunter Known as Hankyung’, when he felt it. Something had happened to his fledgling, something painful. He could feel the pain and fear in his very being and he snarled, turning in the direction Taemin was. One step was all he was able to take before the pain intensified and vanished.
An angry snarl left Heechul’s lips. Taemin wasn’t dead, that he would be able to feel as clearly as if it was himself, but he wasn’t here. No amount of searching here would produce what was his. Heechul lifted his head and inhaled, pulling all the scents in the air into his body. He smelled them then, werewolves, the most logical one to target something of his. They were here, their Alpha was here. He could locate him easily and take back what was his.
Heechul turned with a snarl and slipped through the people milling about like a deadly shadow with the name of his target on his lips, “Kangin.”
▪▫▪☼▪▫▪
“What did you do!?” Jonghyun screamed, lunging towards Onew.
“It wasn’t him,” Henry cried, grabbing at him and trying to keep him from reaching the stunned young man who was doing nothing but staring blankly at the spot Taemin had been.
“It wasn’t,” Zhou mi agreed, moving to help. “Didn’t you hear what Taemin said?”
“He said magic! They can both do magic!” Jonghyun snarled.
“He also said Fae,” Zhou mi countered. “It doesn’t smell right for human magic. This is Fae.”
“And you would know wolf,” Jonghyun cursed, jerking free.
“Actually, he would,” a new voice added. “His nose is much better than yours human.” Zhou mi spun to see a young man dressed all in black and twirling what appeared to be a piece of shadow between his fingers. His smell was different, it smell of dampness, of the night crisp and cool, but certainly not human.
“Sungmin,” Jonghyun hissed. “Did you take Taemin?”
“No, but I have an idea who did, not that I really care,” he said with a shrug. “I came for something else.”
Zhou mi felt the tightness first, like fingers twisting around his ankle, grasping it firmly and spreading up his leg. He glanced down to see darkness moving over his pants and on its way slowly up his body. “Don’t worry,” the creature called Sungmin told him as he walked forward. “As long as you don’t struggle, it won’t hurt. I can’t promise about afterward though.”
“Fae,” Zhou mi gasped, his mind placing the scent.
“Good, good,” Sungmin said brightly. “Don’t worry your little friends will be fine.” Zhou mi’s head snapped sideways to see dark shadows covering the mouths of Henry, Onew and Jonghyun as well as restraining them, only Jonghyun seemed unafraid and fighting the hold of the shadows out of anger. “Can’t have them using their annoying little human spells now can I?”
Zhou mi’s mind scrambled for something he could use to counter the Fae. He had very few spells to draw on, and certainly none that would help him. As if on automatic, his hand fell to the dagger at his waist. He pulled it from its sheath and it slid free with a melodious note, beginning to glow as soon as it was clear. He had no idea if it would work but it was worth a try and he reached down, swinging at the things wrapped around his ankles. They recoiled as if hurt and fell from his body.
When he was free of them he turned his attention back to the Fae. Sungmin was staring at him wide eyed and backing up a step. “Where did you get that?” he hissed. “Why would she give that to you?”
“It was a gift,” Zhou mi said, hoping he sounded more confident then he felt. “To protect.”
“She would never,” Sungmin hissed again, backing up another step.
“She did,” Zhou mi countered.
“Damn you,” the Fae snarled and then vanished in a cloud of shadows. Behind Zhou mi there were gasps as the shadows removed themselves from the others bodies.
“What just happened?” Henry asked, utterly confused.
“I have no idea,” Zhou mi replied. “But I know someone who might.” He could already feel Kyuhyun through their mate bond, angry and frightened at what he had felt from Zhou mi and if he wasn’t mistaken the werewolf was on his way over as quickly as he could possibly travel without appearing to be something other than human.
“Great because I want to know what the hell two Fae are doing at our festival,” Jonghyun said crossly.
“Two?” Onew asked confused.
“Yeah two. Sungmin couldn’t do whatever was done to Taemin,” Jonghyun responded.
“Are you sure?”
“He’s sure,” Zhou mi replied before Jonghyun could. “If I didn’t know any better I would say the first one smelled like Sunny, a different Fae.”
“What the hell is going on?!” Henry asked angrily.
“Wish I could answer that,” Zhou mi muttered.
▪▫▪☼▪▫▪
Leeteuk couldn’t muffle his noise of surprise as Kangin grabbed his arm and shoved him behind him. The Alpha was growling in true protective anger of the dangerous sort and a moment later there was a man standing before him. Leeteuk’s nose told him, a second later, that it wasn’t a man, but a vampire. “Heechul,” Kangin growled. Leeteuk knew that name, not the person, but the stories behind it, and the history.
“You have taken something of mine,” Heechul hissed and Leeteuk could feel the anger and threat of violence of another predator. It made his hackles rise.
“I have done nothing,” Kangin returned his voice thick with the power and strength of an Alpha. Leeteuk could feel violence rising in both of them as well as himself and he glanced around. People were giving them wide birth and looking away, both products of Kangin’s powerful dominance, but if it came to a fight here, people would notice.
“Not here,” Leeteuk said firmly. “A mile from the school is a large field that no one is using and will be deserted. We will meet you there to speak.”
“Very well,” Heechul said stiffly after a moment. "If you are not there in two minutes I will hunt down your wolves."
“Do not threaten what is mine,” Kangin growled.
“Then do not take what is mine,” Heechul snarled in return and disappeared.
Chapter Seventeen
Masterlist
AN: Well I hope I didn't let anyone down with that chapter after the long wait. I was going to wait until tomorrow or Christmas to actually post this, but my beta gave it back to me right away so you all get your Christmas present early! There are only two more chapters to this little saga and I promise you will be able to read it's conclusion before the year is done.
For anyone who is curious the songs in this fic are Super Junior M - At Least I Still Have You (Korean Version) (yes there is a difference) and Backstreet Boys - As Long As You Love Me (or for you Kpop nerds like me you can try the U-KISS cover of the same song).