26

The Karassu family living room was a lively mess of laughter and lighthearted teasing. Junghyun, Inseo, and their mates were in rare form, bantering back and forth as they reminisced about childhood shenanigans. Taejung, perched elegantly on the armrest of Junghyun's chair, was all sass and sparkle, firing off comments that had everyone, including Hyejin, in stitches.

Even Kairan, usually stoic, had a relaxed air about him as he sat with Serin curled up by his side. She leaned into him, her hand resting lightly on his knee, her smile soft but radiant. The newlyweds were clearly in sync, their bond a palpable presence in the room.

"I'm just saying" Inseo was saying, "the time Junghyun thought he could 'train' me by locking me in the gym for three hours straight was probably the most alpha thing he's ever done. Too bad I came out stronger."

Junghyun rolled his eyes. "You cried halfway through."

"Because I was hungry!" Inseo shot back, grinning. "Unlike you, I don't live on bottled water and brooding."

Taejung smirked. "The brooding diet works for him. Look at that jawline."

Before Junghyun could retort, the double doors to the living room burst open with a deafening crash. The laughter evaporated as Iskendar stormed in, Eda trailing behind him, along with a group of armed men.

"Well, well" Serin said, breaking the heavy silence as she rose from her seat, her voice carrying an edge of mockery. "If it isn't Iskendar and his discount villains."

Junghyun snorted them quickly covered his mouth to suppress the laughter, and even Hyejin's lips twitched. Inseo didn't even try to hold back, bursting into open laughter. Taejung leaned against Junghyun's chair, muttering, "She's got a point."

Iskendar's face turned a dangerous shade of red. "You insolent brat! How dare you—"

"Oh, I dare" Serin interrupted, flipping her hair over her shoulder. "And while we're on the subject, Iskendar.... and yes, I'm calling you that, because you've lost the privilege of being addressed with respect. Anyway did you really think barging in here would accomplish anything? Or were you just hoping for a dramatic entrance to distract us from your poor life choices?"

Inseo whistled low. "She's got claws today."

"She always does" Taejung quipped, earning a glare from Iskendar.

Eda, still silenced by Serin's earlier magic, tried to step forward, but Iskendar raised a hand, stopping her. His glare was focused entirely on Kairan now. "This is what you've chosen?" he demanded, gesturing toward Serin. "An omega who doesn't know her place?"

Kairan stood, his presence commanding as he pulled Serin gently behind him. "She's my mate, my wife" he said, his voice low and even. "And she's already proven herself more worthy than you ever have."

Serin peeked out from behind him, a sly smile on her face. "Also, I have a wolf named Persephone. So technically, I outrank you in the whole mythological hierarchy. Better luck next time."

The insult sent Inseo into another fit of laughter, and even Taejung clapped his hands in delight. "Oh, she's good," Taejung said, grinning at Junghyun. "Now you know why she's my best friend."

Iskendar was shaking with rage now. "Enough of this nonsense! Men, attack!"

The armed men surged forward, and the room exploded into chaos. Junghyun and Inseo were instantly in motion, their alpha instincts taking over as they moved to protect their mates and family.

Junghyun was swift and precise, disarming attackers with calculated movements that left no room for error. Inseo, meanwhile, was a whirlwind of raw power, throwing men across the room like they weighed nothing.

At the back of the room, Taejung and Ii Hyeok had pulled out concealed weapons, their sharp eyes scanning the chaos. "Why do they always underestimate omegas?" Taejung muttered, lining up his aim.

"Because they're idiots" Ii Hyeok replied, his tone calm as he fired at one of the men, taking out his weapon with a well-placed shot.

"Remind me to send them a thank-you card for being so predictable" Taejung quipped, his shots just as precise.

In the middle of the room, Serin was holding her own....not with brute strength, but with the power granted by Moon Goddess. Her wolf's energy surged through her, lending her a grace and agility that allowed her to evade attacks effortlessly. With a flick of her wrist, she sent a wave of magic toward one of the attackers, sending him sprawling.

Eda, who had been skulking at the edge of the fight, grabbed a heavy candlestick, clearly aiming to throw it at Serin.

"Oh, for the love of—" Serin began, but before she could move, Kairan was there.

He stepped in front of her, and a shimmering wall of magic materialized between them. The candlestick bounced off harmlessly, shattering on the floor.

The room froze.

"Kairan has magic?" Junghyun asked, his voice breaking the stunned silence.

"Kairan darling do.... you by any chance consummate your marriage?" Hyejin said, raising an eyebrow shocked. "Is this the time and place to ask this question ma?" Kairan said slightly irritated. Serin blushed on the side and watching that taejung quickly said "they did they did" that followed by combined eww from the brothers .

"It's complete.... Their bond - that's why kairan have magic now."

Ignoring them.Serin placed a hand on Kairan's arm, stepping out from behind him. She turned to Eda and, with a flick of her fingers, restored the woman's voice. "There you go" she said sweetly. "But do be careful with what you say next. I'm not feeling particularly generous today."

Eda's mouth opened, but no sound came out. The sheer force of Serin's confidence left her speechless.

Meanwhile, Inseo tossed another man across the room, calling out, "Oi, Taejung! How's the backline holding up?"

"Fabulous, darling" Taejung replied, firing off another shot. "You're lucky I don't charge for my services."

Ii Hyeok smirked, reloading his weapon. "You should. You'd be rich by now."

As the remaining men hesitated, their loyalty to Iskendar visibly wavering, Serin stepped forward. Her voice rang out, clear and strong. "I am Serin Karassu wife of Kairan Karassu, your future Luna. If you have even a shred of loyalty to Kairan, step aside."

One by one, the men lowered their weapons and moved to the side, leaving Iskendar and Eda isolated.

"You've lost" Kairan said, his voice firm and commanding. "This pack belongs to me now. Leave, or I'll make you."

Iskendar looked as though he might argue, but Hyejin stepped forward, her presence radiating authority. "Go" she said, her tone icy. "You've done enough damage."

Defeated, Iskendar turned on his heel, storming out with Eda trailing behind him.

As the doors slammed shut, the room fell into silence.

"Well" Inseo said, flopping onto the couch. "That was dramatic."

Taejung inspected his nails. "I chipped one. Do you know how expensive my manicures are?"

Serin laughed, leaning into Kairan. "You were amazing" she whispered.

"So were you" he replied, pressing a kiss to her forehead.

Together, the family regrouped, their bond stronger than ever. Kairan was now the undisputed leader of the pack, and with Serin by his side, their future looked brighter than ever.