Chapter Thirty-Five
KEIRA
I woke in Jae-won's bed, his arms still wrapped around me, his heartbeat steady under my ear. For a moment, I just lay there, letting myself feel it — the warmth of his body against mine, the way his cedar-and-thunder scent had soaked into my skin overnight, the quiet intimacy of waking up in his space. He was still asleep, his sharp features softened, the commanding presence of the pack alpha replaced by something more vulnerable.
I knew what I wanted. I'd told him last night — Option B, the marks, all of it. The decision felt even more solid now, settled into my bones like it had always belonged there. There was one more thing I needed to address before I could say yes to the others.
"You're thinking too loud. I can feel it through the bond." Jae-won's voice rumbled beneath my ear, rough with sleep, his arms tightening around me, his chest vibrating with the words.
"Sorry. I didn't mean to wake you." I tilted my head up to look at him, finding his nearly-black eyes already open, watchingme with soft attention, the usual intensity dimmed to something gentler.
"You didn't. What's on your mind?" Jae-won shifted, propping himself up on one elbow, his jet black hair disheveled from sleep, making him look younger than his twenty-seven years, his free hand coming up to brush hair from my face.
"The company. What happens professionally? When we complete the bonds. When people find out." I took a breath, organizing my thoughts, my grey eyes searching his face. "I meant what I said last night. But I need to understand the practical side before I tell the others."
"You're right." Jae-won sat up fully, his broad shoulders squaring with that pack alpha energy I was learning to recognize, his nearly-black eyes sharpening with focus. "I can arrange a meeting. Today, if you want. Just the people who need to know."
"Today. Before my preheat starts. Before everything gets... complicated." I nodded, nerves fluttering in my stomach but determination overriding them, my fingers tightening on my knees.
Two hours later, I was sitting in a conference room at Narvi Entertainment, flanked by Jae-won on one side and Min-jun on the other. The others had wanted to come — Hwan had practically begged — but Jae-won had insisted on keeping the group small.
"Too many alphas in a room with executives makes people nervous. Min-jun is good at smoothing things over. The rest of us... less so." Jae-won had explained earlier, his voice dry, his nearly-black eyes glinting with dark humor.
Across the table sat two people: Mina Choi, my contact at the company, her sleek black bob perfectly styled, her dark brown eyes sharp and assessing; and Director Kang, who oversaw SIREN's management team directly — older, distinguished, withthe kind of presence that suggested he was used to being in charge.
"Miss Park. It's good to finally meet you in person. Mina has spoken highly of your work, and 'Eclipse' has been performing exceptionally well." Director Kang nodded to me, his expression neutral but not unkind, his fingers steepled on the table in front of him, silver hair swept back from a weathered but distinguished face.
"Thank you." I kept my voice steady, grateful for Min-jun's warm presence beside me, his vanilla-and-fresh-bread scent a comfort in the sterile conference room, my hands folded carefully in my lap.
"I understand you've been collaborating with Jin-ho on something new. Mina mentioned it might be title track material." Director Kang continued, a hint of interest entering his tone, his brow raising slightly.
"That's still being discussed. But yes, we've been working together." I said carefully, aware of how much had changed since that song was written, my fingers lacing together in my lap.
"I assume we're here to discuss how that working relationship will continue. Given the... personal developments." Director Kang glanced at Jae-won, something passing between them that spoke of previous conversations I hadn't been part of, his expression measured.
"The bond. Keira is our omega and soulmate. The bonds have been triggered. We intend to complete them." Jae-won said firmly, his voice carrying that quiet authority that commanded attention, his nearly-black eyes meeting the director's without flinching, his posture radiating controlled power.The words hung in the air, stark and undeniable. I watched Director Kang's expression carefully, looking for disapproval or resistance, but found only thoughtful consideration.
"I see. And Miss Park is... amenable to this?" Director Kang leaned back in his chair, his fingers drumming lightly on the table, his expression giving nothing away.
"I'm right here. You can ask me directly." The words came out sharper than I intended, drawing everyone's attention, heat rising to my cheeks but my chin lifting despite the nerves, my grey eyes flashing. A beat of surprised silence. Then Mina smiled, something like approval flickering in her sharp dark eyes, the corner of her mouth quirking upward.
"Of course. Miss Park. Are you entering this bond willingly?" Director Kang inclined his head, respect entering his expression, his posture shifting to face me more fully.
"Yes. I've had time to consider. I've had every opportunity to walk away. This is my choice." I said, my voice steady despite the nerves churning in my stomach, my grey eyes meeting his without wavering.
"That's good to hear. However, I'm sure you understand that this creates... complications." Director Kang nodded slowly, his expression shifting to something more businesslike, his fingers unlacing to rest flat on the table.
"Explain them." I said, surprising myself with the directness, my grey eyes holding his steadily, my spine straightening. Jae-won's hand found my knee under the table, a brief squeeze of support that steadied me, his warmth grounding through the fabric.
"Public image is the primary concern. Five alphas sharing an omega is unusual. Unprecedented, in fact, for an idol group of SIREN's profile. The public reaction will be... intense." Director Kang began, his voice measured, his hands spreading on the table in an explanatory gesture.
"We're aware. We've discussed it extensively." Jae-won's voice was calm but firm, his jaw set with determination, his dark eyes never leaving the director's face.
"The fan response alone—" Director Kang started, his brow furrowing with concern.
"Will be what it is. I'm not asking you to manage public opinion. I'm asking what the actual, practical implications are. For SIREN's contract. For my work. For how we move forward." I cut in, something hardening in my spine, the words coming from somewhere I didn't know I had, my voice clear and unwavering. Another moment of surprised silence. Min-jun's hand joined Jae-won's under the table, both of them offering silent support, their warmth grounding me from either side.
"You want specifics." Mina leaned forward, her dark eyes sharp with interest, her sleek bob swinging slightly with the movement, something calculating and impressed in her expression.
