Chapter 4: A Shadow of Suspicion

Taehyung slept soundly throughout the car ride, the alcohol finally claiming him. Jungkook, understanding the omega's inebriated state, didn't disturb him. They arrived at Taehyung's apartment building, the quiet predawn stillness broken only by the gentle hum of the engine. Jungkook exited the car first, carefully extracting the sleeping Taehyung from the passenger seat. He cradled the omega gently, his movements surprisingly tender for someone with his imposing stature.

As Jungkook turned, a female voice startled him. "Oh, is that Taehyung?"

Nicole, Taehyung's roommate, stood in the shadows, her expression a mixture of surprise and awkwardness.

Jungkook, holding Taehyung protectively, responded curtly. "Yes. Where is his room?"

Nicole, seemingly relieved by his arrival, offered a hesitant smile. "Actually, we live together. Just give him to me. I can take care of him."

Jungkook, however, remained wary. He scanned Nicole from head to toe, his gaze sharp and assessing. "Who are you?" he asked, his tone leaving no room for misinterpretation.

Nicole, sensing his skepticism, rubbed the back of her neck nervously. "Don't worry, I'm his friend," she said, attempting to appear nonchalant.

Jungkook's expression didn't soften. "Tell me where his room is," he commanded, his voice low and authoritative, though not overtly harsh. The dominance in his demeanor, however, was unmistakable.

Nicole, intimidated by his presence, led him inside, her steps hurried and slightly hesitant. She opened the door to the apartment, only to be met by the unexpected sight of her boyfriend, half-naked and wrapped in a towel, emerging from their bedroom. Nicole cursed under her breath, her cheeks flushing crimson.

"This is Tae's room," she said quickly, ushering Jungkook towards Taehyung's bedroom to avoid further embarrassment.

Jungkook merely glared at the half-dressed man before entering Taehyung's room. He gently placed Taehyung on the bed, carefully tucking him in and removing his shoes with a surprising gentleness. His movements were precise, efficient, and yet imbued with a quiet care that belied his outward sternness.

He surveyed the small room, his gaze sharp and observant. "This room doesn't have soundproofing," he remarked, his voice low.

Nicole, attempting to explain, began, "Ahm, it's beca-"

Jungkook cut her off, his gaze unwavering. "Don't bring that man here again if you're going to do anything...inappropriate," he said, his voice laced with a warning that brooked no argument. His expression was stern, leaving no doubt as to the seriousness of his words.

Nicole, clearly taken aback by his directness, could only nod silently, a forced smile plastered on her face. "Y-yes, of course. Thank you for bringing him home. I'll tell him you were here tomorrow."

Jungkook merely hummed in acknowledgement, turning to leave. The half-naked man stared after him until the Alpha was gone, his curiosity piqued.

"Who was that? Your friend's mate?" he asked Nicole, his voice laced with a mixture of curiosity and suspicion.

Nicole sighed, exasperated. "No, that was his boss. And please, try not to do that again. It's embarrassing."

The next morning, Taehyung awoke with a throbbing headache and the lingering scent of a strong Alpha pheromone filling his room. He sat up, groaning, leaning against the headboard, confused and disoriented.

Nicole barged into the room, her expression one of barely-contained annoyance. "You're awake. Go take a shower. I can smell the alcohol from here."

Taehyung, his voice still thick with sleep, asked, "What happened?"

"Your boss brought you home," Nicole replied, settling onto the couch.

Taehyung's brow furrowed. "Mr. Jeon?"

"Yeah, the great Jeon Jungkook," Nicole muttered, rolling her eyes. "Can you believe it? People call him the kindest Alpha, but he's far from it."

Taehyung, now fully awake, was concerned. "Why? What happened?"

Nicole recounted the incident, her voice dripping with resentment. "Can you believe he scolded me for having my boyfriend over? All because of you! He glared at me and wouldn't even let me take you from the car. Like I'm some criminal!"

Taehyung, however, defended his boss. "Don't be like that. He's not like that at all. He's really sweet and kind."

Nicole scoffed. "That's a lie! He was glaring at me, and he wouldn't let me take you. Like I'm some criminal!"

Taehyung, sighing, ignored her complaints and headed to the bathroom.

Later that morning, as Nicole prepared breakfast, a knock echoed at the door.

"Taehyung, expecting someone?" she called out.

Taehyung, fresh from his shower, replied, "No, Noona."

Nicole, puzzled, opened the door to find Jungkook standing on the doorstep.

"Taehyung, it's your boss, Mr. Jeon," she announced, her voice a mixture of surprise and apprehension.

Taehyung, mid-bite of cereal, nearly choked. He stood up, his face flushed.

"Sir, what are you doing here?" he asked, his voice slightly breathless.

Jungkook's gaze lingered on Nicole, a look that was clearly not friendly. She excused herself quickly, leaving the two alone.

"Ah, I was in the neighborhood and decided to pick you up," Jungkook explained smoothly. "I hope that's alright?"

Taehyung, still slightly disoriented, managed a smile. "Oh, ah, sure. I'll just get my things."

"Okay, I'll wait," Jungkook replied, his expression unreadable.

While Taehyung gathered his belongings, Mingsu, Nicole's boyfriend, arrived, encountering Jungkook in the hallway. He greeted Taehyung warmly, congratulating him on getting the job. Their friendly exchange, however, was abruptly cut short.

Jungkook's voice, sharp and commanding, cut through the air. "Taehyung, we're going to be late. Get in the car."

Taehyung, startled by the sudden shift in tone, bowed to Mingsu before hurrying to the car.

Jungkook's gaze, cold and menacing, locked onto Mingsu. "Stop acting so friendly. I know what you're really after," he warned, his voice low and dangerous.

Mingsu chuckled nervously. "What are you talking about? I'm just being friendly with my girlfriend's friend."

Jungkook's fist clenched. "Friendly my ass. I'm warning you. Stay away from him, or you'll regret it."

He turned, his expression hard and unforgiving, and got into his car, leaving Mingsu standing there, speechless and unnerved. The drive to the office was silent, the tension between the Alpha and the Omega palpable, heavy with unspoken threats and simmering suspicion.