"That's great to hear, son!" Dracula said with a smile on his face, the two boys grinning back as Jaemin has an arm around Jeno's shoulders.

However, their smiles slowly fade away when Mina murmurs, "but now you have to prepare yourself."

"I think Jaemin hyung's ready, Mrs. Na." Jeno mumbles, clueless to what Mina was actually talking about.

"Oh we know he is, deary. But I'm talking about fighting." Mina said with an awkward smile.

Jeno snaps his head towards Jaemin and raises a brow, "fighting?" He asks.

Nodding, the older boy bites his inner cheek and stays quiet. Not really knowing what to say as he feels bad now that he didn't tell the human boy about that part.

"What do you mean by fighting?" Jeno asks again, wanting a full explanation just to clarify.

"Fighting as in; physical and maybe even magical fighting." Dracula decides to be the one explaining to the human boy as his son seems to be conflicted again.

"As tradition, in order to be a ruler, you have to go into battle against other fellow vampires to claim your throne."

"Fellow vampires?" Now Jeno was getting more confused yet at the same time still intrigued. He needs answers, because his vampire boyfriend is currently not talking again.

"Oh don't worry, he's only fighting the ones who wants to challenge him and try to steal the throne. The greedy ones." Dracula said to reassure him that Jaemin isn't fighting the actual good ones like his friends.

Mina hums as she reaches out to give a light squeeze on Jeno's arm, "although they are not the best and nicest vampires around, they still are our people." She states.

"That's why having a ruler is important, to add rules and make sure what they're doing is okay and not tear down or humiliate our own kind." She said, glancing at Jaemin.

"But to get to that, you have to prove yourself. Prove you're the chosen one and why people should listen to you."

"So like an alpha?" Jeno tilts his head to the side as he earns a nod from Jaemin's parents.

"In a way, yes." Jaemin's dad smiles and turns to look at his son this time, "so Jaemin?"

Jeno also looks at his vampire boyfriend, pouting at his silence. "Jaeminie hyung, why didn't you tell me about this?"

"I didn't want to scare you or literally anything that I've been trying to avoid from losing you." Jaemin said in a mumble.

He looks up to meet Jeno's eyes as he frowns at the human boy, "if you don't want me to do it, then I'll canc–"

"No." Jeno shakes his head, cutting him off as his answer makes everyone in the room stunned, breath hitching while staring at him.

"What?" Mina asks, her tone almost cracking like it was the end of the world or something.

"No, Jaemin hyung can't cancel this and just hand it over to someone else who's probably going to– take advantage of their place and make everyone go through hell." Jeno hisses.

Jaemin furrows his eyebrows, not expecting for that kind of answer. But then again, it's Jeno Lee. A very stubborn human boy named Jeno Lee.

"You're going to allow me?" The vampire prince was still processing things while Jeno rolls his eyes.

"How many kisses does it take for you to believe me and gain the courage to fight?" The human boy sasses while crossing his arms.

Jaemin blushes a little, sending a small glare to his parents who had teasing grins on their faces.

"I'm just asking," mumbling before clearing his throat. "What if you regret it? I could get injured you know."

"There you go again with the convincing thing to make me change my mind." Jeno lets out a chuckle.

Shaking his head, he cups Jaemin's face and smiles sweetly. "I'm letting you fight, and don't worry about the injuries, I'll kiss them better."

"What if I lose?"

Rolling his eyes again, Jeno lightly smacks Jaemin's broad chest, "you're worrying too much. Just try it out and fight for what's right." He states.

Sighing deeply, Jaemin kisses the younger boy's crown and hugs him close, "alright..."

Dracula clears his throat and says, "I'm sorry to break it up but... I suggest Jeno should go back home and stay in the human world."

When the two boys frown at his words, Mina steps in and nods in agreement with her husband.

"I'm sorry boys, but it's for the best. I'm sure you can see each other after the battle." She said, "and Jaemin sweetie, you also know it's for the best too, right?"

Pursing his lips, Jaemin looks at Jeno's face and exhales. "You heard them, pup, I'm really sorry but you have to get out of here while this is happening."

"Why?" Jeno asks.

"It's extremely dangerous, Jen. I know I've said this to you many times before and you've shrugged it off, but this time you shouldn't." Jaemin tells him.

"Vampire battles can be over the top, a lot try to cheat their way through. It's not safe for you, Jeno. Although you have your necklace and all, it's not one hundred percent safe." Dracula adds on.

"Why can't I come along with you guys? The guards?" Jeno looks around to try and convince them that he can still stay here.

"It still wouldn't work, a lot of us are familiar with each other. Once they see you, they won't leave you alone and eventually find out who you truly are." Jaemin's dad answers.

"Yeah, you're new here, so it'll click in their heads that you're not exactly from here. Plus, your necklace will only hide the smell of your blood, not your true identity." Mina also joins in.

Jaemin lifts Jeno's face up to kiss his nose, "please listen to me this time, pup. I need you to, this is for your safety."

Soon, the younger boy could only nod silently; giving in.

Showing him a small smile, Jaemin caresses his cheek gently. "Stay at your friends' houses or invite them over. Don't be alone, bring Bongsik with you."

"I'll also tell Lucas if he and his pack can be on watch while I'm out."

"Why? Are there other vampires back there?" Jeno tilts his head to the side.

Mina sighs and nods, "some are lurking around, I'm pretty sure it'll increase once we announce Jaemin's decision."

"Vampires can be ruthless, they'll fly out of the battlefield or even worse, fly out of here." Jaemin said.

"We'll try our best not to let that happen, but it'll be hard since there's no ruler yet and everyone is basically going nuts."

Humming, Jeno kisses his cheek and hugs him tightly, "good luck. I'll be cheering for you." He mumbles.

"My dear soulmate, believe in yourself."

"Pup, I honestly don't care if I lose anymore. As long as you're safe while I'm gone, that's all that matters."