Chapter Text
Jungkook had been on foot for the past three days. His boot-clad feet were aching as he rubbed his hands over his arms to generate some heat. He had underestimated the climate in the mountainous terrain, never having a reason to climb uphill until now. He had hoped he would be one of the lucky ones, finding his fated mate soon after he presented. He had spent his adolescent life dreaming about them - their scent, the warmth in their eyes, their embrace, their touch. He had asked countless adults; his parents, uncles, aunts, elder cousins, even Namjoon, never quite getting a satisfactory answer. Always wanting to envision the rush, the ecstasy that would envelop him as soon as his skin came in contact with his mate’s. Their words just weren’t enough. He needed to feel it himself.
He had been one of the unfortunates; still travelling to nearby packs in search of his mate two years after he had presented as an alpha. He had felt ecstatic at finally presenting during the blood moon in his eighteenth year, only to feel nothing at the courting festival the next day. He had touched every unmated omega’s hand, as did several other newly presented alphas and betas, and other older ones who hadn’t yet found their mate, to no avail. Omegas from all their nearby ally packs had attended; The Gang Pack, The Jandi Pack, The Bul Pack. Yet, Jungkook had returned to his newly appointed hut empty-handed. He had no-one to welcome into his home, no-one to hold as the nights got cold and lonely, no-one to hunt or cook for. He had spent the past two years heading south, visiting every pack he could to search for his mate.
Once he had scoured through the southern lush lands, he had finally decided to head north, up the rocky terrain to the Nun Pack. They were allies, sure. But the Nun pack was too far up north to travel to every year during the blood moon. Only wolves who hadn’t found their mates elsewhere, made the difficult journey up north. A few gave up, finding a good enough unclaimed omega to mate instead. But not Jungkook. He had been dreaming of his mate for far too long. How disappointed would they be when they realized their mate had abandoned their bond just because finding them was a little difficult? He wouldn’t disappoint his mate, his other half like that.
So, he found himself trudging up the rocky mountain trail, the soil still slightly damp from the melting snow, tufts of green sprouting from beneath the difficult terrain. Two more days and he’ll be there. Lifting his forearm to wipe the sweat off his forehead, he grimaced at the streaks of brown the action had left on his tunic over the past three days. Deciding to break for rest instead, he reached for the waterskin tied around the strap of his satchel. Sitting at the edge of a rock, he took tentative sips, careful to ration his supplies until he spotted the next small river or waterfall.
The wind blew, ruffling his damp, dirty hair, leaving a cooling effect as it kissed the sweaty fabric of his tunic. A pleased sigh escaped him, his tired body welcoming the cool breeze. He had missed this. Hunting, sparring, building all day to finally lay by the river each evening, watching the sunset as the breeze unfurled the tension from his muscles; a gentle whisper giggling in his ears.
A loud menacing growl had him perking up in attention. He twisted the cap on his waterskin shut carefully listening for signs of any rogues. This was why his mother had been reluctant to let him go. Searching for your mate was a solitary task, and the mountains were littered with rogues. It was dangerous travelling alone through them.
A whimper followed by another growl had him moving. Careful to keep his footsteps light, he followed the sounds up the trail, pausing as soon as he realized they led him away from it. What if it was a trap? He couldn’t risk losing the trail, he would be hopelessly lost if he did. He did not have enough water or food to last for long, and he was sure there weren’t any packs anywhere near him.
A loud pained cry made the decision for him. His alpha agitated, took over the reins as he ran into the closely interspersed tall trees. The metallic smell of blood mixed with the dirty wet dog smell of rogues infiltrated his nostrils, making him uneasy. He had been training to become the head warrior of his pack, but even he knew that alone he would be no match against a group of rogues. Carefully, he shuffled through the trees, trying to reach the source of the cry. He was thankful for the overpowering smell of blood permeating through the air, masking his own scent, making his arrival less susceptible.
He turned upon hearing another howl from his left, his feet planted to the ground as he took in the man wielding a knife in what appeared to be a gloved hand against a full-grown hefty alpha wolf. Did he have a death wish? He sniffed a couple more times to ensure the man wasn’t another rogue wolf. A sweet flowery scent tickled his nostrils. An omega, his alpha rumbled within, wanting to protect. He couldn’t believe it. This unshifted omega was fighting a full-grown alpha wolf with just a tiny knife. Jungkook couldn’t decide if he was courageous or just plain stupid.
The wolf had somehow managed to sink his teeth into the omega’s upper arm as he tried slashing its neck. A blood curdling scream escaped the man, spurring Jungkook to drop his satchel and sprint towards the rogue wolf. He shifted mid-sprint, not caring for the clothes he had ruined. First impressions be damned, if his mate had a problem with him looking scruffy, they should have made an effort trying to find him instead of hiding away god knows where.
The rogue extracted his teeth, ready to sink them into the omega’s neck, ready to kill. Jungkook pushed himself to run faster, slamming into the rogue, pushing him away from the omega groaning in pain. They both tumbled to the ground, him on top of the rogue. He tried pinning the rogue to the ground, pressing on the gash on his shoulder. The rogue snapped his teeth forward, struggling to get out of Jungkook’s hold. He was debating killing the rogue. He wasn’t sure if letting him leave unscathed now would be a good idea. The alpha had tried to attack a mostly defenseless omega after all.
He growled, warning the rogue to submit, to no avail. His head whirled to look behind him when he heard a cry, barely registering the omega charging his way with the knife. He jumped out of the way in time to see the small knife wedged in the rogue’s neck. The rogue let out a pained howl, shrugging the omega’s body off of himself, the knife jutting out of the side of their neck. The omega made a strangled noise as he clutched onto his arm in pain.
Jungkook didn’t hesitate this time, launching himself at the rogue, pinning his writhing body to the ground. A strong bite at the neck would render him lifeless, but the rogue alpha was thrashing too much for Jungkook to be able to snap at his neck without fearing for his own. Two shaking gloved hands now covered in blood grabbed onto the rogue alpha’s head, pinning it to the ground as his neck was exposed to Jungkook. His head snapped up, eyes fixed on the omega’s wincing face.
“Hurry up!” He snapped sharply. The voice sounded melodic to Jungkook even if he was being snapped at.
He leaned in, sinking his canines into the rogue’s neck, metallic blood flooding his mouth as soon as his teeth broke through the artery. He relished in the fact that the rogue had thrashed in pain as blood flowed out of his system, rendering him lifeless. Jungkook had killed plenty of wolves, after all he was to be the second-in-command to his pack’s future alpha; his advisor and head warrior. Once he was sure the rogue was dead, he extracted his canines.
The omega was slumped against a tree, clutching onto his bleeding upper arm as he cried in pain. Jungkook took a moment to regard him. He was covered in a pastel pink woollen cloak now soaked in blood - his own and the rogue’s - the hood had fallen off his head giving Jungkook a clear view of his face. Plump full lips, a cute button nose with pierced ears. And from what Jungkook could remember, warm deep brown eyes. He was beautiful. He could figure out why he had been attacked by a lone rogue alpha.
He went back towards where he had left his satchel. The thought of turning into his naked human form in front of an unknown omega made him feel embarrassed. He was pretty sure the omega wouldn’t appreciate it either. He found his satchel a couple metres away. Turning quickly he put on the fresh pair of clothes he had in his bag. He wriggled his feet into the boots he had taken off while running towards the rogue as he made his way back to the omega.
Jungkook had been walking for what felt like a very long period of time but probably wasn’t, the uphill climb taking a toll on him as he carefully cradled the unconscious omega in his arms. He had tied a tourniquet around the omega’s upper arm using one of his tunics and a solid branch from a nearby tree but he wasn’t sure how long it would hold. It felt like he was racing against time, unsure of how far along the omega’s pack lands were. He had informed Jungkook of them being a short walk upstream a nearby river, east of where they had killed the rogue alpha.
The omega hadn’t been conscious for long, only managing to stay awake till Jungkook had secured the tourniquet around his still-clothed upper arm. The omega had listened to neither rhyme nor reason when Jungkook had tried persuading him to remove the cloak so he could secure the tourniquet around his bare arm. Ultimately, he had given up. They had been losing precious time, he feared the omega might end up with limited functioning in his left arm, or worse get the wound infected and lose the hand or his life.
Sweat was beading his forehead as the cool breeze against the back of his wet tunic made him shiver slightly. He marched on, scared for the omega’s life, not wanting the other to lose too much blood. He frowned, realizing his wolf had been feeling uncharacteristically protective about this particular omega. The uphill climb had given way to a slight slope of dirt pathway surrounded by grass on either side. Hopefully, he was close to the omega’s pack.
He had been surprised to learn of a pack other than the Nun Pack up north, but soon realised they were only aware of and visited allied packs (packs with whom they had a treaty) during their search for mates. It surely explained the comparatively small yet significant population of wolves within each southern pack that hadn’t been able to find their fated mates. He had thought they were lazy, too complacent, choosing to mate someone within the pack instead of searching far and wide for their soulmate. Maybe, he had been wrong. How could they search for their mate in a pack they didn’t even know existed.
He squinted at a tall, lanky figure running towards them, soft blond hair billowing in the wind. As the figure drew closer, Jungkook could make out the concerned draw of his eyebrows. He stopped to explain, not wanting to be seen as the enemy, but the omega beat him to it.
“What happened to him? How did he get hurt? Did you do this? Goddess! Alpha Park will kill me for letting this happen.” The blonde omega was huffing as he hurled question after question at him.
Jungkook pursed his lips. “He needs to see a healer. You can interrogate me later.” He marched on, not sparing a glance back towards the stunned omega. “How far is your pack?”
The omega fell in step beside him, eyebrows skewed in annoyance. “You know, they’ll kill you if you show up with the head alpha’s injured omega son all alone.”
Jungkook shrugged, there was something that made him uneasy as he drew closer to this omega’s pack, something telling him to hold tighter to the omega in his arms and run in the opposite direction. “Should’ve protected him better then.”
There was a brief pause before the omega spoke up. “You don’t sound like you’re from the north.”
“I’m not.” Jungkook admitted, not understanding what the big deal was. He would deliver the injured omega and be on his way. Would they rather he leave him injured and dying in the woods?
The omega beside him let out a frustrated cry. “This is bad. This is so bad. I will be dead tonight, all because my best friend decided he needed to go to the clearing today, of all days. I should have mated Hyungsik when he had asked me to. Now I’ll have to die mateless. So much for wanting to wait for my fated mate.”
Jungkook chuckled, earning a glare from the omega. “This isn’t funny!”
“Listen I’m just here to deliver this omega to safety. I’ll be gone after that.” Jungkook snapped.
The omega snorted, “Trust me, you won’t.”
Jungkook frowned, ready to ask what he meant by that.
“What’s your name?”
“Jeon Jungkook.” He answered warily. At least he had enough wits about him to not disclose his pack and position. He couldn’t trust this pack yet.
“What’s your pack’s name?” He asked, curious about this pack he had had no idea about until this morning.
“Mari.” The omega stated in a daze before his eyes lit up, his entire demeanour changing as he turned to face Jungkook. “You’re the future head warrior of the Balam Pack.” He exclaimed excitedly. “Oh Jungkook, maybe you’ll fare better than I initially thought.” He could see a couple men on patrol ahead of them. It wouldn’t be long before they would notice the three of them; their pack alpha’s son, bloodied, in a strange alpha’s arms.
“What do you mean?” With every word the omega uttered, Jungkook grew more wary. His fight or flight mode had been activated a long time ago, and for the first time in his life, he was leaning towards flight.
Just then a whine escaped the omega in his arms as his face inched closer to Jungkook’s neck from where it had been resting on his shoulder. A sniff, then the omega’s nose was nuzzling into the crook of Jungkook’s neck. Everything stood still for a moment, like his world had stopped, slowly re-centering around the man in his arms. His body stiffened, heart constricting with an emotion he couldn’t quite pinpoint. All he knew was that he was feeling euphoric, a high better than the dried leaves he and Yoongi would steal from the pack shaman to smoke sometimes.
The other omega’s voice filtered through the haze, and Jungkook found himself nuzzling the omega’s face as well. “....so bad... this is so bad. What will I tell Alpha Park? He will have my head for sure? Sehun will kill me….ugh...he will definitely kill me. I’ll be a dead man by tomorrow.”
“Taehyung!”
The voice caught Jungkook’s attention, snapping him back from the daze he had fallen into. He realized belatedly that this omega he had been walking with must be Taehyung. He still felt a little disoriented, as if his limbs weren’t in his control as his arms tightened around the man in his arms. His heart beat rapidly in his chest as if trying to escape out of his ribcage.
Taehyung turned to him, eyes wide in warning. “Don’t say a single word. Let me deal with them.”
In any other situation he would have been annoyed. He wasn’t in the habit of taking orders from most people, especially not from ones as annoying as Taehyung. But his thoughts were too muddled and the sweet flowery scent of the omega in his arms was intoxicatingly delicious, wrapping its tendrils around him, making his mind fuzzy with the need to protect, to adore, to love.
In the time that it took for Taehyung to recite some cooked up story to the two patrol guards, Jungkook realized three things; the man in his arms was his mate, he could lose him to death before even meeting him properly, and somebody was trying to snatch his omega from his arms. The third thought made him see red, a deep growl reverberating in his chest.
Taehyung stepped in, his back to Jungkook, trying to negotiate with the betas in front of him to let Jungkook carry Jimin. “His arm could get worse if you try to take him from Jungkook’s arms….Jeon Jungkook, the future head warrior of the Balam Pack. He would’ve come to know about us eventually….just let him enter.”
Taehyung’s voice drifted in and out of his ears. Maybe he had already deduced that the two of them were mates. His mate was beautiful. It seemed, in his haste to initially kill the rogue and later get his mate to a healer, he hadn’t really stopped to appreciate how beautiful he really was. He noted how his face was paler than before. Reminded that his mate was currently fighting for his life, Jungkook glared at the scene in front of him: Taehyung trying to reason with the patrol guards.
“Would you like for your head alpha’s son to die at the borders of his own pack because of your incompetent asses?” He bellowed, anger coating his each word.
Taehyung sighed, turning to meet his hardened gaze. “I was handling it.”
“Clearly not well enough.” He brisked forward, uncaring for the weak betas’ unwillingness to let him into pack lands. This omega was his mate. He wasn’t leaving even if they tried to kill him for trespassing.
Taehyung ran after him. “Just go get the Head Omega to the infirmary.” He shouted to the patrol guards as he caught up to Jungkook.
“Jungkook,” He huffed, trying to catch his breath. “Please don’t say anything about you being mates.” Jungkook shot him an irritated look.
“Take a left.” Taehyung directed.
“Why would I not mention that? He is mine, I am his. The moon chose so.”
Taehyung sighed, as they walked up the steps of the infirmary. “He’s betrothed to someone else - Grand Alpha’s son. The next leader of the northern packs, if I may say so.”
Jungkook balks, opening his mouth to tell Taehyung off. To tell him that the omega in his arms was his. “Just-” Taehyung sighed, “-let’s leave Jimin in the healer’s care and I’ll explain it all to you afterwards.”
Jungkook nodded stiffly, moving towards the bed where he was directed to lay his mate. He reluctantly did so even though his alpha didn’t want the minimal physical contact they’re sharing to end. There was a flurry of action around him. Taehyung had introduced the healer to him at some point but Jungkook just couldn’t be bothered. His mate was in a dire condition, he had already lost copious amounts of blood. The blood soaked into his tunic and the wan skin of his mate were evidence enough.
He felt a tug at his tunic. “Let’s go. Before the head alpha and omega show up.” Taehyung whispered urgently in Jungkook’s ear. He didn’t want to leave his mate alone, but he reluctantly followed, hiking his satchel up his shoulder, the strap digging painfully into his flesh.
Jungkook found himself in a wooden cabin that seemed to be an office space. A place where strategies and battle plans are discussed, and diplomatic deals made. He tapped his fingers on the arms of the leather chair he was seated in. He felt weird discussing his mate in a room like this. His mating wasn’t a diplomatic deal, and he sure didn’t want his mating to fall anywhere within the ballpark of battles and wars.
Taehyung walked in wringing his hands frantically. He shut and locked the door behind him, scrunching his nose at the stifling smell of blood stinking up the room.
“The Head Alpha will come to speak with you soon. I beg you Jungkook, don’t mention being Jimin’s mate. Just trust me a little. Please.” He begged, taking a seat opposite Jungkook.
Jimin. It’s fitting; beautiful just like his mate.
“Why? Why should I hide it?”
Taehyung looked at him with pity, and Jungkook wanted to tell him he doesn’t need to be pitied, he needs to get his mate and leave. “Because Alpha Park won’t care.”
Jungkook’s wolf bristled. “I’ll make him see I’m a better alpha than whoever he has betrothed Jimin to.” Even in this precarious situation, he couldn’t help but cherish the feel of his mate’s name slipping past his lips.
“It doesn’t matter Jungkook!” Taehyung exclaimed agitatedly, hands gesturing in a wild panic. “He’s betrothed to Park Sehun. He is the most feared alpha up north. It doesn’t matter if Alpha Park thinks you’re good enough or not. He can’t do anything about it.”
“Park Sehun?” Jungkook asked, his voice dripping in disgust. “If he’s so feared, why haven’t I heard of him?”
Taehyung leveled him with a stern stare. “Because he is the third generation soon-to-be tyrant head alpha of his pack. Remember the war that happened three generations ago? Unlike what you southerners believe, all northern packs were not destroyed. It was agreed that the south and north won’t interfere in each other’s business. The tale was woven that northern packs had been destroyed in the war. Unfortunately, unlike the southern packs, we couldn’t keep our peace until one of the Head Alphas took over all the packs crowning himself the Grand Alpha. Sehun’s great-grandfather.”
Taehyung looked at him gravely. “No one will defy him, Jungkook. Not even Jimin, not even for his true mate.”
A devastated whine bubbled within him. Surely, his mate wouldn’t care so little about him. Surely, they could figure out a way to get rid of whoever this Sehun was.
Taehyung got up, dusting off his pants. “Don’t say anything that would make Alpha Park consider you a threat. I told him you saved Jimin’s life. He’ll thank you, ask you a few questions about the incident at best, probably ask you to stay the night. Leave after that, Jungkook.” He said with a sternness Jungkook would not have thought him to possess while they had been walking up to the pack lands.
He nodded stiffly, entirely sure that he would do no such thing. He wouldn’t leave his mate to mate with a monster without even trying to persuade him to rethink. Seeing Jungkook, talking to him, touching him ought to change Jimin’s mind. They could deal with this Sehun later.
Taehyung gave him a tight smile. “I’ll get you a change of clothes.” He said gesturing to Jungkook’s blood-soaked tunic.
He had been waiting for what felt like ages, watching the pups play in a distant little garden from the window opposite him, his foot tapping on the wooden floor nervously. Finally, the door opened, startling him. He put on his best diplomatic smile to greet the alpha walking into the room. Namjoon and he had been taught for years, he could win this alpha over. He was sure.
Alpha Park responded as he bowed his head in respect, before taking a seat opposite him. Jungkook turned to see Taehyung still hovering at the door after letting the head alpha in.
“You may leave now Taehyung.” Alpha Park said, voice gravelly with age and stern in quality.
The omega gave a weak nod and left, not before shooting a pleading look in Jungkook’s direction.
A tense silence passed, and Jungkook was sure Alpha Park was scrutinizing him, studying him to assess something; exactly what he didn’t know. He looked up, meeting his eyes.
“I heard you saved my son’s life.” Alpha Park said raising a singular brow, voice pitching higher at the end questioningly.
Jungkook cleared his throat. Wetting his lips he replied, “Yes, Alpha Park. I was heading up north to the Nun Pack when I heard a cry followed by a growl. I suspected there were rogues and found your son trying to fight off a rogue alpha. I did what I could to help.” He smiled warmly, hoping the explanation was enough.
Alpha Park nodded, face devoid of any emotion, not a single feature giving his thoughts away.
“If you don’t mind me asking what business did you have with the Nun Pack?” He asked, leaning forward and clasping his hands together as he stared at Jungkook earnestly.
He was sure Alpha Park knew who he was, otherwise he would have asked for his name and pack first. And if he knew who he was, he also knew that Jungkook wouldn’t be sent to do any pack related work to another pack alone, especially not without Namjoon, the next-in-line head alpha.
He steeled himself, sporting a nonchalant smile. “I’m going there in search of my mate.”
Alpha Park pursed his lips. The first reaction Jungkook had gotten out of him. “Did you touch my son’s skin Jungkook-ssi?”
He knew he had to lie, but which lie would work in his favour? There were so many variables to consider and not enough time. He just hoped he was making the right decision. He widened his eyes, as if hit by a sudden realization. “Ah, I knew there was a reason for the cloak and gloves. I’m not acquainted with the rules and customs of your pack, Alpha Park, so please forgive me. It wasn’t intentional. I was carrying your son to the pack lands when his forehead brushed my neck. I apologise if it was disrespectful or in violation of any of your pack’s practices.” He bowed his head for added measure, hoping Alpha Park would buy his story.
He peeked through his hair, which was shielding his face from Alpha Park’s view upon hearing a sigh.“It’s alright. You weren’t aware of our ways and it wasn’t your fault if my son defied our rules and got injured doing so.”
Jungkook straightened, giving the alpha another smile. “Thank you, Alpha Park.”
“Although, I have to ask,” Alpha Park paused to stare intently at Jungkook. “Did you feel anything when you accidentally touched my son?”
Jungkook frowned, hoping he looked confused. “As far as I can recall, no.”
“So he’s not your mate?” There was an edge to Alpha Park’s voice, a hopeful one.
“I don’t think so Head Alpha Park. I would have felt something if he were.” He stated, keeping his voice devoid of any emotion.
“Ah, that’s a relief.” Alpha Park declared, leaning back in his chair. “It’s nice to finally meet you Jungkook-ssi. I’ve heard great things about you from your father.” He smiled at Jungkook genuinely, almost giving him whiplash.
“You know my father?” Jungkook asked incredulously, momentarily forgetting to keep his demeanour neutral.
“Of course, I have. I would’ve met you once you took upon the role of head warrior and advisor to Kim Namjoon. At least if I were still in power.”
Jungkook nodded dumbfoundedly. He was beyond confused. He would have to ask Taehyung for more details later. He needed the full story to understand what the fuck was going on here.
“We shall have a feast in your honour four days from now. I hope you will stay with us until then Jungkook-ssi. I would like to repay you for saving my son’s life.”
Jungkook wasn’t sure how he sweetened up Alpha Park. If he’s honest, he doesn’t think he had any role in the alpha’s sudden changed behaviour. But he sure would take it if it got him more time with Jimin.
“Of course, Alpha Park. You are very kind for doing all this for me. I barely did what any wolf would have done.”
Alpha Park’s eyes twinkled with amusement. “You sure are your father’s son; humble and kind-hearted. I won’t keep you for long Jungkook-ssi.” He stated as he got up from his chair, Jungkook following him. “Taehyung will show you to your cabin for your stay here. Meals will be at my house Jungkook-ssi so you needn’t worry about that. And please hand your soiled clothes to Taehyung, he’ll get them washed and dried for you.”
Jungkook nodded, his mind reeling with the fact that he’ll be having meals with his mate pretty soon. He was reminded of the state in which he had left Jimin and his heart constricted in pain. He hoped his omega was faring well.
“How did you get him wrapped around your finger? He just met you and now he’s throwing a feast in your honour?” Taehyung hissed indignantly, holding Jungkook’s bloodied clothes under his arm, not caring for the stain they were leaving on his own clothes. “I have been Jimin’s best friend since we were both babies, why did I not get a feast in my name?” He questioned glaring at Jungkook.
“Probably because you didn’t save his life.” Jungkook pointed out, shrugging his shoulders as he took a seat at the cushioned chair in the living room of his assigned cabin. This was his first time living in a northern cabin. Down south, all huts were made of brick and mortar. These cabins had a warmth to them, a coziness he absolutely adored.
“Well you could’ve told me when I showed you to your cabin, you know. I didn’t like hearing it with the entire pack. I need confidant privileges.” Taehyung stated haughtily, standing at the door to his cabin.
Jungkook snorted, choosing to ignore the ridiculous statement. “Why are you standing at the door? Come inside or leave. Choose one instead of hovering around like an idiot.”
“It would be improper. I can’t be alone with an unmated alpha or beta within closed quarters.” Taehyung huffed, causing Jungkook to raise his eyebrows questioningly.
“What? Why?”
“Do you not see the long cloaks and gloves Jungkook? I am to be betrothed to some northern alpha for a beneficial match. So, I can’t go around tainting my reputation by being alone with an unmated alpha. All of this is so that I don’t find my fated mate, okay?”
Jungkook nodded. “So it’s not just Jimin. All of you have no say in who you’re mated to.”
Taehyung grimaced, “Jimin doesn’t have a choice because Sehun wants him. The rest of us do get a say in the matter, we just believe in purity until we are mated with our parents’ and pack’s blessing.”
“What about the moon’s blessing? You don’t seem to care about that.”
Taehyung’s eyes narrowed into slits and his lips curled into a scowl and Jungkook knew he had made a mistake. “We don’t have many choices here. We did what we had to do. You’ll get your clothes by tomorrow evening Jungkook-ssi.” With that the omega had turned, slamming the door as he walked away muttering to himself.
Jungkook sighed. He had meant to ask Taehyung to help him into the infirmary to see Jimin. He had learnt from the blonde omega that his mate hadn’t lost too much blood and would heal soon. He was still unconscious from the surgery, and on bed rest for at least two more days. Maybe he could sneak into the infirmary at night. He just hoped nobody would be at Jimin’s bedside tonight.
Jungkook felt like a thief, stealing into the infirmary in the dead of the night. It had taken a lot longer than he had anticipated to find his way to the infirmary, the cabin-lined dirt paths seeming confusingly similar in the darkness of the night. He wasn’t sure how many wrong turns he had taken, or if he had been going around in circles before he had been able to spot the slightly larger construction of the infirmary way up ahead of him. He jogged to the building, his heart was almost in his mouth in excitement. His wolf was purring at finally being able to see his mate.
He took a deep breath, hoping not to find anyone at Jimin’s bedside. If he were caught by one of Jimin’s parents, he wasn’t sure whether feigning shoulder pain as a reason to visit the infirmary would be a convincing excuse. He hadn’t deemed asking the head alpha and omega whether they were spending the night beside Jimin proper, at least not right now when he was still a mere stranger. One who had saved their son’s life, yes; but a stranger nonetheless.
He pushed the door to the ward open, wincing as it creaked a little. There was a singular lantern on the table beside Jimin’s bed illuminating his sleeping form, along with the person slumped onto the foot of his bed, practically falling off their chair. Jungkook looked closely, spotting a head of blonde curls, relaxing instantly.
There was nobody else in the other three beds, and he sent a quick thanks to the gods for working at least something in his favour. He carefully picked a chair from beside the bed adjacent to Jimin’s, placing it noiselessly beside the omega’s bed, on the side opposite the one Taehyung was occupying. He sat down, reaching for Jimin’s hand, careful not to move it too much. Warmth rushed through him at the contact, lulling him and making his alpha purr in ecstasy.
He rested his head on his palm, carefully noticing the steady rise of Jimin’s chest with each breath he took, lips slightly parted as he snored lightly. Even his snores were adorable. Colour had seeped back into his skin, painting it a healthy light tan hue, his dark hair was pushed back, raised at different angles, reminding him of his nephews; innocent.
He wondered how Jimin would react to finding out they were mates. He hoped he would be happy, wanting to give Jungkook a chance. Would his amber eyes sparkle upon realising who Jungkook was to him? Would his lips quirk up in a smile? He hadn’t seen Jimin smile yet. Oh how he yearned to see those plump pink lips curve into the softest, sweetest smiles for him. But a rational voice in his head kept reminding him that mostly will not be the case. He was running on borrowed time, and if he didn’t plan something soon, he wouldn’t be able to win Jimin over.
He felt a squeeze, Jimin’s fingers tightening around his palm as if to reassure him. He smiled, lightly squeezing back, knowing full well the omega was too far within the depths of slumber to feel it. He rested his head on the bed, staring up at his mate, hoping to have more nights like this, where he could look at him to his heart’s content, tracing his mate’s features with his eyes, painting a vivid memory of each slope and curve, preferably without the fear of someone walking in on them.
He woke up to the early rays peeking through the window. Groaning, he opened his eyes, immediately regretting falling asleep in the infirmary as he felt a crick in his neck. Thankfully Taehyung was still slumped unceremoniously at the foot of Jimin’s bed, unconscious to the world around him. He quickly slipped his hand out of Jimin’s.
He hesitated before caressing Jimin’s cheek. “I hope you heal soon, love.”
He sneaked out of the infirmary, thankful upon finding the path to his cabin deserted.
Jungkook had set off to bathe in the river as soon as he was back in his cabin. Taehyung would have come to fetch him for breakfast anytime and he had really wanted to make a good impression on Jimin’s parents. He had to hurry, not having enough time to enjoy the water streaming downwards lazily. A quick dip, some vigorous scrubbing with soap he had found on a table in his bedroom and he was out.
He had hurriedly put on his clothes before making the short trek back to his cabin, to find Taehyung sitting on a chair on the porch.
“Where have you been?” The omega asked as soon as Jungkook was within hearing distance. “Do you know how much trouble I could have been in because of you?”
Jungkook frowned. Surely they wouldn’t punish Taehyung just because Jungkook was late for breakfast. Alpha Park didn’t seem cruel enough to do so. “Because I’m late for breakfast with the pack alpha?” He asked incredulously.
“No, you idiot! Because the ward reeked of you when I woke up this morning. I had to feed the head omega some bullshit about it lingering on Jimin from yesterday when you had carried him.” He seethed. “And I’m not sure if he believed me.”
Jungkook looked at Taehyung apologetically. “I’m sorry Taehyung. I-I hadn’t thought of that.”
Taehyung snorted, evidently unamused. “Just don’t do it tonight. He’s allowed to go back home tomorrow. Wait until then to see him.”
Jungkook had stuffed his dirty clothes in a basket and followed Taehyung to breakfast. Meals with the Parks had been nice, the couple treating him with kindness and warmth. He wasn’t sure if the same would be extended once they found out who he really was to Jimin. He could understand the need to secure their pack, he just didn’t think he could be selfless enough to let his mate go. Something had been different this morning though, the head omega’s gaze had lingered a little longer on him before shifting to Taehyung when he had greeted them at the door. He had been far too keen on getting to know Jungkook; his childhood, his relationship with his parents, his thoughts on certain sensitive topics that surely did not make for polite mealtime conversation. By the time breakfast had ended, he had almost broken out in a sweat, worried that the head omega might be onto him.
He was thankful when Alpha Park had asked him if he would like to head out and see how the Mari Pack trained its warriors. He had been introduced to Hoseok, an alpha and the Mari Pack’s head warrior. He had spent the day sparring with him and chatting and joking with a few other pack warriors. Hoseok had been a constant bubbly presence, weird but in a very different manner than Taehyung. While Taehyung seemed more paranoid than anything else, Hoseok was like a breath of fresh air, too happy, too bright than the people around him. He had been good company though.
The other two meals at Alpha Park’s house had been quite similar, comfortable for the most part, apart from the constant slew of questions his omega directed Jungkook’s way. He hoped he had answered them sufficiently well. The easy smile on the elder omega’s face seemed to indicate so.
He had been tossing and turning in his bed, unable to fall asleep, his wolf aching to go to his mate. He hadn’t seen Taehyung since that morning, having been fetched by another beta for his meals. He hoped to see Jimin tomorrow, preferably at breakfast. Could he just sneak a peek at the omega tonight? Maybe glance at him from outside a window. He just needed to see him once to assure himself that he was safe and healing. Hopefully he had woken up from his unconscious state by now. His mind was working a loop of worrying thoughts. Will Jimin be okay? Will he give Jungkook a chance once he wakes up? Will he be able to win Jimin over? Will he be able to find a way to rid them of Park Sehun?
A knock at the door pulled him out of his torturous thoughts. He hopped out of the bed and trudged to the door, pulling it open to find a frowning Taehyung on the other side, gloved hands wringing together nervously.
His first thought was to tease the omega about how improper it was for him to show up at his place alone at night, but the nervous energy around Taehyung spurred another bout of worry within him. Before he could think further, he found himself spewing questions at the omega. “What’s wrong? Is Jimin okay? Did something happen to him?”
“Will you shut up a second?” Taehyung snapped, eyes shifting constantly to ensure nobody was around. “Jimin wants to see you.”
“He’s…awake?”
“Has been for a few hours. I came to fetch you now so that nobody sees you walking into the infirmary this late at night.”
The thought of how his first actual meeting with his mate would go had plagued Jungkook’s mind ever since he had learned of fated mates. Of all the scenarios his brain had cooked up over the years, his daydreams had never even come close to what had actually transpired. His stomach had been in knots ever since he had learned that the beautiful delicate omega in his arms was his mate. He had wanted to scent, to claim, to take for the past two days, his wolf feeling tortured each second he was apart from Jimin. Walking up the steps to the infirmary, he was hit with the realisation that this was it. The moment of truth. He could wish and hope all he wanted in this moment because soon he was going to walk through that door and (if he were to believe Taehyung) get his heart broken.
Sweet smell of flowers infiltrated his nostrils as soon as Taehyung opened the door to Jimin’s ward, making Jungkook’s wolf keen. Putting on a brave smile, he entered the room, right behind Taehyung.
Jimin lay on the bed, head resting against pillows propped up against the headboard, eyes sunken with exhaustion. There was no welcoming smile, no shining eyes and Jungkook knew this was the first sign.
Taehyung left, the slight sound of the door closing the only sign of his departure.
“Sit.” Jimin motioned towards the wooden chair at his bedside, voice raspy yet sweet. “Please.” He added, offering a reluctant smile.
Jungkook nodded, offering a smile of his own as he seated himself, debating against reaching out for the omega’s hand.
“How are you feeling?” He asked once it was clear Jimin wasn’t going to start this conversation.
The omega startled. Composing himself, he answered, “Much better. Thank you for helping me and delivering me to my pack.”
“It was my duty.” Jungkook waved it off.
Jimin took a stuttering breath, teeth biting his plump lower lip. “I am thankful that you saved my life,” Jimin stated, “I am forever indebted to you, but if you did it because you thought we would end up mating, I’m going to have to disappoint you Jungkook-ssi. I have responsibilities and duties, and one of them is to mate my betrothed.”
Jungkook took the words in, testing their meaning even though his wolf refused to. “I didn’t save you under the assumption that you would mate me. I didn’t even know you were my mate then.” For some reason he found it less nerve-racking to address the smaller issue rather than the glaringly obvious one where he had just been rejected by his mate.
“It’s because of Park Sehun, right? You can’t go against his will?” Jungkook questioned, eyes searching for some sign of hope that Jimin might be willing to divulge.
Jimin’s eyes snapped up to meet his, no longer staring down at his hands. “There was a tournament for my hand, he won fair and square. This is not about going against anyone’s will. It’s about doing the right thing. He won me. I am his.” His eyes were sharp, determined, and even though Jungkook relished in the fact that his mate had morals and respected the code, he could also detect the hint of fear in his eyes.
He nodded. “Say, Park Sehun was no longer in the picture, would you consider giving me a chance then?” He asked hopefully.
Jimin stared hard at him for a few moments. “It’s no use talking about things that won’t happen.” He stated pointedly. “I have informed you of my wish, I only hope you will honour it. Now, if you don’t mind I would like to rest for a while.” He stated with finality, effectively ending the conversation.
Jungkook managed to offer a strained smile. “Please get better soon, Jimin-ssi.”
Taehyung had been waiting outside the door once Jungkook stepped out. One look at Jungkook’s face and Taehyung’s own crumpled into one of pity. “I told you not to be optimistic Jungkook. I’m sorry.”
Jungkook nodded, eyes shining with unshed tears. He wasn’t going to cry. He had two more days left to convince Jimin to give him a chance. Two more days left to win over Jimin’s parents and find a way to get rid of Park Sehun. He had better things to do than cry.
Jungkook shrugged. “It’s not your fault.”
The night was spent coming up with ways to convince Jimin. He would have to enlist Taehyung’s help, he hoped and prayed that the omega would agree. It already seemed that the head omega liked him, the head alpha was a little more tricky to read. Jungkook was sure he liked him enough, but the head alpha is a lot more conscious of his pack’s wellbeing. He’s not sure if Alpha Park will take to him asking about Sehun well, and there was no way for him to talk to the head omega alone. Even the warriors had proven to be useless as information resources.
His day had been anything but fruitful. No wolf in this pack had the courage to talk about Sehun, unless it was to sing his praises. It was the same old mantra parroted by anyone he tried asking subtly, or overtly. Their eyes widened in fear as they repeated with a tight smile. ‘Alpha Sehun is a great warrior, the best in all of north. He is kind to people who follow the rules and acts as the hand of justice against those who are in the wrong.’ As if he couldn’t smell the bullshit in those words from a mile away. If only he could find out more about this Park Sehun.