blue eyes white wolf

SAVE OFFLINE

blue eyes white wolf Posted originally on the Archive of Our Own at http://archiveofourown.org/works/16335947. Rating:

Mature

Archive Warning:

No Archive Warnings Apply

Category:

M/M

Fandom:

| Bangtan Boys | BTS

Relationship:

Jeon Jungkook/Kim Taehyung | V

Character:

Kim Taehyung | V, Jeon Jungkook

Additional Tags:

Alpha/Beta/Omega Dynamics, Alpha Kim Taehyung | V, Omega Jeon Jungkook, True Mates, Referenced Past Miscarriage, Mpreg, Kim Taehyung | V Is Whipped, Jeon Jungkook Is Bad at Feelings, Emotional Hurt/Comfort, Implied/Referenced Character Death, Blood and Violence, Fluff and Angst, Panic Attacks, Jeon Jungkook-centric, side yoonmin, taehyung has a habit of taking in strays, Full Shift Werewolves, but only a few, Witch Curses

Collections:

Go to Fanfics

Stats:

Published: 2018-10-18 Completed: 2019-10-16 Chapters: 28/28 Words: 95681

blue eyes white wolf by primarchkryik Summary

Jungkook had been raised to one thing, and one thing only: to become the trophy omega to the alpha his parents found most suitable. He was put through countless lessons on how to placate an alphas rut, how to speak at formal events, how to dress himself to draw attention to himself and how to blend in. Mating was a tool used to propel his pack's fortune and raise their status. There was no room for love, or for family. Then he met an alpha who only wanted to protect him, keep him safe. Show him how love was supposed to feel.

sometimes wrong numbers are the right numbers Chapter Summary

So it starts.

Chapter Notes

title quote by: cecelia ahern

See the end of the chapter for more notes

When Jungkook was young, every moment of his life was dedicated to learning the fine art of pleasure . Raised to become the trophy omega to the alpha his parents found most suitable, he was put through countless lessons on how to placate an alphas rut, how to speak at formal events, how to dress himself to draw attention to himself and to blend in. It was drilled into his head for years, years before it would ever become useful. The lessons were humiliating and no matter how much he’d begged he’d been forced to sit through classes that made his skin crawl. He had never been particularly close with his pack, but those hadn’t helped. “Jeon, stop daydreaming and help with the register!” He jumped and the memories fizzled away with a metaphorical pop. Several lonely years later he’d found himself far away from all of that, and working among humans in a fairly popular cafe. It was a far cry from the life of luxury he used to have but he couldn’t say he hated it. The work was simple, even when he burnt his hand on the steamer or when entitled teenagers thought they were Starbucks. “Good evening, what can I get for you?” It was close to the end of his shift but he slapped a smile on to go along with his best Customer Service Voice. When there was no immediate reply he glanced up from the register and couldn’t swallow his gasp. He didn’t know how he hadn’t noticed as soon as the man had walked in, but there was nothing he could do now. There was no mistaking that build or scent, and he certainly didn’t miss the flash of the man’s eyes. Alpha. “Just a black coffee.” There was a brief pause and he squinted. “...Jungkook.”. The omega slapped a hand over the tag on his apron and spun around; he had totally forgotten about the cheaply made plastic name card stuck to his chest. So much for hiding, he thought bitterly. As soon as his back was turned he tried to force his body to settle down with a few deep breaths, but damn it his legs were already shaking. Muscle memory took over for a moment and he blinked as he handed the cardboard cup over the counter. “Your coffee, sir.” The alpha barely gave him a second look when he grabbed his cup and left but when he went to step back Jungkook glanced down at the counter and there was a white rectangle on the polished surface, his name was scrawled in chunky letters across the top. “Is that his number?” Lisa asked with a small smile, she ducked behind him to slap an order to the back counter as he sputtered. “He was cute, you should call him later.” He couldn’t hold his nervous laughter back and he shook his head hard.

“No. I’ve never even seen him in here before. He was just being nice.” There was no way he could explain the genuine fear he felt, not excitement, at the sight of the alphas number typed neatly below where his name had been scrawled. There was an ache deep his gut just at the thought of calling. “Jungkook! There was a spill, can you mop it please?” Their manager popped around the corner and Jungkook jumped at the opening. Lisa giggled as he darted away, and when he clocked out for the end of his shift, he found the card tucked neatly into his wallet as he went to pay his bus fare. She gave him a small smile when he stopped his tracks and gave him a pat on the back as she walked towards her car. The white card stared up at him while he shook his head and scoffed. “I’m not going to call. That would be stupid. ” He muttered to himself. He shoved his wallet back into his pocket and tried to force himself to just forget about it. Three days later Jungkook found himself in a restaurant he had never been to before, in clothes that didn’t fit the atmosphere, and the same alpha across from him. The shoulders of his suit pulled when he crossed his arms and Jungkook sat on his hands to stop himself from fidgeting in nervousness. “You waited quite a while to call.” He didn’t seem upset, but Jungkook flinched anyway. “How have you been?” “It seemed strange for me to call someone I’ve never met before.” He shifted in his seat again. “I don’t even know your name.” “That’s fair.” The alpha shrugged. “I’m Hoseok and, I’m sure you know, an alpha. Our pack covers quite a large area, including where your cafe is.” Jungkook hummed. “And you think that I’m trying to start something with you?” He tucked his hands in at his sides and hunched over a bit. “Sorry to disappoint but I couldn’t give two shits about your pack. I’m by myself.” The alpha frowned and pointed at him. “You have a mating scar.” Jungkook slapped a hand over the mark and tugged his jacket collar higher to cover it. “Dead. Like I said, I’m by myself.” The alpha seemed a bit surprised by his flippancy but he ignored it. “Look, is there a reason why you brought me to a public restaurant?.” “Don’t worry, most of the people here are wolves. This is in our territory too and our pack has owned this place for a long time, it’s called Stigma.” He waved a hand towards the back where the chefs were busy working. “The sous chef here is actually our pack's first Beta.” “You’re an alpha who follows another alpha?” His nose scrunched up in confusion. Hoseok only let out a bark of laughter and grinned. “It’s really not all that weird, he has my respect.” With a sly motion he slid his phone across the table. “If you would be okay with it, I would like to have your number.” “I’m not interested in a relationship.” “Wait,” Hoseok blinked. “what?” “Just because I’m an omega doesn’t mean I’m going to drop to the feet of any alpha that asks me for my number. I’m not interested.” Jungkook finally straightened up with a frown on his face but the older man simply snorted and leaned back in his seat. “What's so funny?”

“You misunderstand, Jungkookie. I don’t want to mate with you.” He held his hands up and tried to calm himself down but he quickly dissolved into a bout of giggles again. “Our alpha had heard a rumor about an unknown omega in his territory. He got worried for your safety. I guess I hadn’t thought of the fact that you might not even know who we were, when I left you my card.” Jungkook frowned. “So you were just trying to, what, get me to join your pack?” “Not necessarily, although we are fairly open to taking in new wolves. He’s just worried that some of our enemies may find out you were here and try to take advantage of the fact that you were packless.” There was a long pause before Jungkook huffed and reached for the phone. “You better not start sending me memes or something stupid.” Hoseok grinned when Jungkook slowly passed it back. “It was nice to clear the air, Hoseok hyung, I’ll see you around. I need to sleep for work tomorrow.” “Ah yeah, see you Jungkook.” The alpha watched as he hurried out the door before he pulled up his contacts. “Hey, are you free right now? He finally met with me.” With how their previous meetings had been going, with quick lunches and dinners whenever the omega was free, he shouldn’t have been surprised when he was finally forced to meet another member of the alpha’s pack several weeks later. However when he walked in to Stigma after a toolong shift he stopped just inside the door at the sight of a broad shouldered brunette in his seat. “Jungkook!” Hoseok called and waved a hand. “Come over, I brought someone today.” “He’s not blind, Hobi, I’m right here.” The stranger turned to him when he finally sat down and Jungkook swore to whoever was listening that the new man must have walked straight out of a magazine. He was definitely older, but there was something about him that let him relax a bit. “I’m Seokjin, but you can just call me Jin. I’m our alpha's first Beta, I also work here.” He nodded towards the back room and Jungkook thought he remembered Hoseok mention he was a chef. “Jungkook.” He gave a tiny head bow and Jin beamed, seemingly delighted at his manners. “How are you?” He felt his shoulders relax ever so slightly when his body finally registered that the stranger was only a beta, thank god . “I’m just fine, thank you. I just wanted to see if Hoseok was lying when he said he hadn’t scared you off yet. Tae was getting nervous.” “‘Tae’?” The name was unfamiliar but his heart skipped a beat and the beta smiled. “Pack alpha. He would come visit you personally, but it’s hard to get him out.” “That’s weird.” It seemed normal for a pack alpha to want to meet someone his pack was trying to bring into the family. Normal to Jungkook anyway, although he admittedly didn’t have too much experience in the matter. Hoseok quickly butt in, “He doesn’t do well in crowds either, it’s complicated.” “He’s just a little different from other wolves, it tends to put people on edge.” Was all Jin added. It wasn’t much information and Jungkook frowned but shrugged his shoulders. He had never met the man so he really didn’t have any room to judge. Besides, the two in front of him seemed happy enough with ‘Tae’ as their leader. “Sure, ok.” He pulled a menu towards himself and lightly kicked Hoseok’s foot under the table. “I

want beef, hyung.” The alpha sputtered and smacked his hands on the table when Jin snorted. “He’s so needy ! I take him out to eat and I don’t even get a ‘please’! Millennials , Jesus.” Jungkook only hid his smug grin behind the menu as Hoseok continued to jokingly rant to the beta about how greedy he was, and how it was really only okay because Tae paid for their meals. Jungkook acknowledged that things had gone slightly too well for him in the last couple months. His weekly meet ups with Hoseok had made sure that he always had a hot meal, and without having to pay for food as often he had slowly built up a shadow of a savings account. However one night, as he locked the cafe doors behind him and waved to Lisa as she sauntered away to her car, he could feel it. It was a prickly sensation, as the hair on his arms stood up and the back of his neck itched as a tingle ran up his spine. Lisa was already out of sight so he wasted no time, and took off at a dead sprint. Any thought that he might have imagined the feeling disappeared when there was a clap of noise as another person took off running right behind him. His chest heaved as he ran and his legs burned but he didn’t care. He didn’t know what he was running towards, however he remembered that a fairly large park was roughly a mile away, a perfect place to give his stalker the slip if he could make it. Any normal person wouldn’t have been able to run that distance, but he could feel his wolf growl as he pushed his legs faster. His lungs burned and his eyes had started to water uncontrollably but even as the footsteps behind him grew louder and the smell of another wolf grew stronger he sprinted on. Eventually, thankfully, the park slid into view and his eyes locked onto the tree line. So close, he thought to himself as his heart tried to jump from his chest and the tears in his eyes finally slipped free. The footsteps had grown louder and louder and if Jungkook let his mind wander too far he thought he could almost hear his stalker breathing. He was getting closer, so close he could see the individual trees and hear the chirp of crickets deep in the woods. He was so close, and then he tripped. His foot caught on a dip in the ground and he slammed into the grass, his face hit dirt and he couldn’t help but scream when he both felt and heard a loud pop from his ankle. Pain shot up his calf and he cried out even as he attempted to pull himself back to his feet. “You gave a good chase, omega , but you’re not going anywhere now.” The voice was like an oil slick, greasy and dirty and it made Jungkook feel like vomiting just from hearing the would be attacker speak. “I’m gonna make you bleed for runnin’ from me, omega. Don’t you know better than to run from an alpha.” The man, because there was no mistaking the voice, stepped closer and Jungkook took pride in the fact that he sounded incredibly winded. His breaths come out in low whistles, but when he dropped down on top of him he laughed when Jungkook screamed again. His ankle was trapped beneath his leg and the man reached up to grab the edge of his coat. “You know, I heard that you were apart of Bangtan, guess that was a big fucking lie.” Jungkook sobbed, from pain and humiliation, as the man (he was an alpha, he was an alpha , oh god he was going to be r -). “Get your hands off of him.” A new voice ripped through the air and when his attacker paused in shock Jungkook took the opportunity to try to rip the man’s hands off. That only seemed to snap him out of it though and he yanked Jungkook to his feet with his ripped shirt and broken ankle to find the newcomer. “Who the fuck are you?” While the grip never loosened, Jungkook could hear the fear in the man’s voice and he grinned. He would take anyone’s help, especially if it made this piece of shit, shit his pants. “I found him first.”

“You?” The voice barked out a laugh and it sent a sharp shiver down Jungkook’s spine, different than the fear he had felt when he had run from the cafe. “That kid’s been mine before he was even a blip on your radar. Now,” the voice grew louder and a figure stepped from the treeline as he repeated, “get your filthy fucking hands off of him.” The stranger was barefoot, something that Jungkook noticed but honestly couldn’t care about, especially once they locked eyes. He had never met a Korean with blue eyes, but the man was obviously from the area despite the hue that seemed to glow even from his distance. He was blonde as well and it looked natural which threw him for another loop, but he was just pulled back to his eyes. The fact that this man had laid claim to him didn’t even click as his clothes were pulled from behind. “Who are you?” The alpha who held him pulled him against his chest and Jungkook was snapped from his shock when his ankle screamed in pain, a moan slipped through his lips and the newcomer growled . “You can call me V.” The name didn’t ring any bells with Jungkook, and honestly that hadn’t shocked him with as sheltered as he really was, but it seemed to connect with the alpha and he dropped the omega like a hot stone. “That’s a good boy, now run.” Jungkook had curled into himself once he hit the ground and the pain tried desperately to pull him into unconsciousness. He didn’t turn to watch the alpha run but he heard his steps fade before a new set drew closer and an unfamiliar scent filled his nose. His savior kneeled down on the grass, and the sound of dead leaves made Jungkook try to crawl away. “Hey, no, it’s okay, darling.” The low voice cooed. “Just relax, I’m going to take care of you.” And despite all rational thought that told Jungkook that his night had already been a mess of epic proportions, his breathing slowed and he found himself slipping into away.

Chapter End Notes

twt

cc

i'm horrible at updating but i really want to finish something for once any comments are appreciated!

don't be afraid of change, it is leading you to a new beginning Chapter Summary

They're off to a rocky start.

Chapter Notes

title quote by: joyce meyer

See the end of the chapter for more notes

It was disorienting to wake up to silence, proper silence. There were no soft voices in the distance and there was no ceiling fan quietly circling, gently stirring the air. Jungkook cracked open his eyes to a white ceiling, white walls, and no sound. It was peaceful until the bed he was in shifted. His head snapped up and he saw a man sitting at the foot of his bed. “You.” It was the man from the forest; the blonde with the crystal eyes. “Did you save me?” “Always.” The man titled his head and Jungkook’s eyes fluttered; his voice was low and smoky and each syllable made his heart skip a beat. There was a burning in his chest, but it wasn’t unpleasant. “I wasn’t going to let him hurt you.” He crossed his arms. “However, you weren’t supposed to be at work that late. You don’t close on weekdays.” Jungkook sat up and frowned. “What the fuck? Were you following me too? Where am I anyway?” His wolf growled when he didn’t get a response but the man only gave him a small smile. “Three weeks ago a pack attempted to do a takeover of some of my territory. Two weeks ago Hoseok noticed that you smelled like another alpha. Your cafe just so happened to be right in the middle of all of that.” Jungkook blinked. “So you’re…?” “Taehyung. I’m the leader of this pack.” The omega had never met a man so incapable of making a single micro expression before. “ You can call me whatever you want.” He didn’t smirk, but Jungkook could hear it in his voice. The omega immediately scowled. “You’re the one who sent Hoseok to spy on me, along with Seokjin hyung.” Taehyung shrugged. “Yeah, I was. Although I think I should clarify that I didn’t tell him to keep seeing you.” A silence settled over the room and the alpha sighed as he stood and stepped towards the door. “I’ll let the others know you’re awake.” “Wait!” Jungkook jumped from the bed with a start and nearly squealed when he got caught on the sheets. His eyes squeezed shut as he braced for the impact but two arms wrapped around him in an instant, he sighed in tune with his inner wolf and could feel his body almost melt into his arms. However, he was suddenly hyper aware of the burn in his ankle, an injury he had completely

forgotten about. The weight in his chest grew and he could feel a tingle in the tips of his fingers as a shiver ran down his spine. “Careful.” Taehyung’s warm breath brushed across his ear, and Jungkook couldn’t find it in himself to back away from the embrace. “Do you need help getting back in bed?” No. “Please?” He would have pouted but the alpha only smiled and helped pull the blankets back as he limped back into the bed. “Can you stay with me for a bit? I’m sorry about my attitude. Thank you for saving me, I don’t know-.” His breath caught, and he didn’t even want to think about what really would have happened if Taehyung hadn’t jumped in. “Thank you.” Taehyung frowned and pushed a hand through his hair; He showed more emotion than he’d seen the alpha express since he’d woken up. “I’m never letting another wolf get that close to you again. You’re safe here.” It was unsaid, but Jungkook could hear the ‘with me’ in his words. Barely a few minutes and he could feel himself become lost in this alpha. “Again, thank you.” Jungkook smiled. “And thank you for pushing Hoseok to talk to me. I’m pretty sure the situation would be completely different if you hadn’t.” He paused as he looked at the alpha, really looked him over. His hair color seemed natural, and he didn’t seem to have contacts. He was tall but not built, Jungkook was sure he had more muscle mass even though everyone knew an alpha’s strength had nothing to do with muscle. Taehyung reached out to pat his knee and Jungkook quickly caught his hand. “Why do you have blue eyes?” For years he had never been the type of person to initiate physical contact with someone, but he found himself slowly linking their fingers together, and Taehyung let him. He could hear his mother’s voice in the back of his head as their palms touched, ‘bonds are for the weak, Jungkook, only the unfortunate search for love’. The alpha barked out a laugh. “I should get a dollar for everytime someone’s asked me that. Short answer? It's in my blood.” It was an obvious cop out and Jungkook rolled his eyes. “And what would be the long answer?” The alpha shrugged. “Too long.” He didn’t elaborate so Jungkook could only sigh and lean back against the pillows and with Taehyung’s hand trapped between them the alpha had no choice but to step closer; there was a brief, awkward pause before Taehyung took the initiative and sat down next to him. The distance between them made his chest tighten and he frowned. “Lay next to me.” Jungkook said softly. Taehyung hummed and quirked a brow at him. “I don’t know why, but you don’t scare me like other alphas do. I don’t know how to explain it. I actually feel very...relaxed, right now.” “I think you do.” Taehyung said quietly, he reached out with his free hand and brushed his fingers across the faded scar on his neck. Jungkook froze and tightened his grip on Taehyung’s hand. “If you ask anyone in my pack, they’ll all tell you the same things: I wander off too often, I’m not very sociable, I’m hated by my own kind. I’m not someone you want to sit here with you.” “You might have saved my life, but I’m not going to just listen to your bullshit.” Jungkook snapped. “Let me form my own opinions before you try to make me hate you.” The alpha seemed surprised, if it was because Jungkook talked back or simply because of what he said he didn’t know and he shifted onto his elbow to tug the alpha closer. “You know who I am, right? Where I’m from?” “You’re Jungkook.” Taehyung’s words were low, but his short tone told Jungkook everything he needed to know. “I’m a Jeon , I’m sure you knew or knew of my family. Very traditional, very set in their ways.

Before they died I was being...groomed. I’ve seen some pretty awful things, done some pretty awful things. You saved my life, you can’t scare me away just because you don’t have any friends.” “God, I wish I had found you first.” Taehyung suddenly whispered, his free hand brushed against the mottled scarring on his neck again. What went unspoken between them made Jungkook shiver and he flinched slightly when the alpha’s clear blue eyes stared him down. “I’m going to let you sleep, I’ll send Jimin in later to talk to you. He’s an omega.” He added when Jungkook’s nose scrunched in thought. “Am I allowed to leave this room?” “Wait until Jimin comes in. I’d never keep you locked up in here, but there’s a lot of unmated wolves in my pack. I want to keep you safe.” With that said, Taehyung stood again and gently tugged his hand from Jungkook’s. “You’re not going to just, never talk to me again are you?” The self-confidant facade he had donned for a brief moment slipped and he seemed to collapse in on himself, his tone softened to something that made the alpha want to pull him into his arms and never let go. Taehyung turned so abruptly on his heel Jungkook thought he was going to fall over, and leaned down to press their foreheads together. “I told you I would keep you safe. I can’t do that if I’m not here, right?” Then, slowly, he pressed a kiss to the omega’s forehead. “I’m not going to leave you.”

It was several hours after Taehyung left before Jungkook heard a knock on the door and his heart rate skyrocketed at the sharp raps against the wood. He had only just slid out of the bed when the faint scent of a mated omega drifted through the cracks and he felt himself relax enough to slide over to the door. “Who are you?” “My name is Jimin, Tae asked me to check on you?” The unfamiliar voice paused. “I’m an omega like you.” Jungkook bit his lip and lightly touched the doorknob. He didn’t want to trust the stranger, but part of him knew that if he didn’t then it was extremely unlikely he would ever leave the room before Taehyung came to visit him again. “Fuck it.” He yanked the door open and a short wolf with messy brown hair jumped back a few steps. “”Uh, hi.” The wolf broke out into a smile and giggled. “Hi to you too, you’re Jungkook right?” “Yeah, that’s me.” He gestured to himself with a flourish and a sense of bravado that he was pulling out his ass by the yard. “And you’re Jimin, an omega like me.” “Well, I guess.” Jimin shrugged and Jungkook’s eyes caught the shine from a multitude of piercings in his ear. His mating scar was shown proudly and Jimin reached up to rub at it when he caught the younger staring. “He’s an alpha but he’s very nice, especially to me of course. If you want you can meet him later, he’s on patrol right now.” He really, really didn’t want to do that, but the look on Jimin’s face told him he didn’t want to make the man upset.“That sounds fun.” Jungkook tugged at his sleeves and the other omega grinned. “So, what’s the plan?” “Tae didn't really give me a list, he only asked me to check in on you. Do you want a tour of the

place?” He peeked around into the bedroom. “I’m sure you’ve been bored out of your mind.” “Sure.” Jungkook shrugged and Jimin reached out to loop their arms together. “Let’s go then!”

There was more to the house than Jungkook had expected. First of all, it was more like a compound. There were rooms for most members of the pack, single or mated, and small kitchenette areas for the times they couldn’t make it to full pack dinners. He was surprised at the number of alphas that roamed the halls, which Jimin told him wasn’t that uncommon with them. “Tae doesn’t really have a problem having alphas under him, and they don’t challenge him.” He tugged him further down the hall. “Now down here is our main dining room, but it really just looks like the Great Hall in Harry Potter.” Jungkook was about to explain that he really hadn’t seen any of the Harry Potter movies, when they stepped into a deathly silent room, full of dozens of unfamiliar wolves. “Oh.” At the front of the room, in front of what seemed to be the head table, Taehyung stood surrounded by a several other wolves. “Finally, you both showed up.” The alpha called and everyone turned to the two by the door. Jungkook could see the confusion on some of their faces as they tried to place a name to his face but the other omega didn’t let him dwell on it. “Hey Tae, I was just taking him on a tour.” Jimin grabbed his sleeve and pulled him between the tables towards the front. “Weird to see you out and about.” As soon as they had reached them he let go of his sleeve and bounced into the arms of one of the alphas. His mate, Jungkook’s mind unhelpfully supplied. “I had an announcement, you’re just in time.” Taehyung stood up and reached out a hand. “Jungkook, come here?” He didn’t even hesitate and reached out to take his hand and the alpha pulled him closer. Jungkook sighed softly as the now familiar scent soothed his nerves and any tension in his limbs relaxed. “Hi, again.” “Hello, sleep well?” Taehyung’s lips quirked into a small mile when Jungkook nodded, and his scent coiled around . “Good.” He pulled the omega to his side and raised a hand into the air. Jungkook couldn’t help grip the alpha’s hand tighter as everyone’s eyes turned towards the blonde. Not even a word and he easily brought everyone’s attention to himself. “This is Jungkook.” He called over the hall and a few whispers scattered across the pack. “He is my mate.” There weren’t any gasps in shock or shouts but Jungkook felt a shiver run down his spine when a few nearby betas seems to give him a side eye. “What the fuck.” Jungkook tried to keep his voice low but by the wide eyed look Jimin shot him, he had failed. “We haven’t talked about this.” A few growls erupted from the wolves behind him and he tried to soften his tone as his fingers curled into the soft fabric of his shirt. “I don’t know you.” The alpha sighed and raised a hand again, and there was a clatter as the pack filed out of the room. Taehyung watched them leave in silence before he looked over at him. “You can’t argue with fate, Jungkook, and I want to know everything about you. What you like to do, your favorite food, what side of the bed you sleep on, your family: everything.” “Don’t overwhelm him, you idiot.” A familiar alpha reached over and smacked him in the arm.

“Mates or not, give him some space.” “Thank you, Hoseok hyung.” His mind was spinning but his lips curled into a smile when Taehyung squeezed his arm softly. “Ah! Finally! Respect I deserve!” Hoseok did a little dance and laughed when Taehyung slowly rubbed a hand up and down his arm. “Are you staying long, Tae?” “Not tonight, I need to separate myself for a bit.” He glanced over to Jungkook and the omega simply raised an eyebrow in question. “I’ll be gone for a couple months, starting tomorrow.” Jungkook felt his stomach drop and he let go of Taehyung’s shirt. “So I can’t see you until you get back?” Where was this information when the alpha had said he would protect him? When he had said he couldn’t do that if he wasn’t there. “You’re just leaving, just like that?” “Unfortunately-.” “You know,” the omega stepped back out of Taehyung’s reach and ducked away from him as he tried to catch his hands. “For a second I felt safe with you, but you announce to everyone that we’re mates without me knowing and then you just leave? You’re no better then every other alpha, I was wrong.” He smacked his hands away and without a second thought he spun on his heel. The shouts at his back were ignored and they watched as he limped around the corner. “Wow, that fucking escalated.” “Not the time , Yoongi.”

Chapter End Notes

twt

cc

thank you for reading! comments are always appreciated!

better to get hurt by the truth than be comforted by a lie Chapter Summary

They finally have that talk.

Chapter Notes

tags are changed a little bit this chapter, there's reference of past miscarriages- nothing graphic but it is mentioned. title quote by: khaled hosseini

See the end of the chapter for more notes

Jungkook spent the next two weeks just as he had before he’d been rescued (was that even the right word to describe the clusterfuck of a situation he’d found himself in?). They’d let him go to work after the first weekend and thankfully no one had noticed anything different about himself when he walked in. His ankle had healed quickly (thank supernatural healing) and he’d been given new clothes during his stay; Jimin had taken one look at his ripped shirt and his stained boots and had grabbed him, his mate (a perpetually exhausted alpha named Yoongi) and Taehyung’s credit card. “Does he let you guys just...spend his money?” He’d tried to ask when he’d caught sight of the price tag. The omega had only laughed and thrown another pair of pants into the dressing room. However, despite the small disaster that trip had ended up being Jungkook found himself somewhat enjoying his stay with the new pack, even though he wasn’t with them. Some of the betas that wandered the halls were a little too friendly, but they kept their hands to himself so he couldn’t really complain. A few he had even begun to talk to regularly and he almost felt like he was building regular friendships, something he’d never had the opportunity to do before. At the end of those first few weeks, Jimin slipped into the room he’d taken over with a small smile. “Hey, how’ve you been?” “You just saw me at dinner.” He had tried to avoid pack meals initially, but he’d forgotten how overbearing Seokjin could be and he’d quickly found himself being carried down the halls like a sack of potatoes and tossed into a seat that smelled like Taehyung. “That’s not what I meant, how’ve you been since Tae left?” It was the unspoken question in the air after Jungkook had tried to lock himself in his room. “I don’t know how you feel, but I know Tae doesn’t want you to feel bad because he can’t be around all the time.” “Seems irresponsible for an alpha.” The omega said bitterly. He pulled his knees to his chest as the other man slid onto the bed next to him. “That’s not even why I’m upset anyway, not even close.” Jimin hummed. “Why are you upset then? If you don’t mind telling me, I don’t mind listening.” Jungkook sighed and picked at the sleeve of his shirt. “We hadn’t even talked about this, this weird

energy between us, before he was telling a hundred other wolves I’d never even seen before!” He let out a huff in frustration. “He obviously felt something too but he didn’t even try to claim me after I woke up.” “Uh, that’s not really how Taehyung operates.” The mated omega frowned and leaned in closer. “You know that’s not how we work, right? Yeah, we can pick who we spend our lives with, but Taehyung would never force you into anything. I can’t speak for him, but I’m positive that he only said that so you wouldn't be bothered by the others while you’re here.” “I don’t know what alphas you’ve been around, but we’ve obviously had different experiences.” Jungkook scoffed and the smaller man’s eyes narrowed as he growled. “Watch it.” Jimin snapped. “You don’t know me, Jungkook. Yes, you must have had something awful happen- that scar says enough if I’m honest- but you don’t know what my life was like before Taehyung and Yoongi found me either. These people are some of the nicest I’ve ever met in my life, and I’ve met some really fucking sick alphas.” It was silent for a moment and Jungkook felt his face burn in shame as the slimy feeling crawled up his spine and settled in his chest. “I’m sorry, hyung.” He said softly. “I didn’t mean it that way. I just…” “I won’t say it’s okay, because that hurt, but I do get that this whole situation is stressful. Like I said, if you want to talk: I’ll listen.” Jimin pulled them both onto the bed and forced him to curl up around him. “I won’t tell anyone else.” Jungkook sucked on his lower lip as he thought for a moment, to arrange his thoughts before he accidentally insulted the other omega again. Jimin was really the only friend he had at the moment, not counting Hoseok (who never seemed to be around anymore) and Seokjin (who was busy with his split duties). “In the Jeon pack, omegas are just bargaining chips for their family. We’re something to tie your line to another branch and get money. I wasn’t an exception and I was raised for the alpha my parents picked for me, and it had to be an alpha. Anything else was ‘below our blood’ or some other patriarchal shit. Eventually they picked an alpha they both approved of and I was mated to him.” “How old were you?” The question was whispered and Jungkook gave a sad smile. “As soon as I was able. I was 13.” “Oh, Jungkookie.” Jimin pulled the omega into his arms and he immediately curled into the warmth. Even he couldn’t deny just how touch starved he really was. “Please don’t tell me you…” “I got pregnant twice, in the two years we were mated. I miscarried both times, and the not long after the second one the attack on our pack happened.” “You’ve been all alone for five years.” Jungkook nodded and curled a fist in Jimin’s sweatshirt, he took a deep breath to hold back the tears that had started to pool in his eyes but then Jimin ran a hand down his back and he just cracked . His entire body shook as the memories washed over him and he pulled a hand away to curl over his stomach. The phantom pain of losing his babies , the only things in his life he’d been so sure would bring light into his world. The only thing that he’d had to live for in those years. “I named both of them.” He choked out. “I never told him, or any of my family, but I named them because they were mine . Minjee and Soomin, my two girls.” There was no helping the crack in his voice and the fresh wave of sobs were yanked from his chest.

“Brightness and cleverness.” Jimin jerked in surprise and Jungkook shot up from the bed with his face blotchy and swollen, but the tears didn’t stop. Taehyung stood in the doorway and they could tell with one look that he’d been outside the door for a while. “They’re beautiful names.” “Have you been listening this entire time?” Jimin sat up and glared at the alpha. “This is why Yoongi gets so damn irritated with you, Tae. You don’t understand personal space, you can’t just-!” “I understand it just fine.” Taehyung scowled. “However, I have a right to know about my mate, don’t I?” “If you had just asked I would have told you, eventually.” Jungkook finally spat out. “But you save me, and then you pretend to get close to me, and then you drop that fucking bombshell, and then you just left and I thought I could trust you but-.” “I’m sorry.” He cut in, he took a few quick steps forward and reached out to pull Jungkook into his arms. Jimin grumbled irritably but he slid out from the bed as Taehyung kneeled onto it. “I didn’t mean to come off the way I did. It’s hard to explain, but I didn’t leave because of our bond.” “What bond?” Jungkook shook his head and pulled himself from his arms. “You mean this thing between us we haven’t talked about yet? I don’t have to do a damn thing in response, no matter how comfortable you make me feel. This bond doesn’t have to mean a damn thing.” Which was entirely true, even if Taehyung didn’t want to admit it. As much as the very thought of the alpha made the stress of the last couple weeks just melt away Jungkook had too many problems to just let the alpha’s words gloss over everything; he wiped at his face with his sleeve. “We need to have a proper conversation about this, before we go any further. A proper conversation.” Taehyung was silent for a moment, and Jungkook briefly had the thought that maybe he really was like all those other alphas and Jimin had spouted a bunch of bullshit, before he took Jimin’s spot on the bed and nodded. “You’re right. I haven’t gone about this the right way.” He reached his arms out and smiled softly, “Lay down with me and we can talk?” Jungkook couldn’t really resist the offer and he moved so the alpha could wrap an arm around him and tuck him into his side. Jungkook really couldn’t be blamed when he slowly tossed one leg over his waist only to flush as Taehyung slowly rubbed circles into his thigh. “This has been such a mess.” The alpha chuckled softly and nodded. “Yeah, it has. But that’s okay.” “What?” “If the situation hadn’t gone ass up, I wouldn’t have sent Hoseok to talk to you.” “Why did you send him? Like, actually.” Jungkook looked up at him. “Is it because of this bond?” Taehyung hummed and nuzzled into Jungkook’s hair. “Hm. Sort of. It’s kind of a confusing story. We’d been getting random wolves coming through our territory, but they weren’t really doing anything so I let them do their own thing. Because of our position, it’s not uncommon to have some through-traffic. When I took over the pack after my parents I made sure everyone knew our land was neutral.” He shrugged a shoulder. “Then I got a message.” “What does this have to do with me?” “Wait a second. It basically said that they knew about my ‘unclaimed omega’, and if I wasn’t going to do anything about it, they were.” Jungkook fell silent as Taehyung got serious. “I didn’t know who they were talking about so I sent Hoseok to track them down, track you down.”

“So you really were worrying about me?” He remembered that first meeting with the alpha, and the misunderstanding he’d had. He’d thought Hoseok had simply lied about their intentions to get his attention, of course despite his skepticism he really would have done anything for a free meal. “Of course, omegas are valuable but also vulnerable. You might be able to fight someone off, but we both saw what happened when an alpha caught you off guard.” The omega shivered at the memory of the attacker’s hands pulling at his shirt and breathing down his neck; as if in response, Taehyung pulled him closer and let Jungkook curl into him. The warmth between them grew and Jungkook reached an arm around him and bunched the expensive fabric of his shirt between his fingers. “Why were you even there? At the park, I mean.” The coincidence of the timing couldn’t have been more perfect when he remembered the voice that had boomed from the tree line. Taehyung laughed. “That forest is mine, I have a small house out there that I spend most of my time in. I could smell you when you got close, especially how scared you were. That’s when I felt it.” “Felt what?” “Like something was clawing at my heart, like I had ran for miles and miles with no break. Then when I finally saw you…” he trailed off and Jungkook nudged him. The alpha’s voice had pulled him in closer and closer until their chests were pressed together and they could feel their hearts beat in time. “I had never felt so angry in my life, I wanted to tear him apart .” His tightened his hold on the omega and growled. “I never want you to cry or feel scared, not when I can help you.” Taehyung slid a hand through Jungkook’s hair and the headache that had been on an upward climb since that morning faded with a sigh. “And I know this is too sudden, but I want you to be mine .” “I’ve already been mated before. I’m ruined.” Jungkook deadpanned. “You want some dead alpha’s leftover omega?” “Stop.” The alpha growled again. “That’s why I said I wish I had found you first, you went through something awful but it doesn’t change how beautiful you are. Inside and out. Yoongi hasn’t seen Jimin laugh so much in months , and my Beta told me how you help with meals when you can, and I know you’re still working as much as you can.” He fell silent and brushed his fingers through Jungkook’s hair again. “You’re beautiful, Jungkook. So beautiful. I want to give you everything I have to give.” “Will you give me the truth?” His voice was soft, but Jungkook’s voice held more confidence than he’d felt in a long time. “You’re still hiding something from me.” “If that’s what you want.” Taehyung wouldn’t lie to him, couldn’t lie to him. He’d withheld information long enough, even in their very short history together. “I want a relationship without lies. I want to be able to rely on you and talk to you. I heard you don’t hang around and you let your Beta and the others run everything while you’re gone. How is that a good example for how you’d be as a mate?” Taehyung frowned and looked up at the ceiling as he mulled over his answer. Jungkook waited, he knew what he requested wasn’t easy to give, especially not for the Alpha of a pack as large as his was. He had more responsibilities than Jungkook could imagine but it didn’t change what he wanted. He’d been through enough in his 20 years. He wanted this, he wanted Taehyung, but only if he could be given the attention he deserved. “I’m the fifth head of the Kim Pack, which we usually call Bangtan- and that’s a whole other story.” Taehyung said suddenly. “I know that doesn’t sound like much, but we’ve been around for a very

long time. The first head decided to break off from his home pack and brought his friends and family together because he wanted to create something powerful. He wanted a pack that could withstand anything, and he set out to conquer everyone else.” “That’s only four generations ago, how has your pack grown that much since then?” The compound was huge, and they easily had one of the biggest packs Jungkook had ever seen. Even the Jeon’s kept their numbers small despite their long lineage. “It’s...a long story.” The familiar phrase made Jungkook snort and he rubbed a hand across the alpha’s back. “Does this have to do with why you look so different?” “Smart Kookie.” He hummed with a smile. “It does. The First wanted so much power he found a witch. They’re long dead now, but at that time it was as easy as going to the store. Too bad he was an idiot and somehow he insulted her, so she cursed his blood.” “This is sounding more and more like a fairy tale, Taehyung.” Jungkook said dryly. “Did he turn into a beast, too?” “I swear, this is at least 99% true, with light embellishment from my family.” He laughed softly. “She cursed him, but he didn’t know for years and years. She’d still given him the power he’d asked for but it came with a price. The curse shows up differently with every member of my family, but for him it was the worst. He could convince anyone of anything, but they would die young.” The omega gasped and he couldn’t help but roll his eyes. “It was what he deserved. But then he took a mate and they had several children and they all had blonde hair and blue eyes, like every kid with his blood that has the curse.” His hand moved to rest against Jungkook’s jaw and he slowly ran his thumb across his cheek. “And then after their last child, she died.” Taehyung had a somber look on his face, and it took a second before it clicked. Jungkook pulled himself from the alpha’s arms and sat up. “Wait, are you saying I’m going to die?” His arms wrapped around his stomach and Taehyung pushed himself up as well. “Were you ever going to tell me this?” “Of course, before we actually mated, if we ever did.” He started slowly. “I have his cursed blood too, Jungkook. I would never pull someone into this unwillingly. I’m a bad person but I would never do that to another person.” “How…” he clicked his tongue, “how are you cursed?” Jungkook almost didn’t want to know, didn’t want know how his life was doomed, but he had the right ! He wouldn’t be yanked along for the ride like an idiot. He stood up shakily from the bed and started to pace as the alpha’s eyes tracked him silently. “I see the things, in my dreams.” Taehyung’s voice was soft but his eyes never once left him. “But I only see things related to those I’m close to, like Seokjin and Hoseok and Yoongi and a few others. The longer I’m away, the less frequent they are.” “So you’ll stay away from me too?” That pulled the alpha from the bed and he jumped up as well. “No.” His tone was harsh and he stepped closer but Jungkook stumbled backed up a step; the alpha looked like he’d been sucker punched. “I would go through anything to keep you with me. If you want me to.” “This is so much to think about, I need time.” Jungkook rubbed his face and pulled at his hair and Taehyung whined when he stepped further out of his reach. “Thank you for telling me, honestly, but

I need to think about all of this. Please just, give me time.” “...of course. I’ll leave the address of my home with Jimin, and my phone number.” The alpha said softly. “Just let me know, darling, and please be careful going to work.” “Baekhyun, we heard something a few days ago.” A blonde by the window hummed, but didn’t turn towards the voice. “Taehyung announced he’s found his mate.” That made the man turn, and the speaker coughed when the alpha’s blue eyes seemed to glow in the dim light of the room. “How long ago was this?” “Roughly two weeks ago, but we only just heard about it. You know how he is about his pack’s borders.” The young man by the door shrugged. Baekhyun stood up. “‘His pack’? ‘His pack’?” His voice grew louder and his tone grew colder and he stepped closer and closer until he’d crowded the man against the wall. “You say that one more time, Kai, I swear to god. That pack never belonged to him, and you fucking know it.” The alpha’s stature did nothing to stop the spike of fear and the sharp grin that crawled across Baekhyun’s face told him he knew exactly what he did to him. Kai barely controlled the shiver that ran up his spine as he nodded quickly. “Yes, I’m very sorry. I know better.” Baekhyun snorted and stepped back. “I like you, Kai, so here’s what we’re going to do. You’re going to find the bitch he claimed, and you’re going to bring them here. Don’t fuck this up.” He turned back to the window and didn’t give the beta a second look. “You know what’ll happen if you do.”

Chapter End Notes

twt

cc

thank you for reading! comments are always appreciated! in reference to tags, if i miss a tag please let me know!

maybe nothing's so unfunny as an omen read wrong Chapter Summary

Some things click together.

Chapter Notes

title quote by: michael herr

See the end of the chapter for more notes

“I know it’s only been a few days since your talk with Taehyung but you look like shit, kid.” Jungkook had been quick to pick up on that Yoongi was a man who didn’t give two shits about anyone other than his mate, and he was probably the bluntest person he had ever met in his life. A trait he wholeheartedly appreciated, normally. Except ‘normally’ didn’t include pining after a man he’d met twice but felt like he’d known for lifetimes. “Gee, thanks hyung, I really appreciate it.” It was the truth though, no matter how much Jungkook tried to hide it. After he’d talked with the alpha that night and he’d left for his house in the woods, Jungkook hadn’t slept well. He hadn’t had an appetite and could barely make it to work on time, he eventually told his boss he’d run into some family trouble and he’d need to take a leave. It felt like a loss of independence but he couldn’t deny that the grin Seokjin had given him when he told him had made him feel warm on the inside. “You know,” Jimin interrupted. “Me and Yoongi had this issue right after we mated. He couldn’t even leave to go on patrols because I would go almost catatonic without him.” Jungkook scoffed and rubbed his face. “First of all, it’s ‘Yoongi and I’, and second of all Taehyung and I aren’t mated, so that’s out of the question.” Yoongi snorted and the smaller omega reached out to smack his mate in the arm. “Not really. Unless you were-.” “Yoongi!” Jimin hissed; the alpha’s mouth snapped shut but Jungkook caught the strange look on Jimin’s face and he sat up straighter. “Wait, what were you going to say? Unless I was what?” Silence followed and he scowled and smacked the table. “Don’t hold out on me! What were you going to say?” The couple looked shocked at his outburst but he growled. “Whatever you’re keeping from me, I deserve to know.” It took a moment as the mated pair made faces at each other before the alpha finally sighed and rolled his eyes. “There’s this old folktale about mates who were connected before they actually mated.” He leaned back in his chair and sighed again. “Wolves who were able to feel each other without touching.The story has been around for years, but no one has ever really come out and confirmed if it’s a thing that actually happens?”

“People generally just refer to them as ‘True Mates’.” Jimin piped in, there was a faraway look in his eyes as he stared at the blonde alpha. Jungkook couldn’t help it and he let out a loud chuckle and threw his head back even though the other two didn’t join in. “You think we’re soulmates ?” The idea was extremely far fetched, and so much like one of the stories his brother would tell him when he was little that he almost felt nostalgic. “You don’t ?” Yoongi scoffed. “Kid, I know you’ve only been here for a couple weeks, but you have to see that everyone else is as shocked by everything as you are.” That made Jungkook pause, the frown on his face was almost automatic at this point. “What do you mean?” “Before he carried you here we hadn’t seen Tae in nearly six months ; we’ve already seen more of him in the last three weeks than we have in the last year.” Jimin shrugged and leaned into Yoongi’s shoulder. “He supports and protects us, financially and physically, but he doesn’t stick around. You’re really something else, Jungkook.” The omega was quiet for a moment as he looked down at his lap and his fingers fiddled with a small piece of fuzz while he rolled that over in his mind. “It’s like something out of a fairy tale.” Jungkook startled at the mention of fairy tales, and his mind rolled over the talk with the alpha several nights before. The story about his family, and the so-called curse he carried. It was so out there but there was no denying the heavy weight in his chest from the alpha’s absence. There was no denying the physical reminders either, like his appetite and his sleep schedule. “We’re not saying mate him right now,” Yoongi interrupted his thoughts. “But you might want to consider at least joining the pack even if only in name.” “I haven’t been with a pack in years,” Jungkook shook his head, “Taehyung knows that. Either way, I don’t think I’d be a very good fit with all of you, we’re so different.” “Are we? Like I said, I know you haven’t been here long but our pack is going to fall apart if we keep going like this.” Yoongi sighed; it struck Jungkook hard just how much that fact bothered the mated pair as he watched Jimin curl into his side with a frown. “There was this big split a few years ago and there’s been this weird tension ever since.” The alpha reached out and ruffled Jungkook’s hair. “Just think about it, yeah? We gotta go, Jimin.” “Have a good night, Jungkook.” The omega called with a wave as they stood and left the room, Jungkook watched them disappear out the door as he stewed in his own thoughts. At least until there was a loud clang and then a burst of laughter as a few betas messed around at the table next to him. He watched for a few seconds as they laughed with each other, until one of the girls caught his eye and smiled. The omega was surprised since he hadn’t had any interaction with wolves outside of the inner circle, but he gave her a small smile back and she waved before she turned back to her friends. It was still so strange to be near so many wolves in one room, like when Seokjin dragged him out to have dinner with the rest of the pack, or even when Jimin and Yoongi came to talk to him like they’d just done. There were still times when someone would reach past him or would stare for too long and he couldn’t help but freeze up and let his instincts take over. However even within the short month he’d spent with them he could feel himself relax ever so slightly. A month ago he wouldn’t have smiled at a stranger. A month ago he wouldn’t have wanted so desperately to be in another alpha’s arms. He couldn’t remember the last time he’d been so comfortable with people. There was a buzz from his pocket and he dug his phone out, brand new and courtesy of Taehyung’s

credit card during their shopping spree. There was another ping as Jimin sent several messages in succession.

nj hyung can pull a car for you whenever here’s tae’s address door code is in your phone :)

Jungkook would have been lying if he had said he wasn’t surprised to see just where Taehyung spent most of his time. While he didn’t have much of a frame of reference for the man the mansion in the middle of the woods was a bit of shock. It was all modern tones and sleek edges, he could spot floor to ceiling windows and a large skylight on the roof as they slowly pulled up to the property. There was one door at the front of the house, solid steel and no window. It didn’t look like a home. “Don’t worry, Kook.” The beta called from the car, the omega turned to look over his shoulder as Namjoon leaned out the window. “He’s been waiting for you.” He didn’t sound teasing, or accusatory, and Jungkook felt his shoulders relax just a bit at the reassurance. “Thanks, hyung.” He said with a small smile. “I don’t think I’ll need a ride home.” “I don’t think so either.” Namjoon winked before he leaned back and the sleek black car pulled away and back into the trees. He chuckled quietly as he turned back to the house (could it really even be called a house when it looked like an art museum?). There was no path to the front door, only small stepping stones that wound around the sprawling garden around the house and Jungkook tried to keep to the stones and not crush any of the small plants that dotted the ground. The flowers were well cared for, and he could almost see Taehyung knelt down to take care of each individual plant; they were only thing about the house that looked warm . It was, however, a shame Jungkook had a fairly severe allergy to daisies and he cursed when he spotted some unfortunately familiar petals. He covered his nose and darted through the, really, shockingly large garden and up to the door where he was hit with his next problem: there was no knob. What the hell . He felt like an idiot as he felt around the edges but he gave a little happy wiggle when his fingers found the edge of a small keypad hidden under a nondescript flap. Four digits later and the door popped open with a soft hiss, and pushed his way inside. He was barely able to take a single step before the smell hit him. Taehyung’s scent was strong just off his person, but he’d completely forgotten that he was walking into a literal wolf’s den. The smell was soaked into the very foundation of the building, he couldn’t escape the heady feeling. His heart pounded in his chest and his blood rushed in his ears. The palm of his hand found his chest on instinct and pressed hard over his heart, as if that could calm the erratic beating under his ribs. He figured he could pat himself on the back for at least locking the door before he lost his mind. That rhythm in his chest (the one that went Taehyung Taehyung Taehyung Taeh -) pulled him forward down the hall directly in front of him. He let the feeling guide him through the unfamiliar house, but he didn’t know if it could even be called that. There was minimal furniture but what was

there looked like it was for show and not use. A quick look at any art on the walls showed him landscapes and flowers but no personal photos. There was a kitchen that looked like it was the only used room in the whole building, a few dirty plates in the sink and a note pinned to the fridge. Further down the hall, where Taehyung’s scent was the strongest, the decorations seemed to become more and more scarce until he was at the end and there was nothing but cream colored walls and white doors. Only one was cracked open and he creeped forward, suddenly hyper aware that he had just walked into Taehyung’s house unannounced. He peeked around the door and the sight made his heart swell and his lips pull back into a smile. The big, bad alpha was curled up in the middle of the bed with a large pillow tucked against his chest in a pajama set that probably cost more than his last four paychecks combined. Taehyung’s nose twitched and a large hand came up to rub at his eyes before they cracked open and found Jungkook partially hidden behind the door. The blonde looked stunned to see him, but that quickly melted into the most genuine smile he’d seen the alpha give. “Hi.” He whispered and stepped fully into the room. “Kookie.” If Taehyung’s voice had been low before the roughness of sleep had pitched it so low it sent a whole different kind of shiver down his spine. The alpha held a hand out. “Come ‘ere, darling.” Who was he to refuse, and he quickly kicked off his shoes and climbed onto the bed. Taehyung tossed his pillow to the side and tugged his hand to pull him closer. “I didn’t think you’d actually come over.” He did sound properly shocked and Jungkook couldn’t help but grin. “Call me crazy, but I think I missed you.” Jungkook said and Taehyung huffed a laugh and he reached around himself to grab the blankets. “Imagine that.” Taehyung said quietly, before he tugged his hand again. “Less talking, more sleeping please.” “You know it’s only four, right?” Jungkook raised a brow but shrugged off his jacket anyway and burrowed under the covers before Taehyung tugged a thigh over his lap and tossed an arm across his waist to pull him in close. Very similar to before. He wanted to protest the intimate position but the warmth from his hand and the weight of his arm threw all those thoughts out the window and he sighed. “We can talk when we wake up, I guess.” He teased. “Hm, thank you, darling.” The alpha whispered before his eyes slipped shut and his breathing slowed. The steady rise and fall of his chest and the flow of his breathing soon became a cadence that pulled Jungkook under too and he tucked himself into the pillows and fell asleep easier than he had in days. Unfortunately, sleep didn’t last long for either one of them when not even an hour later, Taehyung began to shake uncontrollably in his arms. Jungkook slowly blinked awake, grateful that the sun had already begun to set and wasn’t in his eyes. The arm on his hip trembled and he slid a hand down to lace their fingers together. “Taehyung, it’s just a dream, shh .” He said softly, his tongue felt heavy in his mouth from sleep but he rubbed a thumb across his knuckles and used his other hand to press against his chest lightly. “Taehyung, come on.” The alpha’s body was too warm, but experience told him to stay where he was in fear of startling him awake from whatever this was. His hair stuck to his forehead from sweat, and his eyes fluttered in a way that Jungkook expected him to finally wake up. What he didn’t expect was for them to snap open and glow , like he had damn nightlights for eyes. Though, beyond that, Jungkook couldn’t see anything else past that pure rage on his face. The alpha pulled him in close, his arm like a vice around his waist. It was only a moment before he blinked and the glow was gone as soon as it had appeared.

“Taehyung?” His thumb never stopped against his hand, and when Taehyung slowly slotted their fingers together he traced shapes into the palm of his hand. “Are you okay?” He hadn’t expected a truthful answer, it was no business of his to know and Taehyung had already been more accommodating to him than he’d ever expected from an alpha. “A vision.” Was all the alpha said at first and Jungkook blinked in shock. There was a long moment of silence, so long that Jungkook wondered if that was going to be the only explanation he got before he opened his mouth again. “My visions when I’m sleeping are a lot like regular dreams. Very vague, not very vivid, and I usually forget most of it once I’m awake.” He shrugged a shoulder and tried to pull Jungkook closer. “They’re usually only about suspicious people, or places to avoid. The ones when I’m awake are much more...vivid.” “And this one?” The omega squeezed his hand and it was a weak attempt at reassurance but sue him, he was winging this whole thing and Taehyung seemed to smile at the gesture anyway. Then he fell silent again and Jungkook kneed him lightly. “Taehyung?” “You were there.” Taehyung started, his voice low and tight. “You were at the compound, but I don’t know what for; I couldn’t see much. But one minute you were standing there, and the next you were bleeding.” He leaned back and locked eyes with Jungkook. “Someone is coming after you, and I don’t know when or who it is. All I know is where and that doesn’t tell me anything .” Jungkook frowned but stayed silent as Taehyung slid from the bed, their hands clasped until he was too far away. "It was awful." Taehyung stepped up to the windows and his forehead against the glass. Jungkook watched silently as he released a deep breath and the glass fogged under his lips. "You know about this, don’t you?" "Know what?" "About True Mates." Taehyung glanced over his shoulder, the light from his eyes had dimmed but something about the situation made them seem bright anyway. "I'm sure even the Jeon's talked about it. Wolves designed by fate.” “I’d prefer not to talk about my family.” Jungkook frowned. “But I don’t think it was ever brought up in my classes. Yoongi and Jimin brought it up earlier though, when they visited me at lunch.” “Classes?” The alpha didn’t move from the window but Jungkook could see him raise an eyebrow. “You went to school?” He could understand his confusion, most wolves ignored human society and were raised within their own school systems. Most refused to let their pups mingle with humans until they were well into their teens. Jungkook had his own thoughts on that but he focused on Taehyung’s furrowed brow and the downward slant of his mouth. “No, my omega classes.” Jungkook cocked his head. “Omega Jeons are taught to ignore mate bonds that aren’t financially beneficial.” He could still feel the sting on his knuckles from his beta teacher when he’d asked about ‘choosing a mate’. ‘Omegas don’t choose’, she’d said, ‘Omegas are given’. “What?” Taehyung’s jaw dropped open and he spun away from the window. “What the fuck? Ignoring a bond is hell on earth! We’re not even mated and you can feel the separation can’t you?” Jungkook flushed and shrugged his shoulders a little. “Jungkook, I couldn’t sleep and we’ve only seen other a handful of times.” “We prioritized breeding over love.” Taehyung narrowed his eyes and stepped from the window. “Is that why you haven’t acknowledged our bond?” He moved closer and kneeled back on the bed.

“Or maybe you finally have, and that’s why I had the dream.” He tilted his head and reached up to rub his thumb across Jungkook’s jaw, a familiar gesture. “Are you accepting me, Jungkook? Will you let me protect you, let me be yours?” Jungkook laughed softly. “I think we’ve both proved that we feel better with each other, and,” he paused, “I don’t want to be alone anymore. I’m scared but,” He nuzzled into the hand, “I don’t feel scared with you.” Fuck that beta teacher, he thought, this omega would choose. It was silent after that, only their breathing filled the room as Taehyung shifted closer. The omega’s hands lifted to his waist and he watched as Taehyung leaned in closer, their lips only a hair's breadth away. A whisper and they would have touched and with a huff Jungkook licked his lips. Their hands wandered slowly, and Jungkook couldn’t help but sigh when they finally kissed. The energy, the pull he’d felt all that time, intensified and all he could feel was Taehyung Taehyung Taehyung , just like he had from that moment in the woods. Large hands pushed him down onto the bed and he fell back as Taehyung slid between his legs. The sun had set and the moonlight drifted through the window and the alpha glowed in the light, his blonde hair turned silver and Jungkook suddenly felt unworthy to be in front of someone so beautiful . The alpha smiled against his neck and kissed promises into his skin as they got closer, and closer, and closer .

Chapter End Notes

twt

cc

extremely sorry for the late update, but i do really want to finish this even if it takes me a while! on another note, i'm currently working on a long taekook fic (currently at 33k like wow) and i'm super excited to finish it and post it for everyone to read

let's try and fail because through failure you learn Chapter Summary

Mornings are for secrets and angsty backstories.

Chapter Notes

title quote by: jared leto hiii, i just wanted to say thank you to the people who are reading/following/commenting this! even if you're only checking to see if it's worth reading, i still appreciate it. i'm notoriously awful among my friends for starting and ever finishing anything, so this is like a personal goal of mine. also! i tend to write characters as a separate entity than who they are in real life, whether it's from media or actual people. in short- while they share the same names, there might be some big differences that you might not agree with- which is cool, everyone has different taste. in this for instance taehyung is a little bit sadder, a bit more serious than some other writers might write him, and the same with jungkook. i just wanted to make a disclaimer, now that we're getting a bit more into the meat of the story with a bit more backstory.

See the end of the chapter for more notes

“This isn’t a morning after I’m used to.” Jungkook’s voice was rough as he squinted against the morning light. The floor to ceiling windows didn’t hold anything back and he groaned as he smacked a hand over his eyes. The body next to him shook as he laughed and Jungkook smacked his chest. “Don’t laugh at me, you jerk.” “Sorry, Kook.” The blonde pushed his hair out his eyes and pushed himself up. The sheets fell and Jungkook flushed at the sight of the toned skin. He hadn’t seen much in the moonlight but as Taehyung stood from the bed he pulled the blankets up to cover his face despite the pants low on the alpha’s hips. “You’re so shy all of the sudden.” The alpha commented, “I’d hate to see how you react when we actually mate.” Jungkook sputtered and jerked the blankets off his face to smack him harder. “Don’t just say shit like that!” He snapped but the alpha only laughed softly. “Sorry, darlin’,” He whispered and he leaned back over to brush his hair out his eyes. His own blue eyes trailed down to the kaleidoscope of color at the base of his throat all the way across his shoulder. Jungkook reached up to press a finger against one of the bruises and Taehyung cocked his head. “Do you still feel the same way you did last night?” Neither of them had pushed for the bite, to the omega’s internal surprise, but Jungkook hadn’t protested an alternative mark for the other wolves. “I’m not scared of you, if that’s what you mean.” Jungkook sat up as well, with the blanket bunched

up around his shoulders. “I want to try...whatever this is, with you.” He confirmed, though he couldn’t meet Taehyung’s eyes as he stared intently down at his hands. “Let’s eat breakfast.” Taehyung suddenly said and moved towards the door. “You wanted to talk last night, didn’t you?” He stretched his arms high above his head and Jungkook watched the almost hypnotic way his muscles muscles moved. “I think we both have questions.” Jungkook stayed seated until he disappeared around the corner before he stood from the bed as well. He felt gross having slept in his jeans all night and he slowly pushed himself off the bed towards the plain dresser by the wall. “This breakfast better be amazing!” He called after him and a low laugh echoed back down the hall. Despite the wall of windows he didn’t feel at all exposed as he stole a pair of Taehyung’s sweats and a hoodie off the floor. The alpha’s scent was heavy in the fabric but it was what Jungkook felt he needed when he caught sight of the hickey’s on his skin out of the corner of his eye. He flushed and tugged the jacket up higher to cover it. The house was just as bare as before, but he took a bit more time to explore as he wandered around. While there wasn’t any decoration on the walls or excess furniture, there was a piano in one room that he hadn’t noticed before and an expensive looking camera on one of the side tables. It was odd for the leader of such a large pack to have such free hobbies. He couldn’t think of a wolf in such high standing that had ever boasted a single creative bone in their body. Music and art had always been considered fitting for omegas- something soft for them to fill their time in between servicing their alpha. Eventually he found the kitchen, where the smell of meat lead him to the alpha hunched over the stove, a pot of coffee hissing across the room. The alpha looked over his shoulder and shot him a small smile before he turned back to the food. “Nice clothes.” Jungkook looked down and tugged at one of the sleeves. “Sorry, I should have asked.” He hopped up onto the kitchen island and immediately hissed as the cold of the marble cut into his skin. It was silent for a while as Taehyung floated around the kitchen and occasionally asked Jungkook to hand him something. The blonde looked more at ease behind a stove than he would have expected, but he guessed he did live by himself. “So what now?” Jungkook finally asked when the alpha pulled a couple plates from the cupboards and turned the stove off. “Well, we skipped a lot,” Taehyung started, “I only know of one other couple that mated faster than we did.” He laughed a little before he held out a full plate. “Even if we haven’t actually ‘sealed the deal’, so to speak.” “Who’s that?” Jungkook couldn’t help but groan when he forked a piece of sausage into his mouth, Seokjin was good but damn . It was nice to be catered to for once and Taehyung looked a little smug at his pleased expression. “Yoongi and Jimin.” He waved his fork in the air with a shake of his head. “Of course, they met under extremely different circumstances. It’s not my story to tell, but Yoongi did it to save him. It worked out in the end, though.” He smiled a bit and laughed, “But it’s kind of amazing to see that it worked out so well, because they hated each other at first.” The omega blinked, because that almost seemed impossible. Jimin was completely gone for Yoongi, and the alpha was as equally whipped to hell for his mate. Unless Yoongi was out on a patrol around the border you couldn’t find one without the other. “Well we don’t hate each other, so that’s a good start.” Was all he could say and Taehyung nodded, his hair flopped in his eyes and Jungkook fought back the sudden, rather violent, urge to reach out and push his fingers through the strands. In the new lighting he could see the dark circles under his eyes and the dull tone to his skin. His face

was puffy from sleep but underneath it all he looked like death rolled over. Jungkook was sure he was in the same boat, and it was simply a product of their short time apart. Of course now that Taehyung had nearly smothered him in his scent he just wanted to pull him close and bury his face in his neck. He wanted to drown in Taehyung, wanted to learn everything about him and wanted Taehyung to learn about him as well. He wanted to do all of the things he family had tried to train out of him. “I want to know more about you.” Taehyung finally said, once the plates had been set in the sink and they had moved to small living room. The couch felt new and the leather was cold like the rest of the house. “I want to know about your pack, and your life before Hoseok found you.” Jungkook frowned and pulled his feet up onto the couch. “Like what?” The alpha only stared and his teeth sunk into his lip in thought, “Uh, okay, so you already know I was born into the Jeon pack, in Busan. We spread out a lot, but I was apart of the main family.” He sighed again at the memory of faces he’d thought he’d forgotten, wished he’d forgotten. “I had an older brother, but he died when I was little- I barely remember him. He might have been the alpha my family wanted but he was too young to know. My parents hated that I was on omega, but they stuck with the tradition to mate me off with someone else.” “The one who used you.” Taehyung’s voice was hard, and his lips pressed together tightly. Jungkook would have hated to see how he’d have reacted if he’d met his mated alpha, when he was still alive. “Yeah. He didn’t hit me, but he, he didn’t love me.” Jungkook clarified, even as his voice caught in his throat. “When you’re born into the Jeon pack there’s people that teach you how to behave in the pack. My classes were based on how to satisfy an alpha, how to behave during my heat, how to raise a kid.” He shrugged. “It was just how things were done, I didn’t have the knowledge to argue. Didn’t know I could.” His voice trailed off and his hands curled into tight fists. “Then, we were attacked.” “That was five years ago, right?” Taehyung moved in a little closer and gently grabbed his hand. “I remember meeting with other packs to talk about it, but at the time Bangtan was going through it’s own problems and we couldn’t spare anyone to check it out. It was too late by the time we’d pulled together and were able to travel.” “It’s okay, Taehyung.” The younger reassured. “I’ve never been bitter about it, to be honest. They weren't really family to me. I was more confused on what I was supposed to do next, than worry about what had just happened. There’s a few other betas out there, I think, from my home pack but I’ve never talked to them. I left as soon as I could and found work, and I’ve been bouncing from hostel to hostel since.” “Not anymore.” The alpha motioned around the room and Jungkook’s eyes widened. “This is yours too, now. You don’t have to live here if you don’t want to but it’s always open.” He smiled sadly. “I know it’s not the most welcoming place.” Almost like it’d been rehearsed there was a rush of cold air and goosebumps rippled across his arms as he shivered. Jungkook turned and looked at the picture above the fireplace, a large landscape photo of rolling hills, dotted with flowers. It looked peaceful, but also just as lonely as the rest of Taehyung’s belongings. As lonely as Taehyung seemed to be. “I noticed yesterday there aren’t any photos. What about your family?” There was no response, and Jungkook turned back to the alpha. His brows knit together in worry when he saw him cover his face and he quickly squeezed his hand. “You don’t need to tell me-.” “No, you should know- for your own safety.” Taehyung shook his head. “God, I don’t even know

where to start.” Jungkook slowly rubbed his knuckles and hummed. “What do I need to know?” There was no reason for the alpha to unload his entire life story. The promise of a beginning between the two of them did not automatically make them best friends, nor did it warrant his secrets. Jungkook would take what he was given. “My brother is an alpha too,” he started eventually, and Jungkook didn’t know what to be more surprised about, “but when my parents chose me to lead the pack instead of him he,” he pulled his hands from Jungkook’s grasp and rubbed them together, “he killed them for it.” “Oh my god.” Jungkook gasped. “What the fuck? How old were you?” “I was 15, he was 19. I was surprised too, because I’d never been taught how to raise a pack, or how to lead. I spent my time goofing off, playing with my friends and getting into trouble. The other packs still don’t respect me because of that.” His laugh was sad and hollow. “Seven years, and I still can’t get any of them to call me by my name. They call me ‘V’, like it’s an insult. It should be an honor and it’ used like some bad omen, or a curse.” Jungkook remembered how the alpha from the park, when they’d met, had reacted so violently just at the mention of Taehyung’s name.” He killed our parents, and then he signaled for his conspirators to kill anyone that got in their way when they ran.” He waved a hand around the room, much less enthusiastic than before. “He burned our home down too- a home we’d had since the First.” “Did he have your, curse or whatever, too?” “Well,” Taehyung frowned and ran a shaky hand through his hair, “I can only assume he does, because of his hair and his eyes, but...” “But?” “I have no idea what he can do.” The alpha admitted. “I’ve thought that maybe he could influence people, like the First could. Maybe that’s how staged the coup , but I don’t know .” He growled and scrubbed a hand over his face. “I just... don’t know.” “Well, shit.” Jungkook breathed and Taehyung snorted. “I don’t even know how to respond to that.” Taehyung reached out and gripped his hand tightly. “You don’t need to.” He said firmly and shook his head. “You have no obligation to my pack and our politics.” Jungkook scowled and in less than a second he’d pushed himself to his knees and reached up to flick the alpha in the nose. The squawk the man let out was worth it. “You’re an idiot.” Jungkook rolled his eyes. “I’m aware that my home pack was a bit fucked up, but don’t try to play off your responsibilities to me. I was mated off to the head of one of our branch families, I’m fully aware of what goes into running a pack.” He paused for a second and licked his lips nervously. “If we’re going to try this thing between us, this... mate bond, then I should be there like an Alpha’s mate should be. Y’know, like your Luna should be.” Taehyung’s eyes were wide and it was obvious that he hadn’t expected Jungkook to bring it up, or even verbally acknowledge their bond as a mate bond at all. The youngest had skirted around it from the beginning and even just the slight acceptance made Jungkook flush, but there was a soft pulsing warmth in his chest that made him think Taehyung was pleased too. “I do have a request, though.” “Oh?” “You need to be around your pack more.” Taehyung’s eyes narrowed but didn’t interrupt. “I know

you say you get more visions or whatever when you get closer to people but avoiding your job is not making things better.” Jungkook chewed on his lip. “Yoongi thinks Bangtan is going to fall apart if you don’t do something, Tae.” The alpha’s eyes softened at the nickname and he slouched into the couch cushions with a sigh. “I know.” He mumbled, and for a moment he looked younger. He looked more like the young alpha he was and less like the intimidating leader that had scared off his assaulter that first night, weeks ago. “I feel it whenever I step into the compound. There are younger wolves that have never seen me before and older wolves that still remember my parents and I just…” He glanced up and Jungkook watched his blue eyes trace the curves of his face. “I’m not the leader they want, the one they ever wanted. Yoongi and Seokjin do what they can to help me and hold them together, but…” It occured to Jungkook then that it was likely Taehyung had never confided this in anyone before. His long fingers fiddled with the string of his pants and his free hand pushed his hair from his eyes and Jungkook could see pure tension in every move he made. “Let me help you.” Jungkook shifted closer and let his actions speak for himself as he dropped himself into his arms. The alpha startled but one of his hands steadied him at his waist and the other settled on his knee without a word. “I already took time off work, so let me help you with this. We can consider it like a trial.” “A trial for what, darling?” Taehyung asked quietly and Jungkook adjusted to rest against his shoulder. “To see if you can be what they want, if you’re what I need, if I’m what you need…” He listed off and Taehyung arm moved to hold him a little tighter. “I don’t think I can just let some destiny decide who I should spend the rest of my life with.” He added softly, “I’m broken, Taehyung, I’ve been used and thrown away.” The alpha suddenly snarled and yanked him so close he could feel his heart beat against his chest, every curve and edge of his muscles pressed against his own. “You are not broken.” He pressed his lips to his shoulder, where he’d pressed promises into his skin hours before. “You’re beautiful, and funny, and you don’t take shit from anyone. You are exactly what I need in my life, and I can’t replace what you’ve lost and I can’t magically make you happy but, fuck, I want to try for you. I want to try to make this work.” Jungkook had always been quick to cry but he hated how fast tears pooled in his eyes as he clung desperately to the alpha, Taehyung’s hold on him didn’t loosen and if anything only pulled him tighter when he heard the first sniffle. “Thank you.” “No, thank you, baby.”

Chapter End Notes

twt

cc

thank you for reading! comments are always appreciated! hope y'all liked this one, this is one of the chapters that's given me the most trouble so far and we're only five in (insert desperate laughter here, tbh). there's gonna be some more backstory in the next two chapters, to give a bit more insight to some of the characters around the main duo, bangtan, and taehyung himself. i apologize if it seems like the pacing is off, because i'll be honest that's not a strong suit of mine. i'm writing another fic where it took 26k before they kissed, so...

however, my vision for this story has changed a little bit and i hope you guys enjoy where it's going to go. as always, comments are always appreciated. each little note you guys leave makes me smile and it's endless motivation to write more.

a fresh start is a journey that requires a plan Chapter Summary

Taehyung has some ideas, and more friends than he thinks.

Chapter Notes

title quote by: jokotade

See the end of the chapter for more notes

Jungkook had previously spent his time with the pack as a spectator, just a guest in the same wing as some of the lower ranked betas and a few mated pairs. In the few short weeks he’d lived there he’d cemented his place as a wallflower and an all around shy person. While it was really because he just didn’t want to talk to any of them they had viewed it as “cute” and “fitting for an omega”. Now, with a different attitude and a goal in mind for the alpha at his side, he was determined to change that image. The omega had forced the alpha into nicer clothes with the excuse that he needed to present a different image to his pack, where Taehyung had then said that as the Alpha’s future Luna he needed to wear something other than a sweatshirt and jeans. Jungkook had to admit he loved the sight of Taehyung in a silk shirt, but he could have done without being forced into a button up himself. However, the alpha hadn’t been able to lift his hand from him the moment he’d slipped on Taehyung’s shirt. Now, there were wide eyes from the wolves outside as Taehyung held out a hand and helped him from the sleek car. The air was heavy with various scents but there was a slight tinge of arousal in the air; Jungkook could feel eyes on their back when Taehyung leaned in to scent him. His nose bumped his jaw before he pressed his cheek to his neck and Jungkook accepted the obvious display of affection with a slow roll of his eyes. After their first night together the alpha’s physical affection had skyrocketed but even though only a few months before Jungkook would have had a panic attack at the idea of letting an alpha touch him, he found himself welcoming each touch. With his own smug look Taehyung stepped back to let the omega link their arms together and Jungkook smirked as the scent in the air soured with jealousy. “Uh oh. What’s that look for?” Taehyung asked. “I don’t think you realize how many jaws dropped when you stepped out of the car.”. “You mean when I stepped out in your pants?” Taehyung quirked an eyebrow and Jungkook grinned. It had been a slight surprise to see that while Taehyung owned plenty of dress shirts and jackets, he owned nothing but wide legged pants and sweatpants. Then Jungkook had surprised himself when he jumped to pull his bag closer and yank a pair of his own jeans out. “Don’t judge me, they just look better on you.”

The alpha rolled his eyes but he didn’t have the time to reply before there was a slow clap. They looked up to see Seokjin leaned against the front door with a smile. “Who are and what have you done with Taehyung?” He called and Taehyung scowled even as Jungkook poked him in the ribs with a grin. “I can actually see the shape of your legs! I don’t even see spray paint anywhere, or a hole in your shirt!” The beta laughed and moved to hold the door open for the duo, they bowed their head in thanks as they stepped past him. “Good job, Kook, thanks.” The omega flashed him a small smile but Taehyung’s eyes narrowed as he growled. “Are you saying I can’t dress myself?” “Of course not, dear Alpha, I’m saying you can’t dress yourself well .” Seokjin was quick with the rebuttal and Taehyung sighed, but he didn’t hide his small smile. His Beta was always teasing him good naturedly and it was obvious that Taehyung never took any of his teasing seriously. “Now, what are you two doing here? Joon hinted you’d be at the family house for a lot longer than just a day.” He turned his attention to the omega on his arm and Jungkook’s eyes darted away. “What? What’s going on?” Taehyung patted the hand on his arm and motioned down the hall, and completely ignored his question “It should be breakfast time, right? I have an announcement.” The alpha had apologized to Jungkook before they’d left- for being so impulsive, he’d said. He claimed it was partly his alpha nature to just take the reigns and go, but was also just apart of his personality. Jungkook could only laugh and press a kiss to the back of his hand. ‘I’ll follow my alpha through anything,’ he’d said, and even though he’d had no idea what exactly Taehyung planned to say, he knew he would do exactly that. His last announcement hadn’t gone well and Jungkook could feel a flare of embarrassment at the memory, but he’d put his trust in Taehyung. Whatever was left, was his. “Come on, darlin’,” Taehyung tugged his arm, and then they moved down the hall, the Beta close behind. Taehyung had mentioned offhandedly once that Seokjin was one of the few people he knew and could trust that would always have his back. He understood there was some sort of long history between them, and he could visibly see the trust that the Beta put into his Alpha. They stepped into the dining hall to a stunned silence, eerily reminiscent of Jungkook’s first experience with the full pack. At the front table Jungkook saw Jimin push himself up off of Yoongi’s lap and cup his hands around his mouth. “Who ordered the models?” He called and there was a wave of laughs around the room despite the wide eyes locked onto their alpha. Taehyung’s words from before rang in his head and he could see what he meant about the younger wolves, there were pups in the laps of their parents and he could smell their confusion and subtle fear at the sight of such a strong alpha in the room. Jungkook wasn’t quite used to his presence but it was hard to ignore the natural push to submit that Taehyung exuded. “As much as I appreciate the enthusiasm, Chim,” Taehyung started, they moved closer to the table as he spoke and Jungkook flushed at the knowing looks from the other members of his inner circle, “I have an announcement to make.” He spoke loud enough to catch everyone’s attention although it wasn’t entirely necessary. Jungkook had noticed it before, but the alpha had the sort of charisma and magnetism that drew everyone’s attention without even trying. There were few alphas who could boast a claim of as much power as he had. “The last time I spoke to you I didn’t give you the explanation you deserved.” There was a low murmur from the pack. “It’s also come to my attention that I haven’t been the leader you deserve.” Taehyung smiled sadly as few younger betas in the front protested. “I want to set something straight with all of you, and I would hope that you would spread it to those who aren’t currently in the room

with us. I want us to start over. I want to build our pack back to the glory we boasted about years ago.” He turned to meet his eyes and Jungkook smiled at his soft expression. “I want to start over with my mate. His name is Jeon Jungkook, and I hope you will treat him well.” Jungkook shifted his attention to the pack and he could already see some bright smiles among the confusion and he bowed his head. “I’m sure some of you have seen me around recently,and I’m sorry if I’ve made a bad first impression.” He winced and there was a snort from behind them but he ignored it. “I want to be honest with you.” Taehyung raised a hand, with a large signet ring that Jungkook had never seen before on his index finger. “This is the ring that is passed down through the heads of my family, and I was never supposed to receive this ring.” Jungkook’s hand tightened on his arm but Taehyung kept steady. “Seven years ago there was a coup , where my own flesh and blood brother murdered our Alpha and Luna and I was given the immense responsibility of our pack. I was only 15, and I had no idea what to do. I still don’t.” He shrugged and there were a few laughs but there was an overwhelming sadness that had settled over the room. It was almost instinctual for Jungkook to relax his scent for the alpha and Taehyung paused as he briefly locked eyes with the omega. “I put our pack through two years of a pack war with my brother, only for it to end with too many losses and nothing gained.” It was obvious that there were wolves that had never heard the story before and there was a soft whisper among the younger wolves, fear of the unknown and a little bit of distrust between them. Jungkook cocked his head slightly in thought as Taehyung grabbed his hand gently. He hadn’t known about the pack war, but he wasn’t going to go back on his word. “I want to start over,” He repeated, “I want to learn how to be the Alpha you need, if you will let me.” Alpha were always so sure and confident, they didn’t admit mistakes and they didn’t ask for forgiveness. Jungkook had felt the cold and harsh attitudes of many over confident and power hungry Alphas in his life, and he had never seen an Alpha bow so deeply to another wolf before. Taehyung released his hold on Jungkook and bent at the waist to the stunned pack in front of him; Jungkook didn’t hesitate to bow as well, and his hand found the alpha’s again. There was a clatter of chairs and footsteps and Jungkook squeezed their linked hands as Taehyung let out a shuddering breath. He’d stand with Taehyung even if his pack didn’t. “Don’t bow, Alpha.” A familiar voice growled and they both looked up to see Yoongi on one knee. The other blonde alpha rolled his eyes and reached forward to flick his forehead. “Did you really think we wouldn’t follow you? For a genius, you’re a fuckin’ idiot.” They straightened up slowly and Jungkook promptly choked. Taehyung lead a large pack, he knew that. He’d seen the crowds in the halls and he’d heard the howls from the patrols at night, but there must have been more tucked in the hall, just listening in, because Jungkook had never seen so many people in one room. They’d pushed their chairs away and, behind the strong line of Taehyung’s inner circle, kneeled onto the floor with their heads bowed. Alphas, betas, omegas and children alike kneeled together as they accepted Taehyung’s proposition. The tension in the air hadn’t completely left and it wasn’t like a show of solidarity really solved all of Taehyung’s problems, but it was a start. “Thank you.” Taehyung sighed happily; Jungkook giggled when he threw an arm around his shoulders and pulled him in, his nose cold against the scent gland in his neck. “You too, Kook, thank you.”

“I told you I was here for you, my alpha.” He mumbled and Taehyung smiled and pressed a kiss to his cheek before they separated. “Now what?” “Now, we can start changing things." With a change to Taehyung’s mentality came a change to just about everything, Jungkook noticed. While he didn’t have the years of experience or knowledge about how the Kim pack worked like the others did even he could tell there was a bit of a learning curve. Taehyung increased border patrol and found more ways for the wolves that hadn’t had a proper position. A few of the alphas forced to train them had protested but a look from either Hoseok or Yoongi shut them up pretty quickly. Then Taehyung worked with Seokjin to find a way to hear the complaints his pack had, to hear what they had to say. “When we were little me and my brother used to sit in and listen to inner circle meetings,” Taehyung said quietly one night, and Jungkook looked up from his phone and instantly locked it and shoved it under his pillow when he saw his serious expression, “and something my dad had always wanted to do was open his doors to everyone who wanted to talk to him. He was only the Fourth, and we still had so many traditions that carried over from the original pack and everyone viewed him like...some sort of god, I don’t know. His inner circle had protested against it and there wasn’t much he could do by himself.” “I’m not surprised,” Jungkook hummed, “I would sit in with my alpha’s meetings and the thing that would come up the most was how to keep everyone in line. Dissension and opinion wasn’t what kept a pack running.” Taehyung scowled and propped himself up on his elbow. “Don’t say that.” He said roughly and Jungkook frowned. “Sorry, I mean, that’s just how they worked-.” “No, I meant ‘my alpha’.” He interrupted, and Jungkook’s eyes widened. “Don’t call him that. He’s nothing, he’s gone. I’m your alpha.” Jungkook’s lips pulled into a small smile and he shifted to lay on his back. One hand lifted to grip the alpha’s sleep shirt and he tilted his head to show off the curve his neck, and the smattering of fresh hickeys across his skin. Taehyung had taken to adding new marks every few days, and after nearly two weeks of the treatment he’d gotten used to the sting of the bruises and the looks wolves would give him as they passed. There was a general confusion as to why he was so obviously claimed but not marked, but Jungkook ignored the whispers. “Is someone jealous?” He asked, like the tease he had slowly started to become around the alpha. “He didn’t give you anything,” Taehyung muttered, he leaned down to press a kiss to his collarbone and he sighed, “Nothing but pain.” His short hair ticked his nose and Jungkook fought back the rather violent urge to sneeze as Taehyung sucked a pink mark on his shoulder. “He gave me two pups.” Jungkook said softly and the phantom pain burst in his chest. His free hand curled over his stomach and Taehyung pressed a harder kiss to his shoulder. They had never talked about it before, even though they were both fully aware of the omega’s past. After that first night where Jungkook had unloaded on Jimin it had never come up again. “It wasn’t his fault I was too young.” “No alpha in their right mind makes a child carry their children.” The alpha straightened back up and cupped his jaw. “If we mate, if we have children, it is on your terms.” The solemn tone took

Jungkook by surprise and his eyes widened even as a tear slipped down his cheek. Taehyung was quick to swipe it away and he smiled, the big, wide smile that made butterflies flutter in his stomach and their bond to hum pleasantly. “You’re one of a kind, Taehyung.” The omega laughed, even if it was a bit wet as a few more tears fell, and the alpha nodded. “I would hope so. Being different is what is going to keep us alive.” He laid back down on the bed much closer than he’d been before. “My brother used to say that conformity kept wolves alive.” A hand traveled to Jungkook’s waist and his thumb rubbed slow circles into his hip. “A lot of bull about how as long as the pack listened to the alpha, everything would be okay. I would always argue that alpha’s aren’t infallible. It’s impossible for us to know everything, or else we wouldn’t need an inner circle to begin with.” “Maybe that’s why your parents picked you over him?” Jungkook tucked his hands under his head as he listened and Taehyung shrugged one shoulder. “Maybe. Doesn’t matter now, they’re dead.” It was surprisingly blunt of him but Taehyung only sighed and tightened his grip on his hip. “Do you think it’s a bad idea?” “What, talking to your pack?” Jungkook thought for a moment when Taehyung nodded and pulled the covers closer to his face. “I don’t think it’s a bad idea, but I do think it’s a bit...risky? They might think they can start to sway your policies or your decisions, and that would only make the pack trust you less if they thought you could be swayed so easily.” The answer came hesitantly, unsure if they had reached a point where he could be so honest. Their brief talk on the couch a few weeks before told him it was okay, but the doubt in his head told him he needed to watch where he stepped. Omegas were meant to be seen but never heard, as he’d been told so many times before. “What if you were there with me?” Jungkook blinked and stared at the alpha. “Wouldn’t I be there anyway? I’m always supposed to be in the room with you.” Behind the alpha, just behind to the right, on their knees with their hands on their lap and their head bowed down. “Okay, stop going back to your ‘training’ or whatever you want to call it.” Taehyung sighed like he always did when Jungkook made a comment that hinted about his home pack. “I mean what if you, Jungkook, my Luna , was there with me? Listening to them and giving your own opinion. They would learn that you have a voice too, and you’d be another party they could come to.” Jungkook was properly stunned, and he’d had plenty of shocking moments in his life in the last couple months. “Taehyung, that’s too much.” He whispered. Omegas were not respected . They didn’t receive positions of honor, they weren’t called by name, they weren’t to speak unless spoken to. It was like Taehyung was determined to break every law laid in place for alphas and omegas both, and it terrified him a bit. It was one thing for Jimin to be treated well, his mate was not the Alpha nor was he a stickler for tradition. Jungkook was going to be Taehyung’s Luna .“You can’t expect me to accept that. You can’t expect them to accept that.” “What did I say? Forget about all that shit your pack shoved into your head.” Taehyung tapped a finger against his temple and frowned. “You’re such a forward thinker when you forget about all of that conditioning they put you through, you have great ideas and you speak your mind. Where’s the omega that blew off any alpha that came within three feet of him and conned Hoseok out of weeks of free dinners? That man that outright refused to give out his number when he thought he was being hit on?”

Jungkook flushed and covered his face with a groan. “God that feels like years ago, it feels so cringey to think about now. I was such an asshole to him.” “You were independent.” Taehyung reminded him. “You were working, and you thought he was just another alpha who wanted what all alphas want- an omega to hang off their arm and use during their ruts. I don’t know of anyone else that would have stood up to him like that.” He pointed out and Jungkook smiled shyly behind the palms of his hands. “So you’re saying it’s a good thing I can’t trust people.” He questioned and Taehyung tugged his hands away from his face with a smirk. “I’m saying I need someone who would be able to stand up to some bullshit.” Taehyung clarified. “I need someone who would support me, but would also call me or anyone else out if something suspicious came up.” Taehyung spoke like he carefully considered every word that left his mouth, and that thought made something clicked in his mind. Jungkook’s mouth dropped open and his fingers curled into his shirt. “You want me to watch your back?” The alpha barely had time to respond before Jungkook moved to bury his face in his chest with his arm tight around his waist. “You would trust me to do that?” In their room, the setting sun weakly peaking through the forest and large glass wall, Jungkook let more tears fall. “Darlin’,” Taehyung sighed into his hair. “I’m already trusting you with my heart, aren’t I?”

Chapter End Notes

twt

cc

i'll be honest this chapter feels really weak to me, but i couldn't find a way to get these scenes other than this! the next chapter is my favorite so far so please anticipate that one! it might be out a bit earlier because i have a lot of it fleshed out already as always comments are always appreciated!

if safety is a joke, then death is the punchline Chapter Summary

They're a band of misfits, and Jungkook is faster to trust than he thinks.

Chapter Notes

title quote by: paul laforest

See the end of the chapter for more notes

“Okay, spill it.” Nearly three weeks after Taehyung’s- rather dramatic- announcement Hoseok had cornered the omega and with barely a word, shoved him into a car and had immediately directed them into the heart of the city. After nearly a month without a job, he’d spent all of his time in the forest, he took in the sight of the modern buildings with wide eyes. The familiar sight of Stigma had surprised him when they’d finally come to a stop but Hoseok didn’t waste a moment to pull him to what had been their usual spot all those months ago. “Spill what?” Jungkook looked up from his plate with wide eyes but the alpha only squinted at him. They’d been silent as they’d ordered, a tall human man had taken their order although Jungkook could smell at least three betas in the room with them. He was sure they knew who Hoseok was since they had smiled over at them when they’d walked in but Jungkook had received a curious look. He’d almost forgotten that outside of Taehyung’s pack his position was completely unknown. “You smell like Taehyung, ” He almost sounded accusatory and Jungkook frowned as he leaned back in his seat, “but you don’t smell like sex. So I’m confused, and I need you to spill all of your dirty secrets to me. Like, yesterday.” He waved his for with a flourish. Jungkook snorted but he couldn’t hide his smile as he crossed arms and tilted his head at the alpha. “I mean, I’d hope I smelled like him. We sleep in the same bed, and he practically mauls me everyday.” He lifted a finger to tug down the collar of his shirt and Hoseok whistled as his brows raised. Taehyung hadn’t given him any new hickies in a few days but there were several light purple marks just under his jaw. “Damn,” He shifted in his seat and leaned onto his elbows, his own meal forgotten, “is that what you wanted?” Hoseok’s voice softened and he tilted his head curiously. Jungkook frowned. “What do you mean?” The alpha’s eyes weren’t nearly as expressive as his face and his tone was carefully even as he laced his fingers together. “Living with him, sharing his bed, letting him mark you up like that. Taehyung is a possessive alpha, even on a platonic level. Is this, whatever you two are doing, what you wanted?” The question was a surprise, for sure, but Jungkook could only smile and lean forward to pat his hands.

“I think we both know that if it really came down to it, Taehyung would rather gouge his own eyes out than hurt me.” Three months before Hoseok would have gotten a snappy response and a heated glare before he stomped out of the restaurant after such a personal question. Three weeks before, Jungkook would have never said that with such confidence, or with such an easy smile. “I know I haven’t known any of you very long, and I know that I still don’t know any of you very wellTaehyung included- but I know that I’m safe. I can say at least that much with confidence.” Hoseok smiled and he looked so different from the stone faced alpha he could be towards the younger betas, or even the other alphas he ran patrols with. “I’m happy for you, Kook. You both look so much happier, honestly. Of course, I’ve never seen the pack so motivated before either but I think that has more to do with the unmated omega wandering around the halls than our suddenly more present Alpha.” He added a pretty greasy wink and Jungkook choked over his fork. “What the hell!” Jungkook flushed and he reached forward to punch him in the shoulder. “Everyone knows I’m Taehyung’s.” He’d have rather walked over hot coals than admit that he pouted but Hoseok decided to spare him the teasing and only turned his attention back to his food. “So you’re okay with that? Being his?” He clarified and Jungkook laughed. “The universe seems to really want us together, but I’m willing to give us a shot. He doesn’t care that I’ve been used and thrown away, or that I come from a broken pack. He doesn’t seem to care about custom either, and he didn’t claim me when he could have. He gave me a choice.” A small smile curled his lips and his fingers rubbed across his chest, there was a steady warmth in his chest that hadn’t faded or faltered w Hoseok nodded as he shoved a piece of fish into his mouth. “That’s true. He tends to just...do what feels right. After Baekhyun took his merry band of assholes,” Jungkook frowned at the unfamiliar name, “and ran off he took in a lot of stray wolves, and that really pissed off the Elders.” Ah, he was familiar with them, Jungkook thought. A select group of wolves from pure bloodlines that hid their identities to work as ‘neutral’ parties to pack disputes and as councilors. His limited knowledge told him they really just pulled strings from the shadows as if the Alphas were puppets for their own amusement. His father had, had plenty of words for them when he was young. “Of course, I think it pissed them off more that he gave some of us positions of authority.” “Oh, is that how you two met?” Jungkook had assumed most members of the inner circle would have been blood members. A well established pack’s inner circle usually consisted of the children of branch families, although he knew Taehyung’s pack was technically already a disconnected branch family. Hoseok nodded, but rocked his hand back and forth. “Sort of? Half and half, really. We met once when we were both pretty young, although I didn’t know at the time that he would remember me.” The alpha huffed and took a small sip of his wine and Jungkook got the feeling he was in for a story. “I was born into a pack that abandoned me right after I was born and I ended up raised by few beta prostitutes on the streets. As stereotypical as it sounds I learned to steal to live, and I ended up picking Taehyung’s pocket.” Poorly timed, Jungkook choked again on the piece of beef he’d shoved into his mouth and Hoseok barked out a laugh. “This story ends with you two becoming friends?” He asked incredulously and the alpha nodded. “Right? Anyway, I stole his phone and got a couple weeks of food out of it. Of course several years later I ended up running into him again, except that time he found me while I was scoping out this businessman that walked by the train station every day. He sat right next to me, told me that I’d stolen his phone a long time ago and he’d like to offer me a place in his pack.”

“I knew he was a bit spontaneous but this sounds a little unbelievable.” As soon as the words left his mouth Jungkook immediately remembered that he was with a man that could apparently see the future , so he figured it was at least within the realm of reality as Hoseok laughed again. “That’s not even the end of the story, Kook.” He waved his fork and Jungkook listened on in disbelief. “This was in the middle of our, well their , pack war, and I’d already heard about the violent fights that were happening all around the city. They were mostly contained to the forest but I’d walked past more than a few back alley fights that I was sure someone wasn’t going to walk out of. I didn’t want anything to do with that.” Hoseok seemed to shiver at the memory and Jungkook wondered how he’d never heard of the infighting. He was on the streets at the time, in and out of various hostels, but until Hoseok had showed up he hadn’t even known there was a pack so close. The omega frowned in confusion. “Wait, did you refuse him?” “Of course I did. I didn’t want to be apart of a pack.” The alpha rolled his eyes. “I was stupid back then, and Taehyung knew it. He was so young, we both were, but I was like 18 and thought I had my shit figured out. I’ll tell you now: I really, really didn’t.” “So how did you actually end up joining the pack?” Hoseok smiled and pushed his hair out of his eyes. “I think you’re familiar with his brand of recruitment- he saved my life.” It felt like years since Jungkook had first laid eyes on the mysterious alpha with the crystal eyes, and his stomach clenched at the memory of that unknown alpha’s hands in his hair and the fear that pumped through his body. “I ended up in the middle of one of those back alley fights, and Taehyung and Yoongi jumped in to save me. They killed someone for me.” He added quietly and Jungkook frowned. “I had nightmares for weeks about it, but then Taehyung found me again. He told me the same thing as before, that he had a position I’d be perfect for and he’d like me to join his pack. I told him yes, that time.” “What made you change your mind?” Hoseok had proven himself to be very dedicated to his pack, and it was strange to think that the alpha had resisted so much in the beginning. The alpha swayed in thought for a moment, his brows furrowed. “He looked genuinely worried for me when they jumped in to that fight. I’d never had someone care if I lived or died before, and he risked his own life just to make sure that I survived another day. Even if I didn’t accept his offer.” He shrugged and dug back into his meal. “I told him that I didn’t care what he needed me to do, I wanted to get off the streets.” They ate in silence for a moment, and Jungkook couldn’t help but feel a smidge more respect for his alpha. Taehyung had never boasted about saving Hoseok’s life, hell Yoongi had never made even the slightest comment towards it and the two were always together on their runs. The most he’d gotten out of Taehyung had been a few comments about his work ethic and a snarky remark about an accident involving his rose bush and that had been it. Although, there were a few pieces still missing from the puzzle that was Hoseok’s life. “So, what exactly do you do, then?” Jungkook knew he patrolled with Yoongi, but he also knew that Yoongi’s actual job was as Taehyung’s Second. He stood in his place when he was busy, and coordinated with Seokjin to keep money flowing. It was rare to have a pack with more than one alpha in a leadership position, but Yoongi and Hoseok didn’t seem to have any want to actually take control from Taehyung. Plus, as much as Taehyung claimed he was a bad alpha Jungkook hadn’t heard an actual complaint from anyone in his pack. “Ah, that depends on the situation.” Hoseok said diplomatically, but Jungkook only leveled him with the most unimpressed stare he could muster. “Well, it does ! Yoongi has me in charge of patrols for

now, and training the younger kids, but when things were still rough I was more of…” he scratched his chin as he searched for the right word, “a spy? I guess? Taehyung had no idea where Baekhyun had run off to and was paranoid that he was going to come back and finish the job.” “Who’s Baekhyun?” Jungkook finally asked, and Hoseok blinked in surprise. “You don’t know?” The omega shook his head and he frowned. “He’s Taehyung’s older brother.” Oh. “Oh.” Jungkook let out a breath and rubbed at his eyes as he forced himself to memorize that name. That was the name that had ruined everything for Taehyung, the name of the man that had murdered his family and forced him into a position he hadn’t wanted. He didn’t know what the man looked like, had never even met him, but he already held a sort of hate for him that was reserved for the ones who’d killed his own family. “Yeah, ‘oh’.” Hoseok repeated. “He’s only the worst thing to happen to any of our lives, ever. Anyway, he had a bunch of friends he’d convinced to kill the Alpha and when they split Taehyung spent months and months keeping an eye on all of his territory. Land-wise we really don’t have much to claim to ourselves, but because we’re so close to neutral, human territory we can cover a lot of ground quickly if we need to. I was in charge of watching the wolves that came through the city, and keeping an eye on them. Tracking them if I needed to.” “Is that why you were the one Taehyung sent to talk to me, after that threat?” Jungkook asked with a furrowed brow and Hoseok nodded. “I’m also an excellent judge of character, if I do say so myself. I had to make sure you were even worth protecting.” Jungkook appreciated his bluntness, even if the thought of what might have happened to him if he hadn’t been sent a shiver down his spine. “Am I?” It was asked as a tease, but Hoseok’s eyes crinkled when he smiled and Jungkook felt his heart squeeze with affection. “Well, Taehyung certainly thinks so, and we all think you’re pretty neat.” Jungkook had spent weeks already in the alpha’s secret forest house, but he had never walked in to the sound of music in the air. When Hoseok had finally agreed to take him home (and when did ‘Taehyung’ and ‘home’ become synonymous) he had expected to shower and immediately fall into bed. The sun had begun to set and the last time Jungkook had seen his alpha he had been in the middle of a short meeting with Namjoon; he had sent a text to him when they’d left the restaurant but hadn’t received a response and he’d figured he was still at the compound. “Taehyung?” He called into the house, and the sound immediately came to a stop. Jungkook kicked his shoes off before he wandered down the hall towards the room he’d only ever ignored before. He could smell the alpha just as strongly as he always could but there was a static in their bond, a weird tingly sort of feeling, that made him feel a bit anxious as he moved closer. “Taehyung?” He repeated, and as he pushed the door open there was a shuffle inside. With the door wide open, within the four white walls he could see the alpha sat behind the large piano. He was still dressed in the clothes he’d last seen him in, and he could smell a hint of sweat from working with the wolves all day. However, he could also see a tremble in the fingers placed over the closed lid of the piano, and the feeling in his chest got heavier as he stared at his back. “Hey, Jungkook.” Taehyung greeted quietly, though he didn’t turn around. The omega frowned and stepped into the room, close enough to touch the man and that’s exactly

what he did. He reached out and gently pulled his hand off the cover and tilted his head so their eyes could meet. “‘Been a while since you called me by my name. What’s wrong?” Taehyung shook his head but Jungkook only pursed his lips and shifted to sit on the bench next to him. “Please don’t think you can start lying to me now. I can still call Hoseok to come pick me up again.” “Ah, so that’s where you were.” Taehyung nodded and Jungkook’s frown deepened. “What, was I not supposed to?” The alpha hadn’t put a restriction on who he was allowed to see, and if he was allowed to leave. However Jungkook also hadn’t tried to do either of those. With his job out of the way, at least partially, he hadn’t had a reason to. “I’m sorry, I should have asked but he just kind of cornered me and-.” “I’m not mad, darling.” Taehyung cut him off as his fingertips traced the curve of his brow, down to his cupid’s bow. He sighed and tipped forward to pressed his face to his neck, like he was frequently want to do. “Sorry, please ignore me. How was dinner with Hoseok?” He asked, as if nothing was wrong. Jungkook rolled with it though and reached up to run his fingers through the soft, blonde locks. “It was great, as always. Hoseok asked how I was and I told him everything was going well. Told him that you were keeping me safe. Then he told me that you apparently have a habit of picking up strays.” He added it as an afterthought and he kept his tone light, but Taehyung nodded and one hand moved to idly trace the grain of the wood of the piano’s cover. “He said that’s how you two met.” “I couldn’t let a wolf in my territory suffer like that, and not offer my help.” Taehyung said quietly. “It seems to be a running theme of my life: Yoongi, Hoseok, and then Jimin a couple years later.” “You brought Yoongi and Jimin in too? What about Seokjin and Namjoon?” He wasn’t as close to the other beta but he’d heard enough from Seokjin and Jimin to know that Taehyung held Namjoon in high regard like he did the others. His genius level IQ had kept their pack in the 21st century, and was apparently the only reason any of them were able to comfortably blend in with humans they way they could. “I saw Namjoon in a vision of me offering him a new home. When we finally met I found out he was from another branch of the Kim pack but he was driven out when he refused to fight.” It didn’t escape Jungkook’s notice that the alpha didn’t answer the first part of his question, but he decided to let it go. If he really wanted to know, he would ask the mated pair themselves. He got the impression from the two of them that they had more than just a mate bond that held them together. “Seokjin is a blood member. We’ve been friends since we were pups.” He turned his head and stroked the piano lightly. “He’s actually the one who taught me piano.” “Can you play something for me?” When he was young and his parents still held out hope that he would at least end up a beta, before his first heat hit him, he’d been classically trained as well. He would be forced to play during dinners, and small parties, and then once he was mated his alpha had him play for his own amusement. The alpha sat up and nodded. “Of course.” Long fingers lifted the cover back off the piano and Jungkook watched silently as he pressed the worn keys. He was pleasantly surprised to hear a song he actually knew, an older piece that he could remember playing during one of those stuck up dinners. It was typically played by two wolves, although as a young mated omega no one had dared to get that close to him without permission from his alpha. “This is one of the first things Jin taught me. My brother used to play the other part, until he ‘realized’ that piano was something for omegas.” Taehyung scoffed and his fingers danced across the keyboard in pure muscle memory.

Jungkook hummed and without a second thought he lifted his hands and jumped right in. He wasn’t as familiar with the accompaniment but he’d heard it played enough times to work it out by ear. What he couldn’t remember he improvised and Taehyung’s smile widened. They played in silence, their hands in tandem, and the bond in his chest warmed with each beat and phrase. The warmth spread from his fingers to where their thighs pressed together and down to their socked feet tapping against the floor. As it came to a close Jungkook giggled when Taehyung dramatically swiped his hand across the keys. “I didn’t know you could play that well.” Taehyung gestured to himself and smiled softly. “I think I should say that to you, darling. Always so perfect, aren’t you baby?” His grin softened and he leaned forward to press a kiss to his temple. “You’re so perfect, Kook.” He’d told Hoseok that afternoon that Taehyung made him feel safe but the truth was, was that Taehyung made him happy . He made him so genuinely happy it was almost scary, but Jungkook couldn’t feel scared in the alpha’s presence. He knew nothing would happen to him with Taehyung around, and he didn’t doubt that the alpha wouldn’t stop at anything to keep it that way. They didn’t know much about each other personally but Jungkook could feel himself let some of his walls lower around the alpha. He leaned into his arms with a soft sigh and they sat on the bench in silence for a moment before he tilted his head to meet Taehyung’s eyes. “Why were you really upset?” They’d promised to have no secrets and it was as much of a test as it was a genuine worry. Hoseok had been right when he’d said Taehyung was a possessive person, but he was also private. Jungkook got the feeling he was the closest one to him, and that alone said too much. Taehyung didn’t speak for a while. His hand moved to thread his fingers through his hair and Jungkook waited. “I had another vision today.” He finally said quietly and Jungkook’s eyes widened. “I didn’t...I haven’t told anyone but you about my ‘ability’. I think Seokjin might know but he’s just too observant for his own good.” “What as it of?” He remembered that first night in Taehyung’s arms clearly. When the alpha had started to shake in his arms he hadn’t thought it was anything but a nightmare but the genuine worry in his voice had stuck with him. “Was it about me again?” He hadn’t thought too much into that first vision and had almost forgotten about it if he was honest, but the reminder made him slide a bit closer to the alpha. “Not...quite.” Taehyung shook his head. His lips pursed together and his eyes narrowed as he recalled the memory. “He wasn’t familiar to me, but he made a comment about you that made me angry.” He didn’t elaborate but Jungkook could assume- he’d been around enough wolves from both sides of the spectrum to infer what was probably said. “I just... fuck , Kook.” Taehyung huffed and he leaned back so they could see each other properly. “I don’t know what’s going on but this is two things I’ve seen that have you in them and I don’t think that’s a coincidence.” “So you think someone is after me specifically?” The omega frowned and Taehyung only shrugged helplessly. “I have no idea, baby.” He said lowly and Jungkook bit his lip. The thought scared him, scared him a lot actually, and he could see the exact moment that Taehyung could sense it. His entire posture straightened up and he shifted to pull Jungkook into his chest tightly. “Don’t be scared, darling, I’m going to do everything I can to keep you safe.” The fact that he’d already had one vision where

Jungkook was seriously injured went unspoken but Jungkook felt a bit of tension bleed out and he wrapped his arms around his waist. Just like he’d told Hoseok, he knew Taehyung would keep him safe, maybe even risk his own life to keep him alive.

Chapter End Notes

twt

cc

thank you so much for reading this, i didn't think many people would even look at this but i'm so glad you have! i appreciate everyone's comments, it's a huge motivator to get more chapters out. i'm hoping to get some more serious plot going in the next chapter, i swear i haven't forgotten some of the stuff that happened in the first few chapters.

sometimes goodbye is a second chance Chapter Summary

Ding dong, there's an unwanted visitor at the door.

Chapter Notes

title quote by: unknown

See the end of the chapter for more notes

The morning after their heart to heart at the piano, there was a man in the front yard. Jungkook had only glanced out the window on a whim, just to see how the light peeked through the leaves, and almost immediately spotted the figure in the tree line. His heart jumped to his throat and a primal spike of fear shot through his body. He didn’t know that man, didn’t know if he was human or wolf or something else; His body dropped into a crouch on pure instinct and his knees smacked the cold floor before he pressed himself flat against the wall. There was no way for him to see if the man had noticed him or if he was even aware of his presence in the first place but he pulled his knees tightly to his chest anyway, as if it would help. He’d only just slipped out of bed to start coffee, maybe even make breakfast if he’d felt up to it once he had caffeine in his system. They’d fallen into bed together late last night, and the alpha had wanted to refresh his mark on his omega. The bruises had started to fade because they’d gotten so busy so quickly but Taehyung had whispered assurances that Jungkook hadn’t known he’d needed. That he was still his, that they were a team, that Taehyung would never let him go unmarked again. Taehyung had still been buried in the sheets when he’s woken up and he’d done his best to make sure the alpha stayed asleep as he slipped out of the room. It wasn’t hard to see just how much work the alpha was putting into Bangtan, into making everything work. “Darling, what’s wrong?” The groggy voice cut through the fog in his head almost instantly and his head snapped up to lock onto the tall figure that ambled past the kitchen. His pulse was rapid and he could almost hear the blood rushing to his head as he sat and panicked . The confusion and worry in his voice made Jungkook’s chest tighten but his own voice caught in his throat. He couldn’t move, couldn’t form a thought beyond hide, hide, hide and his nails dug into his arms as he pulled his knees in tighter. “Kook?” The alpha yawned but almost immediately froze when he finally registered his still form tucked under the picture window. He made a move to hurry closer but Jungkook found a burst of manic energy and he threw his hands up. “Don’t! Someone- outside!” He choked out and Taehyung’s eyes narrowed before they trailed up and over the top of his head. He could see the exact moment he found who he was referring to as his face hardened into a cross between fury and confusion, his eyes wide but his lips pursed and his jaw clenched tightly. However, his attention zipped back to Jungkook and he quietly stepped closer and kneeled down in front of him. “No, no-.” Jungkook didn’t want Taehyung to come closer, didn’t want the alpha to be spotted by the stranger outside. Hide, hide, hide- .

Taehyung kept his movements slow and deliberate as he reached out to curl an arm around his shoulders. “He already knows we’re in here, darling.” He murmured as he gently pulled him in to his chest. “Our scent is soaked into the house, any trained wolf can smell us for miles.” His hands were a solid weight as he pressed a palm between his shoulder blades and Jungkook let out a shuddering breath into his shoulder. “Calm down, Kook, it’s okay.” It was most certainly not okay, but Jungkook let the comment slide. “I’m sorry.” He finally said when he’d gotten his breath back under control. What had only been minutes felt like hours as he took in a deep breath of Taehyung’s scent. “I don’t know why I freaked out so bad.” Which, wasn’t entirely true. He’d spent months so close to Taehyung every hour of the day he’d forgotten just how badly the sight of other wolves frightened him. When he was around strangers he had Taehyung within reach, or any of the inner circle, and the anxiety just...melted away around them. “Is he...do you know him?” He risked a glance up at the alpha with a whisper. “Tae?” Taehyung tightened his grip but he didn’t speak. “No lies.” He reminded him quietly. After a few seconds of silence he nodded. “That’s Jongin. He left with my brother years ago.” The admission made Jungkook gasp into his chest but the alpha didn’t loosen his grip, if anything he held on tighter. “I have an idea of why he’s here.” He started and then he slowly pushed himself to his feet and tugged Jungkook up along with him. “I’m going to go out there and talk to him- you need to stay inside.” “No.” The alpha was stupid if he thought he was going to let his mate walk out into what was definitely going to end in a fight. “No, that’s fucking stupid.” Taehyung rolled his eyes with a huff and moved his hands to squeeze his arms. “Jungkook-.” “No, you know that’s stupid. Call Yoongi, tell him he’s outside, and then maybe I’ll let you walk out there.” Jungkook said, stronger than he felt on the inside; Taehyung’s brows rose in surprise at his tone. His fingers still held a little tremor but he quickly shook them out and cupped the alpha’s face. “Don’t give me that look. If you don’t, then I’m going out there with you. I’m not going to let you walk into what is most definitely a trap.” They both fell silent as they stared in each other’s eyes but Taehyung eventually sighed and tipped his head to the side, before he leaned in to kiss the side of his head . The familiar touch helped to relax the tightness in his chest but “You worry too much, but ok, I will.” He looked up over Jungkook’s shoulder, most likely to make sure Jongin was still outside. “I’ll be right back. Don’t move.” With a hard look back outside, Taehyung pivoted on his heel to grab his phone from their room. Once he was out of view Jungkook turned back to the window. Jongin hadn’t moved from his spot at the edge of the property. A chill traveled down his spine . Jungkook twisted his fingers into the sleeves of his shirt but he didn’t move out of view from the window. “They’ll be here in a few minutes- they’re running.” Taehyung’s voice filtered back into the room, sooner than he’d expected. The omega glanced over his shoulder and watched the alpha shove his phone in his pocket. He’d pulled on some jeans and a sweater, and Jungkook quirked an eyebrow when he recognized the shirt as one of his own. It wasn’t uncommon for them to share clothes but this felt more like a power move than anything. It made his face warm at the idea that Taehyung wanted to make sure this wolf knew they were together. “Are you feeling okay?” Taehyung softened his tone and Jungkook felt their bond hum, a small bud of happiness bloomed in his chest at the worry in his voice.

He nodded and reached out to grab his hand. “I’ll feel better when he leaves.” The others didn’t take nearly as long as Taehyung had hinted, barely a minute had passed before the alpha pulled him through the front door as several figures crashed through the tree line. The omega had never seen them in their shifted form, not many alphas could master the transition and do it at will. He’d only met a handful in his entire life that could, and his father had been one of them. Everyone’s link to their wolf varied in intensity, but it was surprise to see two familiar alphas were among the few that had reached that level. There were several alphas and betas Jungkook couldn’t place the name of but Hoseok stood shoulder to shoulder with Yoongi, who was quite a bit larger than the omega would have thought. Grey fur blended together in the wall they formed with their bodies in front of their front steps. Taehyung stepped out, Jungkook at his heels, as Yoongi lowered his head and growled at the stranger on the property. “Easy, hyung.” The stranger lifted his hands but the wolf only shook his head and growled a little louder. “I’m here to talk to you, Taehyung.” The alpha in question didn’t verbally respond but Jungkook could feel his muscles clench where his arm was wrapped around his waist. Then Jongin’s eyes trailed over to the omega’s and Jungkook immediately averted his gaze. “Or, maybe it’s you I should be talking to.” “You’ll talk to me, or you’ll leave.” Taehyung said stonily and Jongin turned back to him. He hadn’t moved from his spot but the betas formed a semi circle around him as the alphas stood in front of the Alpha. “To avoid a cliche, Jongin, let’s keep this civil.” Jungkook hadn’t heard that hard tone of his voice since the night they’d first met. He hated it. For a moment the wolf, an beta Jungkook’s nose finally told him, seemed as if he would do as Taehyung asked. “I wasn’t asked to talk.” His eyes flashed in the light and then in a burst of movement he launched himself forward. Jungkook stumbled back in shock as the beta barreled forward and Taehyung smoothly slid in between them. His heart rate skyrocketed and his breathing picked up in time with his rising fear. Jongin vaulted over Hoseok and Yoongi faster than they could react and Taehyung barely grunted when they fell back onto the ground. Taehyung had obviously been taken off guard when he hit the dirt and Jongin took advantage of his shock to get two solid shots to his face. “Tae!” The impacts made Jungkook flinch and he moved without thinking to reach towards the attacker. “Get the fuck off of him!” There was a sharp bark and Hoseok stepped in front of him to stop him, it was clear from his stance that the shifted alpha wasn’t going to let him continue. “Move, hyung!” He tried to climb to his feet but the wolf shifted to hold him down. “Hoseok!” “Stay there!” Taehyung snapped and Jungkook’s attention shifted back to where the two men had rolled farther away. His alpha had gained the upper hand and faster than it had started the fight was over as he flipped them over and Jongin lay under him, his arms held tight behind his back. “You’re older but just as naive, Jongin.” He panted. There was a small smear of blood above his eyebrow and a large red mark across his jaw but he was otherwise unscathed. His anxiety was soothed for a moment but the adrenaline hit him fast and Jungkook sagged onto the ground. Jongin struggled for a moment in his hold but Taehyung was firm and two betas came closer to help pull him to his feet. “I’ll give you another chance, Jongin.” Taehyung sighed; Hoseok finally let up off of Jungkook and

let the omega climb up to his feet. He didn’t step closer to Taehyung though and let himself be flanked by the two shifted wolves. “So what does Baekhyun want with my Luna?” His attention didn’t waver from where it was laser focused on Jongin’s face, and Jungkook watched as the two wolves stared at each other for a moment. “My alpha doesn’t need to tell me his reasoning.” Jongin finally muttered and Taehyung frowned. There was something off about that and even Jungkook could hear the tension in his voice. It wasn’t quite a lie but there was a hint of uncertainty layered under a heavy coating of false confidence. “He just wants your mate, nothing more or less than that.” One of the betas that held his arms back scowled, and Jungkook felt a little touched at his concern, but no one said anything as they waited for Taehyung’s response. “I’ve turned over a new leaf, Jongin.” He finally said. Long fingers pushed his icy blonde hair out of his eyes and he rested his hands on his hips. “I won’t kill you for attacking my mate, or myself, and I’m not going to hold you prisoner as some sort of revenge.” “So, what? You’re just going to let me go?” He spat in disbelief. “I know how you Kim’s work. It’s power and superiority, that’s all you care about. You wouldn’t dare let a loose end go free.” Taehyung nodded slowly. “You’re right, I won’t.” Then, he finally turned to look over his shoulder to where Jungkook stood several feet away. “But I decided to become a better person. I’ve killed too many people because of my family and I don’t want to kill more.” There was pain in Taehyung’s eyes, and it cut so deep that even their bond was like a shot of ice straight to Jungkook’s heart as they locked eyes. He turned back to their captive and sighed again. “I’m offering a compromise. I’ll let you live, I might even let you return to my compound. All you have to do is tell me everything you know about Baekhyun.”

Chapter End Notes

twt

cc

sorry about the wait for this chapter! i went out of town for a weekend to visit my family and on top of that i just couldn't find inspiration for this one. i apologize that this one is a little shorter, i'm going to try to make the next one a little longer to make up for it! also i'm getting so much closer to finishing my other taekook fic, and it's MUCH longer than this one is right now. i don't have a date that it'll be out but it's SO CLOSE- this fic is like my actual child, i've put almost two years into it at this point. EDIT: slight continuity issue- i said jongin was an alpha when he's actually just a beta! so i went and fixed that.

the single biggest problem in communication is the illusion that it has taken place Chapter Summary

One step forward, two steps back.

Chapter Notes

title quote by: george bernard shaw sensitive topics are brought up again in this chapter, just briefly in the conversation with jimin. sorry for the wait on this one, it took me a little longer to figure out how i wanted these conversations to go! (also we have chapter titles now!)

See the end of the chapter for more notes

“Are you sure you’re okay?” Jungkook rolled his eyes. “Tae, you’ve asked me that a dozen times already. He didn’t even touch me.” He gave the alpha a small smile and squeezed their linked hands. “Stop worrying so much. You’re gonna give everyone the wrong idea if they see their Alpha all mopey.” There was a muffled snort from the front seat but they both ignored it. “I know, I’m sorry.” Taehyung frowned and slid down further in his seat. “I can’t get my wolf to calm down.” Then he straightened up again and turned to look out the back window, just like he’d done every two minutes since they’d loaded up Jongin to take back to Bangtan’s main territory. “If he’d even laid a finger on you-.” Jungkook let go of his hand so he could grab his face and turn him back, his cheeks squished between his palms. “Taehyung, listen to me: he didn’t touch me, he didn’t fight against the others, he didn’t even argue about being taken to essentially be interrogated.” The alpha frowned but Jungkook wasn’t going to let him argue his way out of this. “ Besides, Yoongi is with him. I can’t think of a person sane enough to try and outrun him.” He’d only tried to run with Yoongi and Jimin once before he’d realized he was far too out of shape to do anything but trail after them. That made Taehyung huff out a soft laugh and his head tipped to the side, his shoulders finally sagging under the stress. He turned to press a kiss to the palm of his hand and Jungkook bit his lip to hide his smile. Every touch from his alpha made their bond grow stronger and he could feel the link between them thrum gently. “I’m sorry.” He said again. Jungkook would have said something else but the solid wall of trees around them suddenly stopped and the car started to slow down, his hands fell back down to his lap. A quick look out the window told him that they’d arrived at the compound, but Taehyung leaned forward and tapped the driver’s shoulder. “Take him to the guest house.”

“Yes, Alpha.” The beta driving nodded and smoothly turned so they were heading past the main house. “What’s the guest house?” Jungkook was really only familiar with the main house, courtesy of Jimin’s tour when they’d first met. Since Taehyung’s sudden overhaul he hadn’t had much time to do much other than sit in on pack meetings. The other smaller buildings dotted around the expansive property were unknown territory, although he assumed several were housing for the mated families. Taehyung grabbed his hand again and tugged him a little closer; it still amazed Jungkook how comfortable he was when it was just his alpha touching him, even after the several months he’d been with him. “It used to be a holding cell, sort of.” A small, windowless building came into view. “I’ve never used it for that purpose, but it has it’s uses when you need secrecy.” Jungkook frowned as they slowed to a stop. He still didn’t know a whole lot about the pack war they had been apart of, but it seemed odd that Taehyung wouldn’t have had a use for a holding cell during that time. The car behind them pulled up closer to the door than they did and Jungkook watched as Yoongi tugged Jongin out of the backseat, Hoseok quick at his heels. The car pulled away just as they opened the door and shoved the beta inside. “You’re not going to hurt him, right?” The question came without thinking, but he looked over his shoulder to see Taehyung frown at him. “I mean, I know how these things usually go, but…” He trailed off as Taehyung’s face lit up in understanding, but the frown stayed even as he held his hand tighter. “I didn’t plan on torturing him, darling.” They stepped out together, while the two betas stayed in the front seat. “Persuasion through pain has it’s uses, but not here.” There was an edge hidden in his voice, where Jungkook was sure he wouldn’t have noticed it if he wasn’t so intimately familiar with his voice now. He didn’t know how he felt about the insinuation that he had tortured someone before, but this was not the time to talk about it. He let the alpha lead him to the door, where he could barely smell the others behind the walls. There must have been something in the walls, he figured. The door looked just like an any other front door, although there was no visible lock outside. Despite the lack of windows there was actually quite a bit of light inside, bright overhead lights and a couple lamps in the corners. It was just one large room, a box disguised as a house, and there were several empty chairs around the edges. Surprisingly homely despite the vibe in the air. Jongin was held in one of the cushioned seats, far from the door, Hoseok and Yoongi at either side of him. Taehyung didn’t let go of him and walked the two of them to a pair of chairs near the beta and sat down. “Like I promised before: freedom for information.” The beta’s eyes were locked onto their linked hands and Jungkook felt something cold crawl up his spine. He didn’t like the calculating look in his eye, like he was piecing together information. “Baekhyun is aware that you have a mate.” The information shouldn’t have been a surprise but both of them frowned and glanced at each other, their bond tightened in worry and Jungkook gripped his hand tighter. “I was the one who told him, so he sent me to grab them- meaning you.” He looked up at the omega, and Jungkook was a little shocked to see something like regret on his face. “He’s going to kill me if I don’t bring you back.” “Tae,” Jungkook started quietly, but the alpha shook his head. In any other situation he might have been upset to have been cut off, but he sat back. “Why does Baekhyun care about him?” They didn’t know if Jongin was aware of his name, so it had been better to continue as if he didn’t. “Better yet, what does he want with him?” “I don’t know.” He said simply. “I’m not required to ask questions, just follow his orders.” There was nothing about his body language that said if he was telling the truth or not, but the alpha seemed

to consider his words for a moment. Then the beta’s looked around the room and he shifted in his seat. “I, um, Taehyung…” The alpha’s head snapped up and in a suddenly display of meekness the other blonde shoved his hands under his knees, and his shoulders hunched as he sunk into the seat. “How is he?” Yoongi snorted, but it was harsh and there wasn’t a hint of humor on his face. “You don’t get to ask about how he is after what you did, traitor.” He spat and by the look on Hoseok’s face he agreed. “Yoongi!” Taehyung snapped, and both the alpha and the beta both looked down at the floor, cowed into silence. Jungkook had no idea who ‘he’ was, but by Jongin’s broken expression he could wager a guess it was someone he’d left behind, someone who didn’t leave the pack with him. “That’s not what we’re here to talk about, Jongin.” Taehyung finally said with a sigh, but the beta didn’t respond immediately. There was a long silence before Jungkook leaned in to whisper in Taehyung’s ear, his free hand up to cover his mouth. “Can I ask him something?” A wolf’s enhanced hearing picked up a lot but Jongin did nothing but watch them interact. Taehyung gave him a short nod and he leaned back into his chair. “How loyal are you to your Alpha, Jongin?” The beta frowned. “What kind of question is that? He’s my Alpha, of course I’m loyal.” “That’s not what I asked.” Jongin blinked at his tone, and Jungkook realized he’d probably never been directly confronted by an omega before. Even a progressive pack held hints of tradition, and an omega’s obedience was almost always universal. “I asked how loyal you were. Of course you’ll listen to his orders, he’s an alpha, the Alpha- you’re not, so how could you ever disobey. My question ,” he stressed, and there was a twang of something like pride in the mate bond that made him sit up a little straighter, “was if you would die for him. If you would do whatever he said without question, trust that he had your best interests at heart. You obviously threw away family, friends, maybe even something more, when you left.” Jongin flinched and Jungkook leaned forward. “Was it worth it?” He could see Hoseok bite back a grin, his lip tucked between his teeth, and Taehyung’s thumb brushed across his knuckles. It was absolutely ridiculous that a wolf would blindly follow their Alpha just because of their rank, or because of their bloodline. Loyalty didn’t come from training or instruction, it came from trust. Taehyung had shown him that, that he didn’t need to have his pack on a leash to have them follow him. It came from listening, and from respect. Jongin was quiet for a while, and they were all content to let him stew in his own thoughts for a minute as they watched his internal struggle. He was far from the confident wolf he was when he’d thrown Jungkook into a panic an hour ago. this was a wolf with shaken loyalty, doubts he’d never considered before, and a new threat to his life if he was able to leave unscathed. By Taehyung’s tense posture he was ready to jump if the beta tried anything again. “I don’t remember the night we left.” He spoke softly, carefully, like he had considered each word before they left his mouth. “I don’t really remember a lot about the months leading up to it either, to be honest.” Taehyung’s frown only deepend but he didn’t interrupt, and the two other alphas shifted on their feet as they perked up in interest. It wasn’t the information they wanted, but it was still something. “I hadn’t thought too much of it before but I don’t think we left because we wanted to. I mean, Baekhyun had no problem doing...what he did.” He spared Taehyung a quick look before his darted back to the floor. “I think Chanyeol might have done everything willingly too, but I don’t remember...I don’t remember if I did.” “If you don’t remember then he obviously did something to coerce you.” Taehyung nodded. A conversation they’d had months before came to Jungkook’s mind, from when Taehyung had told

him his family secret. He’d talked about how Baekhyun might have inherited their family curse, and he wondered if maybe Taehyung had had the right idea about being able to control others. The possibility was more than a little terrifying, but they had nothing but speculation for now. Their problems just continued to get more outlandish than the last, it seemed. Jungkook wanted to know when he’d stepped into a real-life fairy tale. “Where is Baekhyun, Jongin.” The beta licked his lips and moved to clasp his hands in his lap. “We don’t all live in one place, but he lives in an apartment a few cities over. He’s not always there, but it’s where he asks us to meet him when he calls us.” “And you don’t know what he wants with me?” Jungkook asked, and the beta shook his head. “He told me to bring you, or he would kill me. That’s all.” Then he frowned and turned to Taehyung. “Well, uh, he made a comment about your pack- about it being his- but I don’t really know what he meant by that.” Taehyung didn’t say anything but Yoongi growled beside the wolf and Jongin held up his hands. “I really don’t. He only talks to Chanyeol, and I haven’t seen him in years.” “Not much of a pack dynamic.” Taehyung murmured; Jungkook crossed his legs with a little head tilt. “What’re you thinking, darling?” His tone was soft as he turned to lock eyes with him, everyone else’s attention pulled over to him. “Your hunch, about them coming for me,” He started, and Taehyung was thankfully intelligent to realize that by ‘hunch’ he really meant ‘vision’, “do you think Baekhyun might be trying to come back and finish the job?” “We always wondered why he pulled back.” Yoongi shrugged, and Hoseok nodded. “He was outnumbered but we were outmatched, he could have just been waiting for the right time to come and finish you off, Tae.” The very idea that someone would attempt to kill Taehyung made Jungkook’s breath catch. They’d only just gotten together, found each other, and one man could be the end of it all? He didn’t know if he could go back to how he’d lived before without Taehyung. The alpha gripped his hand tightly. “He can fucking try.” Taehyung growled. “Brother or not, he killed our parents and that’s worth ending his life over. Any action against us is just digging a bigger grave.” It was scary to hear him talk about murder so blatantly, and to see their friends agree with him so readily. Jungkook was no stranger to death, or violence, but he had assumed Taehyung was above unnecessary violence. It was...unsettling, to say the least, but he pushed the thought out of his mind to focus on their detainee. It wasn’t the time to get distracted now. “So what are you going to do to me, then? Kill me? Let me go?” Taehyung shook his head and pushed himself up out of the chair, Jungkook didn’t know if he was supposed to follow but Taehyung tugged his hand and pulled him so they both stood in front of the beta. “Kyungsoo was devastated when you left.” Jongin’s eyes widened; that must have been the one he left behind, Jungkook thought. “He tried to chase after you, but I wouldn’t let him. I told him he needed to realize that you were never coming back for him- that you’d left everything behind- but he never really did.” “Did he…?” “He never found anyone else.” The Alpha held a hand out. Jungkook hadn’t noticed it before but the large signet ring was on his middle finger, just like during his speech to the pack. “I didn’t know

what it was like to find the one you wanted to spend the rest of your life with, back then. I didn’t understand why he was so insistent to chase after you.” Jungkook could see a glimmer of hope in Jongin’s eyes behind his growing disbelief. “I know what it’s like, now. I will offer you a place back in our family only this one time, Kim Jongin- will you take it?” “You’re crazy.” Jongin’s laugh was just as surprised as they all felt, though Jungkook figured it did make sense, all things considered. Evidence pointed towards Taehyung’s need to adopt strays, even if they turned out to just be runaways. “Just like that? I tried to kill you this morning!” “You broke my pack, Jongin.” Taehyung said simply. “You might not have done it yourself, but you helped. I want to fix when you broke and hating you won’t do that.” The corner of his mouth quirked up. “There’s also a wolf here right now that either wants to punch or fuck you, so,” he shrugged, “some good will come out of this either way.” That seemed to be all the motivation Jongin needed and he slid to one knee on the hard floor, and reached up to grasp his hand tightly. “Thank you.” “So, who’s Kyungsoo?” They were all stood outside, the cars gone and parked elsewhere, as they waited for the mystery wolf to appear. Yoongi answered before Taehyung could from his spot against the wall; Jongin was several feet away with his eyes trained on the main house in the distance. A quick call to Seokjin and they had all moved outside to wait for the new wolf’s arrival. “He was supposed to be Jongin’s mate, before shit hit the fan.” It wasn’t really too much of a surprise, but Jungkook was curious about what sort of person Jongin was so close with. “He’s tougher than he looks, but he sticks to working in the main house with the pups.” “Oh, is he an omega?” It was common for omegas to be secondary caregivers for the pack’s pups, it was in their nature. Yoongi shook his head, but just then there was a shout and their attention turned to where a dark haired man was barreling towards them. “You bitch!” The man yelled, and Jongin’s eyes widened. “You absolute asshole! You just-just fucking left me! You think you can just come back and everything will be okay?” His voice only got louder and angrier as he got closer, but instead of getting nervous Jungkook only turned to stifle a laugh against Taehyung’s shoulder. The wolf was angry, but any wolf could smell the tears on him and the vibrant, citrusy scent from his overwhelming happiness over his soft beta scent. “Baby,” Jongin started to say, but he didn’t get very far before Kyungsoo just leaped at him and wrapped himself around him like an octopus. Whatever he’d intended to say was forgotten as the man kissed him so fiercely they all were forced to avert their eyes. “Baby, I’m so sorry.” Jongin finally whispered, and that’s when the tears fell from both of them. “I think that’s our cue to leave.” Taehyung interrupted and the couple both looked over. Kyungsoo had wide, expressive eyes and a pouty smile that only got wider as he clutched onto Jongin, who only held him just as tight. Jungkook still didn’t feel entirely comfortable being in the blonde beta’s presence but he could admit they were obviously in love with each other, and it was cute. “Consider this a probationary period, Jongin. Kyungsoo, I’m trusting that you’ll let me know if he tries to pull the same stunt twice.” They both nodded, and then the stern face he’d had since they’d started talking finally melted away and Taehyung smiled at them. That wide, beautiful smile he hid behind that tough exterior he tried to keep up around the pack. “It’ll be nice to have you back home, Jongin.”

“Thank you, Alpha.” Jungkook was definitely going to make fun of him for the shot of smugness he felt through the bond. “And thank you, Luna.” He blinked and turned to see the two betas looking at him with small, shy smiles. “I scared you and I’m so sorry about that. I don’t think I’ll be able to redeem myself, but I can try.” Kyungsoo nodded as best he could from where he was plastered against Jongin’s side. While he’d referred to himself as Luna, and Taehyung had called him such before, it hadn’t quite stuck with the majority of the pack yet and he felt himself at a loss of words. “Just, remember what I asked, okay?” He said and Jongin nodded. “Loyalty is pretty subjective, think about that.”

They stayed in the main house for a little while, after Kyungsoo dragged Jongin off to who knows where. Seokjin had needed some help with some paperwork with Stigma, and then Yoongi had stepped in with one of his bi-weekly patrol reports. Jungkook let himself be carried off by Jimin when Taehyung realized he wasn’t going to be let go any time soon, and the mated omega had jumped at the chance for them to hang out some more. “I feel like I’ve barely seen you, Kook.” Jimin sighed; he’d pulled Jungkook into his and Yoongi’s room in the main house (not their house, but just the room they used when they stayed over) and they’d curled up together on the couch. “I’m surprised you’re not exhausted, after Tae’s crazy spring cleaning plan.” Jungkook shrugged. “I really don’t do much. I sit in on some the inner circle meetings, and I’ve been with him for a couple of the one-on-one’s with some of the other pack members, but I haven’t done anything.” Jimin tsked and reached over to smack his shoulder, the other hand tugged the blanket higher up over them. It smelled like the mated pair, but it was soft and Jungkook melted further into the cushions. “Don’t down play what you do, Kook. We wouldn’t even have pack meetings if you hadn’t come into his life. I heard one of the betas in the kitchen the other day talk about how they’d planned on leaving before he’d come back.” It was strange to hear, for Jungkook. He’d never experienced the pack before his arrival, and he’d only seen the acceptance and hard work they’d all put in since the Alpha’s announcement weeks and weeks ago. “Maybe…” He shrugged again; then, he remembered a thought he’d had the night before. “Hey, Jimin,” the other omega hummed, “how did you and Yoongi join up with Taehyung?” It was like a veil of sadness settled over the mated omega and his eyes lowered to the floor. There was something haunting in his expression, in the shadows in his eyes as he curled his fists into the blanket. “Hey, I didn’t mean to bring up anything bad, I was just-.” “It’s okay,” He interrupted, and he looked back up to give him a small smile, although it didn’t reach his eyes. “It’s just been a while since I thought about it, that’s all.” He looked around the room as he gathered his thoughts and Jungkook leaned forward to turn the TV off. He got the feeling he’d need his full attention. “I don’t know exactly how Yoongi met up with Tae, I wasn’t with him then, but from what they’ve told me Yoongi is from the main branch of the Kim family.” Jungkook knew next to nothing about the family they’d come from and leaned in a little closer, curious. He felt like he’d learned more in the last day and a half than he had in the months he’d been there. “He had some sort of fight with his Alpha, because it’s hard having multiple alphas in a pack. You forget about that when you’ve been around Tae long enough.” Jimin said with a small smile, which Jungkook returned. It was easy to forget the dominance their Alpha exuded even when he didn’t mean to. “Baekhyun actually found him cutting through their territory when he was wandering

around, and took him to meet his dad- the Alpha at the time.” “So Yoongi was here during his coup?” Jimin nodded. “Yeah, although it wasn’t long before. Apparently him and Taehyung clicked pretty fast, and when Baekhyun went off the wall Yoongi was one of the first to tell Taehyung he needed to take over. Technically, because Yoon is from the main family he has a claim too, but Bangtan has always kept it in the bloodline.” It was because of the curse, Jungkook kept to himself. It’d be dangerous to have his blood spread out, when it held so much possibility for power. “Then they found me, sort of.” That sad, lonely tone was back and Jungkook slid closer to the omega. “Hey, you don’t have to tell me if you don’t want to.” He knew how difficult it was to open up, and he got the feeling there was more to Jimin than just being a bratty omega- which was a title he claimed proudly. “As Luna you should know,” Jimin said, “and as one of my best friends I want to tell you.” Jungkook was a little stunned. It had been so long since he’d been able to claim being a friend to anyone, even though he knew he had friends now. “Yoongi told me later that he’d found evidence of what he thought was a human trafficking ring.” Something twisted in his stomach, but Jungkook kept his mouth sealed shut. “I...I’ll be honest I don’t remember a lot of that time.” Jimin pulled the blanket around himself tighter and Jungkook moved to wrap his arms around his shoulders. He wasn’t his mate, but a hug was a hug no matter who it came from. “They took my babies away.” His voice finally broke, and there was no stopping the eruption of tears that followed. “Kookie, they, they-.” “Shh, hyung, it’s okay.” He shushed and he moved so that he could hold the other omega even tighter. He had his own tears but he held them back. It wasn’t his time, it wasn’t his pain. “It’s okay…” He was sure that Yoongi would be on his way any minute now, aware that his mate was in pain even if it was just emotionally. Jimin hugged him back desperately, his hands clenched tightly in the back of his hoodie. It was Taehyung’s, and he hoped the Alpha’s scent was at least a little calming to the omega, even a little. “Taehyung a-and Yoongi found where I was, where we all were, and I was so scared they were going to be the next ones.” His face was wet and he was getting snot all over the both of them but Jungkook didn’t care, he just let him continue as he rubbed a hand up and down his back. “But they weren’t.” “N-no.” He shook his head, and then let out a little laugh, clogged from tears but still genuine. “Yoongi looked so angry, and Taehyung immediately let us all out.” Jungkook didn’t dare ask what they were let out of. “Then the others saw that they were there and they started fighting. It was awful, and so bloody and loud.” His shoulders were still tense and his hands shook a little but Jimin leaned back to give him a little smirk, even if it wasn’t entirely genuine. “I don’t think there’s anything in the world that could fight the two of them and win, Kook. They don’t talk about it, but they wiped out the whole pack.” The words sent something unpleasant through his body. He knew they’d fought people, obviously, and it was within reason that they’d even killed, but the confirmation made him uncomfortable. Jimin seemed pleased they were gone, which was understandable and expected, but Jungkook didn’t know how he felt knowing his alpha had ended the lives of several people- willingly. “And that’s how you joined up?” He eventually asked, his voice a little tight. Jimin nodded. “Actually, Yoongi bit me right then and there. We were mated before we even knew

each other’s names. The...the one in charge tried to keep me, but Yoongi knew that if he mated me then the alpha couldn’t order me around.” Taehyung had mentioned something about that before, after that first night together. “Taehyung said you two hated each other when you met.” It was like the subject change was the key to cheering him up and Jimin’s entire face lit up, despite the obvious tear tracks and his red eyes. “God, I couldn’t stand him.” he laughed, and Jungkook grinned. He wasn’t the best at comforting people, so he was happy to see a real smile on his face again. Then, speak of the devil, the door slammed open and the alpha stumbled into the living room. His eyes were wide as he locked onto Jimin’s tear stained face and Jungkook was sure he could smell the fading scent of distress in the air. “Hey, babe.” Jimin chirped. “Don’t ‘hey, babe’ me!” He exclaimed and he hurried over to sit on the other side of him, his hands already outstretched to pull him in. It was funny to see the normally so stoic alpha so frazzled. “Are you two okay?” He looked between them even as he practically crushed Jimin into his chest, although the omega didn’t seem to mind. “I was just telling him our love story, Yoonie.” Jimin teased, his voice muffled against the fabric of his shirt, and the alpha frowned. “I had just gotten to where I hated you.” Obviously that meant Jungkook knew how they’d met and the alpha sighed and relaxed bac into the couch. “You didn’t hate me.” Yoongi protested, and it much more subdued than how frantic he’d been when he had walked in. “I had pushed you into an unfamiliar place, with an unfamiliar alpha.” Jungkook cocked his head as Yoongi rolled his eyes, but then he turned back to Jungkook. “We were mated and we didn’t even know each other, but a fresh bond takes time to settle so we couldn’t even go anywhere by ourselves.” The omega hummed and pushed a piece of mousy brown hair out of his eyes. “Of course, that really only pushed us closer. Yoongi is a real piece of work, Kook. You’re lucky Taehyung is so open with you- it took me weeks before I found out this guy’s full name.” Jungkook wondered if that was really the truth, if Taehyung was really that open with him. They were comfortable with each other, and he’d promised himself to the alpha, but did they really know each other? There was so much about the alpha he still didn’t know. He didn’t know Taehyung had killed people, although he hadn’t asked, and he didn’t know anything about him before he’d become the Alpha. They were both blank slates to each other, with the occasional not-so-fun fact thrown in every once in a while. “Hey,” Yoongi interrupted his thoughts, and Jungkook’s head snapped up, “don’t stress out about Tae, okay, kid? Trust us when we say that Taehyung is closer to you than he’s probably ever been, to anyone.” “Yeah, okay.” He nodded, although it didn’t feel real. He wondered if this was something Taehyung would talk to him about. If they’d reached the point where they could tell each other things like this without necessity as the reason. If they could just be open with each other like a normal promised pair.

Chapter End Notes

twt

cc

again, thank you so much for reading this! anything that you guys are excited to learn

about or really want to happen next? i always love reading comments, and i try to reply to all that i can. also, in a move very uncharacteristic of me i wrote a smut oneshot (completely unrelated to this fic) and if people would be interested in reading it it's right here ALSO, i have been listening to persona non stop since this album dropped and oh my god i'm in LOVE. dionysus is such a BOP?? my boy taehyung bringing out the voice as deep as the marianas, i'm in l o v e

don't leave me because without you, there is no me Chapter Summary

The blood of the covenant is thicker than the water of the womb.

Chapter Notes

title quote by: john abraham updated the tags for this one there is blood in the middle of this chapter.

See the end of the chapter for more notes

Jungkook stayed with the mated couple for a while, content to stay after Jimin had calmed down in Yoongi’s arms. They turned on a drama Yoongi wouldn’t admit he was obsessed with and he listened to them bicker good-naturedly as he stewed in his own thoughts. They were so obviously in love, it was hard to think they’d ever hated each other at one point. Eventually, though, he realized he was edging towards overstaying his welcome and he stood up to go find Taehyung. “I’d check the main office.” The Second mentioned as they walked him to their door; the alpha hadn’t let go of his mate since he’d ran in. “I haven’t seen him since this morning so that’s probably where Seokjin stuck him.” He’d been outside on a run when he’d felt Jimin’s distress through their bond, he had told them. Hoseok was on duty for patrol and Yoongi had gone out for a run to clear his mind when he’d been struck with the need to come back. Plus, Jungkook knew that when Seokjin got serious he could push their Alpha to work for hours and hours. “Thanks, hyung.” He didn’t use honorifics often, but the alpha had become something like a surrogate brother for him ever since he’d sort of solidified his place in their pack. He liked to think the alpha had a soft spot for him. With a quick ‘goodbye’ thrown over his shoulder he stepped out and down the hall, towards the offices. Unlike the guest house he was very familiar with those, especially the one Taehyung used most often when he needed space for his one-on-ones. It gave him a place that was soaked in his scent, as both a power move and a sense of comfort for the pack. It had quickly become something that could relax him, without fail. In the times were Jungkook found himself alone he tried to bring a jacket or short with him that smelled like Taehyung, just in case. Unlike the alpha’s house the halls of the compound were covered in various art pieces and small tables with sculptures. It had never been mentioned explicitly but Jungkook was fairly certain that a lot of the pieces were left over from when his parents were still around. He hated to think about how much a single piece cost, especially with how frequently mothers just let their pups run wildly up and down the halls during the day. Taehyung was obviously loaded but he wouldn’t envy the bill it would be to replace anything. There were a couple betas that gave him a short bow as he passed but the halls were otherwise empty. A normal day saw quite a bit of traffic around the main house, especially from those who

were switching out patrols. Now he could barely hear the wolves working on dinner, or even just the murmur of voices in the rooms around him. Without a mate mark he wasn’t able to feel a pack bond with anyone so he couldn’t even try and feel where they were. Then there was a loud crash, and then silence. With a frown he continued down the hall, before he turned towards where the noise had come from. There was an open door, a back entrance to one of the gardens used by the kitchens, and a broken window. It was obvious that had been what the crash had been from, although as he looked around there wasn’t anyone else in the hall. The betas that he’d passed were already well out of earshot and he couldn’t see anyone outside. The glass on the floor told him it’d been broken in from outside, but there wasn’t a soul in sight. A nose to the air told him absolutely nothing, which was strange. His frown deepened, there should have been something , he’d heard -. “Omega …” He whipped around at the unfamiliar voice, the soft timbre like a whisper against his ear. Something about it made hair stand on end. However, there was no one behind, or around him. The voice had sounded so close like there had been a man just at his back, but there was no one. “Feisty. ” Another whisper, behind him again. Then, before he could call out to whatever this was, there was an arm around his neck. Jungkook yelped in surprise as firm body pressed up close to his back. The arm was tight against his vocal chords and the yelp petered off as the sound was choked out of him. Another arm anchored tight around his waist before he could even think about struggling and a hot mouth attached itself to his neck. His body locked up in fear, and his mind jumped to the last time he’d been in this position. There was a scrape of teeth down his neck and his soul bond with Taehyung raged inside his chest, equal parts panicked and angered. His pulse jumped and there was an immediate buzz panicfearterror in his blood that made him choke on a whimper as the teeth pressed in tighter. “Who-.” “Quiet.” The assailant growled and Jungkook immediately felt himself shiver. Alpha. He couldn’t smell anything from the man, because there was no denying the build, but no one but an alpha could make him submit so quickly. This man would kill him, he was sure. The thought was more terrifying than he ever thought it could be. “It was pathetically easy to find you, after Kai failed.” He said into his ear, his breath hot against his skin. A whine spilled from his lips and his grip got dangerously tight. “ Quiet , or I’m tearing your throat out.” The arm around his neck shifted and sharp nails dragged across the thin skin over his jugular, and pressed in just so. “It’s such a cliche, you know? The whole ‘if you want something done right, do it yourself’, shtick. I mean, it’s true of course, but then what’s the point of having a pack if they won’t do what you say.” The man’s voice was deceptively soft and he spoke almost conversationally despite the obvious hold he held on Jungkook’s life; Jungkook had never felt as close to death as he did then. The omega didn’t dare try to speak and the man pressed his thumb just under his jaw to push his head to the side. “No mating mark, huh. Shame on you, Taetae, not leashing this mutt when you had the chance.” He spoke like Jungkook wasn’t even there, as if he was simply an object there to bear witness to his thoughts. “‘Kill the one he holds dearest’, she said.” He whispered to himself.

Jungkook had no idea what the fuck he was talking about, but the word ‘kill’ made the tears in his eyes spill over without a second thought. Jungkook couldn’t stop the violent shivers that traveled through his body, couldn’t stop the shaky tears that trailed down his face. He didn’t know where anyone was, didn’t know where Taehyung was. He couldn’t even scream for help as the hand on his throat held firm. “My brother has always been soft.” Brother. Brother. “Y-you’re-.” He didn’t even get the word out before the hand at his waist shifted. The pain came instantly, a blindingly hot flash of pure agony that washed over him like a tidal wave. He could almost feel the thousands of nerve endings at those points sever by his hand. His vision blacked out from the intensity and a ragged scream ripped from his throat as the hand clenched around where four claws had sunk themselves in deep. Four fingers in between his lower ribs and another set latched tight around his neck. “You just couldn’t keep your mouth shut, could you?” Baekhyun hissed and Jungkook sobbed in his hold, unable to move and now locked in pain. Every breath was another pull of pain from his side and the rising panic in his body made his head go fuzzy as he got steadily more and more lightheaded. Blood seeped from his side, hot over his suddenly cold skin, and he could feel his shirt suction to his body. He took a breath to speak again, and Jungkook whimpered again completely incapable of holding back his voice anymore. The bond was beating like another heart in his chest, but he couldn’t focus on it when the burn in his side flashed like a supernova as Baekhyun shifted on his feet. Then a growl, louder than any Jungkook had ever heard, cut through the air and they both froze. Jungkook should have been nervous by the arrival of another wolf but he only felt a staggering wave of relief wash over him. He knew who it was. Baekhyun moved and pushed another stab of pain as he spun them around and the claws, inches into his skin, shifted as well. Behind them, with his white-blonde hair wild and his blood red lips pulled back in a harsh snarl, Taehyung stood, teeth bared to show his elongated canines. More tears dripped from his eyes and Jungkook’s hands shook even harder. There was nothing on his face that showed hesitation and Jungkook had slowly become more aware that Taehyung wasn’t one to back off from a fight. The alpha, his alpha, looked ready to kill. The crystalline eyes he could stare into for hours were bright and focused on the two of them, and his normally gentle hands were curled into tight fists by his side. Baekhyun huffed and the hand around his throat drifted up to cover his mouth. “Your naughty mouth caught the big bad wolf, omega.” He said calmly. “Or should I say ‘Jungkook’? Last omega from the Jeon pack, son of the Alpha, generational disgrace, etc., etc.” They’d thought his identity was a secret, safe from his pack of traitors. Even if Baekhyun had been aware that Taehyung had a mate now Jungkook could live in relative safety as long as his name was kept from his ears. Now it seemed his family misfortune was bound to follow him no matter where he went. “You think you’ll get away with his, Baekhyun?” Taehyung asked, his voice calmer than it should

have been. “You think I’m going to let you get away with threatening to kill my mate?” “It’s not a threat, my dear brother.” Baekhyun shifted as if he’d shrugged behind Jungkook and the omega’s breath hitched at another spike of pain. It didn’t escape either of the alpha’s ears and Taehyung’s eyes locked onto the blood stain spreading across his abdomen. “Get your filthy hands off of him!” Baekhyun let out a loud laugh, his grip tighter around his body. Taehyung moved like he was going to take a step closer but another cry from Jungkook’s lips made him freeze. He was thrown back to when they’d met, and Taehyung had stepped out of the forest like an answer to his prayers. An angel sent to save him from the alpha who’d held him captive. ‘Get your filthy fucking hands off of him’ he’d snapped at that upstart alpha before. Back then the alpha had obeyed, had dropped Jungkook out of fear of a fight. Baekhyun didn’t have that fear. Taehyung’s eyes darted from Jungkook’s eyes to the quickly spreading red stain under Baekhyun’s fingers. “You’ll be okay, baby.” His alpha softened his voice, his eyes back up to his face. He wanted to believe him, he really did, but the blood that slipped down his leg and steadily soaked his sock wasn’t a good indicator. “Don’t listen to him, Jungkook.” Baekhyun cut in, and suddenly they were on the move. The door still lay wide open to the garden and with his arms still locked around the omega he took several large steps back. “He’s not saving you today.” The omega was forced to follow as he ran through the open door and Taehyung’s eyes widened in shock. Jungkook cried out in pain as the claws lodged into his side were suddenly ripped out, a wide trail of blood along the arc of his hand. “ No!” Taehyung yelled and he didn’t hesitate that time to follow after them. Jungkook had no traction under his boots as Baekhyun practically dragged him over the threshold of the door and bolted through the rows of vegetables. The hot, searing stab of pain between his ribs had cooled into a flat numbness, which was more worrying than the hot, hot, hot bleeding torture before. “Tae!” He choked out, and then the hand on his throat finally moved. Claws cut through him like paper and he screamed, only to get cut off by a wet gurgle as blood pooled at the back of his throat. His tongue tasted like pennies and warm, bright red blood spurted from between his lips as he gagged on it. Taehyung’s eyes were almost beacons even in broad daylight, a blue so bright that he almost glowed. Even as his vision darkened around the edges and more blood spilled from his body and soaked through his clothes he could see that brilliant blue come from his Alpha. His alpha. Taehyung. His. He was going to die, and Taehyung wasn’t even his yet. His vision flickered in and out and there was an even louder growl, quickly followed by a incredibly startling series of snaps and tearing fabric. Baekhyun gasped in surprise and he yelled out something Jungkook couldn’t make out. Then, just before he lost consciousness completely, numb with pain and unable to pull a full breath, a large white shape knocked the two of them to the ground with a howl and the sharp snap of teeth. His last thought was something along the lines of: months ago, Taehyung had predicted this exact thing happening.

There was a squeal of wheels, and the pounding of footsteps. Skin was cold and his pulse dragged on slowly in his ear. “...whatever you can do, please, please!” A weight on his hand, firm between his fingers and tight against his palm. Something hard under his back, colder than his skin. Smelled like death in the air. Where was Taehyung?

“He’ll be okay, right?” A soft voice cut through the veil of nothingness, a warm blanket around his unconscious. A sniffle and the shuffle of feet. Something familiar in the air, a scent he recognized but couldn’t place. The weight on his hand was shifted to the other side, the side that ached but didn’t at the same time. “I don’t know, Min. I don’t know” Something soft pressed over the pinprick of pain on the back of his hand, the weight between his fingers was back again. Taehyung?

“We’re just waiting on him now, Alpha.” Betas always had such a neutral scent, like laundry or the air. Something like an ocean breeze wafts through the room and his nose twitches as he takes in the new scent. Or maybe not new, there was something faintly recognizable. That weight on his hand hadn’t moved, the hand that clutched tightly with his own. “Thank you, Jun. Seriously- I can’t thank you enough.” The familiar voice is rougher than it should have been, ragged like hadn’t spoken in days. Jungkook frowned, but he couldn’t open his mouth to scold his Alpha. He couldn’t even open his eyes, His alpha. His body still felt numb, and cold, but there was a tiny bead of warmth at the center of his chest. The start of a rope, or a chain. Nothing wanted to move, or obey him, but he focused. If his hands wouldn’t move, then he’d try something else. He focused on that little bead- the link to his soul- until there was a small spark. Something just small enough to notice. The chatter stopped and then the hand in his squeezed tight. Almost too tight, but almost not tight enough, too. “Baby? Are you awake?” That ragged voice was closer than before and it wavered, uncertain. He drifted off again, but that tiny seed grew, just a bit.

Chapter End Notes

twt

cc

so i actually almost made this chapter twice as long, but i wanted to leave it off as a cliffhanger. SO i already have a lot of the next chapter written already so depending on how this one is received i might update earlier. if you haven't seen it already i posted a little smut oneshot as well, you can find it here! if people like i might turn it into a series, but only if i know people will read it!

many people spend more time planning the wedding than they do the marriage Chapter Summary

Time heals all wounds.

Chapter Notes

title quote by: unknown i wanted to upload this earlier as a surprise update, but the editing took WAY longer than it should have and i ended up adding an extra like 500 words. either way, hope you enjoy!

See the end of the chapter for more notes

His eyes reopened to darkness: a small relief to his tired body. A look around the room didn’t tell him much, but it looked official enough to be a hospital room. There were blinds on the windows, pulled down just far enough to block the sun when it would eventually rise but still high enough to tell him it had been dark for a while. There was a whiteboard he couldn’t read on the wall and a TV right above it. It was neat and smelled like disinfectant, and was incredibly monochrome. There was something stiff around his neck, and wrapped around his waist but his body was so tired he couldn’t lift his arms to feel what it was. Plus, one hand was out of commission. His gaze traveled to the side and landed on the head of messy blonde hair. The alpha smelled like worry and sadness, and he could smell the lingering panic in the air. There were distinct frown lines around his mouth, and his brows were furrowed even while asleep. Taehyung’s hold on his hand must have loosened in his sleep as well, but Jungkook narrowed his eyes in concentration as he slotted their fingers back together. His alpha had stayed with him for however long he’d been in this makeshift hospital- the least Jungkook could do was, weakly, hold his hand back. It was the least he could do for the man who’d saved his life. “Tae…” His throat felt like sandpaper, and his voice cracked like a smoker; a repeat only got him louder, not clearer. The alpha shifted in his sleep, and Jungkook weakly squeezed his hand. “ Tae …” He tried for the third time, and Taehyung’s eyes, finally, slowly blinked open. His mouth stretched into a wide yawn as he slowly leaned back into a stretch, their linked hands on the bed as he raised the other high above his head. It took a second for him to look around to see what had woken him up, but it took less for him to lock eyes with Jungkook.

Even in the nearly nonexistent light Jungkook could see the shine in his eyes, and the hand in his shook just slightly. “Darling?” There was an edge of disbelief to his voice and the omega could only squeeze his hand again, his own voice completely shot. “Oh my god.” He couldn’t seem to move fast enough to throw himself in Jungkook’s armed. Not that the omega was complaining. He must have smelt awful, and he definitely hadn’t brushed his teeth in at least a few days, but Taehyung didn’t seem to care about any of that as he pressed kiss after desperate kiss against his lips. His own hands slowly reached up to grip his shirt, one of his own he realized. He hummed into the kiss and Taehyung let out a shuddering breath against his mouth. “ You… ” There weren’t tears but by the puffiness around his eyes it was only because he just didn’t have any more to shed. “I almost thought you weren’t going to wake up, baby.” Taehyung was always firm, always sure when he spoke. In their first meeting Jungkook had noted how emotionless he came off; even when he was nervous he was able to hold a facade of ‘unbothered’. Now, his voice trembled and pitched into a worried whine as he pressed another shaky kiss to the corner of his mouth. He eventually tried to lean back to plop back in his chair again, but Jungkook kept a surprisingly firm grip on his shirt and he hovered over him in confusion with one hand planted by his ear. A weak tug down made him frown and he shook his head. “Baby, you’re still hurt, I can’t lay down with you.” His lips were dry and cracked as hell but he pushed them into a sleepy pout, his eyes already heavy again from exhaustion. “You…” He said again, but then Jungkook’s arms slipped back against the bed with a muffled thump and Taehyung’s eyes drooped in sadness. “Okay, darling.” His voice was soft in the darkness of the room, low and gentle as he slowly lowered himself onto the tiny bed. His eyes finally closed as Taehyung adjusted the blanket over both of them and wrapped a tentative arm around his chest.

When his opened again the sun was high in the air; there was the distant ambiance of cars outside and the low rumble of talking. Now he could hear the bustle of bodies in the halls and smell a mix of humans and wolves beneath the sharp scent of hospital grade floor cleaner. The room didn’t look any different than before, although Taehyung was nowhere to be seen. His scent was still heavy in the air and the bed was still a little warm so he obviously hadn’t been long, but he was still alone in the room. At least until there was a soft knock and the door swung open. An older man stepped in, dressed in a white coat with a clipboard in his hands, and he grabbed a pair of gloves from the wall only to jump in surprise when he turned. “Oh, we didn’t know if you’d be up this morning!” He smiled when Jungkook made eye contact and bowed his head. “Nice to see you finally awake, Luna, my name is Dr. Kim Junmyeon. You had us worried for a while.” It was the beta, he realized faintly. The scent he hadn’t been able to place: the ocean breeze. He smiled as best he could back at the doctor. “Hi.” His voice was scratchy, and Dr. Kim immediately stepped closer to grab a cup from the bedside table, already full of water. “Thank you.” “Here, I’m sure our Alpha won’t mind sharing.” He said with a wink and Jungkook couldn’t help but laugh, even as it quickly became a chest rattling cough. When he’d calmed down he took a few sips as Dr. Kim helped steady the cup. “You had us quite worried, although I think our Alpha more so than anyone else.” Once the cup was set back down he looked back down at his clipboard. “All things considered you got pretty lucky. The punctures in your side were deep, yes, but we can be

thankful that Baekhyun didn’t hit anything vital. You’ll have some intense muscle pain for a while but we’ve already noticed a jump in your healing since you’ve started regaining consciousness.” “Oh.” Jungkook had assumed the worst in the heat of the moment. When Baekhyun had held him back with hands covered in his blood, he’d thought death was inevitable. It seemed silly to know now that there wasn’t too much to worry about. “We had more trouble with your neck and throat- more specifically the blood loss. We gave you an emergency transfusion and we’ve kept you on fluids to keep you hydrated- I’ve already talked to the Alpha about the strict diet you’ll need to be on once you’re discharged and he seems to very determined to follow it.” He added with a little laugh and Jungkook rolled his eyes, even though he could feel his face heat up in embarrassment. Taehyung would take any chance he could to spoil him- too bad Jungkook never let him. Now he’d be able to say it was ‘doctor’s orders’. “However…” That caught his attention. The doctor frowned and shifted on his feet. “What?” He croaked, and immediately winced. His throat burned from the effort, and his chest ached with each deep breath he took. “When was your last heat, Jungkook?” The question threw him for a loop and his eyes widened in shock. “I’m sorry if that seems very personal but I do promise it’s important for me know.” He said kindly. “Um,” He frowned and looked away as he tried to think of the last heat he’d had. Between living on the streets and bouncing between human homeless shelters and hostels he had been forced to take some more...drastic measures, and by the look in the doctor’s eye he had come to that conclusion too. “A couple years?” He guessed, he honestly couldn’t remember the actual date, and Dr. Kim sighed. “Well, while I won’t go into why that’s not a good thing,” He started and Jungkook flushed in shame, “I will warn you: between surgery, anesthesia, and now the fluids we have running through you we’ve essentially started a cleanse of your system. Plus if you add in finding a mate, and an alpha no less, your body is more aware now that you have someone to take care of you. I would be surprised if you don’t fall into heat within the next few weeks. A month max.” The last proper heat he’d had alone been spent behind dumpsters, and in abandoned shops; away from the lone alphas in the city and in so much pain he’d nearly bitten through his own tongue. The last heat he’d had with another wolf had given him a baby that never took her first breath. “I…” His nails scratched the white blanket draped across his legs as they curled into fists. “I...Tae-.” “I told him this too.” Dr. Kim informed him gently. “As your surgeon I can’t recommend you do anything to suppress it, because it will only make it worse for you. I’m sure you’re aware of how much strain it can put on the body.” Jungkook didn’t know what to say. He knew they would sleep together eventually, of course, he wasn’t naive. They were going to get mated eventually, he was going to receive his mark eventually; Jungkook had promised the rest of his life to this man. His Alpha. The one who hadn’t forced him that first night together- who hadn’t pressured him in anything - who had promised to keep him safe. Taehyung only asked for support when Jungkook had unknowingly asked so much of the alpha already himself. The door clicked open again and they both looked up to see a familiar head of blonde hair step into the room. He didn’t turn around until the door latched behind him but when he did his eyes widened to see the two talking. “Kook!” Taehyung’s eyes nearly disappeared he smiled so widely and Jungkook let out a choppy laugh as his alpha hurried over. The slap of his sneakers was loud in the

suddenly too quiet room. “I didn’t know you were awake again! I’m sorry I wasn’t here.” He eyed the doctor but Dr. Kim held up a hand. “He hasn’t been awake for very long, Alpha.” He bowed his head and Taehyung sighed in relief. “I was just updating him on his condition.” He tucked the clipboard under his arm and bowed again. “I’ll send in a nurse later to check your bandages. Take care, Alpha, Luna.” Then with a bright smile to both of them he exited back into the busy hall. “Good morning.” Taehyung finally grabbed his hand, the one without the IV, and kissed his knuckles. Jungkook smiled at the cheesy gesture and poked him in the cheek. “It’s so good to see you awake.” He said softly. “How long was I out?” “Just a few days, but the first night there was such a small chance that you’d…” His brow furrowed as he trailed off but Jungkook understood. He squeezed his hand and laughed. “Well, you’re awake now. That’s what matters. I hope you’re ready for a very salty diet, darling.” He jerked head towards the door. “He gave me a whole list of foods for you to eat once you’re out-.” “Spend my heat with me.” Jungkook interrupted, and Taehyung froze. The alpha stared at him with those bright, bright blue eyes and Jungkook only hesitated for a moment. “He said he told you. So, spend my heat with me.” “Baby, we don’t need to if you don’t want to.” Taehyung’s tone was cautious, although Jungkook didn’t really blame him. Beyond the alpha’s possessive marking, the hickeys he left for everyone to see, they had never ventured beyond kissing. They’d changed in front of each other, but they didn’t touch. They kissed but didn’t feel. Jungkook shook his head and squeezed their hands again. “I’m asking because I want you to. I want you with me.” Another bright smile worked its way across Taehyung’s lips; their bond hummed and warmed and he could feel his happiness. Then a memory hit him. When the alpha’s brother had whispered into his ear. “Taehyung…” A chill ran down his spine and Taehyung frowned at the sudden change in mood. “Baekhyun,” the name immediately made the alpha straighten up and Jungkook tightened his grip, their fingers locked tight together, “he said something confusing to me when he grabbed me.” “You two talked?” Jungkook shook his head. “He wasn’t talking to me, just, at me. He said something about ‘killing the one he holds dearest’?” His eyes narrowed as he tried to remember. “Then you showed up.” The events from before were so fuzzy in his mind he could barely remember what exactly happened. The stranger’s words had mostly escaped him but that phrase stuck in his mind. Suddenly there was a hitch his breathing and he yanked his hand back to press against his chest. Harsh coughs racked through his body and Taehyung jumped up to pat his back. When he calmed down the blonde kissed his forehead and leaned back. “Hey, easy, darling.” Taehyung cooed softly, and he leaned over the grab the cup of water off of the table. “Here,” he helped Jungkook hold it up, “easy.” The water was a godsend to the desert in his mouth and he almost coughed it back up as he nearly chugged it down. “Thank you.” He said and Taehyung set the cup to the side. The alpha didn’t do anything but frown heavily, his eyes off to the side. He was obviously deep in thought, although about what exactly was a mystery. He didn’t push however and simply grabbed his hand again.

“Taehyung.” He stressed and he finally glanced over. “ Thank you .” He could push aside what had happened for a moment. “You almost died , Jungkook.” The alpha said lowly, and the omega nodded. He knew, of course he did. An injury from an alpha wolf was never something that was easily recoverable from and Jungkook hadn’t exactly been in a position to fight back . “If you had…” “I know.” Because of course he did. He didn’t think he could live without this man anymore, didn’t think he could go a day without seeing his face in the morning or fall asleep without his arms around him. He didn’t want to just spend his heat with him, he wanted to spend the rest of his life with him. The thought didn’t scare him like it used to. The idea of mating didn’t make his blood freeze or his body break out into a cold sweat like it used to. It made his heart warm and his pulse race, it made him smile when he didn’t think he could anymore. They sat in silence for a little while, and eventually Taehyung grabbed the remote to the small TV on the wall. The omega pulled him up onto the bed again and he curled around the alpha as best he could with his limited mobility. They didn’t know what was on but Jungkook was content to lay in silence for a moment, especially since the longer he was awake the more he remembered. His memory of the attack might have been fuzzy but his talk with Jimin and Yoongi was still fresh in his mind. After a few episodes of the drama the station was marathoning went by in silence he sighed. “I have a couple questions, Tae.” The blonde looked down and shifted to wrap an arm tighter around his shoulders. “Okay.” “Where’s Baekhyun?” Taehyung sucked on his lower lip. “I don’t know. When you two went down I had him… but then I couldn’t feel you anymore.” A large hand drifted up to his chest and pressed down hard over his shirt. The very thought that the steady link between them might have disappeared made a shiver shoot up his spine and Jungkook buried his face in his shoulder. He couldn’t imagine the pain it must have caused him. “I couldn’t risk him over you, darling. You’re the priority, you’re always the priority.” Taehyung laced their fingers together tightly, like he never wanted to let go. “I saw you choking on your own blood ...I couldn’t do anything but pick you up and run.” “You shifted.” It wasn’t really a question. Jungkook had heard the signs of breaking bones and tearing clothes. He’d seen the white wolf that had knocked them down. “I didn’t know you could do that.” There were so many layers the mysterious alpha, even after their months together. Jungkook honestly doubted he would ever learn all his secrets. “I couldn’t.” Taehyung’s eyes dropped down to their hands and then back up again with a thoughtful look on his face. “When we were little Baekhyun learned how to- from our dad. He was always naturally gifted. They tried to teach me too but I just didn’t have the strength or energy for it. It was a big source of insecurity, if I’m honest.” He paused and Jungkook soaked it all up. He never talked about his family, ever . “When I heard you scream it was like the wolf took over, sort of. One second I was me, and the next second I had four legs. I don’t know if I can do it again, to be honest.” “Wish I could have seen it.” Jungkook said, only half jokingly, but the mood was too serious for either of them to crack another smile. “So he just got away?” It seemed odd that several dozen wolves would have let a murderer run off like that, especially after nearly killing him. The alpha nodded, although there was a flash of anger over his face that disappeared as quickly as it

came. “As soon as I knocked him to the ground I barely managed to shift back before I grabbed you and ran. I tried to signal to the others for help but by the time Hoseok got back to me there wasn’t a trail or scent to follow. Yoongi’s been running constant patrols to try and find something, but I haven’t heard anything.” “Scent blockers.” “Hm?” Jungkook sighed and but his lip. “I think he got a hold of scent blockers. I didn’t even smell him before...before.” His free hand brushed across the bandage under his chin and Taehyung’s icy eyes tracked the movement. “I promised to keep you safe.” Jungkook watched as he stared at the stark white fabric. “I knew you were going to get hurt and I couldn’t even stop it.” “What?” Then he remembered: that first night together in Taehyung’s house. “Was this...was this the vision you had?” When nothing had happened after the first few weeks Jungkook had totally forgotten about it, and Taehyung had never made another comment about it. They were never far apart from each other either way- until then. The alpha shook his head. “Visions as dreams are never clear, and any of them can happen at any time. I saw you at the compound and I saw blood, that’s all I could remember.I had no idea it would lead to this. I promise I wouldn’t have left you alone if I had known-.” “Hey, I’m not blaming you.” Jungkook could feel sleep pull at his limb again, already tired from all the information that had been thrown at him since he’d woken up. “Hey, we’ll talk more...later.” His voice slowed and before he knew it he’d slumped against Taehyung’s chest and the alpha didn’t hesitate to wrap his arms around him. It was warm, and secure. “I’m alive because of you.” He whispered, and there was a jump in Taehyung’s breathing before a heavy hand carded through his hair.

Chapter End Notes

twt

cc

thank you again for all your comments! i'm so happy everyone seems to be enjoying this, honestly- y'all are so NICE don't be afraid to ask questions if something doesn't make sense too! i'm not the best at sensing plot holes so if something isn't adding up i can answer it (or tell you that it'll be brought up later lol) again, here's the link to the smut oneshot i wrote! here

growth and comfort do not coexist Chapter Summary

Things get worse before they can get better.

Chapter Notes

title quote by: ginni rometty

See the end of the chapter for more notes

The stitches in Jungkook’s throat were removed only a day after he woke up; the slow progress of his wounds was an unfortunately typical response to in injury from an alpha. Taehyung had watched with a firm frown as the tiny sutures were snipped and tugged from underneath his skin. Dr. Kim had only given their Alpha an exasperated look when he didn’t leave the room and only shifted around the bed to stay within the omega’s reach. Jungkook hid a smile behind his hand, he wouldn’t say it while someone else was within earshot but he appreciated his alpha’s attentiveness. “You have an appointment to remove the rest in a few days.” The doctor said as he tossed his gloves into a garbage bin. “We’re letting you go home today, but I can’t recommend rest, and more rest, enough.” He aimed that at Taehyung and the alpha nodded. “Make sure to take in plenty of fluids, and I know we’ve already told you the diet he needs to stay on, Alpha. No heavy lifting, no excessive exercise. After a few days you can start light stretches. We don’t want you to strain anything, especially because your heat is coming up.” He spoke so plainly that Jungkook almost forgot to blush, but then Taehyung made a soft noise at the mention of his heat and his face burned. “Thank you.” He coughed and the doctor smiled. “I’ll let you get dressed. A nurse will in shortly to get you sorted out for your discharge.” He bowed to both of them, something that Jungkook couldn’t quite wrap his head around. Once the door shut with a soft snik Taehyung leaned down to grab the duffel bag he’d brought along that morning. “Alright, darlin’,” He started and he heaved the bag up onto the bed, “I brought some of your clothes, and your shampoo and stuff if you wanted to take a quick shower before we left.” He glanced up with a curious look. “Or you can wait until we get home.” The word made him smile. It had been nearly three months since Jungkook had moved in and they had gotten together and the omega still couldn’t quite believe that in such a short amount of time he had a place he could call home, and a man he could be so close to. “I can wait.” He held out both hands and pouted. “Help me sit up.” Jungkook pitched his voice up and Taehyung laughed at his fake-cute act. The alpha gently pulled him up so that he could carefully swing his legs over the edge of the bed; his muscles still held a deep ache but a firm hand between his shoulder blades helped him take a deep breath and relax. His alpha’s scent was so calming to his senses now it was like a shock to his system to be surrounded by such a sterile scent. Even though Taehyung stayed the night the pack had been busy night and day since his attack, and he spent most of the day with them. It had been months

since he’d been forced to spend so much time away from him. “Do you want help getting dressed or do you want to do it yourself?” Jungkook paused with one hand outstretched towards the nylon bag. “Just because I’m going to help you with your heat doesn’t mean you need to let me see your body immediately, darling.” Taehyung said softly and Jungkook blinked. It had never occurred to him, not after they had spent months changing in front of each other, month sleeping in the same bed. Hell, Taehyung regularly gave him hickeys like they were going out of style just so other wolves wouldn’t touch him. “Darling?” “Could…could you help me?” He asked tentatively, and Taehyung’s entire face lit up. “Of course!” He assured and Jungkook slowly shifted to wiggle off his boxers and let Taehyung kneel to slowly slide a new pair up his legs. Taehyung’s face didn’t change and his hands didn’t falter but Jungkook could feel that beat in his chest, the one that only beat for his alpha, speed up ever so slightly. His touch was respectful but the soft brush of his knuckles against bare skin had him shiver. “Still good?” He asked as he held onto a pair of the omega’s sweatpants. His blue eyes were wide as if he thought had done something wrong. “Yeah, just....new.” Jungkook smiled and he lightly knocked his foot against Taehyung’s calf. “Come on, help me get my pants on.” The sweats were easy to slide up and it was much easier for them to take off the hospital gown once he wasn’t naked from the waist down. However the sight of the uncovered injury made Taehyung pause. His eyes were locked onto the bruise mottled skin and he reached out to brush his fingers above the neat stitches as he slowly stood. “Tae?” Jungkook’s head cocked to the side and the alpha looked up at him. His eyes were darker than before and his mouth was set in a hard line. The alpha had treated him like glass from the moment he’d woken up and Jungkook was almost fed up with it. “I’m okay .” “You almost weren’t.” Taehyung’s voice was rough from some unsaid emotion and Jungkook sighed. He tipped forward and on instinct their arms wrapped around each other as his forehead met his firm stomach. “It was too close.” Jungkook hummed. He agreed, however that didn’t mean the alpha needed to beat himself up about it so much. “When the Jeon’s were attacked I was with the alpha I was mated to.” Taehyung’s arms tightened around him. He’d never willingly brought up the subject before. “He’d heard screams outside and he went out to see what had happened. I never saw him die, but I could hear the fighting outside.” “What made you leave?” “Fear.” He said simply. “I didn’t know what had wiped my entire family out, I didn’t even know if it was one person or hundreds. I looked out the window almost an hour later, I had hid in a closet, and there were…bodies, everywhere. He had died just a few feet from our front door.” It had happened nearly five years before but he hadn’t forgotten a single detail. “I ran outside and didn’t look back.” “Oh, baby.” Taehyung leaned down and pressed a firm kiss to his hair. “I’m so, so sorry.” The pain of losing a mate, even one you didn’t love, was unimaginable. Jungkook didn’t know if he could survive it again. “I’m telling you this for a reason.” Jungkook adjusted his grip to hold the alpha closer to his body and took a deep breath in of his scent. “I blamed myself for years for his death. I didn’t love him, he certainly didn’t love me, but we were mated together and I had a responsibility towards him. For years I thought I could have done something different, maybe I could have run after him. At my lowest I even thought that maybe I could have died for him.” A wounded sound escaped Taehyung

and Jungkook held him even closer. “It wasn’t your fault.” Taehyung breathed into his hair and Jungkook nodded against his shirt. He spoke softly and Jungkook knew he understood, at least a little bit. “It wasn’t your fault.” He repeated it almost silently to himself and Jungkook was content to sit in his arms for a while longer.

“Kookie!” As soon as the front door popped open Jimin ran out from the kitchen, his eyes were wide with worry and Jungkook welcomed the tight hug the omega pulled him into. “I’m so glad you’re okay.” He said into his shoulder and Jungkook could feel Taehyung slide around them to move further into the house. “Thanks, hyung.” Jungkook smiled and Jimin squeezed him a little tighter. “Hey,” he leaned back and they let their arms drop, “Taehyung mentioned he’s going to help you through your heat?” Jungkook flushed and nodded, although he didn’t know if he wanted to know how he’d found out. “Don’t worry, he just wants to make sure you have everything you need.” Jungkook had forgotten just how much a heat could affect the body, and by the look on Jimin’s face he knew that too. “Don’t worry,” He repeated, “just let me know what you need and me and Yoongi can get it for you. Now come on, I’ve been slaving away on this dinner for all of us. The least you and our estranged Alpha can do is pretend to enjoy it.” He laughed and Jungkook giggled as he let himself be pulled into their practically unused dining room.

Taehyung found himself suddenly swamped in paperwork from the few small businesses the pack had control of and there was a small boom of mated pairs that wanted their Alpha’s blessing to expand their family. Jungkook couldn’t feel anything related to a pre-heat yet but with the years of suppressing his heat he had no idea what he was in for. Even when he went back to have the last of his stitches removed Dr. Kim hadn’t had much of an idea of when it would actually come. Normally an omega’s pre-heat was just some mild cramping, maybe nesting, but usually it was just a heightened awareness of the partner if there was one and a sensitivity to touch and smell. He tried to stay in the house because they didn’t know when it would happen but after nearly a week he couldn’t stand it anymore. A quick phone call and there was the crunch of gravel as a familiar Range Rover pulled up. He pulled on one of Taehyung’s jackets and hurried outside where Namjoon sat behind the wheel, his phone up to his face.While Namjoon’s job wasn’t to drive the omega around they’d gotten a little closer in the last couple weeks, and the beta had confided that he secretly enjoyed having an excuse to get some fresh air once in a while. “To the main house?” The beta asked with a smile, and Jungkook nodded. Neither one of them were one for small talk and the drive was fairly quiet but the omega appreciated it. He might not have felt the effects of his pre-heat yet but his body knew what was coming and he felt exposed without his alpha nearby. Although, if the too big jacket was any indicator, he might have started to nest. Whoops. “He’s in his office.” Namjoon’s voice broke through his thoughts and Jungkook startled. “Last I heard he was in a meeting with a couple.”

“Thanks, hyung.” He smiled and he carefully stepped out of the car. His injuries had mostly gone, a benefit of their advanced healing, but the strain on his muscles was still present. There were a few wolves outside, enjoying the limited sunlight. It had gotten increasingly colder in the last few days and he didn’t blame them from soaking up the vitamin D. He got a few surprised looks as he hobbled past towards the front door, and a young alpha jumped up to hold the door open for him. “Oh, thank you.” He said, surprised, and the kid grinned. “You’re welcome, Luna!” He chirped and then ran back off to his mom in the yard as he stepped past. He was a little bewildered, especially when he considered that he really didn’t have much interaction with the pack as a whole. Not directly, at least. It wasn’t supposed to be the Luna’s job to work with the pack, although Taehyung seemed to want him to. However he pushed it aside and followed the tug from their bond to find the alpha, where he was indeed in his office. He could hear voices inside and he tried to be quiet as he pushed the door open but by the sudden silence he obviously failed. When he peeked his head around he was met with the sight of a couple in a couple of plush chairs, and his alpha seated behind his stupidly large desk. “Jungkook, darling, you’re supposed to be resting!” The alpha scolded gently and the young omega woman in one of the chairs stifled a giggle as he jumped up. “What are you doing here? Junmyeon-.” “I’m fine, Tae.” Jungkook crossed his arms and bit back a smile. “Am I interrupting something?” He glanced around but the couple just shook their heads before they stood as well. “We just finished.” The unfamiliar alpha said and Taehyung nodded. “They’re thinking about trying for a pup.” He said and Jungkook couldn’t help the soft coo that left his lips. He loved kids, although that wasn’t really much of a surprise. Everyone in the room smiled at his reaction and he immediately blushed in embarrassment. “You guys know where to find me if you need me.” Taehyung told the couple and they both bowed and stepped around them to leave. Soon enough they were alone in the spacious office and Taehyung turned his attention back to the omega. “You’re supposed to be resting.” He repeated, and Jungkook grinned at his petulant tone. “Are you... pouting ?” “I’m your alpha!” He nearly whined. “I’m supposed to take care of you!” “Tae,” Jungkook laughed, “I’m much more independent than you sometimes give me credit for.” Although, he quickly contradicted himself when he stepped closer to wrap his arms around his waist. “I asked Namjoon to drive me.” He explained as his alpha hugged him close. “I missed you.” “Pre-heat?” Taehyung asked, but Jungkook shook his head. He’d tried to prepare Taehyung for what his heat would involve, but he’d also ashamedly admitted it had been so long that he was unsure of what exactly would actually happen. Taehyung had been understandably worried and upset that he’d put his body through what he did, but Jungkook had stood firm that it had been the best choice at that point in his life. “Well, I missed you too.” He kissed his hair and Jungkook hummed as he pushed his face further into his collar. “Sorry I’ve been so busy. I want to get all of this work out of the way before your heat gets here.” Jungkook laughed quietly and twisted to press a soft kiss to his jaw; Taehyung’s eyes widened in surprise from the sudden display of affection and Jungkook hid his smile in his collar again. “It’s okay, Taehyung.” He told him. “I trust you.” Months ago the words would have been half a lie. Now he felt nothing but affection and trust for the man in his arms. Taehyung might have had something else to say if the office door hadn’t suddenly burst open as

Seokjin barreled into the room. His face was tight with a mix of anger and worry and Jungkook immediately separated from the alpha. “We have a problem.” His eyes darted to Jungkook and his frown deepened. “One that doesn’t involve your brother, this time.”

Over the last several weeks, especially after Baekhyun, Jungkook had heard many different people talk about his mate. Jimin and Hoseok had both separately told him how possessive he could be, and in the only conversation they’d ever had Jongin had revealed Taehyung had been quick to start a fight when he was younger. One young alpha had even revealed there was a longstanding rumor that Taehyung had destroyed an entire pack of wolves single handedly after the coup . He’d called bullshit, but either way Jungkook had heard rumor after rumor and had yet to see any sort of proof to support the claims. Until the southern pack had sent their envoy. The strange wolf, a slim beta with dark eyes and a narrow face, had set everyone on edge from the moment she’d entered their territory. Yoongi has caught her scent first as he was switching out his patrol with Hoseok and they’d both ran off after it. Seokjin told them that she hadn’t resisted at all and had willingly let herself be held in the guest house. Jungkook could almost taste the tension in the air from Taehyung’s scent alone. It smelled like a brush fire and the intensity made his eyes sting. It had barely been two weeks and they were already back in the thick of things again. A phantom throbbed in his side and his palm pressed against it without thinking. “Jungkook,” Taehyung said quietly as they passed by the heavy trees, “whatever happens I need you to promise to keep yourself safe, okay?” The omega didn’t risk arguing. He only hummed and reached over to slot their fingers together. The timing couldn’t have been worse, he thought. Barely two weeks and they were already in danger again; his heat close on the horizon. Unlike during Jongin’s interrogation there were several wolves around the small building, and they all looked on edge. There wasn’t a single expression that didn’t look like it had been carved out of stone. Seokjin and Yoongi stood on either side of the front door; they had their hands clasped behind they backs in a pose of submission he had never seen them give before, although Jungkook could assume it was more for show. Unfortunately Taehyung’s presence did nothing to dispel the sour note of unease in the air. “Hoseok is in there with her.” Was all Yoongi offered as a greeting as they climbed the front steps and Taehyung nodded. “She won’t tell us anything.” He said as Seokjin pushed them door open. The dark eyed beta simply watched them with a blank face when they entered the room they’d contained her in. “So you are V.” She said in lieu of a greeting and Taehyung crossed his arms. Jungkook tried to keep his back straight as he stood by the Beta and the Second. He didn’t miss how they subtly angled their bodies in front of his. “You don’t look like much.” The Alpha’s eyes narrowed. “Let me make one thing clear, beta.” Jungkook watched him step closer to the woman and suddenly he wasn’t Tae. This was Kim Taehyung, Alpha of the Kim Pack. This wasn’t the man that cried when he nearly died, this was the Alpha that started a war against his own brother. “Taunts do not

work. Threats do not work. The only thing that will give you my mercy and cooperation is your own cooperation.” He crouched down so they were closer to eye level and the beta frowned. “What’s your name?” She stared at him for a moment longer before she rolled her eyes with a huff. “You can call me Moonbyul, of the Sun Pack.” Jungkook didn’t recognize the name but by the furrow in Taehyung’s brow it wasn’t a pack they were friendly with. “So why did Alpha Solar send you?” “I am simply a messenger for my Alpha, V.” She spat the name as if it was no better than a common curse and Jungkook’s eyes narrowed. He made a move as if to step forward but Seokjin gently grabbed his elbow, although he didn’t move to pull him back, yet. “Did you think that news of your sudden change in leadership wouldn’t spread? Or your omega boytoy?” Taehyung’s body language immediately shuttered closed and he pushed himself up to his feet again. Jungkook watched as he reached out to curl his fingers around her throat- not tightly, but enough to hold dominance. “I’m sorry, I think I misheard you. What was that?” His tone was flat and the messenger scowled; she tried to spit in Taehyung’s face but the alpha squeezed his fingers tighter and she suddenly choked in his grasp. “Taunts do not work. Threats do not work. The only thing that will give you my mercy and cooperation is your own cooperation.” Taehyung repeated slowly. “Now, what was that?” Jongin has been pack before- before Baekhyun’s betrayal he had been family. Taehyung had given him a second chance because he’d been family. This wolf was a stranger that had trespassed on their territory. It wasn’t very smart of her to insult the Luna, they all thought. Jungkook couldn’t really blame Taehyung for the quiet anger in his eyes. “We want your territory. Want your omega.” She finally choked out and Taehyung let go of her. He straightened up but his bright eyes didn’t waver from the beta’s face. “You’re not making sense, beta.” He rolled his eyes. “Speak plainly.” She glared up at him from her seat as she lightly touched the red marks around her throat. “My Alpha was going to leave your pathetic pack alone until you started taking your job seriously , V .” The name made Jungkook scowl but he let Seokjin continue to hold him back. He could smell her anger but the tension that rolled off of Taehyung was enough to make him shiver. Baekhyun’s attack had thrown everyone off kilter but Taehyung hadn’t quite let the incident roll off of himself yet. “So, what, you’re upset we shut the borders? That I’m not allowing wolves to pass through?” Taehyung rolled his eyes again but her face didn’t change. “Stupid.” She spat. “I’m here to issue you a challenge. Alpha Solar is declaring a Challenge of Territory. The Convergence of Packs is in three months. She wants your land,” she finally shifted her gaze and Jungkook felt his blood run cold as she stared into his eyes, “and your unmarked omega.”

Chapter End Notes

twt

cc

sorry it took me a little longer to upload this chapter! it took me a hot minute to figure

out where i wanted to take this, especially since i don't really have this storyboarded. i'm kind of winging this whole thing lmao. as always, thank you so much for reading! i appreciate any and all comments, and i love that so many people are bookmarking/subscribing to this! i love and appreciate all of you!! QUESTION: jk's heat will be coming up very soon, would you guys want smut or you rather it be glossed over and for me to focus more on the surrounding plot?

freedom is the power to choose our own chains Chapter Summary

A prelude, a conversation, before a moment of a lifetime.

Chapter Notes

title quote by: jeon-jacques rousseau this chapter was revised so many times i almost forgot how i wanted it to go - i will try my very best to make the next one better!

See the end of the chapter for more notes

It was like the arrival of the beta pushed Taehyung into overdrive. He had let Moonbyul run back to the Sun Pack when it became obvious she hadn’t had anything left to say. Then as soon as she was gone and out of earshot he had turned to each of them and laid down a semblance of a game plan. Seokjin was to contact any pack that would be willing to support Taehyung during the Challenge. After Taehyung’s absence in power for so long it was more than just public support, they needed allies in case things went south. Taehyung put Yoongi fully in charge of the border, as both his Second and as a guard, and that left Hoseok to do what he was actually meant to do- he had the alpha take Jongin and search for Baekhyun. Between the beta’s knowledge of his hideouts and the alpha’s ability to find just about anything they were the best fit for it. After the attack on their Luna Taehyung said he wouldn’t take any chances, and by the dark look in his eyes Jungkook knew he truly meant it. It took days before there was any headway from any of them, unfortunately. Seokjin still had the restaurant to work with and Yoongi had the pack’s training in his hands now. Hoseok spent most his time out in the city with an ear to the ground, and even Jimin found himself busy just with helping out around the compound. Jungkook wanted to help but with his heat on the horizon Taehyung didn’t want to take any chances. The omega woke up the day after the beta left with a strange tingle under his skin and a pressure in his gut. It only got stronger and stronger as the hours passed but he tried to busy himself with the kitchens and helping Taehyung in his office. The Alpha had tried to get him to take it easy at home but he felt awful being the only one with nothing to do. His injuries had left only dark pink scars and they barely bothered him but it seemed like everyone had made it their job to keep him from exerting himself. As the next several days passed the pressure in his stomach only got worse and the tingle grew into an itch he couldn’t scratch.. “Hey, Kookie, are you okay?” Taehyung broke through his thoughts one day and Jungkook’s head jerked up in surprise.“You look like you’re in pain.” The alpha frowned and held his hand out.

“You’ve been off for a couple days.” He has been so focused on reading through one of the documents Taehyung had passed him a while ago that he hadn’t realized his hand had begun to rub his stomach. The omega stood up and let himself be pulled into his lap, and sagged into his arms with a gasp. “Hey, what’s wrong?” Taehyung’s hand rose up to settle on his hip and Jungkook was sure he could feel the heat that radiated from his skin. Jungkook nearly whimpered and he wrapped his arms tight around him. The steady cramping that hadn’t left no matter what he drank or what medicine he took had disappeared the instant his alpha had touched him. He burrowed even closer and shoved his face in his neck as it finally clicked in his mind. “Tae, Taehyung,” he kissed his shoulder and the alpha shivered at the sudden pressure, “I think I’m in pre-heat.”

“Taehyung, I swear to god, I’m not an invalid.” Jungkook groaned, and his alpha paused with a guilty look on his face. He had a tray of food in his hands and the omega was almost a hundred percent sure that the alpha was about to attempt to feed him. “We’ve only been back for a few hours, I just want to cuddle.” He rolled over to press his face into the couch cushions and held a hand out, fingers outstretched towards his alpha. “Hold me, please.” It was almost comical how fast the tray hit the table and the older man crawled up onto the couch. From the moment they had come home the alpha had been determined to meet each and every one of his needs no matter how small they were. Or if he’d asked. He hadn’t even said he was hungry before the man was off in the kitchen putting together whatever it was they had in the cupboards. Not that Jungkook was going to complain, he’d never eaten so well since he joined the pack. Well, that statement wasn’t entirely true. “You’re thinking too hard for cuddling.” Taehyung’s breath brushed across his forehead f as he positioned himself directly underneath him, his knees bracketed around his hips. “What’s up?” “Are you going to mark me?” Jungkook asked softly, and the heartbeat under his ear jumped. The bond between them seemed to vibrate and he tightened his hold on his alpha as Taehyung did the same to him. They’d brushed across the topic before but they’d never actually established when it would happen. Only that it would, eventually. “I’d love to.” Taehyung whispered. His voice wobbled and Jungkook felt him take a shuddering breath in. “Do you want me to?” Marking was a big deal, bigger than human marriage. Only death broke a mate bond, and Jungkook wanted it. He wanted it so bad. “Please.” He looked up and and met Taehyung’s bright eyes. “I want to be yours.” “You are mine.” Their voices were soft and low, the sudden gentle atmosphere like a warm bubble around them. “Remember, I told you when we met you were mine.” The memory made Jungkook smile now and he kissed over his shirt, over his heart. “I,” Jungkook looked up again and Taehyung lifted a hand to cup his face, his ice blue eyes bright in the low light of the room, “I love you, Jungkook.” It was said so simply the words almost didn’t register, but as soon as they did Jungkook’s mouth dropped open in shock. His eyes burned as tears welled up and Taehyung only smiled around his own. “I’m so happy I found you, darling.” “I love you, too.” His voice cracked, and he shakily pushed himself up so they were eye to eye. “I

love you so much, Taehyung.” ‘Jeons don’t bond for love,’ his mother had told him, ‘it’s business’. The alpha let out a heavy breath and they sat there for a moment, a soft tension in place of their bubble of contentment. “Kiss me.” He breathed, and the alpha didn’t hesitate to tug him close. They’d kissed before, plenty of small pecks between them and forehead kisses from the alpha. During their first night together they had kissed for hours and Taehyung had sucked hickies that had lasted for days on his skin. They hadn’t gotten that close since, but Jungkook understood why. He was skittish, slow to trust, uncomfortable with physical affection from most people- but he wanted Taehyung closer than ever. The alpha’s lips were soft against his own, plush and warm and quick to open when Jungkook sighed into the kiss. It was more intimate than any kiss they’d shared before, their hands in each other’s hair and their legs tangled together. Jungkook slowly deepened the kiss as the heat under his skin rose ever so slightly and the alpha hummed as their tongues curled together. “You’re addicting, darling.” Taehyung’s husky voice broke through the silence as they separated for just a second and Jungkook blushed. “You’re so beautiful.” “You’re cheesy.” Jungkook retorted, embarrassed, but Taehyung only grinned. He buried his face in his alpha’s shirt and sighed softly. “I can’t wait to be yours.” He mumbled and the arms around him pulled him in closer. “Me too.” The alpha said quietly. “Hey, let’s eat and then get you to bed.” Taehyung kissed over his hair and Jungkook groaned as he maneuvered them upright.

“I’m so excited for you two.” Jimin’s face disappeared from the video call for a moment before he reappeared with a huge smile. “Are you nervous?” The older omega had stopped by just the day before to drop off some extra food while he was still in pre-heat but with the pack in a frenzy he hadn't stayed long. Jungkook shrugged, a good distance away from his phone. He had a pillow in each hand and there was a pile of blankets at his feet. “I think I might have been a few weeks ago when Dr. Kim brought it up but the more time I spend with him the more relaxed I get.” He admitted and Jimin hummed. “And he’s going to mark you?” Jungkook nodded. “That’s so exciting!” He said again and by his bright smile he truly meant it. “We’re excited to make you an official member of the pack, Kookie. How’s your nest coming?” “What?” Jungkook blinked in confusion at the question and the other omega paused. “Your nest?” Jimin repeated slowly, his brows furrowed in confusion. “You...know you’re nesting, right?” The younger man looked down at his hands and he took in the pile of blankets and pillows under him. “Oh.” He had only been going through the motions but the shape was distinct and he knew if he dug far enough he would find a few of his alphas shirts tucked into the folds. He hadn’t put any thought into it as he’d dug through their closet but his instincts had pushed him to build a rest right in the middle of their bed. “I’ve...never made a nest before?” His first mate, while fairly unobtrusive in his life, was very distant. He could recognize now that he was never truly comfortable with him no matter the time they spent together or how many times he helped him through his rut. There had never been the drive to build one, or the need. His instincts

had told him to stay on guard even if he’d never realized it before. The idea that he felt so naturally comfortable with his alpha made him bite back a smile. “It’s beautiful.” He whirled around to see Taehyung in the doorway, a mug in his hands that smelled like green tea. The alpha held up a hand before he could speak and smiled. “I won’t get in it until you tell me too, you can finish. Hey Jimin!” He added as he leaned over to see the phone on the nightstand, and his Second’s mate waved at him through the screen. “I’ll, um,” he suddenly felt embarrassed and quickly dropped the pillows into the nest and tucked them against the sides. He hadn’t even noticed that he had come back from the main house or that he had stepped into the room, he was so focused on the nest and his conversation with Jimin that he hadn’t noticed that familiar bubble of warmth in his chest whenever Taehyung got close. “I’ll let you two cuddle,” Jimin interrupted, “Yoongi just got back and you’re making me feel jealous.” Then without another word he ended the call and it was just Jungkook kneeled next to his nest and the alpha in the doorway. The omega didn’t look up and simply reached out to grab another blanket. “It smells like you.” He offered as a shy explanation and Taehyung laughed gently. He stepped closer and leaned down to kiss his temple, and then his lips with a small smile. “You don’t need to explain yourself, darling. Just let your instincts tell you what to do.” He said, and Jungkook let out a slow breath. Instincts, right, he reminded himself. “Do you want me to step back out?” His alpha asked, but he shook his head. “I think it’s okay?” He cocked his head as he stared down at the mess of blankets and clothes, layered over a few pillows and heavier quilts. It was the perfect size for two people, and the mix of their scents made his instincts hum. “Lay down right here?” He patted a spot on the bed, and Taehyung carefully climbed into the nest. Jungkook didn’t hesitate to slide in after him and his mate pulled him into his arms, a hand curled into his hair and the other hooked under his knee to hike it over his legs. “Perfect.” He whispered into his shirt. “Thank you.” “You don’t need to thank me, darling.” Taehyung frowned, but Jungkook shook his head again. The alpha’s comforting scent made him sigh and relax against his chest, and his words came to him a little easier. “I didn’t want an alpha, before you.” He said quietly and Taehyung didn’t say anythinghe already knew. “Everyone in my life told me I wasn’t good for anything but furthering our status, having pups and keeping my mate happy. It was never about me, or what I wanted, I wasn’t allowed to have ‘wants’.” There was a itch under his skin but Taehyung’s touch soothed the heat in his body for the time being; the alpha’s grip tightened briefly. “What do you want, Jungkook?” It was asked so simply. The omega closed his eyes and buried his face in the crook of Taehyung’s neck where his scent was the strongest. “I want a family, I want friends, I want to raise pups.” He confessed. “I used to want a life that let me choose when I could do that.” “‘Use to’?” Jungkook smiled, the alpha asked as if he wasn’t aware that he had given the omega just that- and maybe he really wasn’t. The alpha could be so obtuse sometimes, he thought. He didn’t look up but let one hand slid down to interlock with the hand on his leg. “You gave me that, Taehyung. You gave me everything.”

Chapter End Notes

twt

cc

wooooo this took me too long to write/post! the next chapter will somewhat continue where this leaves off, and will be fully focused on jk's heat- something that bothered me while i was writing this was that this was the beginning of his heat but i had never made this fic very explicit before. i will be writing smut for the next chapter, but it will probably not be worth an E rating, it would simply take away from the vibe of the fic. sorry if that isn't what some of you want, but this is the route i want to take. that being said! let me know what you think/what you would like to see! i have no intention of letting this fic end soon. thank you so much for reading!

no matter how long it takes true love is always worth the wait Chapter Summary

There's never a limit on how many times you can tell someone you love them.

Chapter Notes

title quote by: unknown you all know what's gonna happen, so i won't waste any timehope y'all enjoy it!

See the end of the chapter for more notes

The itch that had developed under his skin had only gotten worse by the time he’d woken up only a few hours later. What had started as just mild cramping and clinginess days before had grown to a full blown fire in his belly. A groan worked its way past his lips as his stomach clenched painfully. The sheets under his skin were almost too rough against his sensitive skin and he kicked the blankets off his body as the temperature only continued to rise. There was a whisper of a question above him but his ears were full of cotton and his eyes were clenched shut even as he buried his face in their pillows. Oh, wait, almost there... Ah . The heady, familiar scent of his alpha sent a wave of calm through his body and his fingers moved to greedily pull the source closer. A heavy arm curled around his waist and he sighed, his muscles relaxed even further as a tide of comfort pulled him under yet again. He wiggled so that scent was even stronger, his nose right over the gland on his neck. “Darling, are you awake?” A soft voice made him freeze and then immediately hum and shift so that he could wrap his own arms fully about the warm body. “I’ll take that as a ‘yes’.” There was a low chuckle before the voice’s owner pressed a kiss against his forehead. “You’re burning up, baby.” “Heat. Too hot.” Jungkook reminded him sleepily. “You smell so good.” He noted quietly and the arm around his waist pulled him closer. However as they lay there in silence for a moment he was suddenly too aware of how hot he was everywhere Taehyung wasn’t touching and a sharp whine left his lips. “Tae, too hot .” “Hey, hey, it’s okay.” The alpha cooed and the hand at his back slid down his leg, his grip was firm as he slipped his own thigh between his legs. “What do you need, darling?” Jungkook whined again at the question, a high pitched noise of pure need and want. He needed more, he needed contact, he needed Taehyung . He didn’t care how he got it, he just needed his scent and his comfort, he needed that physical reminder that they were together. He needed that reminder

that there would never be another alpha after him. “Just need you.” He mumbled against his skin, warm from their contact. “Only ever need you.” The alpha was silent for a moment but there was a burst of a different sort of heat in his chest, a bubble of warmth that felt like Taehyung himself had nestled in his heart. “Love you.” He had said the words for the first time in years only hours ago. Now he wanted to tell him everyday, every hour, every minute they spent together that he loved more than he did before. “I love you, too, darling.” Taehyung kissed his hair again and pulled him so close Jungkook could feel his heart race through their shirts. “You didn’t really answer my question, though.” He added with a soft laugh and Jungkook groaned. “Can…” Despite their proximity he felt an embarrassed flush burn his cheeks. They were adults, damn it. He’d been mated before, he’d helped his former alpha through plenty of ruts before, but… “Can you touch me?” There was no denying the needy feeling that had grown between his hips as he’d woken up nor the different sort of fire that always bloomed whenever Taehyung was this close. He looked up through his sweaty bangs to see Taehyung smile down at him, his bright eyes soft like an ocean painting. “You know I’ll do anything for you, darling.” He whispered like it was a secret and Jungkook bit back a smile. “Lay back, let me take care of you.”

It didn’t occur to Jungkook but a few hours later as Taehyung was cooking them a late breakfast, once his heat had settled for the moment, that he really didn’t know what to expect for the rest of the week. The alpha hadn’t taken things too far before, not that Jungkook had thought he would, but every omega knew there was only one way to truly make a heat end. “Hey, Tae?” He started slowly and the alpha glanced over his shoulder with a raised eyebrow; his hands didn’t stop their movements but his attention was solely focused on Jungkook. “When are we gonna…” He trailed off again and Taehyung immediately grinned, a faintly shark-like expression stretched across his lips. “Have sex?” He offered teasingly and Jungkook scowled, although his red cheeks and ears immediately gave him away. “Hey, don’t give me that look,” he laughed and reached forward to turn off the stove, “we go at your pace.” He reminded him. It made Jungkook think. He wasn’t a stranger to sex, certainly, but he couldn’t deny that he was nervous. An omega in the high of their heat could almost get drunk on lust. Without someone to help and watch over them during such a sensitive time an omega could seriously hurt themselves. Even with Taehyung, if they put it off and Jungkook didn’t have all his facilities he could injury either one of them getting what his body needed so desperately. However it was his first time with his alpha, as crass as it sounded. He wanted it to be special, not when he was mindless with the need to mate. “I want to remember it.” He finally said, quietly. Taehyung had just slid a plate across the counter and he froze, one arm stretched out. “I want it to mean something.” He looked up at his alpha, who only frowned at him. “Jungkook.” Taehyung started, and Jungkook was startled to hear his full name. “Listen to me, baby,” a large hand wrapped around his own and Jungkook instinctively squeezed his fingers. “There’s a lot of people that put too much stock in sex,” he started bluntly, although his tone and expression were soberingly gently, “and that every person and every time they do it needs to ‘mean something’. Of course it’s going to be important, because it’s our first time and I’m going to mark

you,” the reminder made Jungkook smile, “but don’t pressure yourself into thinking that us having sex needs to be Earth shattering. Nobody is perfect, and we have the rest of our lives to make these kinds of memories.” His words made the omega’s mouth drop in shock. “You can’t be real.” Jungkook whispered, and Taehyung’s eyes sparkled in the kitchen’s bright fluorescent lighting. “How are you real? How did I end up with someone as amazing as you?” The alpha reached out and pressed his free hand over Jungkook’s heart, his palm flush with his skin. “We’re soulmates, darling.” They both leaned in, as if pulled by some invisible string, and their lips found each other gently. “The moon was always going to bring us together, eventually.” “I love you.” Jungkook said again and he completely disregarded breakfast to jump up and wrap himself around his alpha, his arms and legs tight around his body. “I love you, I love you…!” He said between kisses and Taehyung giggled helplessly against the onslaught- before Jungkook slipped in his grip just a bit and the omega suddenly let out a loud gasp. With their bodies in contact Jungkook was 100% sure that Taehyung could feel how embarrassingly fast he got hard, a fact proven by the firm hand that slid over the curve of his ass to “support” him. “Kookie, you need to eat.” Taehyung reminded him, but Jungkook only shook his head and leaned down to attach his mouth to the prominent vein in the older man’s neck, his tongue hot against his skin. “Baby…” “Need you, Taehyungie,” Jungkook murmured, and one hand trailed up to tug at his alpha’s hair. “Eat later.” With a quick shimmy he bounced ever so slightly in Taehyung’s arms and the alpha let out an almost startlingly loud growl, although Jungkook didn’t flinch. “ Please .” Taehyung’s control fell like a house of cards and in a flash he had walked them back to their bedroom, to where Jungkook’s nest still lay. “What do you need?” He asked as he lay the omega back in his cocoon of pillows and Jungkook felt himself spread out on instinct. There was a new heat between his legs and in his head, something primal, and he let out a short groan. “You.” He repeated. “On me, around me, in me- just you.” Desperate hands pulled the alpha down and they were both off like a shot. Taehyung pushed one hand up under his shirt and scratched along his ribs, and the other went further down under his waistband. “I’ll stop when you tell me to.” Taehyung said breathlessly, but Jungkook only shook his head. Then the hand trailed between his legs and he let out a sharp gasp. “Darling…” “More…!” Jungkook threw his head back and there was finally a burst of reprieve from the overwhelming heat as his hand made contact. “...ah!” The alpha’s hands were soft and he touched so gently, too focused on not going too far. “Please, please Tae, give me everything.” He demanded. “Your wish, my command.” Taehyung’s lips brushed across his ear, his chin, neck, and a trail of goosebumps followed as he whispered against his skin. He stroked, kissed, almost worshiped every inch of Jungkook’s skin he could touch. His shirt was yanked this way and that to make room and his sweatpants found themselves slowly pulled to his knees as Taehyung’s mouth paved a trail across his navel. “Wait, let me touch you.” Jungkook whined, But Taehyung only laughed. “You first, my heart.” He briefly locked eyes with the omega before his mouth went south and Jungkook’s eyes rolled back. “You’re so perfect.” Taehyung chanted, and then he didn’t say anything for a while.

Jungkook had never been on the receiving end of this much pleasure before in his life. He couldn’t remember his vision ever going white from pleasure, or losing every train of thought just from the brief brush of fingers across his body. He suddenly cursed the years he had spent away from this man, away from the one he was always destined to spend his life with. The nights with his former alpha, or the nights he spent alone, pales in comparison to the man he’d given his heart to. “Beautiful.” Taehyung leaned back and whispered, and Jungkook tried to catch his breath as the alpha shifted on his knees. His heat was in full swing then, if his sweat soaked shirt and his painful hardness were any indicator. “Absolutely beautiful.” “Don’t wanna cum yet,” Jungkook panted, and Taehyung’s eyebrows rose in surprise. “Wanna...we...together.” His tongue felt heavy in his mouth but by Taehyung’s slow smile he seemed to have understood anyway. “You.” With a last burst of leftover strength Jungkook shakily pushed Taehyung onto his back and crawled into his lap. His words might have failed him but his hands knew what they needed to do, his teeth clamped over the band of his pants. The material followed the line of his thighs and Jungkook couldn’t stop himself from running an eager hand along the firm muscle. “Hey, don’t force yourself.” Jungkook lightly pushed the offending hand away from his shoulder and without another word leaned down. It had been a while but his body knew what to do and by the strangled yelp from his alpha there were no complaints. Teeth tucked away and his hands pressed against his stomach he looked up through his hair to see familiar blue eyes staring him down. Every move he made was followed by a soft praise or a choked back hiss and Jungkook let himself relax into the action, his mind on autopilot as he let his hands roam slowly. One hand dragged across a nipple and made the alpha shake while the other reached down to help. “You have a mouth like sin.” Taehyung groaned and with a slow slide Jungkook leaned back with a gasp of air. “This isn’t about me, darling.” He reminded him but Jungkook only rolled his eyes. “Us.” He said firmly, and then he shuffled forward and kissed the corner of his mouth, too aware of where his mouth had just been. Taehyung didn’t seem to care as he turned and pulled him into a deep kiss, a hand curled tight into his hair. “Together.” Jungkook couldn’t Taehyung’s expression as he rolled his hips down and threw his head back, but the light bite on his neck told him enough. “Jungkook,” Taehyung pulled a pillow behind his back as they sat up and the omega hummed, they moved together as Jungkook settled on his lap and rocked slowly. “You know what might happen after.” The omega’s nose scrunched in thought even though his hips didn’t slow and Taehyung reached out to press a hand against his stomach. His hips came to a halt and the Jungkook stared at the tan hand on his body, his own hand slow to curl around it. “Yes.” He said firmly. He looked up into his alpha’s bright eyes, and repeated it. “Darling, do you remember what I told you when we had that first talk?” Taehyung reached out and pulled him in close so their foreheads touched. “When someone mates into my bloodline?” Jungkook rolled his eyes. “Worth it.” He said and then kissed him again, hard. “Love you.” He added in a softer voice. “I love you, Jungkook.” The alpha’s eyes slipped closed for a second, before they opened and a free hand trailed down his back. “I’ll say it everyday for the rest of our lives.” There was a split second of silence, before Jungkook’s eyes shuttered closed and his back pulled ramrod straight. “Relax darling.” Taehyung hushed, and the omega slowly rolled his hips.

“Didn't even see you grab lube.” Jungkook joked weakly, and Taehyung giggled into his shoulder. “I can be sneaky when I want to, Kookie.” The alpha sucked lightly along the curve of his neck and then sighed softly. He kept his movements slow, Jungkook’s body was already hot Taehyung didn’t want to cause him more pain. His touch was as gentle as he could make it, Jungkook was almost entirely certain of that. “I’m not glass.” The omega groaned. “Give me all of you.”

Hours, days- Jungkook was barely aware of how much time had passed since his heat had hit full force. He had expected the worst after what he had put his body through and had only gotten bliss. As soon a they had become one the omega’s mind had been wiped clean and any thoughts that had plagued his mind before were completely replaced with only one thing. Taehyung. His alpha was gentle beyond all belief, even as Jungkook only got more desperate for more, more, more. He met every request with a smile and a kiss and there was no hint that he’d never helped an omega through a heat before as he made sure he ate and stayed hydrated. “So beautiful.” The words had been repeated over and over again, said between kisses and whispered against his skin. Taehyung seemed determined to make him believe it as he worshiped every inch of him. “You’re all mine.” The alpha growled and Jungkook could only whine in response. “So perfect. Can’t believe I got so lucky.” The blonde’s mouth latched onto the bruised skin along the omega’s neck, a familiar trial for his lips and tongue. “Gonna do it right here,” he mumbled, and Jungkook’s arms wrapped tightly around his shoulders with a groan, “gonna mark you right over what that other bastard alpha left you. You’re gonna smell like me, and I’m gonna smell like you.” “Can’t...wait.” Jungkook’s hair was plastered to his face and he was sure he was as read as a tomato from how hot he felt but through the overwhelming pleasure and happiness he couldn’t stop his toothy smile. Taehyung leaned back just enough to meet his eyes and sighed. “Beautiful.” He repeated. “No,” Jungkook took a deep breath and shook his head, Taehyung’s hips slowed to a slow rock and in between soft moans he pulled his alpha close, “ can’t wait.” He said again, and he tipped his head to the side. “Please, Tae, want it. Want your mark.” The light of the room was dim, maybe evening or early morning he didn’t know, but even with limited light he could see the fire in his alpha’s eyes. “Yeah, okay.” He agreed breathlessly, and then he shifted his weight and Jungkook’s eyes rolled back. Years and years before he had gotten bitten in nearly the same spot by an entirely different type of alpha. The man had been distant and cold and had cared more about his own wealth than he did about others. The bond had been stagnant and unloving, just like the relationship had been. The moment that Taehyung’s teeth broke through skin was anything but ‘cold’. With only their natural bond he had only been able to feel his stronger emotions, a general direction of his location. As their minds linked and their bodies really became one he could feel everything. Stories about True Mates had always written them in a romantic light and Jungkook could see why. He could feel Taehyung’s heartbeat as if it was his own, his emotions like he was the source, he

could feel his own physical pleasure like a wave of euphoria across his nerves. His nails dug into his back and Taehyung grunted at the sharp pain, just as Jungkook felt it echo on his own skin. Then, as the alpha slowly pulled back and kissed around the mark he felt the final piece of the mark snap into place. The pack had always felt so far away before when he was unmarked, more of a stranger than their Luna, but as the bond solidified and he caught his breath from the intensity he could feel each member snap into place. They weren’t as ‘present’ as Taehyung, but each member of the pack was like a little piece of himself finally made sense. As if the world had finally righted itself. “All mine.” Taehyung said again, and Jungkook couldn’t stop his giggles even as his heat reared its head back once again.

Chapter End Notes

twt

cc

(i'm new to twitter but here's my new acct!) i hope you guys enjoyed this one! i keep mentioning but i'll say it again, thank you for reading! i appreciate each and every one of you that reads this story. these last couple chapters were hard for me to get out so i'm glad that people are so supportive. please let me know what y'all think!

the family is a link to our past and a bridge to our future Chapter Summary

The tides are turning, but who knows if it will be enough when life throws curve balls.

Chapter Notes

title quote by: alex haley there's a bit of a shift to this chapter- hope you enjoy! introducing some new characters!

See the end of the chapter for more notes

The day after his heat finally broke Jungkook woke up feeling more energized than he had in weeks. There was a lightness in his body that had never been there before. As he crawled out of bed, Taehyung elsewhere in the house on the phone with Seokjin, there almost a bounce to a step. He hummed an aimless little song to himself as he changed his clothes and set to fix the sheets. “Jin set up a meeting tomorrow- with a pack we used to have more regular contact with.” Taehyung’s voice suddenly cut in and Jungkook looked up from where he was slowly dismantling his nest. The alpha looked like he had more to say but he cut himself off with a frown. “Hey, you don’t need to get rid of it?” He started but Jungkook shook his head. “It’s okay. It doesn’t feel...necessary, anymore.” It was hard to put into words how he felt, but Taehyung seemed to get it anyway if his small nod was any indicator. “What were you saying before?” He knew that the Beta had been busy while they were...busy, but because of his heat he didn’t actually know what all had happened while they were gone. Taehyung moved to sit on the bed next to what was left of the nest and tossed his phone to the side. “When we went after my brother the first time we lost support from some of the other packs we used to work with. Seokjin said he got one to agree to a meeting between me and their Alpha.” There was something about Taehyung’s tone that made Jungkook pause and he dropped the blanket in his hands to sit next to his mate. “What’s up? You’re acting weird.” He didn’t want Taehyung to hold in whatever it was that was bothering him. They were a team, Jungkook wanted to share his burdens as well. They didn’t keep anything from each other. “Sorry, darling.” The alpha said with a wry smile, but he didn’t say anything for a moment. “Did you…” Jungkook trailed off, and grabbed Taehyung’s hand softly, “have another vision?” His mate hadn’t brought it up for a few weeks, but something that the alpha had said when they had barely known each other still rang in his mind during the quieter moments. ‘I only see things related to those I’m close to’, he’d said. ‘The longer I’m away, the less frequent they are’. Fortunately the alpha shook his head, although his smile was replaced by a frown at the thought.

“No, although that’s sort of been bothering me too, to be honest. I’ve been around the pack more in the last few months that I have since I was a child.” He trailed his thumb across the omega’s fingers, his free hand a tight fist on his thigh. “It used to get so bad I would be on bed rest for days.” He revealed, and Jungkook bit his lip. “Anyway,” Taehyung said suddenly, and straightened up with another smile. “I’m getting off track- I’m more worried about having to step into shoes I’m not ready to fill yet.” Jungkook could only let out a soft laugh and lean in to press a kiss to the corner of his mouth. “Baby,” He said with a smile, and Taehyung looked surprised at the term of endearment, “you’ve been filling those shoes for months .” His alpha’s eyes widened- those beautiful crystalline, blue eyes that had pulled Jungkook in from the moment he’d seen them. “The moment you decided to take your position seriously? To become the Alpha everyone knew you could be? That’s when you really became their Alpha.” There was a beat of silence before Taehyung chuckled. “Where have you been hiding all this wisdom?” Taehyung teased, and the omega rolled his eyes with a smile. “Under my sparkling personality and my gorgeous face.” He deadpanned, and Taehyung’s head tipped back with a burst of laughter. “Now, help me make the bed.” Was what he had tried to say until Taehyung had suddenly rolled them over so his back hit the mattress. There was a couch pillow pressed into the small of his back and a few more rolled to the floor, but all Jungkook could focus on was the wet heat of his alpha’s lips on his; he groaned into the kiss, one hand raised to curl into his hair and one ankle already hooked around his leg. “Love you so much.” Taehyung mumbled against his mouth. “So smart, and funny, and beautiful. Absolutely perfect, darling.” “You say that to all the omegas?” Jungkook giggled and scratched his nails down the back of his neck. Taehyung huffed and gave his mate a dark look, but Jungkook only pulled him in for another kiss. “The meeting is going to be fine .” He stressed. “You’re going to do great.”

“This is not going to end well.” Seokjin’s tense voice made Taehyung’s face pulled into a tight frown, his eyes dark with a glare. “Taehyung, they’ve been at this way longer than any of us havetheir pack is old . We have nothing to offer them, nothing to-!” “Seokjin,” Jungkook cut in with a smile, and the Beta’s eyes snapped over. “It won’t any of us to just try, yeah?” The other pack was due to arrive in only minutes and Seokjin had been freaking out for nearly two hours. “We won’t know what will actually happen until they get here, right? There’s no point in stressing out about it right now.” “Yeah, so sit your ass down.” Taehyung snipped, but Jungkook quickly reached over and smacked his shoulder. “Hey!” “Don’t get an attitude now, oh Alpha of mine.” Jungkook said with a finger pointed at his face. “This doesn’t mean you’re off the hook either.” There was muffled laughter from behind them but he only focused on the way Taehyung’s expression hardened and his posture straightened. He couldn’t hold his serious for long though and they both giggled at each other. Before they could say anything more however there was a sudden slam of a car door and everyone’s attention snapped to the front door. There were a few more slams and Seokjin jumped up like someone had lit a fire under his seat. “They’re here.” He breathed and Taehyung took a deep breath

in as he hurried to the door and stepped outside. They could hear some muffled speaking and Jungkook let himself be pulled into his mate’s side. Yoongi and Hoseok were at the back wall, behind their Alpha and Luna; Jungkook simply followed Taehyung’s lead as he was maneuvered closer to the door. Jungkook could feel Seokjin’s worry and anxiety through the pak bond but unlike the stressnervestension he could feel from Taehyung the Beta was much harder to read. Then the door cracked open and Seokjin’s voice became clearer. “...again, thank you for making the drive, Alpha Jung.” The Beta stepped back inside and three wolves followed in after him. Their scents were an assault to Jungkook’s nose, but not necessarily in a bad way. They were posturing, which made sense when one considered they had just willingly stepped into the home of a pack full of alphas. “Alpha, this is Alpha Jung Taekwoon, his mate Luna Hakyeon, and one of their betas: Wonsik.” Seokjin introduced and the unfamiliar pack bowed their heads silently. The Alpha was tall , Jungkook noted, they all were. He could almost feel Yoongi’s disgruntled stare at their backs. However, there was something odd, he noted, as he watched how the Alpha gave them a very demure smile. “A pleasure to meet you,” Taehyung said pleasantly, although there was still a bead of tension in his voice that made Jungkook press a little closer to him. “This is my mate Jungkook, along with my Second, Yoongi, and another one of my alphas, Hoseok. Of course you met my Beta, Seokjin, already.” He said with a small gesture to the wolves around him, although the other omegaHakyeon- didn’t take his eyes off of Jungkook. “Thank you for coming, I appreciate even just this show of good faith.” “Ah,” Taekwoon started with a shy smile, and Jungkook’s head cocked just slightly in confusion, “it’s nothing, really.” Why was this Alpha so shy, he wondered. His mate stood with his arms crossed across his chest, as if he was ready to throw down at the drop of a hat, but the Alpha seemed to almost cower under the attention. He had power sure, he was an alpha, but there was something off. “What my mate means to say is that we think we might be getting just as much out of this as you will. Assuming this all goes well.” Hakyeon said with a small smile and Jungkook suddenly laughed as it clicked. Of course . All eyes darted to him and he could see Seokjin’s bug eyed stare across the room. Even his bond with Taehyung suddenly tightened as if a fist had clenched around his heart. “I think there’s been a bit of a misunderstanding, Luna.” He said, and Hakyeon’s eyes flashed like he suddenly understood as well. “Pardon me if I’m wrong, but you’re the real leader, aren’t you?” He asked, and then the other Alpha laughed softly as well. “Sorry, Alpha Taekwoon, if I overstepped my bounds.” The Alpha only shook his head and held up his hands with another one of those shy smiles. “I am the Alpha in biology only- and that’s completely fine by me. Hakyeon has more qualities of a great Alpha in one finger than I’ll ever have.” Hakyeon looked like he wanted to argue that but Taekwoon only set a hand on his shoulder and motioned to their still unused seats. “Let’s sit?” They silently sat down, Seokjin in his own armchair as the mated pairs took separate love seats. Taehyung grabbed his hand as they moved and pressed a light kiss to the back, a small smile on his lips. A silent ‘good job’ passed between them that made Jungkook flush with both pride and embarrassment. “I’ll be honest- I didn’t know what to expect from an unknown wolf, Jungkook.” Hakyeon started. “I think we’ll get along, though. You impressed me.” “Jeon’s are taught to read a room, even the omegas.” He said simply, and the other omega’s brows

lifted in surprise. “I didn’t think any of you were still alive.” He said bluntly, and Jungkook just blinked. “Not enough to count.” There was a moment of silence between them, not necessarily awkward but more unsure, until Taehyung curled an arm around his shoulders and coughed lightly. “I don’t mean to change the subject, but we did have a fairly urgent reason to invite you here.” Seokjin perked up at that and pulled a few files out from who knows where, the rest of the room turned their attention to the Beta as he organized a few papers. “As is customary of a Challenge, Taehyung will need to fight Alpha Solar.” “Unfortunately-,” Taehyung cut in, “that’s only the physical part.” Hakyeon nodded and leaned into his Alpha’s side with a stern expression. “With your pack’s reputation, I doubt they’ll take your sudden appearance very well. Solar has made a name for herself, and I have to admit I was surprised to hear that she had Challenged you. Although, now that I know you have a Jeon in your pack I’m not as surprised. You’re worth quite a bit, Jungkook.” He said back to the omega and Jungkook snorted. “If there was a fortune left I would have gone back and grabbed it.” “I’m not talking about money.” He shared a look with the Beta and then the Alphas in the room when they all gave him confused looks. “Are… are you serious? Did none of you think of this?” “Assume we didn’t.” Taehyung said easily, and he rubbed a hand over Jungkook’s shoulder. “Tell us anyway?” The omega sighed heavily, although Jungkook suspected that he was actually pleased to have thought of something they hadn’t. “The Jeon’s gained influence through marriage- making bonds with other packs through arranged matings and such. I can only assume you were apart of that as well, Luna.” Jungkook nodded, and he continued. “You’ve mated one of the very last Jeons around. I can only assume that would give you authority over those bonds, if not at least the best chances. Solar is Challenging you for his land.” “Oh.” Jungkook breathed, and Taehyung looked down at him with curious eyes. “Tae, I totally forgot about any of that- I- my father was Alpha . By all rights whoever I mated was supposed to become the next head of the family when they stepped down- Tae-.” He twisted in his seat and grabbed his alpha’s hand. “Tae, anything my family has is yours now, all of it.” The implications came to his mate quickly, and he could see the pieces of the puzzle falling into place. “You would have their land, agreements, even their businesses.” Hakyeon said matter of factly, and Seokjin let out a shaky whistle. “Plus if what you say is right, Jungkook, it’s not as if anyone is around to argue that fact.” Okay, that stung a little, but he quickly shook it off. “That doesn’t automatically give you everyone’s support, although that should be a nice foothold for you.” Taehyung thought silently for a moment and they all waited patiently as his eyes darted around the room aimlessly. Taekwoon had taken to absentmindedly fiddling with a loose string on one of the couch cushions and he could see their beta Wonsik slowly shifting from side to side as he stood behind them. “We still have one issue.” The Alpha finally said, and Jungkook looked over in confusion. What was the issue? They suddenly had acres and acres of free land, more money directly into their pockets- plus who knew how many new allies to rely on during the Convergence.

“Baekhyun.” Yoongi’s low voice droned, and Jungkook’s body went cold. What? “What do you mean?” He asked tentatively, and Taehyung squeezed his hand tightly. “Your brother?” Hakyeon clarified and Taehyung nodded curtly, “What of him?” That was when Taekwoon spoke up again with that soft voice of his. “He committed quite an atrocity, Hakyeon. I understand their parents were involved too. I don’t think there’s ever been so many dead wolves in such a short period of time. ” He said to the Alpha, and Taehyung’s face pinched with pain but he nodded anyway. “Of course, you killed your fair share of wolves too, didn’t you?” Taekwoon finished inquisitively, although his tone didn’t sound malicious. He simply stated it as if it was a fact. Jungkook let out a soft hum, his brow furrowed. They’d never really talked about those two years the pack had been at war. Jungkook had assumed if it had really been so pressing Taehyung would have brought it up to him. Killing another wolf seemed pretty damned pressing- but he would save that for later. “I was angry.” Taehyung said quietly, and there was the shuffle of footsteps before Yoongi appeared behind them and laid a hand on his shoulder silently. “That’s not an excuse for my actions but it’s all I can give as an explanation.” “You were, what- 15?” Hakyeon asked softly, and Taehyung nodded. “You did as much as any of us would have in your position. The fact that you were able to stop yourself, pull yourself back even if only ended with more self-destruction is still something .” He looked over at Seokjin and then back at Taehyung. “If you need us there for you at the Convergence, we will be.” He said confidently, and Taehyung’s shoulders sagged in relief. “But you need to contact those other packs!” He said with a finger pointed at the Alpha, and Jungkook thought to less than an hour ago when he was in the exact same position. “We won’t lie and say we have a huge standing ourselves,” Taekwoon cut in, “us joining forces and then you also gaining other outside support will greatly increase our own standing as well.” Jungkook’s alpha let out a soft laugh. “Don’t worry.” He stood up and held a hand out to the omega, who stood and clasped forearms with him with a smirk. “We protect our own.” Taehyung said seriously, and Taekwoon’s eyebrows rose in surprise before he stood up as well with a grin. “You’re a strange one, V .” He said lightly, and Taehyung shrugged. If he was bothered by the unwanted nickname he didn’t show it, although Jungkook was sure he was a little peeved on the inside. He was proud that his Alpha was so good at keeping his composure- between the attack from Baekhyun, the envoy from the Sun Pack, even the incident with Jongin those weeks ago. He faced everything straight faced, as if everything was a life or death moment. “It’s kept me alive this long.”

Another two weeks passed in a flurry of meetings and random envoys from various packs. Jungkook spent the better part of a week simply sitting by Taehyung’s side as he and Seokjin spoke with Alphas, and the rest of the time was spent taking short naps and eating more than he ever had before. He’d become much closer to Kyungsoo during that time as the beta spent a lot of time making food for the pups in the pack, as well as for the constantly shifting patrols. “It’s easier to think I’m helping when I’m keeping them fed.” The beta said one afternoon as they stood side by side peeling potatoes. “I’ve never had a talent for tracking, or any sort of fighting.” The

older wolf was a bit smaller than some of the other wolves his age- although Jungkook would never voice that thought out loud. He’d seen a pup make that mistake once and it was enough to convince him to keep his mouth shut. “Jongin says I’m helping, but I think he’ll tell me anything to keep me happy.” He said with a quiet huff. Jungkook perked up at the mention of his mate and glanced over at his elder. “How are you two doing?” He asked tentatively. He’d barely seen the former defectee since they’d brought him back, Hoseok had put him to work doing...something involving Baekhyun and something else about border lines. “Are you asking as a friend or as my Luna?” Kyungsoo asked with a wry smile, and Jungkook snorted. “He’s busy, so I don’t see him much, but I think we’re good. He, uh…” He suddenly looked very focused on his hands and his face flushed bright red. “He asked if maybe we wanted to start a family, someday.” Jungkook couldn’t stop the happy sound that left his throat and he immediately turned to the beta with a wide smile. “Hyung! That’s amazing! What did you say?” It was almost like a breath of fresh air from the tension in the air from the Challenge to hear about something so pure . Bangtan had been on edge from the moment that Taehyung had announced his upcoming fight, although the renewed faith in their Alpha had done a lot to ease their worries. However, Kyungsoo didn’t look nearly as excited as Jungkook thought he might. “It’s just...it doesn’t seem like the right time. We spent nearly eight years apart, I don’t know if we’ll be ready for that sort of commitment anytime soon? Is that irrational of me?” He looked up at the omega but Jungkook shook his head. “I don’t think so, although I am surprised to hear you say that. You said that he asked if you could start a family someday , right?” The beta nodded. “I think he just wants to know if you still want that sort of commitment with him because you spent so long apart.” Jungkook lifted a hand absentmindedly to the mark on his neck and Kyungsoo’s eyes traced the movement. “That’s a big commitment in itself, don’t you think?” “Hm, that’s true.” He said with a frown, and then he turned it back around. “Have you and our dear Alpha talked about starting a family at all? I know you only just got mated, but I assume you’ve at least mentioned it.” Jungkook thought to the hazy memories of his heat, of Taehyung’s worried voice asking if he was still sure, and even before that when they had that first serious talk all those months ago. The fact that whatever had affected Taehyung would eventually come for him as well had never left his mind, even if he had never brought it up again. It was a daunting idea, to think that just them wanting to have children- make a life together- would inevitably end in his death. He didn’t think he was scared to die if it meant he had left knowing he’d had a life worth living but...it was hard to say. Harder to really put thoughts and words to. “It’s a little complicated right now.” He eventually said, and Kyungsoo nodded like he understood anyway. “I think...No, I know I want to, but I think Tae might be a bit more hesitant. Between the Challenge and the fact that we only just mated I think he’d prefer if we waited.” “Well, if the rumors around the compound have any truth you two are very compatible,” Kyungsoo’s hands went back to their task as he spoke with a small smirk, “and I think he might have to rethink that.” “What?”

The beta didn’t look up. “True Mates, right? I don’t know who heard but people have been talking about it for weeks now. I’m not surprised you haven’t heard though, since you two live outside of the pack house. Either way, if you two were soulmates then there’s no way you won’t end up pregnant sooner rather than later.” He spoke as if the words weren’t like a brick to Jungkook’s face. The omega’s jaw dropped at the realization, and then his eyes dropped to his stomach. There were bits of potato skins stuck to his shirt and he knew there was a stain somewhere around the hem but all he could focus on was the curve of his belly just above his waist band. Pregnant? Again? The words didn’t quite connect as he stared at himself, and then Kyungsoo’s damp hand gently caught his elbow and he looked over with wide eyes. “Hey, it’s okay.” The beta assured. “It’s not a 100% guarantee, nothing is. I mean if you really think you are then first of all congratulations, but you should give Junmyeon a call.” His doctor from the attack? Jungkook frowned, and Kyungsoo smiled. “Trust me, he’s a bit more qualified to do more than just stitch us up. Not many wolves take the initiative to go to school, let alone years and years of medical. He can help, or he can point you towards who can.” He nodded, although he wasn’t completely aware of doing so. Jungkook could barely believe it even if was only speculation. He had taken a lot of naps recently- although he had chalked that up to his stress and his body re-regulating itself after his heat. It had been...years, since his girls and it was still too raw to talk about at length. He could barely remember what it felt like, or what to expect. Jungkook could only remember the pain of the realization that he would never be a parent, that his babies would never see the light of day- but he was going to do the same thing wasn’t he? Have a child, live a few years, then die because the love of his life’s ancestor fucked over a witch? Could he put his children through that? Put Taehyung through that?

Chapter End Notes

twt

cc

hey! i have a new fic called 'a series of hellos and goodbyes'! and i'm super proud of it! and i would love if you gave it a look-see! here come say hi! it's a nearly 64k long fic about how trauma doesn't define a person, and how sometimes not even distance can break true love- plus it has a few oc's that i love like my own children and social media posts i made myself! but enough about h&g- if you liked this chapter please let me know! i love each and every one of your comments, they mean the world to me and they keep me going! are you excited for what's to come? who else do you think will be introduced in the coming chapters?? lmk!

worrying about how things might go wrong doesn't help things to go right Chapter Summary

Jungkook proves time and time again that he's incapable of not overthinking things.

Chapter Notes

title quote by: karen salmansohn (you guys have gotten this to 600+ kudos, and 13k+ hits i'm so HAPPY i LOVE YOU GUYS. i'm so THANKFUL that you have given this fic so much attention and love) there's description of panic attacks in this chapter, more heavily towards the second halfi won't blame any of you for skipping it. that being said, i tried not to go into too much detail, not like i have in my other fic.

See the end of the chapter for more notes

He spent the next few weeks hyper aware of any changes to his body. He double checked what he ate, he watched his waistline near obsessively, and he pointedly ignored any time he got randomly nauseous.“You sure you’re okay, kid?” Yoongi asked, and the Luna paused before he nodded slowly. He’d just about thrown up his dinner in front of the mated pair, but he lowered his hand from his mouth and swallowed back the nasty taste at the back of his throat. “It’s just...you’ve been a little out of it recently. Did Taehyung do something?” The Second would be the first to admit that he wouldn’t be afraid to put their Alpha in his place if it was ever needed. “No, no everything’s fine.” He assured, although by Jimin’s frown across the table he hadn’t been entirely convincing. “I’ve just been worrying for no reason.” Lies. All lies. His conversation with Kyungsoo was still fresh in his mind, the idea planted firmly in his mind. Very compatible , he’d said. He hadn’t gone to see a doctor yet. Denial, maybe. Something like forced ignorance: if it wasn’t confirmed then he could ignore it for a while longer. At least until his instincts pushed him to take care of himself, keep out of danger in any way, prepare for a possible child . Like he said: denial, maybe. He could put up a confident front like the best of them but…but dying? Months ago his biggest worry had been whether or not his barista job would be enough to keep him fed, if he’d be able to stay at the hostel for another week. He’d since found the man he wanted to spend the rest of his life with, friends he could count on, he’d even been able to feel what a real pack felt like. Now he had to worry about hiding his constantly upset stomach and his rapidly increasing fainting spells from not only his best friends but the most possessive and observant alpha known to wolf kind. “Well,” Jimin frowned but it didn’t look like he was going to push the issue, “you know you can always talk to us, right?” He assured and Jungkook gave him a bright smile, more authentic than he’d been able to give in a few days. The couple had become a very welcome, incredibly strong

support system to him ever since he’d come to Bangtan- he didn’t think he’d ever be able to thank them enough. “Of course.” His smile widened and although Yoongi didn’t look very convinced they both slowly went back to their conversation- something about Yoongi’s patrols. He had admittedly zoned out a while before but they didn’t seem to upset that he wasn’t really paying attention. Taehyung had been busy in the last few weeks, with the Convergence getting closer and closer with only a little over a month away he had found himself swamped with paperwork. The revelation about the Jeons had pushed Seokjin into a phone call frenzy and the Beta was determined to get any possible edge to help with the Challenge. The Alpha had been in an out of phone calls and Skype meetings ever since. “Hey, Kook.” His head snapped up at the voice and he was startled to see the table clear and Jimin nowhere to be seen. Yoongi dropped down into the seat across from him with an unreadable expression. “Jimin is in our room,” he offered as an explanation and the omega frowned, “so you don’t need to try and put up a facade around me, okay? What’s really going on?” Jungkook’s brow furrowed in confusion but Yoongi quickly held up a hand. “Hey, don’t think I’m tryin’ to pressure you to tell me. I can smell that there’s something wrong, Kook.” He added softly. Jungkook flushed at that and immediately wrapped his arms around himself as if that would be able to stop it. “I...I don’t…” “I don’t blame Taehyung for not noticing- he’s been busy and to be honest you always smell a little stressed.” Yoongi propped his chin on his palm and stared at the omega with his sharp eyes. Jungkook tried not to cower under his scrutinizing gaze but his already frazzled nerves made it a little hard to keep a straight face. “What’s up?” He couldn’t tell him what he was really worried about, Jungkook thought. He didn’t even know if there was any truth to it, didn’t want to be the one to spill Taehyung’s family secret just because he was freaking out. “Taehyung…” He started, and the Second’s eyes narrowed. “He’s kind of...has he always been this…” He bit his lips, frustrated that he couldn’t get the words to form the way he wanted them too. It wasn’t what was really wrong, but it had been no less of a worry at the back of his mind. “Has he always been so prone to violence?” He immediately cringed at his wording but Yoongi seemed to have understood either way. “Is this about the beta from the Sun Pack?” He asked calmly, but Jungkook chewed on his lip nervously. “Not- not entirely. I mean, that’s part of it yeah, but also the thing with Jongin when we brought him back, and then the fight with Baekhyun…” He trailed off for a second. “It’s scary.” He finally said. “To see that he’s so ready to just hurt someone like that.” “I’ll admit I shouldn’t be the one to talk to about this.” Yoongi said honestly. “But I know that if this is really bothering you, Tae would be upset that you didn’t bring it up to him. Me and Jimin have had similar conversations, trust me. Don’t think that he enjoys it, though.” He reminded him softly and Jungkook nodded slowly, he knew he should bring it up to his Alpha but he had other things to do first. The alpha smiled at him and reached out too squeeze his shoulder gently. “Hey, let’s go lay down for a bit. I’m sure Jimin would love to be able to cuddle with you for a bit before you head back.”

He didn’t bring it up immediately. He spent days split between what needed to be addressed first,

what was a more important issue (although his brain knew which one really needed to be talked about first). So, it never came up. He busied himself around the pack house making meals, talking to some of the pack he still hadn’t become acquainted with and helping the other omegas with meals and watching the pups. The house was empty when Jungkook got home one night after spending a few hours around the pack house, he could hear the crunch of tires as Namjoon pulled away but it was otherwise silent. “Tae?” He called hesitantly, but there wasn’t an immediate response. “Taehyung?” His feet carried him to their bedroom on the off chance his alpha was asleep but as he pushed the door open he could only see the rumpled sheets from that morning. Their closet was still cracked open from where Jungkook had rushed to grab a hoodie that morning and had forgotten to close it. Still, no Taehyung. He couldn’t remember if the alpha had told him he’d be out late but his mouth settled into a frown either way. He couldn’t remember the last time he’d gotten ready for bed by himself. Even with everything in his head he still craved the warmth only his alpha could give him. However just as he was about to peel his jeans off there was the familiar pophiss of the front door and Jungkook bounced back into the hall with a smile. All too familiar long legs kicked off their boots, and long ringed fingers sleepily combed through blonde hair. It was getting longer, Jungkook noted distantly. The back had begun to flip out from where it had grown out, and it hung in Tae’s eyes more than it used to. “Kook- oh, there you are.” Taehyung cut himself off with a smile and Jungkook hurried forward to bury his nose where his scent was the strongest. “Hey, you okay?” His alpha asked a little worriedly from the sudden show of affection, but Jungkook only sighed and hugged him tightly. Then his eyes snapped open and he leaned back with a frown. “You smell like someone else?” He wasn’t accusing but Taehyung flushed anyway and held up his hands. “Someone thought they could sneak through our land to get to a pack north of us.” He said quickly, and Jungkook’s frown deepened for different reasons. Someone new? “I went to speak with him… but it only ended in a fight.” Taehyung’s hands dropped to his shoulders as he let out a sudden heavy sigh. “Some older wolf who wasn’t very familiar with how we do things- I didn’t even recognize his pack. He thought he could just try and make me submit to let him through.” Jungkook hummed and leaned back to hold him close again; Taehyung’s hands slid from his shoulders and down his arms and around his back as he slowly started to waddle them to their room. “What did you do?” “We fought for a minute, and I broke his arm, and then we reached an understanding and I let him go back home. Then Jin gave me a different shirt.” Now that he mentioned it Jungkook could barely detect the scent of the Beta in the fabric. Then his mind caught up to the words and he suddenly wrenched himself out of the alpha’s arms. “Kookie?” “You fought him? And broke his arm?” Jungkook didn’t know what exactly about that bothered him, but he couldn’t deny the sudden clench in his gut at the thought. So much violence , he thought. With Baekhyun, and that sort of fight with Jongin, and then that beta girl he had threatened… His mind suddenly went back to that late night conversation with Yoongi. “Why are you…” he cut himself off before he could say something too rash, but by the twist in Taehyung’s expression he knew something was wrong.

“I’m the Alpha, Jungkook.” He said plainly, and the omega resisted the urge to flinch at his name. It was never ‘Jungkook’. It was always ‘darling’ or ‘baby’, or even ‘Kookie’ in rare circumstances. “If I don’t put wolves like him in their place then they’re only going to become a bigger problem later.” “You sound like your brother.” The words came out before he could stop them, harsh and more vicious than he’d meant them, and by the time he had registered them Taehyung’s entire being seemed to collapse into itself. His face crumpled and Jungkook gasped as his alpha staggered back. “You-” Taehyung covered his face and leaned back against the nearest wall, sagged against it in exhaustion. “Tae, I’m so sorry- that isn’t what I meant. I swear .” Jungkook rushed to explain, but Taehyung only help up his free hand and cut him off. “I’ll sleep out here tonight.” Taehyung said slowly, as both arms dropped by his sides, Jungkook’s chest tightened so fast and so hard he worried he’d choke. “You can take the bed- I know you haven’t been feeling well.” It was like a double whammy, Jungkook thought as he watched the alpha make his way back into the main room. A night without his alpha, and the risk of the secret even he didn’t know the truth of being revealed to the world. A night without his alpha? Every step he took from his mate made a soft whimper escape his lips, but he pushed past it. He tried. Taehyung didn’t want to share a bed, that was fine. Taehyung didn’t want to talk, that was fine . The door clicked shut behind him and he dropped onto the bed without a word. Taehyung wouldn’t want an omega who hurt him. Taehyung wouldn’t want someone who couldn’t keep their awful thoughts to themselves. ‘Stupid boy’, his mother’s voice echoed at the back of his mind, ‘Jeons don’t mate for love, we mate for the good of the pack. You serve your alpha and you do it with a smile on your face.’ Was that the problem? Jungkook was too worried in making sure that Taehyung was a good leader, a good Alpha, that he had forgotten how to be a good omega? Good omega. Omega. He rolled onto his side and pressed a hand to his stomach. A good omega would have gone to the doctor by now, he knew. They wouldn’t leave everything up to chance. The future Alpha’s heir, a little boy or girl that would outlive him and continue the Kim line. His hand clenched his shirt between his fingers and he curled into himself tighter. He couldn’t be a good omega. He couldn’t. He couldn’t even do the one thing an omega is good at, couldn’t even care for his alpha. There was a shuffle in the main room but he was too distraught to know what exactly it was. “You know you can always talk to us, right?” That night at Jimin and Yoongi’s, they had looked so worried for him. Had offered their time and their space to hear him out, make sure he was feeling okay, make sure that nothing was wrong. Jungkook slowly pushed himself up off the bed, his head fuzzy and his arms weak from his sudden mental crash. Jimin and Yoongi. They said he could talk to them. Taehyung didn’t….he didn’t want to talk. His feet carried him back into the hall, barely aware that he still had shoes on. He had upset his alpha, had said something he hadn’t even meant .

Jimin and Yoongi would want him there. The shuffling had moved to the kitchen. The string that connected him to his alpha, his mate, that bond that let them feel each other so intensely was muted in a way it had never been before. The very thought was another stab of guilt through him and his head throbbed. His eyes and body drifted further down the hall, past the kitchen and the main room, as silently as he could until he was inches from their front steps. “Baby?” His ears didn’t register the voice behind him, and in a sudden burst of energy he had yanked the door back open and he was running.His shoes pounded against the dirt and the cold air whipped past him as he darted into the woods that surrounded the house. He was pack now, he could feel where the couple was despite the distance. Jungkook paid no mind to the trees and rocks in his way, to the shouting behind him that he couldn’t hear. His wolf pushed him faster, faster and faster just like that night all those months ago. He had no idea how far he’d really gone, or how long it had taken. All he was aware of was the tears that had been forced back as he sprinted, the burn of his eyes from the wind, and the small building away from the pack house where the mated pair lived when away from the pack house. He slammed into the door, too exhausted to catch himself, and his nails weakly scraped against the knob. Then, without a word from himself, the door swung open and he stumbled inside. “Whoa, Jungkook- what the fuck!” Yoongi was obviously startled but his arms wrapped around the shaking omega without another word. “Jimin!” He called behind him, but Jungkook weak hands reached up to grab his shirt. “Kook, come on, what’s wrong?” Clearly frazzled he tried to pull him further into the house, until a shout pulled their attention. “Jungkook!” Taehyung’s blonde hair glowed in the darkness, his eyes wide even from where they both stood. He was clearly run ragged from the chase, and his face was scratched from the stray branches; Jungkook was sure he looked no different. The omega’s heart seized in his chest, an awful mix of fear and adoration. His alpha had chased after him? Had followed him the whole way? He looked down at Yoongi with wide, wide eyes. He couldn’t see him, couldn’t talk to him. Almost like he could feel his intent Yoongi kicked out and the front door slammed behind them. There was a moment of silence and then the unmistakable sound of a fist against wood met their ears; Jungkook flinched at the loud sound and a growl rose from Yoongi’s chest, his eyes flashing at the door. “If you break that door down I won’t hesitate to break your arms!” He snapped, and the pounding stopped. Then, with a whimper and a tug at that cold, cold feeling in his heart, Jungkook fainted.

He came to, to a low murmur in the room; He could smell something artificial in the air, feel the soft cotton of the blankets around him, and hear what seemed to be voices. His eyes slowly cracked open, sore and dry, and they slowly focused on the blank ceiling of the mystery room. Then, as he slowly worked up the effort to sit up, he noticed the voices had stopped and there was the scrape of a chair before footsteps made their way closer. “Kookie?” Jungkook looked to the side and stared as Jimin slowly sat down on the edge of the bed he was one. “Hey, you feeling better?” He asked tentatively, and Jungkook frowned. What? Seeing

his confusion the older omega sighed and reached out to brush his hair out of his eyes, his touch gentle. “You showed up yesterday at our door- which is totally fine, but you were crying and running away from Taehyung?” He explained slowly; Jungkook’s mind whirled at the information, his mind piecing together the events of just hours ago. “Yoongi locked him out.” He added as an afterthought. “I don’t know what happened,” another voice suddenly cut in, and they both looked over to see Yoongi leaned against the wall, “but you’re welcome to stay as long as you need.” The alpha’s serious expression was softened by the genuine concern in his eyes Jungkook stayed silent and leaned back against the pillows under his head. He didn’t know what exactly had caused his breakdown, although it wasn’t too hard to think of reasons. Stress, anxiety, the ever looming threat of death. The omega felt tears well up again just at the reminder. A shaky hand shifted under the covers and his friends watched as he pressed a shaky hand to his abdomen, just above the waistband of the jeans he was still in. It was only a second before Jimin suddenly gasped and jumped up. “Yoongi- out!” He snapped, and his mate only gave him a look of confusion before he stepped out. The alpha moved quickly and Jimin hurried after him to make sure the door was completely shut and then he turned back to Jungkook. They both knew that a door wasn’t enough to stop werewolf hearing but neither one brought it up. “How long?” He whispered. “Well,” Jungkook let out a wet laugh, although there was nothing bright or humorous about it. “I think we both know the answer to that. Not that I’ve gotten it confirmed, anyway.” He added, and Jimin moved to crawl onto the bed next to him. “Is that why…?” He trailed off, but Jungkook shook his head. “Does he even know?” Jimin’s eyes were already wide but they seemed to get even bigger as Jungkook only repeated the action. “Jungkook!” He exclaimed incredulously; then, probably realizing just what had happened the day before, he took a deep breath. “Ok, wait. What happened yesterday?” The million dollar question, Jungkook thought. “Did Taehyung do something to upset you?” That was when Jungkook snorted as he rolled over to curl around the older man, his face buried in his shirt. “I wish it was that easy.” His voice was rough from crying, his face and muscles ached from the sudden sprint he had done yesterday. “I hurt him. Really bad.” ‘ Just like your brother’ echoed in his memory and he squeezed his eyes shut; Jimin’s strong arms curled around his shoulders and pulled him in even closer. “I said something horrible, and I made him so upset . I didn’t- I didn’t mean to say it, but then I tried to apologize and he didn’t let me. He didn’t…” He felt a child. Jungkook had freaked out just because Taehyung wasn’t going to sleep next to him? Pathetic, he hissed mentally. “He didn’t, what?” Jimin pushed gently, but Jungkook shook his head. He didn’t even want to continue, didn’t want to reveal just how weak he really was. Didn’t want to finally crack and show just how worthless of an omega he really was. Couldn’t keep his alpha happy, couldn’t keep his opinions to himself, couldn’t even admit when he was the one in the wrong. “Kookie, you’re shaking!” Hands pressed against his shoulders, pushed so he was suddenly upright; his head pushed between his knees and gentle fingers through his hair. There was more speaking but his thoughts were too loud in his head. Then, as the fog started the lift there was another shift- and then pain. It was awful, a cramp that only seemed to grow and grow until all he could feel was intense stabbing pain in his abdomen. He hadn’t even registered the cries that spilled from his throat as he rolled over and curled into himself, his arms wrapped tight around his waist.

“Yoongi!” Large hands, different hands, slipped under his body. He bit back a yelp as his head spun and the pain only seemed to get worse, and suddenly they were moving. Walls passed his eyes in a blur, photographs he had never seen and ones he had stared at for hours. The familiar smell of the alpha did nothing to calm him down however as he was carried through they house. If anything the scent of an alpha that wasn’t his only made his hands shake and his tears to double. “Taehyung, I swear to god if you don’t back the fuck up-.” Jungkook tried to open his eyes again, unsure of when they had slipped closed, but there was an unseen force that kept them closed. That scent he knew so well, loved so much, was finally within reach. “He’s going to the hospital, move !” Short fingers hastily brushed hair from his eyes, and despite his blindness he knew it was Jimin. That comforting touch made him sag just slightly and Yoongi’s arms tightened around his chest and legs. His alpha might have said something, but Jungkook was suddenly out. Again.

“Didn’t think I’d be seeing you so soon, Luna.” The warm voice made Jungkook blink slowly as he once again opened his eyes to an unfamiliar room. A familiar face made its way closer and it took the omega second before he recognized his surgeon, Kim Junmyeon. “Before I get into what’s happened, I wanted to ask if you wanted me to call in the Alpha?” He asked kindly. “He’s been in the waiting room for quite a while, but his Second is quite adamant about keeping out of the room.” “...he has?” He didn’t know who he was more surprised about, but it was probably a healthy dose of both. “I...I don’t know.” he admitted, and Junmyeon didn’t seem too surprised by his answer. He adjusted the binder in his hands with a nod. “Understandable after you’ve put your body through so much, or maybe I should say it’s put you through so much. From what Park Jimin tells me you had two panic attacks fairly close together?” Jungkook could only nod, the older omega would know better than he would. He didn’t even know what day it was. “Are you still feeling those symptoms? Loss of breath, overwhelming anxiety, lightheadedness?” He listed off, and Jungkook shook his head slowly. All he was truly aware of was that he was suddenly back in the hospital, only a couple months after the last time. There wasn’t an IV in his arm, and he didn’t seem to have any bandages anywhere. An improvement from his previous visit. “Doctor…” He started slowly, and the older man immediately stepped closer with an inquisitive look. “Am I…?” He almost didn’t want to know, but there was no way they hadn’t checked. Jimin wouldn’t have kept information like that away from a medical professional. The surgeon only hesitated for a moment before he glanced down at his paperwork with a sigh. “I would have liked if you had been able to find out under better circumstances.” He said with a frown, and Jungkook’s shaky hands lifted to cover his mouth. He let out a just as shaky sigh and the doctor gave him a small smile. “Congratulations, Luna.” However then Jungkook burst into tears, really ugly tears. “Oh, Jungkook.” The doctor came closer and reached out to gently touch his shoulder. “It’s okay, you’re going to be okay. Your baby is healthy, you’re healthy.” Jungkook couldn’t even form the words himself. Again. It had happened again, and this time he was going to be the one to die. “Make him leave.” He choked out as he wiped his eyes in a fruitless effort. “Tell Taehyung to leave . Make him go home, I don’t care how you do it.”

He couldn’t see him. Couldn’t tell him just yet. Of course he had to tell him eventually , but Jungkook couldn’t be blamed for wanting to prolong the inevitable, right? It was that thought that had persuaded himself to convince Yoongi and Jimin to take him somewhere as soon as Junmyeon had signed his release form. They had been skeptical to take him anywhere after the last two days but Jungkook had only needed to give them a look before they had caved. “This reminds me of when you first came to stay.” Jimin’s arm was looped around his elbow as they walked down the crowded walkways of the city’s only indoor mall. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen someone so worried about how much pants cost.” Jungkook barely managed a laugh at that, but it was enough to make his best friend grin up at him. “I used to buy everything second hand.” He reminded him; his free hand lifted to rub at his chest as Jimin giggled quietly. They walked for a while longer, at least until Jimin spotted a store with a sale too good to pass up. With the reassurance he wouldn’t be long he slipped Yoongi’s wallet from his pocket with a kiss to his cheek and skipped through the open archway. Unfortunately, despite the colorful walls and decorations of the different storefronts none of them had been able to muster up a real conversation since they had helped Jungkook out of the hospital. That with the added chest pain where the source of his happiness should have been only added to his upside down mood. He hadn’t been able to feel anything from his mate in hours, and it worried him despite his refusal to talk to him. “Hey, get out of your head.” Yoongi muttered, eyes focused on his face. “Stop overthinking things. Taehyung said you have a bad habit of letting your insecurities build up, and that sometimes you think too much about how your family raised you. Says it’s one of the things he worries about the most for you.” Jungkook stopped in surprise. “He said that?” He didn’t know whether or not to be offended or flattered that his mate had talked about him like that with someone else. “Yeah, when Jun sent me to kick him out of the hospital.” The Luna flinched at the reminder. He couldn’t tell him, not yet. He needed time, maybe. Needed to think, or maybe to not think at all. His thoughts were all over the place. Not a good omega , something hissed, maybe an older teachermaybe a parent. Can’t even have children right , maybe his first alpha, the man who had stolen too much from him. “Hey- what did I say?” The eldest leaned in closer and pulled the omega into his arms, his forehead pressed against Yoongi’s shoulder. “We’re not blaming you. You’ve been through some shit.” They hadn’t even noticed that Jimin had come back, as they slowly separated, until the omega had bounced up to them with a small bag cradled in his hands. “What did you buy?” Jungkook asked, confused by the size of the package. Jimin chewed on his lip for a second, silent as he looked between the bag and their Luna. “Jimin?” “I can’t say I understand what you’re going through,” he suddenly started, and his expression was more serious than he’d been in a while, “but you know I understand how it feels to lose a child.” The reminder made Jungkook hold back another flinch, and both omegas locked eyes for a second. “I just want you to know that nothing bad lasts forever, and that we’ll support you with everything.” He then held out the small bag. Jungkook only hesitated for a moment before he reached out and grabbed the paper, lighter than he thought it was. There wasn’t any tissue paper in the bag, nothing to block his sight from what lay inside other than a half crumpled receipt barely worth mentioning. “Yellow is pretty neutral, so…” He trailed off with a little shrug, and Yoongi leaned over his shoulder to peek into the bag. “I figured it’d be a cute way to tell Tae, too.” He tacked on, and the

Luna chewed on his lip nervously. “Thank you.” He eventually said, and the couple smiled at him. “I think...I think maybe I should go home now.”

Chapter End Notes

twt

cc

wooooooo- this chapter kind of came to me out of nowhere. it actually almost became two separate chapters until i realized they were a little too short individually. so, let me know what you think! i've answered a few questions through dms on twitter, and i'll answer your comments! also, let me know what you'd like to happen next! i have a rough idea of how this fic is going to end, but i'd love to hear your ideas/theories! EDIT: i started a ficlet collection of my so far unused ideas! you can see them here!

the one who deserves you is the one who thinks they don't Chapter Summary

The answer is closer than you think, but not as obvious as it seems.

Chapter Notes

title quote by: unknown early update! are you ready? (you guys don't understand how obsessively i check the kudos/hits on this fic, and the fact that the numbers keep rising is AMAZING. thank you to all of you that read this and keep up with it. thank you to all of you who have commented and kept me going!!)

See the end of the chapter for more notes

The ride to the family house was silent. Jungkook stayed in the backseat as Yoongi drove him, the passenger seat empty; he felt a bit like he was being chauffeured but he didn’t have the energy to make a joke out of it. The small paper bag sat in his lap and it felt pounds heavier than it really was. There was a heaviness in his chest that hadn’t left the moment he’d left the hospital, a weight that made it hard to breathe and think straight. He hadn’t felt anything but cold loneliness from his mate bond. The thought that Taehyung had shut their bond scared him more than the future that awaited them both. “Jungkook,” The Second’s voice suddenly broke through the stifling silence and the omega’s head jerked up in surprise. “We’re here.” He said quietly; as he slowly stepped from the car his wolf whimpered at the oppressive power that radiated from the house. The modern house had always looked too outlandish surrounded by trees but now there was almost a fog of depression over the forest. “It’ll be okay, Kook.” He didn’t know how that was going to be true. He’d made his mate angry, he’d run from his mate, and then during an emotionally intense time that he needed Taehyung there for he’s just thrown him away. It felt like a joke now, to think that he could just show up again and hope they could just, what, work things out? The car was long gone by the time Jungkook had forced himself to take a step. His boots, still caked in mud from his breakdown-induced sprint just the other day, crunched the dead leaves along the walkway, past the soft pink flowers. He remembered when Taehyung had asked for his help in the garden weeks and weeks ago, only to apologize profusely when he learned about the omega’s flower allergy. He’d taken hours out of his day to pull up all of the bulbs, and then had planted Jungkook’s favorite color roses in their places. The windows had their shades pulled, no hint to the state of the inside available to the curious eye.

A deep, shaky breath in, and then he headed to the front door. He couldn’t wait any longer. He’d done enough damage for a lifetime. The passcode was second nature, and he stepped over the threshold of the place he called home for months. However, there was no warm feeling of comfort that came from the sparse decorating and the blank walls, there was only anxiety. “Taehyung?” He called, then winced as his voice cracked. He tried to focus on where that seed of warmth used to sit, but again there was nothing. Tears welled up in his eyes but he sniffed and tried to force them back. Okay, Taehyung probably wasn’t home. That was okay. It was okay. He’d just...wait. Yeah. He hugged the bag to his chest and slowly kicked off his boots. Jungkook would just wait in their room. At least there he could take in his alpha’s scent, lay in the blankets they had shared just days ago before he’d thrown everything to shit. He headed down the hall for that very purpose, eyes set on one specific door, until he passed the one room he’d never entered. It had always been there, a simple door just down the hall from the piano room. Taehyung had told him it was just an empty room, useless to him when he didn’t have anything to put in it. Wishful thinking when he’d had the house built, he’d said. Jungkook had never put much thought into that before, but now he stopped in front of it. A hand reached out to open the door, strangely nervous despite knowing exactly what would be inside. It was an empty room, white walls, wood floors, absolutely no furniture or decorations. As he looked around silently, his eyes roaming over the blank walls, he couldn’t help himself. He could see where a tiny bed would fit perfectly, a dresser would fit nicely under the large window, he could see family pictures spread across the walls- taken by the Alpha, probably. He could imagine constantly tripping over small toys, a perfectly good chest against the wall that was never full like it was supposed to be. Giggles in the air as his alpha chased after the sound of quick, tiny feet. The tears he’d pushed back came forward with a vengeance and he dropped to his knees with a sob. The bag fell to the floor and the small socks inside slid out and across the floor. His hands covered his mouth, his cries muffled as he cried, and cried, and cried. He cried until his body could do nothing but shake, until his eyes burned, until he lost the strength to stay upright and slumped over against the wood. He cried for so long, and so hard, he never even noticed the slam of a door behind him. He hadn’t even noticed the way his breathing had hitched from the sudden tightness in his chest until a large hand, two large hands, had slipped under his body to pull him closer. Familiar lips pressed against his forehead even if he could barely feel it, a broad warm body pressed flush against his. He couldn’t barely feel the warmth as he sobbed into their shirt. “..it’s okay, it’s okay baby. I’m so sorry, so fucking sorry.” Was whispered into his hair but Jungkook didn’t have the energy or means to respond. “Baby, it’s okay,” Taehyung’s voice slowly filtered through the tears, his low, low voice a balm to his shattered nerves. He couldn’t even formulate a thought about how his alpha had found him, how he’d just picked him up as if he hadn’t crushed his heart. “Please, darling, please stop crying.” The alpha sounded like he had tears of his own but Jungkook could only barely focus on the pressure of his arms around him, his body against his. Jungkook tried to speak but he was plastered against his chest, his body suddenly too weak to push himself away. “What was that?” Taehyung leaned back just a bit but it was enough for Jungkook’s voice to croak out a quiet, “I’ll do better.” Other than his labored breaths, his chest still so constricted, the room was completely silent. “I’ll be better.” He whimpered. “What?” Taehyung’s voice cracked with disbelief, but all Jungkook could hear was disappointment. “I’m so sorry.” He cried, “I’ll do better, I’ll do better. Please don’t leave me, please don’t leave me,”

in his panic he hadn’t even noticed how he’d begun to chant it against his shirt, his tear soaked face pressed tight against his shoulder. The alpha’s breathing stuttered and his grip around his body tightened to pull him as close as he could. “Jungkook, shut up, please, stop talking,” Taehyung muttered against his ear and Jungkook squeezed his eyes shut. “Baby, baby , I’m not going anywhere. I’m never leaving you. We’re together forever, Jungkook. It’s us against the world, right? Me, you, the pack- you guys are all I need. I’m never leaving you, never .” He spoke so fiercely that Jungkook couldn’t stop the way his eyes snapped open in surprise. “You,” he used what little strength he had left in his body to lean back enough to meet his alpha’s eyes. It had only been a few days but it felt like he hadn’t seen his mates face in months, years. His bright blue eyes swollen, his nose red, his face drawn and pale. Of course he’d cried too, Jungkook thought, what kind of asshole was he to think that he was the only one affected? “I hurt you.” He choked out. The alpha didn’t react but he pushed forward. “I said- I didn’t mean what I said. I, all this violence is too much for me sometimes but I never should have said what I did.” He’d practiced this part at least on the way home, in the backseat. Had repeated the words over and over in his mind the moment he’d climbed into the car. “I know.” Taehyung said, and Jungkook’s lips parted in shock, his eyes wide and his vision blurred by tears. “It hurt, I won’t lie,” Of course it did, Jungkook knew, he’d seen the way his alpha had reacted when he’d said it, “but I just needed a minute to think about what you said. I didn’t think…” he trailed off and pursed his lips, his mouth a thin white line as he reached out to squeeze Jungkook’s hands tightly. “I didn’t think you’d run from me.” His words were so brittle, his tone unsteady like he still didn’t quite believe it himself. “Did I scare you away?” He suddenly asked, and Jungkook’s mind spun at the question. Scare him away? “What?” He asked dumbly, “Tae, I,” suddenly he flushed in shame at the memory of that night, when he’d gotten lost in his head. “I was going to go to bed, sleep and hope we could talk in the morning,” he started, quieter than before, “and I realized I was going to spend the night alone. I guess it sent my instincts off?” Or he was just fucking crazy, he thought bitterly. A broken omega, just like he’d always thought. He flinched at the thought. “Hey, what did you just think of?” Taehyung suddenly interrupted, his bright eyes narrowed in suspicion. “What exactly did you just think of?” Jungkook stared at him, he didn’t want to say. He couldn’t say it. Months of validation and reassurances and he was going to say that he was worthless after all? Not worth Taehyung’s attention? “Hey, look at me,” his eyes darted up from where they’d dropped down to their hands, “I’m worried about you, darling. What did you just think of?” “I,” He licked his lips nervously and glanced over around the still empty room, “I was thinking that maybe I’m just broken after all.” the words felt like poison, disgusting on his tongue as he forced them out. Then his eyes caught a splash of yellow and widened. The socks were just inches from Taehyung’s boot. Suddenly he couldn’t stop the confessions that spilled from his lips. “I wasn’t able to tell you how much the rejection hurt, I was too afraid to tell you that I didn’t feel well, or that I was uncomfortable with all of the fighting.” Taehyung looked stunned by the sudden influx of information, but he didn’t interrupt and simply pulled the omega’s hands up to kiss the backs of his fingers. “Taehyung, I went to the hospital today.” He confessed, and there was an instant reaction. The alpha’s eyes flashed and suddenly his mate was all over him, as if searching for an obvious mark of injury. “No, Taehyung, listen to me.” Despite the tears and the tension, and there was certainly still tension between them, he gave him a small smile. He gently pulled a hand free and leaned forward,

fingers outstretched to grab the small pieces of cotton. “Here.” He said softly, and Taehyung looked down with a furrowed brow at the two articles of clothing. “Socks?” His head cocked just slightly, face the picture perfect image of confusion. “What does this have to with you going to the…” Jungkook could see the exact moment it clicked, and he gasped as the tears that Taehyung had been holding back himself trailed down his cheeks, his blue eyes bright like two shining crystals beneath his mop of platinum hair. “Jungkookie?” He asked tentatively, his long fingers curled delicately around the soft yellow socks. “Are you pregnant?” His expression was almost unreadable but there was a hint of something maybe like hope in his eyes. The word hadn’t been said yet, not from the doctor nor from Jungkook himself, and he let out a shaky breath as he slowly nodded. “My heat…” He offered as an explanation as he looked back down at their still linked hands and the alpha nodded slowly. “Taehyung, I’m so scared.” He whimpered and he looked up to see those watery blue eyes staring right back at him. A soft hum of something snapped between them, a new note of their bond that he’d never felt before. It felt, younger. “I am too, darling.” Taehyung said shakily, and without another word he reached out to pull the omega into his arms, the motion just enough to throw them back against the floor. “Tell me what you’re thinking, please.” Jungkook’s arms wrapped tightly around him, although Taehyung had a near death grip on him as well. The alpha took a deep breath, so deep Jungkook could almost imagine he could hear it rattle in his chest, right below where his ear rested. “I’m thinking that...that I don’t think I’m prepared to be a dad. That this is probably the worst timing either of us has ever had. That...” he suddenly cut himself off with a wet gasp and Jungkook’s grip tightened as he let loose his own tears into his shirt. How much was he going to be forced to cry? “I’m so fucking afraid to lose you, baby. I’m thinking that I’m the reason your life is falling apart, that the universe must have a sick sense of humor to give you someone so unworthy as your soulmate , that I’m going to be the reason you die .” “Stop it!” Jungkook shook his head and leaned back just enough to catch his eye. They both had tears running down their faces but neither of them cared. “I can’t think about that right now.” He admitted with a shaky lip, his entire face raw from so much crying. “I can’t think about...I can’t think about leaving you, about leaving our baby .” It suddenly felt too real to say out loud, a whole new reality he would be forced to accept. A whole new reality they would both be forced to accept. Taehyung let out a soft noise at the word and twisted to bury his face in Jeongguk’s hair. They were silent for a moment, their worlds changed in only a matter of minutes. They had plenty to talk about still, over time, but Jungkook was growing more and more sure that they would be able to talk everything over, find ways to communicate better. It terrified him to think that they might not be able to do that if something like this happened to them again. “Baekhyun used to talk about breaking the curse.” The alpha mumbled, his words distant as if he was trying to recall a long forgotten memory. “Used to rant about how unfair it was, wonder why none of us had tried to do it before.” The sole interaction he’d ever had with the elder Kim brother made his skin crawl to remember. The claws in his side- his throat- the words he’d whispered in his ear-. Jungkook sat up, his back ramrod straight as that slimy voice came back to him. Taehyung’s worried voice was like a whisper. “‘Kill the one he holds dearest’.” He repeated; the words tasted sour when he thought about who they came from. “What?”

Taehyung had pushed himself up onto his hands and Jungkook waved his around as he tried to explain. “‘Kill the one he holds dearest’, remember, that’s what Baekhyun said to me when he tried to kill me.” There was an immediate growl in response but Jungkook shushed him gently. “Tae, me , he was going to kill me. What if that was what he thought would fix the curse?” “What?” Jungkook was too riled up then, too focused on his thoughts to hear the strangled words from his mate, his suddenly pale face. “Okay, wait, so Baekhyun maybe knows a way to break your family curse. Does that mean the opposite would apply for him? Does he have anyone close to him? Or am I somehow the only option?” His mouth was working faster than his mind. “What if-.” He was suddenly cut off by a large palm sealed over his mouth, Taehyung’s scent heavy in his nose. He mumbled against his hand, but the alpha didn’t move. “Listen to yourself!” He snapped, eyes wide in equal parts shock and horror. “I can’t, this fucking curse is not worth breaking if for some fucking reason you have to die!” He exclaimed, and Jungkook’s eyes widened as well. He hadn’t, he hadn’t meant that. “You know what would probably break this curse? A witch. Do you know who’s extinct ? Witches!” His hand had slipped as he’d ranted and Jungkook sat in his lap silently as his alpha waved his other hand wildly. “Now, little wolf, that isn’t quite true.” A soft voice purred, and they both whipped around. Taehyung was quick as lightning as he jumped to his feet, body in front of Jungkook’s to protect him from their sudden intruder. The omega was a little slower, the stress of the day hard on his body, and he gripped Taehyung’s worn shit as he pulled himself to his feet. He barely peeked over his shoulder, only to gasp loudly. The woman-. “Any being powerful enough to curse a family for centuries is resourceful enough to hide for a few centuries.” She said with a wicked smirk, her makeup dark and her lipstick a stark red against her flawless skin. Jungkook had never seen her with such dramatic makeup before. He had seen her in high-cut shirts, strange patterned pants and heels that were too tall to wear as a barista. She always wore her hair in a high ponytail, but now it hung in a perfect blonde curtain over her shoulders. “Lisa?” “I’ve come with a message, Alpha V of the Kim Branch Pack.” She ignored him and stared directly at the seething Alpha. Jungkook could feel the power he normally kept under tight wraps practically roll of him. The overwhelming strength that gave him the ability to keep other alphas under his thumb, that let him hold such a large pack even when he was never there. “Here.” She reached out and clicked her fingers, an unnaturally loud snap, and then she was gone. As if she’d never been there. “Taehyung, that was-!” Anything Jungkook was about to say was cut short as his Alpha suddenly toppled backwards. The omega yelped and caught him, his arms barely strong enough to hold up his mate, and they both stumbled back to the floor. He opened his mouth to ask what was wrong, what she had done, what she was , when he took note of his eyes. Bright, too bright. Like spotlights. Just like that first night. A vision, he thought as frantic hands searched for his pulse, made sure that he hadn’t hurt himself when they fell. Taehyung stared at the ceiling motionless; his mouth moved like he was speaking but there was no sound, no articulation. Jungkook didn’t know what to do, didn’t know if there was anything he could do. He’d only been witness to one other before, although he knew that his alpha had, had another while away at the pack house. He leaned down and pressed his forehead to Taehyung’s, the alpha half in his lap and half sprawled across the floor. He’d wait it out, just like that first night.

He didn’t know how long he’d really spent on the cold floor. The only window in the room had it’s blinds pulled down and his phone was nowhere within reach. He hummed quietly as he waited for his eyes to open again, his fingers slowly carding through his hair. His knees ached from the position but he didn’t want to move and make Taehyung lay on the cold floor. There was no way for him to know what the alpha was seeing, or how long it would take for him to come back to him, but he would wait. Eventually, just as Jungkook’s eyes had begun to slip closed, his fingers still caught in Taehyung’s hair, a large hand hand reached up to cup his face. He forced his eyes to open again, exhaustion heavy in his body. “Tae?” He asked sleepily, unwilling to move just yet, and there was a soft hum. “What are you still doing on the floor, darling?” He slowly pushed himself up so he could meet his eyes and rubbed at his face with a yawn. Taehyung didn’t seem upset, or even a little angry at the intruder they had, had. “Kook?” “Waited for you to wake up.” His lips pouted unintentionally. “Wasn’t gonna leave you alone again.” The reminder made the older man sigh, and then he too pushed himself up so they were both upright. “Come on.” He took Jungkook’s hands gently and helped him to his feet. “Let’s get you to bed, darling.” “Wait, what about your vision?” Jungkook was confused, didn’t the alpha say that anything he saw when he was awake was more vivid? What had he seen? Was it another attack? Or maybe he just didn’t trust Jungkook enough anymore-. As if he could hear Jungkook’s thoughts, or maybe he was just that good at reading him, Taehyung pulled him into his arms. His long arms caged him in tightly and Jungkook buried his face into his shoulder to get closer to his scent, his fingers curled around Taehyung’s belt loops. “I promise to tell you in the morning, my love.” He whispered against his hair, and Jungkook flushed at the new pet name. “But you need to sleep. Can’t have the two most important things in my life sleeping on the floor.” There was a lot Jungkook could have said in response. He could have argued, could have forced them to have the conversation they desperately needed to have, maybe he could have even forced the alpha to tell him what his vision had been of. He didn’t, though. He let his mate lead him to their bed, let him undress him with gentle touches and redress him in the softest pajamas he had. He let him pull him under the covers, curled around him as Taehyung shifted so he could kiss just above the waistband of his shorts. A silent ‘good night’ to both of them. He fell asleep safe in his mate’s arms as their bond slowly repaired itself.

Chapter End Notes

twt

cc

i hadn't intended for this chapter to be entirely jk and tae together, but it kind of wrote itself tbh.. also, expect more of a conversation between them in the coming chapters, trust me their issues aren't sorted out just yet. but a new character is introduced! well, re-introduced. would it surprise you to know

that i've planned to make lisa a witch since the very beginning?? i wonder why she was a barista in the first place :)))) also kookie is confirmed pregnant! thoughts? how do you think it'll work out? the convergence is only coming closer and closer, how do you think it'll go down? lmk what you think- i love reading all of your comments!

honesty is the fastest way to prevent a mistake from turning into a failure Chapter Summary

They say 'honesty is the best policy'. What else do you do when you've already said you're putting a new foot forward?

Chapter Notes

title quote by: james altucher hey this starts with someone throwing up, so if you get squeamish about that stuff please skip the first two ish paragraphs! (also you guys got this to 700 kudos??? and i'm SCREAMING. tHANK YOU!!!!! hugs/kisses/high fives to you all)

See the end of the chapter for more notes

As soon as his eyes cracked open the next morning Jungkook had pushed himself from the bed with a choked groan. His stomach lurched and his instincts propelled him out of the bedroom to the bathroom just down the hall. His knees hit the tiled floor just as he emptied his stomach, an awful lurch of his insides as he coughed into the bowl. A heavy hand curled around the back of neck and he sighed, the tension in his shoulders relaxed as Taehyung settled on the floor behind him. “Easy, darling,” he said quietly as he stroked a hand down his spine, “don’t hold it in.” Jungkook could only whine as he leaned back over the bowl. He’d had bouts of nausea for the last week or so but always during the day, usually when a certain smell or taste didn’t agree with him. Of course even though it was expected that didn’t mean the idea of morning sickness wasn’t a pleasant one. “Do you feel better?” The alpha asked but Jungkook could only groan and sag against the toilet, the porcelain cool against his suddenly clammy skin. The blonde stood up and Jungkook listened as the water turned on and off before he knelt back down, a wet washcloth between his fingers. “Can you sit up for me?” Gentle fingers wiped off his face and pushed his hair out of his eyes; the alpha always took care of him so well, he thought with a small smile. “Thank you, Tae.” He said when his mate gave him a look, and he only got a kiss to the cheek and a soft laugh in response. “This is nothing, darling.” Taehyung said lowly, he reached out to help the omega to his feet and wrapped his arms around his waist as he sluggishly brushed his teeth. “You’re carrying our baby, Jungkook,” he kissed over the mate mark on his neck, where his own bite was clearly seen above his old mess of scars, “the coddling is only gonna get more extreme.” Jungkook laughed around his toothbrush and leaned back into his chest. They fell silent as Taehyung took his place when he was done, already too awake to go back to bed again, and shuffled their way to the kitchen. “Are you hungry?” He asked as he cracked open the fridge but Jungkook shook his head. “Don’t think I could keep it down.” He said shrugged and his alpha nodded and moved to grab him

some water. Jungkook watched him move around silently as he shoved bread into the toaster, grabbed a couple cups for both of them. One hand drifted down to rub at the barely there swell of his stomach, and then his thoughts were suddenly overcome with what had happened the night before. Even if they set aside the things they still needed to talk about there was the issue of who the fuck had popped into their house last night. His brow furrowed at the memory of the woman, the woman he had thought he knew. “Hey, what’s wrong?” Jungkook startled and his head snapped up to see Taehyung’s concerned face as he leaned over the counter. “What?” “You looked like you were in pain.” His hand stretched out to squeeze his free hand on the cold counter top and the alpha’s head tilted in thought. “What’s wrong?” Jungkook hadn’t even noticed that the toaster had already popped, the slightly burnt pieces already in between them just the way his alpha liked. “I worked with her.” He started, and Taehyung’s eyes narrowed. It was obvious who he was referring to and his mate circled around to take the stool next to his. “She’d worked there months longer than me, she trained me on how to use everything- I didn’t even know .” He cut himself off with a huff and turned to frown at the older man. “Please tell me that was just a coincidence.” Taehyung chewed on his lip for a second as he thought before he shook his head. “I think I can say with some certainty that it wasn’t a coincidence.” His long fingers idly broke apart the bread and as he slowly chewed he continued. “I didn’t say anything last night because we were both already so exhausted, mentally and physically, but she didn’t actually make me have a vision.” Jungkook blinked in shock but didn’t say anything, the hand on his stomach rubbed across his hips almost instinctively. “It was more of a...conversation?” He started to explain but he slowly trailed off as his eyes caught the small movement. “Tae?” Jungkook called when he noticed he wasn’t continuing, and the alpha’s eyes snapped up to his. The blue seemed brighter, more startling against his tan skin and platinum hair. “I didn’t realize you had started to show already.” He whispered and the omega was stunned to hear what he was almost sure was shame in his voice. What in the world would he have to be ashamed about? “Now that I know I can tell that you even smell a little different now, I don’t know…” He stood up, food forgotten, and then crouched down so he could wrap his arms around his mate’s waist. He gently rested his forehead against his stomach with a heavy sigh. “I’m so sorry I didn’t notice before. I should have noticed that something was wrong. I thought maybe you were just stressed about the Challenge, or that maybe the pack was becoming too stressful in general.” Jungkook frowned at the idea. He loved the pack, loved that he had a place to call home and a mate to call him, loved that he finally had friends he could count on and that would protect him as fiercely as he would them. “Baby,” the alpha let out a small noise at the endearment, “I didn’t tell you because I was scared for myself, and you. I don’t care about the Challenge, I mean I do but I don’t care that you’re going to fight.” He clarified, and Taehyung looked up in surprise. Jungkook pushed his fingers through his hair and leaned down to kiss his forehead with a sigh, a sound the alpha repeated softly. “You know alphas tend to scare me, I won’t hide that, and yes sometimes the fact you guys are so ready to hurt others is a bit...scary.” “Jungkook-.” “But-” The omega interrupted and Taehyung’s lips pursed as he stared at him, expression clearly torn, “don’t think that I don’t want to be here, with you.” His free hand rose to trace the mark on his

neck and Taehyung’s eyes followed the small movement closely. “I love you, Tae.” He said softly. “I know how busy you’ve been with the Convergence and I understand that, and just because you couldn’t tell doesn’t mean that you suddenly care for me any less. You love me?” He asked rhetorically, and the alpha surged up to kiss him fiercely, one hand at his side as the other cupped his cheek. “I love you more than I ever thought I could love another person.” His alpha whispered against his lips and Jungkook smiled at the answer. “That’s all I need.” They didn’t lean away, if anything Taehyung just moved closer so they were pressed even tighter against each other. He looked as if he wanted to say something, and then thought against it, only to shake his head and shift to kiss his temple. “You can’t bottle things up anymore, my love.” He suddenly demanded, although he kept his voice soft and his tone even. “I don’t mean you need to tell me everything, you’re allowed secrets, but you can’t hold all of these worries on yourself.” That empty feeling in his chest had faded since they’d reunited but Jungkook’s eyes squeezed shut as he remembered the sudden realization that he couldn’t feel the older man anymore. The ensuing panic over that, the dread that his end was coming sooner than anyone had ever thought, the anxiety when his pregnancy had been confirmed. “I’m sorry.” It was all he could offer when he’d shed all of his tears and Taehyung shook his head. “It’s okay, really, darling. You don’t even need to tell me , I don’t care if you tell Jimin or even some random human in the city, or if you just write it down somewhere. You’re too precious to me, Kook, both of you. I can’t…” Taehyung’s entire body suddenly shuddered and Jungkook gasped when he felt the telltale wetness of tears, he leaned back to see the alpha violently wipe at his eyes. “I can’t lose my family again, baby.” He forced out and Jungkook didn’t hesitate to reach up and gently swipe his fingers across his cheeks to catch stray tears. They’d never talked about it at length before, when Taehyung had lost his parents. He knew it had happened, and that Baekhyun had done it, but that had been the extent of it. Jungkook couldn’t say he truly knew how he felt, if he was honest. He hadn’t had the most supportive relationship with his family and other than the crushing emptiness of his former pack bond he hadn’t felt the loss of his parents too hard, as cruel as it sounded. “You won’t lose us.” He said with a smile, although tinged with an echo of his mate’s sadness. “We have a big strong Alpha to take care of us.” That pulled a smile from Taehyung and Jungkook felt their bond hum as the alpha leaned in to kiss him again, a chaste kiss that made them both giggle and their noses to bump against each other as they moved. However Jungkook remembered that Taehyung had been in the middle of another very serious topic and stood up, the alpha’s hand linked with his. “Hey, let’s talk in the other room.” He led the man to their couch and they both settled next to each other. “You never finished telling me about what Lisa did.” He reminded him and Taehyung’s eyes lit up at the reminder. “Right!” He pulled the omega to his chest as he gathered his thoughts. “Like I said, I didn’t say this last night because neither one of us was up for that conversation but it wasn’t actually a vision.” His hand slid to curl over his hip, fingers just under the elastic band of his sleep shorts, and Jungkook shivered even as he soaked up the warmth from his skin. “It was strange. It was like I was watching my memories from the outside, like a movie on a wall, and she was there next to me.” Jungkook listened silently as the alpha spoke and tucked a knee under the alpha’s thigh to get even closer. The warmth of his body was so comforting that he could only nuzzle his face against his shift

and listen to what had gone on inside his head. “She said that Baekhyun had tried to find them for years, the witches I mean. Every time I thought he was away with friends or off on business with our dad he was really just going on some damn witch hunt, to break the curse apparently.” The news should have been more surprising but Taehyung had said just the night before that the older alpha had always wanted to break the curse, so the idea of him gallivanting around the world didn’t really shock either of them. “Did he ever find one?” Taehyung nodded slowly, but there was a strange twist to his mouth as if he didn’t really want to say anything. “She said her sisters got tired of leading him on a wild goose chase and they came to him in his sleep, like how she’d done with me sort of. She said they tried to threaten him to stay away, that they had ways to make him disappear, and all he…” His arms suddenly moved to wrap tightly around Jungkook’s shoulders and the omega felt his chest stutter as he let out a heavy breath. “Tae? What’s wrong? What did he say?” “I don’t understand, Kook.” He muttered against his hair. “She said he taken it with a straight face, and just asked how to break the curse. Said he wanted to save our family, wanted to save our bloodline and get rid of the damn stigma against us.” Jungkook shuddered at the growl in his words but didn’t say anything yet. “Why would he kill our parents if that’s all he fucking wanted? He murdered so many of our friends, of our family, for what? To save us?” Taehyung was obviously only just working himself up and Jungkook frowned. The omega tried to soften his scent and pushed himself up on his hands so he hovered above the alpha, his expression gentle as he shuffled up to press his face against his neck. The alpha relaxed his hold as he let the omega scent him, their bond was heavy from stress and earlier sadness but it seemed to pull them a little closer all the same as they held each other. “What else did she say?” He asked against his warm skin and the alpha sighed. “She told me the same thing they told him, apparently: ‘when the heir kills the one he holds dearest, the curse will end with him’.” Jungkook repeated them silently as he frowned and over analyzed the words. “It seems too easy.” He mumbled, and he felt the alpha nod. “I said the same thing, to be honest. All she said was that ‘nothing is ever that easy’.” They lay there silently for a minute as the words rolled over them, until Jungkook pushed himself to his knees and he locked eyes with his mate, his beautiful blue eyes only focused on him. “I think you should tell your inner circle.” He suddenly announced, and the alpha’s eyes widened. “What?” He was obviously stunned by the statement and Jungkook only nodded. “You’ve already had one vision of an attack from Baekhyun, and then you saw when Moonbyul showed up. That can’t be a coincidence and I think you insult them by not telling them something that important.” Perhaps it was too much to ask for but the omega, no, the Luna knew what he said was true even if it would be difficult. Taehyung didn’t look entirely convinced as they stared at each other, and then he slowly ran a hand up Jungkook’s leg and stomach to rest over his belly button. “Do you really think I should?” He eventually asked and Jungkook was suddenly reminded of a conversation they had, had months ago.

“You want me to watch your back?” He had asked so tentatively at the time, afraid to truly voice his opinion to his mate, unused to having so much power over the leader of such a large pack. “Yes.” He said confidently, but it quickly fell as Taehyung grinned up at him. “What? What’s that look for?” He asked self-consciously, his fingers nervously twisted in the soft fabric of his alpha’s shirt. “I’m so proud of you, Jungkook.” The omega floundered at the sudden praise and Taehyung laughed and moved to sit up and press a kiss to his chin with a smile. “So proud of you, Kim Jungkook.” he said slyly, and Jungkook gasped at the name. Kim? “You don’t need their name, darling, you’re more than they ever gave you.” Taehyung whispered against his lips and Jungkook felt his body shake at his words, his eyes burned even though he had no tears to shed yet. “Everything I have is yours, my pack, my love, my name. It’s all yours.” Then he leaned back again, that grin still plastered on his face. “So proud of you.” They stayed at the family house for a few more days, to soak up as much attention as they could with each other, before Taehyung called for a meeting at the main pack house. They got ready early in the morning, eerily reminiscent of the announcement they’d made about their mating, and waited for Namjoon; everyone must have felt the urgency and the beta arrived nearly a half an hour early, not that they weren’t already ready and pacing by the front door. The drive was silent, no one really in the mood to talk so early, and before they knew they had pulled up in front of the large building. The front lawn was sprinkled with a few families enjoying the fresh morning air and a few pups waved excitedly to their Alpha and Luna as they walked up to the front door and they laughed and waved back. The fact that they had a pup on the way themselves, as far away as it still way, made them both squeeze each other’s hands and lock eyes for a second just before they stepped over the threshold. That would be them eventually, they both said with their eyes. Eventually they’d have a family of their own. However their moment was quickly broken as Jimin’s familiar voice cut through the air. “Kookie!” The older omega nearly shrieked and he practically jumped down the stairs to launch himself at his friend. Jungkook barely managed to catch his balance, his alpha’s body firm behind him as he stumbled. “How are you feeling?” He asked worriedly, and Jungkook suddenly remembered that the last time they’d seen each other had been after he’d asked the mated pair to take him out of the hospital, after they kicked Taehyung out (at his request, but at that point it was semantics). Jimin’s eyes flicked between them, probably unsure how to act around them. “Morning sickness is a bitch.” He said simply and the omega beamed, which he couldn’t help but return shyly. “Don’t tell anyone yet.” He reminded him and Jimin only bounced on his toes excitedly. He looked as if he wanted to say something, maybe congratulate them, when his own mate slid into view. There was a sudden thickness to the air as the two alphas stared each other down, their pheromones heavy and nearly suffocating. Jungkook pressed closer to Taehyung but other than the iron tight arm around his shoulders he didn’t offer any other reaction. He’d never seen the Alpha react that way with any other alpha under his command, but he supposed that was why Yoongi was his Second and not some other random wolf. Yoongi had always held power on his own but to see the two of them try to intimidate each other was another thing entirely. Jungkook forced himself to not suddenly submit in the entryway and shifted so he could press his face into Taehyung’s shoulder and try and ignore the other alpha’s heavy scent. It was too much: too heavy, too oppressive, too powerful. Then, without a single word, the older alpha tipped his head to the side, just slightly, and suddenly he

could breathe. “Sorry about the other day.” Yoongi said calmly, as if he was commenting on the weather. “You know I’ll take Kook’s well being over yours.” Taehyung only nodded. “As you should.” He said simply, and their mates watched as they smiled at each other as if they hadn’t just had the world’s fastest pissing contest ever. All that build up for such a lame climax, Jungkook thought. “Let’s head to my office, Jin is probably already there.” Namjoon joined them once he had finally parked the car and as they settled around the spacious office where the Beta was indeed already inside. They were only sat down for a minute before Hoseok bounded in as well. “Sorry!” He said, nearly out of breath. “Got caught up with Jongin. We haven’t seen anything yet.” He said before the Alpha could ask and they all relaxed into their seats. They hadn’t said anything but ever since the redhead had been sent out they’d all been worried for his safety, as well as Jongin’s because of the beta’s switched allegiance. “So, what’s up, Alpha mine?” The redhead asked with a grin. “You don’t call the inner circle very often, you know.” The inner circle was sometimes only used to distribute the jobs of an Alpha, and while Taehyung did that he also used them as a sort of set of advisers. He’d told Jungkook once, quietly as they’d laid together weeks ago, that there were few he trusted more than the five he’d picked himself. Even Jimin, who hadn’t initially been considered when they’d found him, had quickly become a valued member of the pack as well with his own firm beliefs and loyalty. Taehyung looked over at him, their eyes locked together for a moment. It was the last time for Jungkook to tell him ‘never mind’, to say it suddenly wasn’t a good idea, but he said nothing. They needed to know, and by his alpha’s nervous smile he knew that too. “I have a secret to tell you.” He announced, and although by Jimin’s face he assumed it was about him and Jungkook, his next words made everyone frown. “My family, from the First to me, have kept a secret from all of you for five generations now. I,” he paused and glanced back over at Jungkook, "we, believe that it's best for me to finally tell you. For our fresh start." Seokjin’s brow pinched and Jungkook watched as the mated pair glanced between each other. He remembered that Yoongi was from the main family, although he didn’t know if that gave him any previous insight. Namjoon didn’t look too surprised, although maybe he was just as good at hiding his emotions as Hoseok was. “What do you mean?” Jimin eventually asked. So he told them. He told them all the same story he had told Jungkook when they had met, that late night curled up in bed as he told his fantastical family history. He told them about the witches, about the curse that ran through his blood, he even told them about the various abilities his family had shown. Control, empathy, minor telepathy, and his own clairvoyance. He even told Namjoon that had been how he’d found him all those years before and the beta’s brows rose even further in surprise. Jungkook cut in eventually and revealed that he’d known from the beginning of their relationship, to which Jimin had pouted about being left out of the loop. Then he’d helped Taehyung tell them about his vision about Baekhyun’s attack, and how he’d known that an envoy was to be sent and Moonbyul had shown up not long after. “Your ‘hunch’.” Yoongi suddenly said and pulled the attention to him. “When we were interrogating Jongin and Kook mentioned a hunch, that’s what you meant? You saw Baekhyun hurt him?” Taehyung shook his head as a finger traced over his mouth a sigh. “I never actually saw Baekhyun

in the vision, just Jungkook hurt,” the omega squeezed his knee at the reminder, “but we think that maybe Jungkook might be one of his targets, if not his focus.” “Why?” Namjoon asked curiously, and Jungkook could tell the beta’s brain was whirling faster than any of them could comprehend. “Why not just you?” So then they told them of several nights before, excluding the incident that had pushed Jungkook out of the house and promptly into the hospital. Taehyung explained that he hadn’t actually seen anything that was going to happen, and had instead almost ‘seen his life flash before his eyes’, as he’d talked to Lisa. “It was like she was trying to show me something that’s already happened, but I’m afraid I still don’t get it.” He told them the same words he’d been told, the same words his brother had growled to Jungkook months ago and then they watched as they processed the information. It was an understatement to say that they were shocked, probably skeptical, but as soon as Jungkook had cut in with his own side of it, it was like he was they validity they needed to believe it. Seokjin was buried in his thoughts, as was the other beta in the room as he stared at the floor intently, while Yoongi just stared at the Alpha silently. Jimin didn’t seem like he could quite put words together yet and Jungkook could completely understand that. Sometimes he didn’t know what to think either. “So you stayed away so you’d never have to see the future?” Hoseok suddenly asked bluntly, and Taehyung nodded silently. “Was the pack falling apart worth not having a few bad dreams?” Jungkook’s jaw dropped at the rude words, the alpha’s tone flat and nearly uncaring. “Did this ability even tell you what you brother was going to do, when he killed off your pack? Did-?” “Do you remember when Kihyun and Mina were trying for a pup, several years ago?” Taehyung suddenly interrupted, and Hoseok quieted down in confusion. “I had only declared our fight against Baekhyun over just a few months before and I was exhausted . We’d been forced to kill friends, we’d lost support from other packs, fuck our previous Alpha had just been murdered just two years before…” The Alpha shook his head and sat up in his seat. “They came to talk about starting a family, and I approved it of course. I was happy for them, happy someone could find their own spot of happiness after what we’d been through.” Jungkook had no idea where he was going with his story but he was certain he wasn’t going to like it, and by their faces the others knew it too. “They announced their pregnancy and everything was going well.” “Taehyung,” Hoseok tried to interrupt, a pained look on his face, but Taehyung held up a hand. “You know she had a seizure and they miscarried, and they haven’t tried for a baby since.” He continued slowly, and there were nods around the room. “I saw what would happen an hour before it did. I’d checked in with them often but I’d never actually visited them other than that first meeting. I only talked to them and I was still forced to live through seeing them lose their baby, but to receive a call an hour later from the doctor that they’d lost it.” Hoseok cursed and wiped his eyes roughly. “I’m-.” “It’s not a ‘few bad dreams’, although I can see why you’d think that.” Jungkook reached out and tightly laced their fingers together, the alpha’s fingers curled around his own firmly. “And for your information, no, I didn’t see him murder our parents.” Hoseok flinched at the blunt words but Taehyung only spoke simply. “I’m sorry.” The red head apologized, “I’m just, this is a lot to take in, man.” “It does make a lot of sense, though.” Seokjin interjected, and Taehyung smiled behind his hand. He had mentioned that he’d suspected that Seokjin had known for a while, or had at least wondered

about it. “The times when you’d suddenly call and tell me not to meet with someone, or you’d know when someone would show up before they had like when Namjoon had joined. Or how you’d known Jungkook would stay with us.” The omega perked up at his name but the alpha shook his head and lifted their hands to kiss his knuckles lightly. “That wasn’t seeing the future.” He said softly, and Jungkook flushed at the sudden display of affection in front of all their friends. “That was just fate.” His bright eyes seemed to stare right into his soul but the moment was quickly broken when Jimin giggled into his palm. “You guys are only going to get worse.” He jokingly complained, and Jungkook knew that what he was really referring to but he only turned back to Taehyung. He tried to communicate silently to him, tried to convey that he really didn’t want to get anyone’s hopes up, and by the soft smile on his face he knew his alpha had gotten the message. “Not yet,” He agreed, his voice a whisper against their linked fingers.“Hey, Yoongi, Hoseok,” he suddenly called and both alphas straightened up at his firmer tone, “you think you guys can help me with something?” When they were out of the danger zone- when they were certain he was strong enough to make it the full term- then they would announce it. They’d tell everyone, make a big deal out of it if Jimin had a hand in it, maybe do one of those human, gender reveal parties he’d seen on the internet- but not yet.

Chapter End Notes

twt

cc

if you haven't noticed i've actually started a smut series (that feels weird to say) and you can find it here! but enough about that! how was this?? there's gonna be a bit of a time skip next, so be prepared for that, because after this the plot is kicking off again! like i mentioned before, there's still a few characters that haven't been introduced yet! (also keep in mind, jk is a bit of a...unreliable narrator, let's say? he's very biased) lmk what you think, i love all of your comments!

self-confidence is the first requisite to great undertakings Chapter Summary

The beginning of forever. Or perhaps, the beginning of the end?

Chapter Notes

title quote by: samuel johnson y'all. i get so much love from this fic and it blows me away with every kudos and every comment i recieve. i hope you all enjoy this fic as much as i enjoy your responses. i wanted to get this out a little earlier but the wording was tripping me up- then i got a haircut and a confidence boost and suddenly all i wanted was to give our jungkookie a little character development *please insert a slightly evil side eye here*. (please read notes at the end too!)

See the end of the chapter for more notes

Two months flew by before anyone knew it. It turned out that Taehyung’s ‘favor’ was actually training, to both of the alpha’s surprise. He talked about how he’d been able to shift only the one time, but figured it was something that he needed to work on with the Challenge only growing closer and closer. Yoongi had responded with a grin that made Jungkook shiver, while the other alpha had only laughed. Their Alpha had been dedicated, determined to get stronger if it meant it gave him a bigger edge over Solar. Jungkook hated to see him so exhausted, so beat down, after ever session with them but it also gave him a sense of pride to be able to see his alpha working so hard. The aches and pains were just proof of his effort, he told himself. Of course he was worried, but he couldn’t let that take control. He was the Luna, he was the Alpha’s mate and he was carrying their baby. He had a responsibility to be a strong face Junmyeon, with a couple younger betas he trusted, had done their checkups in the safety of their home. They all had bright smiles when they heard that telltale thumpthump of their pup. Their precious little bean, only as big as a plum, with their tiny fingers and toes and gentle heartbeat. Taehyung had pressed in as close as he could once they’d wiped the gel off of his belly and had pressed his nose right over his scent gland. They’d laid together for hours after the doctor left, Jungkook curled up as best he could with his bump as the alpha breathed in his scent and buried him in his own. He didn’t comment on the way his mate’s shoulders shook or on the wetness his shirt collar soaked up, not when he couldn’t hold back the tears either. They kept the pregnancy a secret from the pack but they both know it was about time for them to

announce it. The weather was only getting colder so he could hide his belly with sweaters and heavy coats, but that would go out the window once it warmed back up. Taehyung wanted to make sure he was safe but Jungkook didn’t want to keep it from the pack any longer than they had to. He was starting his second trimester and his instincts begged him to be around the other wolves. He needed the other’s support and warmth, the wisdom of the other mothers in the pack. However, along with his ever approaching due also came the day of the Convergence. It seemed like in the blink of an eye they were preparing to drive into the city, barely prepared for whatever waited for them. Seokjin had run himself ragged contacting other packs to moderate success. Some Alphas saw Taehyung’s legitimate claim to any of the Jeon’s land and alliances, while others were clearly waiting for the results of the Challenge. The few that didn’t bother to give a response either way to were silently added to a list of packs to keep an eye on by both the Alpha and the Beta. Seokjin said he felt confident about their standing but then said that they wouldn’t truly know until they were there. The Luna groaned as he stared at himself in the mirror, eyes locked on the way his shirt stretched just above his waistband. He’d even grabbed one of Taehyung’s shirts too, aware that the alpha preferred clothes that were just a touch too big to fit his broader shoulders. He tugged at it in an attempt to disguise the baby bump but nothing he did could hide the change to his figure. “Well, fuck.” He huffed. “Language, darling.” A low voice teased and Jungkook turned to see his alpha leaned against the doorframe. He frowned when he noticed he was already dressed, looking as perfect as he always did. He held his suit jacket over his shoulder and gave the omega a once over with a small smile. “You look good- really good.” His tone dipped as he stepped closer and Jungkook let the alpha pull him into his arms, their foreheads pressed together. Jungkook let out a slow breath, his nerves settled as his mate held him. “Don’t focus on how you look.” Taehyung reminded him, and then pointed to wear his own jacket and overcoat were hung on the closet door. “You still have those too.” Unbidden, an old lesson popped into his thoughts as he eyed the sharp cut of the jacket and the deep tone of the material. ‘Omegas wear clothes designed to attract ,’ he’d been told, ‘materials that cling and showcase’. Ha, he thought now. He much preferred the weight of the suit over the airiness of the clothes he’d worn when he was much too young. “I know.” They stood there silently for a moment and Taehyung let a hand drift over to settle on his stomach, his palm warm even through the material of his shirt. “Are you scared?” He whispered, eyes closed as he let himself drown in the alpha’s scent. Taehyung let out a soft noise, more noncommittal than anything, and slid his hand around to press against the small of his back to pull him a little closer. “Not in the way you’re probably thinking.” He eventually admitted and Jungkook’s eyes opened in surprise. He didn’t think he would actually say anything. “Scared for me? No. It won’t do me any good to worry about myself. Scared for the pack? Yeah, a little. We’re only just getting our feet under us again, and a different Alpha isn’t going to help.” Jungkook bit his lip at the idea. He didn’t want to consider the outcome where Taehyung didn’t win. “Scared for you? Definitely.” “Me?” “Both of you.” He clarified, and Jungkook wondered when they had begun to sway gently as if to some unheard music. He shifted to press a kiss to the strip of exposed skin above his collar and the alpha sighed softly. “Don’t want to think about what will happen if I have to leave both of you. Scared to think that one mistake could pull me out of your lives for good.” “Then you better not lose.” Jungkook straightened up and lifted his hands to press against his cheeks,

their eyes locked on each other. “Don’t lose.” Those bright eyes almost seemed to dim for a moment before they both leaned into a kiss, lips as soft as the sigh Taehyung let out from the contact. “Please, don’t lose.” He repeated, and he hated the way his voice cracked. “Sh, baby.” The alpha whispered against his lips, and Jungkook bit back a whimper at the way Taehyung’s voice seemed to drop as he held back his own. “Please don’t worry about me.” He gave him another kiss, and then another. “Please.” Jungkook wanted to yell, wanted to tell him there was no he couldn’t worry about the love of his young like, wanted to cry and yell and refuse to let his mate step out their front door. He didn’t, but he wanted to. He took a deep breath, and then another, and another until the anxiety that had been building for months slowly ebbed away from his mind. “I need to finish getting ready.” He eventually said and Taehyung nodded. I need a minute alone , he said silently and his mate understood. He always did. “I’ll go see where Seokjin is with the car.” He watched the alpha leave and pull on his jacket, a heaviness in his stomach that had nothing to do with the pup under his heart. The others were unsurprisingly anxious during the trip considering how tense they had all been for the last three months. Sure, Jungkook could have done with Hoseok’s hour long drum solo on his lap and Seokjin’s muttering as he read over some last minute reports but he figured it was better than the alternative, which was complete silence. Yoongi was buried in his phone but Jungkook could assume that Jimin was on the other end and didn’t say anything. Jungkook didn’t quite understand the limits on who was allowed to accompany a pack Alpha, but Jimin had announced he hadn’t felt comfortable being around that many. “Okay!” The Beta suddenly exclaimed and gathered everyone’s attention. “We’re only a couple minutes away so some last minute things.” His eyes were still locked on the busy road but he glanced up into the rear view mirror. “Remember: wait to be acknowledged before you speak, be respectful to the other pack alphas,” He didn’t miss a beat when Yoongi rolled his eyes, “and for god’s sake, don’t start a fight. We don’t need to add another pack conflict.” If anyone had anything they wanted to add they were suddenly cut off as they turned the corner and the large building they were searching for came into view. It was impressive, all modern lines and expansive windows. Jungkook had no doubt that it had been reinforced to stand up against the wolves that met and worked inside. Taehyung had told him weeks before that there were packs that had fully integrated themselves into human society, had built entire corporate empires for the wolves in their packs. It helped when someone needed to pass through the cities easily, but it certainly made it hard for any outside packs to make a living outside of those businesses. “Hoseok, I need you to stay with Jungkook when I can’t.” Taehyung said lowly as Seokjin pulled up to the young looking valet outside. The redhead nodded, uncharacteristically serious. Jungkook would have complained at any other time but as it was he brushed a hand across his abdomen and let his alpha help him from his seat; it was a little telling how stressed his mate truly was when his hand never left and instead hooked a shaking hand around his hip. He could remember something from months ago about how the Alpha had trouble being around so many humans but that static-like feeling under his skin told him it wasn’t just that, that had unsettled him.

The other three filed out behind him with the two alphas right on their heels. “‘Been a long time since I’ve been around this many alphas.” Jungkook’s nose scrunched up as he took a breath in. “I don’t remember my nose ever being this sensitive.” It was like an assault on his senses, a miss mash of the dozens of wolves that had taken this exact route to the front doors. There was a slam of the car before it slowly rolled off and Seokjin clapped his hands. “Even without this Challenge, this is the biggest pack conference of the year.” The beta set off towards the front doors with them quick at his heels. Taehyung would be the first to admit he didn’t know where they were supposed to go, not after the years when he’d avoided these things. “All of the regular attendees are here plus some smaller packs from the south. Such as the Sun Pack.” “Of course.” Yoongi muttered, and Jungkook had to share the sentiment. It seemed that nothing was ever done by halves when it came to wolves. It was all or nothing, always. “Hey, you keep that attitude under wraps.” The Beta pointed a finger at him as they moved but the Second only rolled his eyes again. They all knew the scolding was more because of the stress than anything. “You too, oh dear Alpha of ours,” Seokjin leaned in and nudged elbows with Jungkook, “you’ve got a mate now, you’re turning over a new leaf. You can’t be all ‘reckless new Alpha’ like you’ve been in the past.” “If the tables stay in one piece I’ll consider this a win.” Was all Taehyung offered in response and Hoseok outright laughed although it was tinged with anxiety. His grip relaxed as some of the tension was shoved aside but Jungkook knew it was only the beginning. It was the older alpha’s first time at the Convergence, just like Jungkook’s, and he knew Taehyung hadn’t been in years. A table staying in one piece seemed like the least of their worries, honestly. “Ugh, just get inside.” They climbed the last couple steps silently and the large front doors came into view, figures on either side. Unsurprising. It would have been strange if there hadn’t been anyone on watch. With a Challenge on the horizon he was sure everyone and their mothers was on edge. The closer they got he could tell they were only betas, but he knew even a beta could take an alpha on if they tried hard enough. He’d seen Jongin pin both Hoseok and Yoongi on two separate occasions, and he knew Seokjin could hold his own. As soon as they were within speaking distance one of the betas moved to stop them and Seokjin’s eyes narrowed. Jungkook wasn’t sure but he thought maybe they recognized each other. “Kim.” One of them greeted cordially enough. “No alpha again?” The omega’s eyebrows rose in surprise and looked over at Taehyung, but his mate only cocked his head in faux confusion. “I’m sorry, are you talking about me?” He asked mockingly, although the way his scent darkened gave away his slight irritation. Jungkook was a little stunned by the sudden mood shift but he didn’t risk a look at the others. Even if these wolves didn’t know he was the pack Luna he couldn’t risk a sign of weakness this early. The beta’s eyes snapped up and then widened in shock at the sight of their Alpha, or perhaps it was the sight of three full blooded alphas that all seemed to get a few inches taller as they pulled themselves to their full height. “Alpha V.” He sputtered as he promptly dropped into a bow but the name made Jungkook frown. Was that all these city wolves knew the Alpha by? His rank and nothing else? “Please, come inside.” The other betas hurried to pull the door open and Taehyung let Seokjin lead them silently through them. Jungkook tried to sneak a glance over to their Alpha but Taehyung’s face betrayed nothing. Even

their bond had adopted a steady hum of neutrality. A wide reception desk greeted them as they stepped in but the young beta boy behind the counter didn't say anything as they moved to walk past. Jungkook thought he might have seen his eyes follow them away, but he brushed it off. “It was nice to see him drop down a peg.” The Beta said once there were far enough away. “Little brat has tried to start something with us for the last three years.” “Well we don’t exactly have a lot of friends.” Yoongi scoffed quietly, and it was telling when the Beta didn’t have anything to say. Jungkook felt a flash of anger and let out a sudden sigh, his hand was quick to grab Taehyung’s hand he yanked him away from the opening doors. “Okay, that’s it!” The Alpha let himself be tugged around a corner past the elevators and he glanced over his shoulder to see the other three follow with confused frowns. They walked for a moment in silence, soft murmurs in the air from the omega behind the desk now silent as they continued. Eventually, when he was content with at least the illusion of privacy, he turned to face them all. They stared at him with expectant eyes, and Jungkook squeezed Taehyung’s hand. “Okay, I should have said something way earlier, but you guys are being ridiculous!” He didn’t know where the irritation came from but he watched with a faint sense of satisfaction as their expressions morphed into ones of surprise. Taehyung looked as if he wanted to say something but his free hand quickly shot up to stop him. “No. I’m talking first.” He cut in and the Alpha nodded, although there was a hint of something lighter in his posture as he then turned on the other three. “Seokjin, I know you have a lot of your plate, honestly I really do, but you can’t show your stress.” The Beta frowned at the reminder and Jungkook tried to soften his tone. “We’re all counting on you, but remember that we’re supporting you too.” Seokjin’s shoulders sagged and he bit back a smile when Hoseok was quick to pull him into a hug. “You’ve got this, okay?” He reminded him and after a deep breath the Beta nodded fimly. “I got this.” He repeated. Satisfied, then he turned to the two alphas and his smile quickly dropped into a frown. “You two!” Yoongi immediately straightened and Hoseok’s eyes widened, both uncertain about what he’d say. Jungkook didn’t know where his sudden confidence had come from to berate the strongest people he’d ever met but he thought maybe the warm hand that held his own was part of it- although that particular man had his own thing coming to him. “Seokjin was right about your attitude, Yoongi.” The blonde looked sheepish and he took half a step to poke him lightly in the chest. “You’re Tae’s Second, and it’s your job to second guess him- I get that- however I highly doubt any other pack has a position like yours and they’re not going to see it as you being his devil’s advocate. They’re going to see it as insubordination and do you know how that will reflect back on the rest of us?” The look on the alpha’s face told him he knew exactly what that would say about them. There was a second of silence before Yoongi looked up at Taehyung and gave him a small smile. “Sorry, Tae. I’ll keep it down for now.” Taehyung looked like he was holding back a laugh, although it might have been towards Seokjin’s quiet ‘oh, hell listen to Kookie ’, but he nodded and they seemed to share a moment of understanding and Jungkook let it go. “Hoseok, I’ll be honest, you’re basically perfect.” He said calmly, and the alpha let out a loud laugh. “Just, don’t smother me, okay hyung?” He asked with a wry smile and the redhead gave him two thumbs up. Taehyung had entrusted his safety to him, and he knew the alpha wouldn’t take it lightly.

Taehyung swung their joined hands and Jungkook looked over to see his mate cock his head curiously, his eyes wide in faux innocence. It was almost like he assumed Jungkook didn’t have anything to say but he narrowed his eyes. He turned towards him fully and his expression was replaced by a look of surprise. “Don’t think you’re off the hook! You’ve never talked down to another wolf like that, that didn’t already deserve it, since I’ve known you, but you were ready to do that to that poor beta outside? He didn’t even really say anything!” Taehyung had been nothing but open and supporting to everyone they’d met, whether they were pack already or visiting from another, and by his guilty look he knew full well what he had done. The Alpha’s mouth opened but Jungkook gave him a hard look and it quickly snapped shut. Maybe it was the pregnancy hormones, he wondered idly, but he didn’t dwell on it. “You’re our Alpha, Tae.” He said, significantly softer. “I don’t need to tell you anything you don’t already know, you’re fully aware of your own position, but you need to remember that what happens today can change everything .” Their talk from before they left came back to him, and from the way his mate’s eyes hardened he remembered as well. “We’re counting on you, okay?” He asked, and he knew Taehyung understand who he was really referring to. “I’m sorry.” He said lowly, and he looked around at the other three as well as he said it. Their hands separated only for him to tug Jungkook against his chest, and the omega buried his nose just under his jaw. The heavy scent did wonders to level off his emotions and he felt the anger under his skin fade to a much more manageable level. “I think I got too caught up in...this image of ‘V’ everyone has.” He explained and with a peek over his shoulder Jungkook could see them all nod in understanding. “They all see, or want to see, this angry kid with blood on his hands.” The arm around Jungkook’s waist tightened and the Alpha let out a slow breath that brushed across his ear. “The last time I saw the Elders in person was the year after my parents died.” He revealed and Jungkook shuddered at the reminder of their gruesome deaths. He didn’t need to lean back to know that Taehyung had that crushed look in his eyes, that wrinkle in his brow that betrayed just how horrible he truly felt on the inside. “You were 16.” Yoongi reminded him quietly, but there was a firmness to his voice. “Do you remember what happened when they sent that invitation to that Convergence? They wrote that condescending note about how they would ‘understand if you couldn’t make it’ knowing that you were legally too young to take the place as our Alpha- there wasn’t even a goddamn note of condolence to go with it. Do you remember what you did after that?” Jungkook had never heard that story and he leaned back to hear better, curious by the sudden snort his mate let out. Taehyung’s stance had relaxed and he absentmindedly pulled Jungkook back in closer. “Sent them a letter back and told them to ‘fuck off’, and showed up in a rented suit.” He suddenly sounded embarrassed but Jungkook only gaped. It was unbelievably disrespectful towards the Elders, but he couldn’t help but shift when he felt a spark of heat in his gut that had nothing to do with the temperature. He hated how the idea of a rebellious teenage Taehyung did something to his psyche. More than likely fully aware of how he felt Taehyung kissed his hair with a quiet laugh. “And you convinced them to let us open our restaurant.” Seokjin reminded him; Jungkook had no idea that was how Stigma had been opened. “ And you won that fight to give us that section of land so we could move in the city.” “It’s going to be okay.” The omega spoke up again and the others nodded. “We trust each other, we know we have allies here.” He thought of how Hakyeon and Taekwoon had steadfastly given their support, how Jungkook had given Taehyung everything his family had ever given him. He thought

back to how Taehyung had held him together just hours before when he’d been near tears. “Jeons are good with their words,” Taehyung’s gaze dropped to his and he tilted his head and gave him a secretive smile, “but Kims protect their own, right?” The hand that rested on his back shifted to his side, hidden from the others, and Taehyung glanced down between their bodies. “We do.” Hoseok said firmly. “ Bangtan protects our own.” Jungkook had never asked for the meaning behind their other pack name, although he’d noticed how other packs had never used it in reference to them. It was as if it was a pack secret, an inside joke to just their select family. “It’s not just Kims anymore, right Tae?” Taehyung nodded and then the other three stepped in closer and the four of them held out their fists; Jungkook stared, utterly bewildered, until a gentle nudge made him thrust out his own as well. Hoseok gave him a wink that he didn’t quite understand but Taehyung’s voice pulled him out of his thoughts. “We’re bulletproof.” The Alpha’s voice was firm, steadfast, serious in a way he hardly ever was. “Steel can’t break us, and we’re held together by shit stronger than blood. Whatever they say doesn’t matter, because I have you guys, and you have me. Always .” He nearly growled the last word, and a surge of pride came to Jungkook so strongly he wondered if it was an overflow from the pack bond. It was almost as if every member of their pack back home had sent them an invisible burst of strength even from miles and miles away. “We got this?” Jungkook asked, and he was met with four looks of well deserved confidence. “We got this.”

Chapter End Notes

twt

cc

this was a bit of a filler idk if y'all are rEADY for the sTORM that's coming your way within the next few chapters. i've got a pretty good idea of how the next few are goin down. also, i say few, and i'm thinking- 10 more? total? ending around 30ish seems pretty good. what do you think? what do you think about me writing a prequel? how this shitstorm started, how 'bangtan' came to be? how did all this inner circle come to be? i've already got it outlined so lemme know on twitter or in the comments what you think!

the quieter you become the more you are able to hear Chapter Summary

As you stand in the room of your beginning or your end, what do you feel?

Chapter Notes

title quote by: rumi back at it again with the random upload schedule. this chapter might seem simple ut wonder if you guys can catch the hints i drop before the end..? lol, we'll see!! all the love and support you've been giving this is SO amazing! i thank you SO SO SO much!!!

See the end of the chapter for more notes

The main room wasn’t quite what Jungkook had imagined when Seokjin had given him a rough description weeks before. Once they had stepped out of the elevator and had followed the heavy scent of alpha through the halls, they stood faced with the most ornate doors Jungkook had ever seen- and his parents had always been inclined towards extravagance. There wasn’t anyone stood outside, but as Seokjin stepped forward to pull the door open for them it creaked open and a familiar man came into view. “Alpha Taekwoon!” Jungkook greeted with a bright smile that the alpha returned, he gave them a small bow and they all dipped their heads as well. “Are you ready?” His soft voice was at odds to his straight posture, to how he pushed his dominance like how Hakyeon had done months ago. Jungkook could imagine it wouldn’t have helped their image to have the face of their pack be their Luna, no matter how capable or strong Hakyeon truly was. He felt almost sorry for the alpha to be forced to project an image so unlike his true nature. “We caught your scent as soon as you stepped from the elevator.” It was no surprise. Jungkook had gotten used to it but he could remember when he’d first caught it, been caught up in it. The Alpha’s presence was overwhelming at the best of times and the power he held at his fingertips...even just a glance sometimes still made the omega want to bare his neck and submit. He’d caught more than one wolf freeze and go silent as their Alpha passed them in the halls, and there was nothing Taehyung could really do to rein it in. Of course, secretly Jungkook kind of found it attractive- even though he would never tell the alpha that to his face. Taehyung brushed a lock of platinum hair from his eyes and curled a strong arm around Jungkook waist; the two other alphas were close at his back, the Beta at his other side. “As ready as I’ll ever be.” He murmured. Taekwoon gave him a sharp nod and let Seokjin pull the door back open.

The rush of scents was a little disorienting for Jungkook but he quickly pushed it aside; his years around humans had taught him how to ignore them even a little bit. Any sound in the room was quickly silenced and their shoes gave soft taps against the hard floor as they stepped inside. Jungkook had expected a long table, some office chairs and maybe some sort of large board like in the stereotypical “meetings” in movies. Instead, there were dozens of round tables scattered around, each pack granted their own area to help keep tensions at a minimum. There was a long table on the other side that reminded him of the pack house’s main dining room. Six figures dressed in black were seated behind the table. They all wore face masks with wide brimmed hats, their faces hidden as well as their scents. The Elders, his brain supplied. Then, he realized that everyone’s attention had turned to them and Taehyung’s hand gripped his hip just a little harder. Seokjin cleared his throat softly as Taekwoon almost lazily walked back to his own table (he could see Hakyeon’s dark eyes on them from across the room), and gave the room a deep bow. “Introducing Alpha Kim Taehyung and his mate, Luna Kim Jungkook of the Kim Branch Pack.” The omega wished he could have given Taehyung a look but he kept his gaze ahead to where the Elders watched them passively; although he could feel the mate mark on his neck and their bond hum with happiness at their shared name. “Along with representatives: our Second, Min Yoongi and alpha Jung Hoseok, and myself- Beta Kim Seokjin.” There was a huff from somewhere in the room and Jungkook’s eyes narrowed slightly at a look of mild disbelief from a few tables away. “A surprise and a pleasure to see you’ve returned, V.” One of the Elders droned, and Taehyung bowed his head in greeting again. “An Alpha can’t very well stand to have their land and mate taken without putting up a fight.” Was all he gave in response, and then he let the nearby omega helper guide them to their seats. Jungkook ignored the leers from the wolves they passed as best he could, at least until both Yoongi and Hoseok shifted so they blocked the majority of their view. He knew he looked good but the stares only made his skin crawl in disgust. “Thanks.” He whispered softly as he moved to grab his seat and they both just gave him a small smile; just as his fingers brushed the back of the seat Taehyung’s hands gently grabbed his own and tugged the chair back for him. “Tae?” His big eyes stared in confusion, but his alpha only nudged him to sit. He bit back a giggle at his manners and let him link their fingers together once their Alpha had settled down as well. There was the scent of confusion in there air but it didn’t come from any of them. As his eyes wandered around the room, and the side conversations slowly started back up again, he caught the eyes of a few other omega around the room. It wasn’t a surprise by any means- most Alphas preferred to take an omega mate to guarantee pups, especially when they wanted several, their bodies were just built for it in a way that the other dynamics weren’t. What truly caught his attention was the state of the omegas themselves. He could remember being denied food to ‘keep his figure’, wearing makeup to appear softer and more fragile, wearing clothes revealed too much and flattered nothing. There was only one other male omega besides Jungkook and Hakyeon and he looked considerably older than the two of them. His clothes weren’t too flashy and Jungkook could assume he was actually given a choice in how he dressed himself. The women, however, made Jungkook a little sick to his stomach. There were at least three kneeled on the floor by their mates side, and a few more that were perched

on their laps like dolls. A couple of them wore clothes that could barely be considered clothing- one even wore a thin collar wrapped tightly around their neck. The memory of Jimin’s face as he told the story of how he was treated made him turn and rest his forehead against Taehyung’s shoulder. He’d forgotten just how low a pack could view an omega as. “Darling?” The alpha asked softly, his free hand rose to card his long fingers through his fringe. “Are you feeling okay?” He could assume their bond had pushed his nausea to Taehyung as well as his unease and he shook his head. There was no point in trying to hide it. “What’s wrong, darling?” “Thank you.” He straightened up and gave him a smile, sweeter than he meant to but no less genuine. “I’d...forgotten.” The dark look in his mate’s eyes told him he knew exactly what he was referring to. “I’ll never treat you as anything less than precious to me, Jungkook.” He said firmly, and he knew a few other wolves had caught his words if their disbelieving snorts were telling enough. Taehyung’s eyes flashed as he glanced away to see who had made the noise before he focused back on the omega. “My soul is yours, just as yours is mine.” True Mates, soulmates- Jungkook didn’t know if either of those words could really accurately describe the way his bond with Taehyung felt. He couldn’t hold back his giggle that time but the way Taehyung’s eyes brightened made it worth it. They were forced to sit through a few more introductions as some more packs made their presence known, and in between Seokjin quietly pointed out who was who in the room. He told them who exactly was on their side and who wasn’t, who he had information on and who he didn’t. Despite his nerves the Beta was truly in his element and Jungkook couldn’t help but feel a little awe in the knowledge his hyung had. Seokjin made sure they all knew where the Sun Pack was seated, four women with beautiful faces and dark eyes. He held back a shiver when the familiar beta envoy narrowed her eyes at them. Then, before too long, one of the Elder’s pushed back his chair and the room fell silent again. “As is customary of the Convergence, we will open the floor to air your grievances.” Ah, Seokjin had explained this part just the day before, Jungkook remembered. It was a time for all of the Alphas to formally announce what they had come to do. Whether it was to discuss treaty agreements, business propositions, or Challenges. Of course, Challenges weren’t to be taken lightly and Jungkook would be surprised if there was another pack that had come with the intention to fight like they had. It also let the Elders decide when exactly they would address each issue, in which order everything would be handled. They had three days total, and there were dozens of wolves in the room. They shouldn't have been surprised when Solar pushed herself to her feet first, her pack right behind her. “We’ve issued a Challenge of Territory to Alpha V.” She said as she stared the blonde down. Taehyung slowly stood as well and Jungkook followed with the other three. “Your land, and your omega.” “As I’ve mated him, I assume you wish to kill me then?” The words made a spike of dread course through Jungkook’s veins but he forced himself to keep it inside. Taehyung wouldn’t lose, he couldn’t lose. He forced himself to hold back from placing a hand protectively over his bump and instead curled them into tight fists. Solar scoffed. “Of course. As if I could let scum like you roam free after today.” There was something in her tone that made Jungkook frown. That sounded personal, and nothing any of the others had told him added up to them actually insulting her in any way. From what he

understood they’d barely ever interacted with each other, although to be fair when they had it almost always ended in a fight. Taehyung had claimed they’d never even seen each other since he’d taken over. The Elder’s eyes all turned towards the other Alpha and Taehyung gave a cocky smile and shrugged a shoulder. Faux nonchalance, although he didn’t think anyone but himself could tell. “Sure. To the death, then.” He said it so easily. Jungkook was reminded briefly of the conversation with Yoongi that he’d never been able to bring up with Taehyung. His mate’s ease with violence, his attitude towards fighting and death. “Everything I have, for everything you have.” Solar nodded and there was a low whistle from someone in the room. It was almost barbaric to have a fight to the death in their day and age. Even in his conservative and traditional home pack Jungkook had only ever seen a duel to the death once , and it hadn’t even directly involved them. His father had simply been a spectator that had made him watch. After a tense silence where the Alpha’s stared each other down they all take a seat again as a Beta stood. They let Seokjin take over at that point and Jungkook, subtly, leaned his body against Taehyung’s to try to absorb some of his warmth and get closer to his heavy scent. From the moment they’d sat down the Alpha had admirably tried to rein in his naturally dominating presence but Jungkook needed it. Needed his scent to calm down, settle the unease in his stomach that had nothing to do with their tiny pup. “Baby?” Taehyung wrapped his arm back around his body and pulled his chair closer so that he could press against his side, which he did unabashedly. “Deep breathes, darling. Can’t let them see you as anything but strong. Need to be the omega that put us in our place earlier. Remember what I said a while ago? About that free thinking omega who didn’t care about rules or social structure?” His voice was low and his lips were soft against the curve of his ear as he spoke directly to him. Jungkook shivered and nodded. Of course he remembered, how could he forget? “I can do that.” Taehyung made a questioning noise and Jungkook looked up to catch his bright blue eyes focused only on him. Only ever on him. “I can do that for you.” He repeated as he rubbed his nose, and his mate gave him a slow smile and leaned in to kiss his forehead. “Of course you can, darling.” He murmured against his skin, his touch warm. “You can do anything.” Jungkook took a deep breath, determined to force his body to relax and his mind to shut up. Taehyung’s arm moved to rest on the back of his chair and he could almost smell his own scent soften as his stress ebbed away. Then his lungs seized and he couldn’t hold back that cough that made his chest rattle. Taehyung immediately straightened in alarm and in a second both Yoongi and Hoseok were halfway out of their seats before he held up a hand to stop them. He couldn’t afford to make a scene and he tried to force his breathing under control, his nose started to run and Seokjin held out a handkerchief. His face burned in embarrassment as he held it up to his face but Taehyung’s only held concern as he leaned in closer. His throat ached from his coughing fit and his eyes had begun to water- sure signs of his allergy- but he’d been so sure that they hadn’t passed any flowers that stood out on their way in. The tables didn’t hold any centerpieces and the decorations in general were incredibly sparse. He tried to sniff the air but he could already feel his sense of smell weakening as whatever was in the air affected his system. “Jungkook?” Taehyung rubbed his back slowly and he looked up over the white fabric with wide,

watery eyes. He was sure they were red from irritation, just like his nose was bound to be. His dark brows furrowed and he looked around the room, eyes searching for any flowers as well he was sure. “I don’t see any,” he muttered, and then his eyes narrowed as he glanced between a few of the packs that hadn’t taken their eyes off of them. “Do you need to step out, baby?” He asked, but Jungkook quickly shook his head. “Need to stay.” He croaked- his throat was maybe a little more sore than it should have been- and Taehyung’s expression tightened in worry, and maybe irritation as well. He knew he was too stubborn for his own good. “I’ll be fine.” He tried to assure, although he wasn’t too sure it was very effective. “Here,” Taehyung shifted in his seat and pulled Jungkook into his chest, a soft hand pressed him closer to his neck. Jungkook tucked his nose under his jaw like he had earlier and sighed. His empty hand curled under his suit jacket around Taehyung’s waist and he pressed his palm against the base of his spine. “Tell me if you need to leave.” Jungkook knew Taehyung trusted that he knew his own limits, although they were both hyper aware of how delicate Jungkook really was now. The carefully hidden swell just above his waistband was enough proof of that. “Promise.” They spent the next half hour like that: Taehyung gently pushed his hair out of his face as he tried to drown out the way his head ached and his chest tightened with every breath he took. He kept the handkerchief up to his face and he thanked the Beta for the simple filter for whatever was in the air. Taehyung acted as if he was focused on the goings-on around them but Jungkook knew he was merely pretending. The heavy hand, out of everyone’s view, that rubbed small circles on his thigh told him enough. “Alright.” Jungkook perked up at the new voice and with a peek over his shoulder he watched one of the other Elders stand from his seat. “We have heard your problems, and have decided on an order of events.” His eyes flicked over to where Solar sat with her arms crossed and her pack close at her back. He explained how the rest of the day and the net would be full of trade agreements- and even an arranged mating between packs. Jungkook crossed his fingers as he droned on and on about various issues, his heart raced in his chest as they waited. “Then, on the last day we will address the Challenge of Territory between the Sun Pack and the Kim Branch Pack.” He looked between both Alphas with a barely there frown. “We will not allow this act of aggression to disrupt the other packs that have come as well.” In a burst of that so-called aggression Solar jumped from her seat, her scent was like a harsh wave that pushed against the rest of the room. “You’re making us wait?” She demanded, and the Elders watched her passively. “I demand that we finish this now.” “You are in no position to make demands of us, Alpha Solar.” Another Elder cut in and she scowled. Her betas all looked like they held back snarls of their own, and that was when Taehyung slowly stood as well. Jungkook let him go easily and stayed seated, he didn’t want to get involved in whatever could happen next and that time he really did curl an arm around his midsection instinctively. “Are you suggesting that you want to fight me right now? In front of everyone here?” The blonde asked curiously, and a few others stood up as well. Jungkook saw Hakyeon pull Taekwoon to his feet along with the wolves they had brought along as well as a few others Seokjin had said had given them their support. However there were a few that Jungkook could tell even at a glance would love nothing more than to get rid of his mate, eliminate his pack and end his line for good. Yoongi let out a low growl but Taehyung didn’t turn around.

Solar took a step forward and the entire room tensed and Jungkook saw one of the omega girls curl up as if to shield herself. Even Taehyung looked as if he was ready to jump at a moments notice, a dark look in his eyes and his posture tall and confident. It was as intimidating as it was protective, ready to fight if he needed to and protect the ones behind him. However one of the Elders cleared their throat and crossed their arms. He looked between them and even saying a word Jungkook could feel the power the man held. The Alphas must have as well when they both slowly took their seats again. Taehyung didn’t hesitate to grab his hand again and Jungkook squeezed his fingers. “Both packs will face severe punishment if either of you act out of turn.” He scoffed and waved a hand as he sat back down. “Now, first order of business.”

Chapter End Notes

twt

cc

this one is a little shorter and i apologize! however, i DO have an outline for the rest of the fic, and this one was gonna end up kinda short anyway with what i have planned. the action isnt over, so don't worry there's plenty coming in the next few ch. until the end! (did y'all notice the chapter count??) what do you think is happening? how do you think it'll all go down? anything y'all wanna see happen before the end? also have y'all checked out the smut series i've started here?

i'll protect you; i'll stand by you if anything happens Chapter Summary

Words can hurt, and so can fists.

Chapter Notes

title quote by: fuyumi soryo i'm SO sorry this took me so long! i hit some major writer's block with this one, and i just couldn't find anything that sounded nice. i hope the final product is worth the wait!

See the end of the chapter for more notes

“I don’t think it needs to be said, but please keep a cool head.” It was all the advice Seokjin had been able to offer when they’d stepped out for a quick recess. There were eyes and ears on all of them from the moment they had entered. The Elders had wanted to convene before they continued onto the next order of business and Jungkook wouldn’t argue fresh air. The scent of Alpha was only more and more overwhelming the longer they sat in that suffocating room. Jungkook was a little confused by the Beta’s words but Taehyung only nodded and tugged the omega along gently. “Yoongi, you think you could go with Jin to make sure the hotel was figured out?” The Alpha asked as they stepped into the hall, and without a word the other blonde followed the Beta towards the elevator. “Come on, I need to breathe clean air.” Jungkook snorted but leaned into his mates side as they walked; Hoseok followed silently behind. It was strange to see the older alpha so serious, but Jungkook figured they were all just being cautious. They passed several other Alpha’s along the way, probably on their own route to privacy, and Jungkook couldn’t help but notice the dirty looks thrown their way. He wanted to say something, maybe make a rude gesture as they passed, but he knew there was a lot riding on their presentation. He didn’t know the full story and he might not ever, but he knew their social standing was just about the lowest out of them all. He wasn’t ignorant to how they rolled their eyes as Taehyung spoke or how they ignored their Beta when he tried to explain something. They eventually found a small balcony that seemed blissfully free of any others and Hoseok stayed out by the door as the couple stepped outside. The fresh air made them both sigh as it washed away the hyper charged, overly masculine scents from the Alphas. Jungkook took a deep breath and let his shoulders relax, his hands slowly unclenched from the tight fists they’d found themselves in. “Are you okay, darling?’ Taehyung asked quietly, and Jungkook rubbed a soft hand over his bump. They had privacy for at least a few minutes. His mate stepped up behind him as if shield his body and his own arms wrapped around him, his larger hands settled over Jungkook’s as they cupped his

stomach. “Both of you?” “I think so.” He nodded and let his eyes shut for a moment. They swayed in place for a second, and Jungkook felt himself start to sink back into his alpha’s arms. “Tae-,” However, whatever he was about to say was suddenly cut off as the balcony door swung open, they looked over their shoulders to see Hoseok hold the door open. “Tae, Alpha Choi would like to speak.” Hoseok said stiffly, and the mated pair shared a look; Taehyung pulled him over to a small cushioned bench and gave him a short nod. It was a little embarrassing how Taehyung wouldn’t let him out of his lap but he let the alpha’s warmth soak through his clothes and curled an arm around his shoulders. He knew his mate’s instinct to protect only grew stronger the longer they spent around all of these strangers. The Alpha was a man Jungkook didn’t recognize, although he wasn’t very surprised- he’d been away from pack politics too long to recall anyone’s face. He was tall and broad, built like any alpha should be and he had a sneer on his face that screamed ‘trouble’. “Alpha Choi.” Taehyung greeted shortly, and Jungkook gave him a short head nod in kind- if Taehyung didn’t think he was worth standing up for he would follow his lead. He’d be the silent pillar of support he knew Taehyung needed. “What did you need to speak to me about?” His intent to keep the conversation short was clear but Choi either didn’t pick up on it or simply didn’t care as he laughed and moved to lean against the banister almost lazily. “You’re the talk of the hour, V.” He said and Jungkook held back an eye roll. Was this man seriously about to try and psyche them out? “You shut your borders down, right? Risky move for a supposedly ‘neutral pack’.” Taehyung’s eyes narrowed and the hand on the omega’s hip tightened. “Plus I think we were all hoping your line was going to die with you, but now you’re mated?” The jab was surprisingly blunt and Jungkook couldn’t but growl at the words. Screw trying to psyche them out, this Alpha clearly had a bone to pick with them. Choi laughed at his irritation and held up a hand as even Taehyung’s stare became pinched with anger. “No judgement, we all have urges.” His smile was razor sharp and Jungkook’s lip curled into a snarl. How dare he? He was the Luna, their Alpha’s mate for life , and he was going to insult him? Jungkook couldn’t remember ever being so angry, and while it worried him for his stress it felt kind of freeing to be so expressive. He would have just let himself be walked over in his previous life, but it was different now. However, Taehyung’s hand shifted to wrap fully around his waist before he could make a move or say anything. He glanced down in surprise but Tae didn’t look up, his eyes still locked on the other Alpha. There was something dark in his expression and Jungkook felt a shiver run down his spine. He knew they wouldn’t fight, no pack would risk whatever the Elders would throw at them, but he knew there were ways to work around that. “Well, I just wanted to see the Alpha everyone has been talking about.” Choi said with a fake laugh and a shrug; he straightened and adjusted his jacket. “I wouldn’t be so sure that you have the upper hand here, V .” He threw over his shoulder as he moved to leave just as quickly as he came. Without an explanation he pushed past Hoseok and they were left to stare after him as he disappeared out of view. “I want to say that I didn’t know he was going to be such an asshole .” Hoseok said as he held his hands up in surrender. “He said he had something to tell you, and I wasn’t gonna turn him away.” Jungkook huffed but Taehyung only nodded. “You’re fine.” He assured. “I expected someone to do

this at some point. I wouldn’t be surprised if it keeps happening.” Taehyung finally looked up and he gave the omega a small smile. “I know you wanted to say something, but I’m glad you didn’t.” “I know.” He knew he was pouting but he couldn’t help it, even if he wanted to. He didn’t know if he could sit through the next two days silently as his mate was berated like that. Taehyung was strong - he had power, enough to make other alphas submit, and he had money and an impressive lineage outside of their family curse. In a perfect world he’d be the Alpha others would clamor to be like, the wolf they would envy. “I love you.” He said quietly, and Taehyung’s smile brightened. “I love you too, darling.” He rubbed a hand up his side and leaned in to press a kiss to his cheek. “Ready to go back inside?” “...Yeah, let’s do this.” Jungkook was wrong. He wasn’t ready- none of them were. From the moment they had stepped back inside it was if a switch had flipped. Seokjin had made one suggestion for a pack proposing to send a few of their younger wolves to the city for school- he had made an offer for them to work at Stigma if they needed the income- and they had descended like the wolves they were. Comment after biting comment had been thrown at them for everything from their “immature suggestion” to even a blunt remark about how much they couldn’t stand to even breathe the same air. Jungkook clutched Taehyung’s hand like a life line as one of Solar’s betas took a crack at them as well. A loud, ‘when we want the mutt’s opinion, we’ll ask ’, that had been immediately followed by peals of high pitched laughter. Then, a man with eyes like black holes had whispered something to the man next to him and even if Jungkook hadn’t been able to hear it- Taehyung had. A growl ripped from his throat as he jumped to his feet and a startled hush fell over the room as he whipped around. His bright eyes locked onto the man who’d spoke and Jungkook watched, confused by his reaction. “You want to say that for the class to hear?” Taehyung asked lowly, and there was the heavy scent of shock in the air. They’d sat in the room for nearly two hours to their verbal abuse and Jungkook had thought Taehyung had simply figured out how to let it roll off of himself. However, the look on his face spoke of impending violence and he slowly stood as well to grab his sleeve. “Tae-.” “No, darling, I want to know if he’ll say it again. To my face this time.” He didn’t turn but a rush of barely restrained anger seeped through their bond and Jungkook’s hand shifted to twine his fingers with Taehyung’s. “So?” The man, a stranger to Jungkook, shared a look with his friend and after a split second, shrugged and pushed himself to his feet. “Sure, I’ll share.” A greasy smirk tugged at the corners of his mouth and he shoved his hands in his jacket pockets. “You introduced your omega as ‘Kim’, but he’s not a Kim, right?” Jungkook’s breath hitched. His chest tightened and almost immediately his hand was squeezed by Taehyung’s. “He’s a Jeon. More specifically the son of the pack’s late Alpha- and mate to his chosen heir. Meaning-,” there was an obvious tone of arrogance in his voice and Jungkook’s eyes squeezed shut. “-your omega is the same one who was too weak to carry two pups to full term. The one who lost any chance of his pack continuing and fulfilling the one duty he has.” Omegas were looked down on, it was hardly a secret. Jungkook especially knew that. Most Alphas

took them as mates to help their chances of having more alphas, and betas tried to mate with them to increase their status. The position of pack Luna was usually seen as nothing more than a placebo for any sort of real responsibility, a way to make an omega feel needed. Then Taehyung had made him his equal. He’d never talked down to him, had never asked for more than he could give, had never pried or used him. He gave him the chance to keep the independence he had gained by himself in human society, and had only improved it. His alpha growled again and Jungkook’s eyes opened just as he tried to step forward, his grip quickly tightened to hold him back. Taehyung was more than strong enough to break out of the hold, but he stopped and simply glared at the wolf- a beta if his nose hadn’t failed him. “Are you insinuating that you think my mate is nothing more than a tool? Something to continue my line and nothing else?” “He’s an omega.” The beta rolled his eyes, as if that was enough of an answer. “That’s enough !” The words were said so sharply that Jungkook almost jumped at the intensity. Taehyung didn’t drop his hand but instead tugged him along as he stalked towards the offender. The beta’s eyes widened at his obvious anger and just as Jungkook noticed that Taehyung’s scent had flooded the room, there was a second of resistance before several wolves bowed their heads. His presence was overwhelming, intimidating, overpowering. Jungkook had thought he’d gotten used to it but even he had to hold back the urge to expose his neck; while it was no big deal to submit to his own alpha, he wouldn’t with so many strangers in the room. With every step he took his anger and irritation only grew and the air was thick with the scent of Alpha . When they were only a step away, surrounded by other Alphas and their various entourage; Solar only sat a few seats away, laser focused on Taehyung. They were separated by only a single table. “Did I push a button?” The beta asked almost innocently, but Taehyung only cocked his head. His bright blue eyes stared the man down and Jungkook felt a sense of satisfaction through the bond that could have come from either of them. “I think you misunderstand.” He started lowly. “My mate is my Luna, the one who leads alongside me, my equal. So,” His eyes narrowed and he step another step forward. Jungkook could tell the beta was surprised by His intensity, surprised by the reaction of the surrounding alphas. “By insulting him, you’ve insulted me. Directly, and to my face.” Jungkook had never seen an alpha submit to another before he’d met Taehyung, had never seen a confrontation that hadn’t ended in blood between two alphas before he’d met his pack. Now, he could see the beta’s eyes dart nervously over to where the packs around them watched silently. Bangtan hadn’t moved from their seats. Jungkook knew they wouldn’t interfere. “You know you can’t touch me here, not during the Convergence. Not in front of the Elder’s.” Taehyung only shook his head. “I don’t need to touch you to make you kneel.” There was a sudden weight to his words and his chin tipped just as the beta’s eyes widened and his knees buckled. He hit the floor with a thud and not a single person made a move to help or stop him. The beta let out a wheeze and his head bowed, his neck offered to the Alpha. The Elders has been silent the entire time, and when Jungkook risked a glance around he saw them only watch passively. It seemed they would let them figure it out themselves, or maybe… “Apologize to my mate, and I’ll attempt to forget what you’ve said.” Maybe they knew Taehyung wasn’t going to hurt him.

Jungkook bit back a smile at his words. Taehyung took so much offense on his behalf, no other alpha or beta would have done that. No wolf outside of Bangtan would have done that. “I-I’m sorry,” the beta stuttered, suddenly cowed by Taehyung’s attention, “sorry, Luna.” Taehyung started him down for a second longer, and then suddenly they were all able to breathe. He reigned himself in and curled a tight arm around Jungkook’s waist and turned so they could walk back. “Good.” Just as Jungkook went to say something a flash of color caught his attention. His head turned to see Solar turned in her seat, eyes still locked on the Alpha. Then, as if she could feel his gaze, her attention shifted and they locked eyes for a second. His head snapped back forward and he hoped she hadn’t noticed he’d just been staring. However, she had looked quite...confused. Jungkook shook his head and let Taehyung pull his chair back out for him. He couldn’t get distracted, not after that. “I swear, I’m about to fall asleep any minute.” Taehyung laughed into his hand as Jungkook held back another yawn. As they sat listening to some young beta explain her pack’s need for more city access Taehyung reached over and gently brushed a thumb under his sleepy eyes. “Why don’t you step out and get some fresh air?” Jungkook’s first instinct was to protest but his mate gave him his favorite smile, the soft one that was always followed by the softest kiss. “Hoseok will go with you.” He murmured against his lips, and Jungkook reluctantly nodded. As another yawn ripped out of him he wasn’t really in the mood to argue either way. The red headed alpha stood like Taehyung said he would and, more for the show to the room, had Jungkook hook his arm around his elbow. They hadn’t had any trouble since Taehyung’s outburst but who knew how long that would actually last. Seokjin had been upset that their Alpha had snapped, but even he had admitted that if he’d heard what the beta had said he would have gotten up as well. “C’mon, Kook.” Hoseok said with a bright smile, and they silently wove through the tables to step into the hall. They received a few odd looks but no one gave them any trouble. As soon as the door clicked shut behind them the alpha tugged them down to the balcony they had found hours earlier. “I think they’re gonna call it a night soon anyway. It didn’t sound like they were getting anywhere.” He said brightly and Jungkook agreed. “I didn’t think it would be possible for so many alphas to be in the same room, and I guess I was half right.” The rush of cool air outside made him shiver but he took a greedy lungful. The exhaustion was swept away for a moment and he let himself relax a little as he stared out over the skyline towards the slowly darkening sky. They stood in silence for a moment, taking in the fresh air. It had been a while since the two of them had had any time to talk, or even just hang out for a minute. It was nice to just stand with one of his favorite people. As he stretched out his arms, Hoseok moved to the bench with a sly smile. “So, Kook…” Jungkook’s brow furrowed at his tone, already suspicious of whatever he was about to say or ask as he crossed his arms. “When were you two gonna tell us you’re expecting?”

The omega’s eyes widened and he choked on his own breath, his hands quick to rise to the swell of his stomach. “What?” He asked, and while he knew he had absolutely nothing to worry about or fear the primal instinct to protect flared up and he almost curled in on himself. “How did you find out?” Hoseok hands flew up and he shook his head. “Hey, easy, I literally realized it earlier- when Tae went all ape shit on Sungjae.” That must have been that beta’s name. “You just moved a certain way, and I could see your baby bump. I don’t think anyone was watching you as closely as I was.” The alpha smiled and leaned back as Jungkook let out a sigh of relief. “I’m happy for you two.” “Thanks, hyung.” Jungkook rubbed a hand over his belly and let out another sigh. “We were going to announce it after this, actually. Once we got home. I only just got past the first trimester. I was so....I was so worried I might not have been strong enough to carry to the second. My first two were,” he trailed off and Hoseok nodded slowly. “That would explain our Alpha’s rather explosive reaction.” Jungkook flushed. “Well, again, I’m really happy for you two. I hope we can get through this without another incident like that. Taehyung will beat Solar, and then you guys can tell the pack the good news.” Then, just as Jungkook went to say something else, there was a burst of chatter and they both turned to see a group of wolves wander down the hallway. “They finished sooner than I thought they would.” He murmured, and Hoseok nodded. “We should go find Tae.” No sooner than he spoke but Taehyung turned the corner, Seokjin and Yoongi at his heels. Jungkook lifted a hand to try and catch his attention, but just as the blonde took a step towards them an unfamiliar woman cut him off. She had something covered in plastic in her hands but as she was turned away he could only see her long, dark hair and the back of the sharp pant suit she wore. She was short but she carried herself well. Taehyung’s eyes dropped down to whatever was in her arms and an odd expression crossed his face. He said something to her, and then stepped around her. The three stepped out onto the balcony and Jungkook frowned when his mate immediately pulled him into his arms. He pressed his nose under his jaw and the omega let his head drop back to give him more room. “Are you okay, baby?” He asked gently, and the alpha let out a heavy breath. He didn’t know what that woman had said, or what she’d shown or offered him, but it had obviously upset him. “Now I am.” He said lowly, and he kissed his neck softly before he leaned back and pressed another kiss to his temple. “They called it a day, let’s head to the hotel before I get in another fight.”

Chapter End Notes

twt

cc

i'll be honest, i'm not totally happy with this one. it feels very choppy? or rushed? i'll try to make the next ones extra good. but! despite that, how did you guys like it?? next chapter will continue a tiny bit after where this left off, the day isn't quite over yet. who do you think the woman was? why do you think everyone really hates taehyung? i love all of your theories and comments! (also i've decided to crosspost to wattpad here!)

there is only one happiness in this life, to love and be loved Chapter Summary

Mood swings and affirmation, Taehyung is here for it all.

Chapter Notes

title quote by: george sand haha, i did NOT mean to take this long to update. this one is a little shorter, but that's because i have quite a bit planned for this next chapter. (800+ kudos!!! thank you so much! and over 18k hits?? y'all are crazy and i love you allllllll)

See the end of the chapter for more notes

“I’m getting really concerned by how much money you spend.” Taehyung laughed as they were handed their key cards from Seokjin. The hotel was extravagant, to put it lightly. Jungkook wasn’t a stranger to indulgence, he’d been raised wealthy, but the hotel was something else. The chandelier bordered on gaudy and the lights reflected off of every surface like a golden spotlight. “You know I’ve got money to spare, darling. This is barely worth mentioning.” Taehyung said offhandedly and Jungkook rolled his eyes. After his years homeless it was more than a little irritating to see people throw money around, although he knew Taehyung didn’t mean to sound arrogant. “Come on, let’s head up.” He said with a small smile. Jungkook couldn’t help but smile back and lean further into his side. Extravagant or not, he would really love to be able to lay down with his mate and get away from the stress from the day. Albeit temporarily. “Can we order room service?” As if on cue his stomach rumbled and their bond hummed as Taehyung wrapped a tight arm around his shoulders. His alpha ever ready to solve his every problem, he thought with a small smile. “Of course.” Seokjin and Yoongi had already settled in their rooms, so the three of them made their way to the elevator past the mix of humans and wolves in the lobby. They gained a few strange looks from both side but they ignored all of them. They’d made enough of a scene for the day. The ride was silent, the three of them mentally exhausted from their long day. Hoseok leaned up against the reflective wall with a heavy sigh and let his head thump against the surface, Jungkook wrapped up in Taehyung’s arms in the opposite corner. Taehyung ran a slow hand up and down his back and Jungkook swallowed back a yawn.

“Just a little bit further, darling.” His alpha murmured, and Jungkook pressed his face into his neck. The floors ticked by silently until the doors slid open with a soft whoosh , and they all ambled out and down the hall. “Hoseok, you can go ahead.” He said with a jerk of his head, and the redhead grinned and gave a lazy salute before he hurried ahead to his own room. They walked silently together for a second, Taehyung’s eyes locked on the room numbers. They were up high in the building and it was obvious even from the hall that each room was unreasonably large. Jungkook would have said something if he wasn’t so hungry and tired. He just wanted to fill up on junk food and curl up next to Taehyung. “Oh, here we-.” Taehyung’s tone brightened as they turned the corner and their room came into view, and then he stumbled. The arm around Jungkook’s waist went slack and the omega turned in alarm. “Tae-!” Their bond had been bright and content but had fallen flat, just as he lost his footing and started to careen to the carpeted floor. “Taehyung!” Jungkook was quick to grab his arm and yank him to his feet, but there was no response and his heart raced in his chest. Then, as Taehyung’s limp body swayed in his grasp, his head lolled to the side and Jungkook’s stomach dropped at the sight of his eyes. Bright blue eyes like beacons that stared unblinking at something he couldn’t see. They were wide and almost expressionless if it wasn’t for the confused curl to his lips. Awful timing , he thought with a sigh. There was no way he would be able to pull the alpha all the way inside their room in either of their conditions. He turned to make sure they were alone, only to hold back a panicked whine when he heard the elevator ding again. He couldn’t let someone see the alpha this vulnerable, couldn’t let them get a glimpse of the secret their family had worked so hard to keep a secret. “Fuck, fuck ,” he muttered anxiously and his eyes darted back down the hall as his mind whirled for an answer. He didn’t know which door was pack and which wasn’t, he couldn’t pull them into their own room, he couldn’t just- oh ! “You better not bring this up later.” He warned his near comatose alpha, and he looped his free arm around his waist. He could hear footsteps and the sound of wheels rolling closer and closer. “Ok, come on, Tae.” It was awkward but he yanked the alpha closer and let the blonde’s head settled on his shoulder. He hooked one knee over Taehyung’s hip, and one hand crawled up to bury itself in his mate’s hair. “...honestly, I thought they were going to- oh .” Jungkook had never felt such a swell of embarrassment before, but he didn’t bother to look up at whoever had turned the corner. Taehyung’s arm might have loosed from around his waist but he could feel his hand settled above the curve of his ass, and his own body positioned in a way that was rather ...suggestive. One of the strangers whistled and he buried his face in Taehyung’s neck. God, how was this his life? The footsteps passed them quickly and he only held Taehyung closer when he felt them pass by. Then, just as he heard a soft giggle from one of them the hand at his hip slid suggestively down his thigh and his breath hitched when he felt a felt a familiar pair of lips attach themselves to the curve of his throat. “Tae,” he sighed softly, head tipped to the side as the alpha sucked a mark gently onto his skin. “Are you okay?” He didn’t receive a verbal response but the grip on his leg tightened before he leaned in to nip above the mark on his neck, his collar in the way. A soft sigh fell from his lips as a shiver ran down his spine. “Tae, food, please.” As much as he would have loved to continue he was still hungry. Once inside, Jungkook’s face still flushed in embarrassment, Taehyung stared at him for a moment

before a small smile tugged at his lips. “Thank you, darling.” The alpha said quietly, and Jungkook blinked in confusion before he giggled. “You never have to thank me.” He leaned in and Taehyung’s arm tightened around his waist as they kissed slowly. “I’m your Luna, your equal, remember?” He asked with a cheeky smile, the memory of his mate hours before fresh on his mind. “I’ll do anything to keep you safe, Tae. Just like you do for me.” Taehyung gently let his leg slid back to the ground and as they stared at each other with soft smiles on their faces, reached around to shove the key card in the door. “‘Don’t know what I did to deserve you, baby.” The door swung open with a push and they both stepped inside, arms still wrapped around each other. “How about you take a shower, and I’ll order some food.” He didn’t leave any room for arguing, so even though Jungkook desperately wanted to ask about the vision as the door shut behind them he nodded and slipped out of his grasp. “Don’t forget my hot sauce!”

“Don’t think I’ve forgotten what happened in the hallway.” Jungkook reminded him once they had both gotten out of the shower, curled up on the bed with their plates set aside. The alpha hummed and rubbed a large hand across his belly but didn’t say anything as he stared at the curve of his bump. “Tae, what did you see?” His mate was silent for a moment, and then he reached out to grab his hand gently. His thumb brushed across his knuckles before he slowly laced their fingers together. “It started with me face down on the floor.” He spoke slowly, as if he carefully chose each word before he said them. “Are you hurt?” Jungkook’s heart clenched at the very thought, but Taehyung shook his head. “I don’t know, but I didn’t seem to be. I push myself up off the ground, but before I get too far someone walks up to me.” He paused and squeezed his fingers. “It’s a woman, and I look up to see Solar standing above me.” Jungkook froze. Solar? Was it the Challenge? Or was it an ambush? Was this a hint to Taehyung losing ? His own grip on the alpha’s hand tightened and he shuffled closer to press his face against his chest. Any facade of strength he’d given to the public was nowhere to be found as he tried to engrave the way their bodies fit together in his mind. He couldn’t lose this, couldn’t lose what he and Taehyung had. “She says something but I can’t hear her, and I look around and I see other wolves scattered around us.” Taehyung sighed at that. “I recognized a few of them from earlier today.” Jungkook could have sworn that his heart stopped. “What?” “A few betas I saw earlier, and a few pack Alphas. They were passed out or at least incapacitated. I can’t say for certain.” Taehyung took a deep breath, and then his arms suddenly wrapped around him tightly. Jungkook didn’t protest and simply curled into him tighter, aware of how his alpha’s hand settled on his stomach. “Baby, maybe you shouldn’t be there for-.” “No.” Jungkook interrupted, and he shook his head as his fingers gripped at the back of his shirt. “Whatever you’re going to say, it’s a ‘no’. It’s me and you against the world, right? That’s what you said?” He didn’t let him respond. “I need to be there, Tae. I need to be with you, see you.”

“Darling-.” “No!” He didn’t want to but he leaned back and ripped himself from Taehyung’s grasp. The alpha stared at him with wide eyes, probably shocked by the switch in behavior. “Why,” he took a deep breath, and then moved to slide off the bed. One hand settled just under his bump and he found himself pacing as he wiped his teary eyes. “Why do you do this?” He finally asked and he turned on his heel to see his mate had moved closer, just within arms reach. Taehyung’s brows rose and he spoke carefully, just like before. “Do what, my love?” “Try to be this macho alpha! I’m fully aware of how competent you are, how strong you are. Why can’t you see that I just want to be there with you? Support you?” His emotions had been on a never ending roller coaster for hours and he could feel himself finally crash as the tears finally fell. His shoulders shook as he sobbed and Taehyung was quick to pull him back into his arms. He tried to resist for only a second before his nose caught his heavy scent and he couldn’t help how he tightly he held him just to press his face just under his jaw. Taehyung ran a slow hand up and down his back to try and calm his cries but the gentle touch only seemed to make him cry harder and harder. “Sh, darling, breathe. Baby, please,” Taehyung’s voice washed over him but he could barely hear him over the whines that dripped from his lips like the tears that fell and soaked into his shirt collar. “Jungkook, in and out, daring,” He tried to speak but Taehyung only gently shushed him again and kissed his mark, a buzz of comfort through their bond that helped him take a shaky breath in. It took longer than it should have for him to calm down. His face was sticky from tears and his face ached; Taehyung lifted a hand to gently wipe under his eyes, a soft but concerned look on his face. “Easy, darling.” he reminded him when he tried to speak again. “Stress isn’t good for the baby.” Jungkook’s expression crumpled and he immediately looked down at his belly, a scared look in his eyes. “Do you think-?” His voice jumped a pitch in fear and Taehyung shook his head quickly, a curse whispered under his breath. “No, I’m sure they’re fine, baby. I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have said that.” He apologized, but an unwanted thought popped in his head and Jungkook wiped his face roughly. “But,” he started, and he felt his face flush with shame, “I’ve never carried a pup to full term, Tae.” He whispered, and Taehyung froze under him. “You heard what Sungjae said-.” Taehyung had never growled at him, ever. He’d never made him submit, he’d never even called him ‘omega’ like most wolves would refer to him. He rarely raised his voice and when he did Jungkook was usually already heated and it didn’t usually escalate, but just then? The alpha’s eyes flashed and his lip curled as he just barely held back from baring his teeth and Jungkook hated how he automatically flinched at his expression. “Don’t listen to a word of what that jackass said.” Taehyung’s hands lifted to cup his face and he tipped his face up so he could stare into his eyes. “I told you this before, months ago- no alpha in their right mind makes a child carry their pups. No one. What that man put you through never should have happened.” Jungkook’s lips parted to speak but Taehyung shook his head as his lips pursed together angrily. Not at Jungkook, but at the topic. “You were robbed of two beautiful babies all because of archaic laws and you can never blame yourself for that, understand?” Jungkook’s eyes watered and he could feel his lip shake as he held back more tears, his hands on Taehyung’s broad shoulders to hold himself up. “I’m sorry.” He whispered shakily, and Taehyung

didn’t hesitate to pull him into a hard kiss, his warm palms cupped over his cheeks gently despite the intensity. “I’m sorry.” “Never apologize to me.” Taehyung whispered back, his own bright eyes glossy and his nose a little red. “I’m the one who’s sorry. It’s hard to believe that I have someone who loves me as much as you do, that I have someone I couldn’t bear to see hurt. I shouldn’t have even suggested that you stay away, and I shouldn’t have let you doubt yourself.” His eyes traced over his features and Jungkook thought he deserved another kiss for his sweet words. “What I told everyone was true. You’re my Luna, my equal, the love of my life, the one who’s giving me the greatest gift I’ll ever receive.” “Tae…” “I want you there.” He said firmly, and Jungkook felt a weight lift from his shoulders. “I need you there. I don’t want you near danger, but I trust Hoseok and I know the other two would never let you be harmed.” It was moments like these, where Taehyung was confident and sounded so sure of himself, that Jungkook thought he was truly lucky. The moon had paved the way for the two of them to meet, despite the rough lives they’d both led, and he couldn’t thank it enough. There was no one else he wished to spend his life with more than the alpha who held his everything. “I love you.” His voice was hoarse from crying and his lips were chapped, but Taehyung heard him loud and clear. Blue eyes widened before he smiled and they kissed again, and again, and again. “I love you so much.” “I love you both.”

Chapter End Notes

twt

cc

again, sorry that this one is a little shorter than i've written in the past, but next chapter has some action that i couldn't put in this one. only five more chapters left of plot, and then 28 will be an epilogue. what do you think can happen in five chapters? what gender is the baby? what do you think they'll name him/her? your theories make me giggle in the best way. feel free to drop something in my curiouscat if you don't feel comfortable commenting or talking on twitter!

three may keep a secret, if two of them are dead Chapter Summary

Don't get too close to the sun, or you'll just get burned.

Chapter Notes

title quote by: benjamin franklin y'all, this chapter gave me some trouble. it's bit rushed, but i hope you can forgive me!

See the end of the chapter for more notes

The others were silent when Taehyung revealed the vision he’d had, spread out around their hotel room before they started their day. Seokjin’s lips were pursed in thought as he paced around the room and the other two alphas sat silently. “There’s nothing else?” The Beta asked, and Taehyung shook his head. “That’s it. I was awake so it was a bit clearer, but other than Solar nothing else really jumped out at me. The wolves on the ground weren’t moving and I couldn’t hear what was going on.” He had draped an arm over Jungkook’s shoulders but he let it drop to rub a comforting hand down his arm. “It didn’t last very long.” The beta rubbed at his temples and they watched as he stopped and stared at the floor. “Jin?” Jungkook asked hesitantly when he didn’t speak for a moment. He didn’t respond immediately but when he looked back up he gave their Alpha a hard look. “You know we need to talk to Dragon.” The omega frowned at the unfamiliar name and glanced over at Taehyung to see him grimace. “Dragon?” Hoseok spoke up then and all eyes turned to him when he let out a dry laugh. “Big shot wolf in the city. He’s the one who hosts the Convergence- his pack has been integrated with humans for decades. You’ve probably never seen him, he usually sends his Beta to any official business.” That meant he owned the hotel, Jungkook thought with a frown. Plus, if he lived in the city he probably owned the city. It wouldn’t surprise him if ‘Dragon’ was the one in charge of who was allowed to live, work, or pass through. One look at their Alpha told them all he wasn’t fond of the idea. “Tae.” Seokjin said pointedly, and they stared at each other for a moment before the younger sighed. “I can try and set up a meeting, although I won’t be able to go with. Some of us still need to show up today.” Right, Jungkook thought, just because things were falling apart around them didn’t mean the

Convergence wasn't happening. “Me and Tae can go.” He said almost offhandedly, and the alpha in question let out a soft noise. “You three have enough influence on your own, but Tae will only seem confrontational and cocky if he shows up by himself.” He reasoned, and the others seemed reluctant to agree but he wasn’t going to give them time to argue. “Darling,” Taehyung’s spoke gently and Jungkook new immediately that his mate was about to suggest and he turned to meet his eyes with a raised brow. “I know you’re not about to ask me to let you go by yourself.” He interrupted, and Taehyung’s lips parted in subtle surprise. “Together. Always.” He reminded him, and they stared at each other for a second before Taehyung just sighed and gave him a small smile. “Always.” Even before his years spent among humans, Jungkook had never spent much time in the city. He was unfamiliar with the layout and unfamiliar with the people. He’d never spent much time around businessmen, anyone vaguely high society. So, the intimidatingly sharp eyed alpha in his three piece suit and his vibrant hair was a little out of his comfort zone. “Dragon.” Taehyung’s face was flat, his tone as even as he could make it, and Jungkook fought to keep his own expression and scent as neutral as he could. The alpha’s stared at each other, a glass top desk between them in the older alpha’s high rise office. The red head cocked his head and after an extra tension second, bowed his head. “V.” Then his eyes slid to the omega and he granted him a half smile. “Luna.” The term of respect made Jungkook blink but he couldn’t help but smile back. With the trouble they’d had it was like a breath of fresh hair. “Alpha.” He said demurely, and Taehyung’s hand tightened where it was hooked around his waist. “Your Beta said you needed to talk to me, urgently.” Dragon smoothly slid his hands in his pockets as Taehyung nodded. “I heard you’ve gotten some negative attention, can I assume it’s about that?” The blonde shook his head, which made the older alpha brows rose in surprise. “It’s been brought to my attention that the Sun Pack might attempt to sabotage our Challenge.” While that wasn’t entirely true, Jungkook understood the necessary deception. They couldn’t reveal the information they had, and they needed a believable reason for their visit. “My pack is not well loved, but I would hope that doesn’t mean you would refuse an attempt to break tradition.” It was one thing to verbally psyche out your opponent- it was another to force a win through dishonest means, and they knew it would give them an edge. Dragon frowned, and crossed his arms as his lips pressed to a thin line. “What exactly are you wanting me to do about that? It’s not as if I hold the authority to say anything, V.” The blonde alpha sighed. “We need access to the hotel room you set them up in.” It was a simple, but flawed, plan. Find their room, check for any info about the Sun Pack’s actions, and see if there was any hint towards what exactly they planned to do during the Challenge. However, by the dark look in Dragon’s eyes he was already opposed to their request. “You know exactly what I’m going to say-.”

Before anyone was able to continue there was a creak and all eyes turned to where the office door was pushed open. An unfamiliar scent floated in, quickly followed by a thin, shorter man. “Alpha, there was…” his bright voice trailed off when he noticed strangers in the office, and then there was a deep growl. Jungkook jumped and his head snapped back to see Taehyung’s eyes darken and his lip threaten to curl. “Jongdae.” His tone was guttural and Jungkook’s stomach flipped at the way his free hand curled into a tight fist. The newcomer’s eyes widened as Dragon just watched, curious. “Jungkook,” without explanation the omega felt himself gently tugged to the side so Taehyung could step in front of him, effectively shielding his body from the other two wolves. “Tae,” the newcomer, Jongdae, breathed and Jungkook’s brow furrowed. They obviously knew each other, but the nickname hinted that they were closer than just passing acquaintances or enemies. “What are you doing here?” Taehyung scoffed, the sound cut through the tense air. “I should ask you that. You’re obviously away from my dear brother, or you would have tried to kill Jungkook as soon as you’d seen him.” The omega couldn’t help how his anxiety spiked at the reminder and he saw the others all glance at him when his scent thickened with worry. Taehyung reached back and their fingers linked together tighter. “What? Why would I- Of course I’m not with him!” Jongdae exclaimed, and he motioned to where Dragon watched passively. “I’ve been with Alpha Jiyong for a couple years now, ever....ever since I got mated.” Taehyung seemed surprised by that revelation and he glanced over his shoulder to share a look with Jungkook before Jongdae continued. “How long has it been since you’ve seen him?” The blonde asked lowly, and Jongdae’s hands darted up as if to show his innocence, or inculpability. “Years. I left less than three months after...after what we did.” There was nothing in his voice that suggested he thought he was guiltless, and Jungkook felt Taehyung’s body relax ever so slightly. There was hope that this wouldn’t end in blood, he thought. Then, the words fully sunk in and he frowned. Jongin had said something strange when they had talked all those months ago. ‘I don’t remember the night we left’, he had said. Jungkook looked up to see Jongdae’s brow furrow as if attempting to recall something too old to remember clearly. “I mean, I think it was three months.” Ah. “You don’t remember, right?” Jungkook piped up from behind his mate and Taehyung’s face turned to meet his eyes questioningly. “You remember what happened, but not what happened next?” His mate’s eyes lit up and he knew Taehyung had remembered as well. “Yeah,” Jongdae nodded slowly, and his hands lowered as he looked between them. Even an idiot could tell what they were to each other, and Jungkook could see a sort of dawning wonder bloom on his face. “It was like I was living in a fog, or I was half asleep, and when I finally woke up we were five hours away and,” his eyes dropped to the floor briefly, “we were murderers.” Dragon shifted his weight and they all turned to see him stare up at the ceiling , obviously deep in thought. Jungkook wondered what made him seem so troubled, what had suddenly come up to make him weight pros and cons so heavily. However before he could fantasize further his chin tipped back down and he met Jongdae’s eye. “Would you vouch for V’s integrity?” They all stared in surprise at his sudden question, because, what? Jongdae blinked and his mouth opened and closed a few times in shock; Taehyung stepped forward as if to interrupt, and then the strange wolf nodded. “He was the only other alpha I’ve ever willingly submitted to.” and then, Jungkook could suddenly understand the tension that hadn’t left the room since the door had opened.

Jongdae was an alpha, albeit not a very dominant one. His scent was much more beta-like and his features were soft to match his stature, but that didn’t change the fact that he was undoubtedly alpha. His stance was proud and powerful despite the other two powerful figures and he had never once made a motion as if to submit to either one of them. His dark eyes swung around to meet Taehyung’s, and Jungkook noted how they silently eyed each other. “I know it doesn’t mean much, but I’ve been sorry for years. I would do whatever it took to take back what I did.” Then, all three watched as Taehyung hummed and stepped to the side and tug Jungkook into his side. “It means more than you think it does, Dae.” They all caught the nickname and Jongdae’s eyes widened. “Besides, I’ve moved on from the tragedy, and my life has brought me more happiness than I could ever dream.” His eyes never once left Jungkook’s as he spoke, and the omega felt a bright smile curl at the edges of his lips. “It seems I was mistaken, V.” Dragon suddenly spoke up, and he waved a slow hand towards Jongdae. “I will give you what you need, and Chen will show you to their rooms. I hope this ends as a misunderstanding, but I guess only the moon will tell.” Over the time it took for the three of them to the two rooms that the Sun Pack occupied, Chen (as Jongdae revealed he now preferred to be called) and Taehyung caught each other up on their lives. It was almost odd for Jungkook to watch his normally-so-reserved alpha talk so comfortably with someone. There was still some awkwardness between them but it was obvious that they had been more than just distant friends before everything had come crashing down. Chen spoke about his mate, a beta who lived with his head in the clouds but worked as a choreographer in the city in a studio he owned, and how their relationship had been the push he needed to find Dragon. His harsh words in reference to Baekhyun didn’t make them flinch, if anything it only made Jungkook more anxious to find a way to stop his mate’s brother for good. While he would never wish the death of a family member on anyone, Baekhyun was only a danger to them all. His stories got more lighthearted however as they rode the elevator the floor the Sun Pack had been settled on and Jungkook found himself giggling as he leaned easily into Taehyung’s side. The older alpha wass naturally charismatic and despite his dynamic Jungkook couldn’t feel a hint of fear bubble inside as they stood and talked to closely. It felt like something of a fresh start, for all of them. It only made sense that things would go downhill from there. The moment the elevator doors slid back open, both Taehyung and Chen moved in front of Jungkook as if to shield his body. He couldn’t get a word in before they had slowly stepped into the empty hallway, their body language on edge. Taehyung hadn’t ever backed down from a challenge, but there was something strange in his scent, in how their bond hummed like it had that night they had played piano together. Anxiety, fear, worry, disbelief. The emotions were so strong he couldn’t tell if they were truly his own, or just overflow from his alpha. “Baekhyun.” It was all Chen had muttered but the name was like a shower of ice cold water, Jungkook gasped quietly and he looked back at the omega. “The scent is old, but he was here. Maybe yesterday?” He directed the question to the blonde and Taehyung gave him a jerky nod. There wasn’t any time to spare and they followed the scent quickly, the alpha’s noses stronger than Jungkook’s. It led them to a door around the corner, completely unremarkable if it wasn’t for the way Chen’s entire body seemed to sag in bewilderment. Jungkook could almost feel the words he was

about to say. “This is Alpha Solar’s room?” He muttered, and Taehyung’s brows rose, stunned. “Wait, Solar and Baekhyun? That doesn’t make any sense,” he turned to the Alpha, “right?” He sounded so unsure of himself suddenly and Jungkook didn’t blame him. Everything that had happened in the last few days had been wild beyond expectation, he honestly couldn’t say he was entirely surprised at that point. “Well,” Taehyung frowned and Chen hurried to open the door as he chewed on his lip, “there’s a certain sort of crazy sense to that.” They slowly stepped over the threshold, Chen first as he quickly checked to make sure they were alone. “The way he’s stayed hidden for so long? Solar’s Challenge right after he tried to kill you?” He directed that to Jungkook, and he felt a phantom ache from the long-healed wounds. They hadn’t even left a scar, but he could still feel the way his claws had ripped him open. Chen whistled quietly as he looked over the room. “Shit’s fucked.” He said bluntly, and the mated couple both snorted. “Where do you want to start?” They truly had nothing to go off of, and Jungkook took a quick inventory of what items had been left out that morning as if it would give him sort of indicator. It was a miracle that his eyes caught the shine of something metal and he edged around them to kneel down by the bed. He ignored the murmur of his name to tug whatever it was free, which turned out to be a sleek gray laptop that he plopped onto the mattress. “How much do you want to bet that it’s password protected?” He frowned. “Hey, let me look at that.” Chen’s eyes brightened and he bounced forward. “You guys look around, I’ll see about this.” His words left them with no room to argue so Jungkook let his mate help him up off the floor, and they both took a side of the room to investigate. The hotel room wasn’t large by any means but there was plenty of space for someone to store their secrets so Jungkook didn’t dare leave a single shelf or drawer unchecked. By the muffled cursing across the carpet he knew Taehyung had came to the same conclusion. They worked in silence for a few minutes, neither one of them lucky enough to find anything to their slowly dwindling case against the women. Then Jungkook realized that neither of them had even stepped foot in the bathroom, not necessarily a suspicious place but enough of a reason to check anyway, and he moved towards the door. He stepped past Taehyung crouched on the floor by a suitcase, took one step into the bright white room, and promptly sneezed so hard it transformed into a coughing fit. Taehyung immediately jumped up from his spot and Jungkook stumbled back into his arms with a confused wheeze, his eyes already shiny and red. “Tae,” he rasped, and another sneeze was ripped out of him. It was such a violent reaction it surprised both of them, before the alpha suddenly burst into action and pushed him towards the balcony for fresh air. “Tae,” he tried again, but his mate shook his head. “Give me a second, darling.” Was all he gave him before he stalked back over to the bathroom with a stony expression. Chen and Jungkook watched silently as he stood in the doorway, and his hands curled into tight fists at his sides. His head turned as he looked over the whole room, and he ducked to look under the sink briefly, before he turned and left as quickly as he’d entered. “Daisies.” Was all he said. “What?” Taehyung ignored the alpha’s tone and continued, eyes locked on Jungkook. “Someone has had

daisies in there, a lot of them. Fresh.” The omega rubbed his throat, lost in thought, and he frowned at the information. He was allergic to the flower, so that obviously explained the way his nose hadn’t stopped running, or the slowly tightening grip around his throat. His head ached and while thinking hard didn’t help, he refused to be unhelpful. “I had a reaction, yesterday.” He croaked, and Taehyung’s entire body seemed to tense up again. They had both obviously written it off as a fluke when he’d had trouble breathing the day before, but that was quickly becoming not the case. “Coincidence?” “With the Sun Pack? Unlikely. Solar is a bit more headstrong than her father, but neither one of them do anything without good reason.” Chen piped up, fingers quick over the keyboard in his lap. “Whatever it is about daisies, it was probably on purpose.” He obviously didn’t know what he had just inadvertently claimed, but Taehyung did, and the alpha was angry. “Tae-.” “‘On purpose’.” He repeated slowly, his voice fell silent as he then mouthed them again, and again. “Don’t, don’t try to calm me down.” He said towards the omega, and Jungkook didn’t move a muscle. “She wanted to poison you. God, and then that woman-.” His head shot up from where it had dipped to his chest, and he suddenly snapped his fingers. “That woman! Yesterday! She tried to hand me dahlias, but you know, daisies, so I refused them. Fuck, what was her name…” He groaned as he tried to rack his brain and Jungkook’s lips parted as he suddenly remembered the well dressed, dark haired woman that had stopped his mate the afternoon before. The thing in her hands must have been the flowers, he thought bitterly. Allergies aside, the fact that someone had tried to give his alpha flowers, especially when they were separated from each other, made his stomach roll. He knew that would be on his mind for the next several weeks. He hated how irrationally jealous that made him, especially with the current situation, and crossed his arms as he tried to force it out of his mind. They had plenty of other things to worry about. Almost on cue Chen made a strange noise and they both turned towards the alpha on the bed. “What?” The man frowned and motioned towards the screen. “I got in, but there isn’t much on here. Well, there isn’t much in actual documentation anyway. I checked the email, and there’s hundreds of messages back and forth between Solar and Baekhyun.” Taehyung scowled, but didn’t say anything as Chen scrolled further down the screen. “That’s not the weird thing though? Her emails are almost like, weird, one-sided love letters.’ Jungkook froze. “Wait, what?” “Trust me, there’s not really any other way to explain it. She talks to him so sweetly? She praises everything he says, and is constantly trying to get on his good side, but his responses are always short and to the point. He even directly insults her here: ‘why would I take the advice of an Alpha barely worth the title’.” Something cold then trailed down Jungkook’s spine. Do what you’re meant to do, omega. Although you’re barely worth the name. The tone of the words, the phrasing- it screamed “toxic”. By the look on Chen’s face he hit the nail on the head when he shakily said as much. “So he’s using her.” Taehyung said lowly, and he moved to pull the omega gently into his arms. “He’s using her position, and her feelings, to use her. Is there anything about the Challenge in there?” A heavy hand stroked down his spine and Jungkook didn’t hesitate to bury his face in his neck, his own arms locked tight around his alpha’s waist.

There was a second’s pause, and then Chen spoke up again. “Um, ok, wait. There’s an email from a ‘Wheein’, but it’s not about the Challenge directly. It’s from just a few weeks ago. She just says, ‘Heard the Kim’s locked down their border, went to check it out but ran into a man who says he got into a fight with V. You were right. Violent and unstable. Only a matter of time before he moves, let’s hope you can stop him before he starts’.” The room fell silent as they registered the words, and Jungkook had never felt so confused. Violent and unstable? Moving where? Taehyung must have had the same questions as he let out a noise of confusion. The man must have been the wolf Taehyung had tried to warn off, only to be forced to physically remove him. Jungkook had been upset at the time, but he understood better that it was an Alpha’s job to lay down the law and keep their pack safe now. Why didn’t the Sun Pack? What had distorted that view? “I think we’re missing a piece of the puzzle here.” Taehyung said lowly, and Chen hummed as he shut the laptop. His phone beeped from the forwarded emails, and they all slowly moved towards the door. “Tomorrow, Solar is going to give me some answers.”

Chapter End Notes

twt

cc

ah! next chapter?? the CHALLENGE. are you guys ready to read my subpar fight scenes? because i'm excited to attempt to write them. i didn't really want to rush these scenes, but with what i have planned i didn't really have a choice. i do have everything planned to the end, so don't worry i know how i'm going to wrap everything up! also, i see that y'all think they're gonna have a baby boy? is that the unanimous decision? what about a name? while i'm semi set on gender, i don't have a name for either boy or girl yet!

the truth doesn't cost you anything, but a lie could cost you everything Chapter Summary

Not all surprises are of the birthday party variety.

Chapter Notes

title quote by: unknown hello hello- late update! i apologize, but will explain more in the end notes. for now, i hope you enjoy this shorter chapter! this ch was brought to you by pump it by the black eyed peas, the absolute bop that gave me the motivation to finish it.

See the end of the chapter for more notes

“You remember what I said before, right?” Jungkook’s words were soft but they almost echoed in the nearly empty room. A few centuries before the fight might have happened in a clearing, somewhere deep in the woods, but not with humans so spread out anymore. Taehyung’s attention was pulled back from where he scanned the room anxiously to stare at him curiously. “Don’t lose.” The alpha’s eyes softened and without a word reached out to pull Jungkook in as close as he could. “Darling,” Jungkook’s eyes slid shut at the whisper and his fingers curled tightly in his shirt, “love of my life, listen to me, okay?” He felt the brush of lips across his forehead and he nodded slowly. Tears had already begun to pool at the near reverence in his voice. “I love you. I’m so terribly in love with you, and I will never leave you. You’ve given me more than I can ever ask for, or repay,” Jungkook opened his mouth to protest but Taehyung only squeezed him tighter and he sniffled as he buried his face in his alpha’s shoulder. “I’m never leaving you. Either of you.” Taehyung repeated, and a firm hand slid up to bury itself in his hair. Soft lips covered the pink mark on his neck and they both tightened their grip when their bond hummed at the touch. “Never.” They both leaned back and Jungkook sighed as his alpha pulled him into a soft kiss, the hand in his hair slow to slide just under his jaw. “I love you too.” He whispered back, and Taehyung gave him another kiss before he tipped his head to kiss his forehead. “I’m sorry I’m so nervous.” “Never apologize.” The words were familiar on Taehyung’s tongue and Jungkook smiled at his serious tone. “It’s okay to be nervous, darling, I am too.” The talk they’d had days before came to mind and Jungkook slid his hands around to curl around Taehyung’s hips. Even the small point of contact helped his shoulders relax and his jaw unclench. “There you go, my love.” His mate cooed softly. They stood in each other’s arms for a few minutes silently; they could hear their pack shuffle anxiously around them but they didn’t dare move to pull away until the door across the large training center slammed open. A body shifted to stand in front of them, Hoseok by the soft scent, and

Jungkook looked up to see a flood of people enter the room. There were packs he recognized had given them silent support weeks ago, a few few familiar faces that had personally introduced themselves to the Luna, even a few faces he had never seen before. However, it was the group of four women that made him reach up to grip Taehyung’s hand with a grimace. Solar walked in with her betas tight at her side and a look in her eyes that screamed a craving for violence. It seemed she’d had the same idea as Tae and had dressed in clothes that they knew weren’t going to last the day and he could see how strong she really was. Despite her small frame she was surprisingly muscled. In a perfect world Jungkook might have asked her how she’d got her biceps that defined. If she didn’t want to kill his mate, that was. One of the Elders had walked in with them and Taehyung let out a slow breath when the two Alphas stared at them. “Let’s get this over with.” The blonde muttered, and they both turned to each other again. “Stay behind Hoseok. Stay safe, okay?” He asked quietly, and Jungkook nodded. He wouldn’t dare try to interfere, not with their pup and his mate both at risk. Jungkook didn’t respond, but he knew he didn’t need to. They’d said what they needed to. With a final shared look Taehyung turned and stepped closer to where Solar stood, her dark eyes narrowed at the blonde Alpha. “Done making empty promises?” She asked, and Jungkook felt his blood freeze in his veins. There was a spark of something in her eyes that made him uneasy. Like she knew something they didn’t. The revelation that she worked with Baekhyun only made that uneasy feeling grow until it festered and burned under his skin. “I’ll tell you the same thing I told that beta of yours,” Taehyung started, voice low as he pushed his hair from his eyes, “Taunts do not work. Threats do not work.” Hoseok snorted softly at Solar’s irritated expression, Taehyung’s calm attitude was obviously not what she had intended to receive. “The Kim Branch Pack had been known for many things, Alpha Solar: weakness is not one of them.” It was completely inappropriate, but Jungkook flushed at the tone of his voice and the way he carried himself. Taehyung was strong, there wasn’t a doubt about that, but that? That was pure power. One of the wolves of the Sun Pack flinched when his bright eyes lifted to stare them down. A spark of pride shot through their bond and Jungkook could see the smallest of smirks at the corner of Taehyung’s lips. Taehyung’s words were like the flip of a switch With a growl larger than her frame the woman jumped forward. Jungkook’s breath caught as her fist slammed into his alpha’s cheek, her entire body coiled tightly for a fight. Hoseok immediately slid to step in front of Jungkook, but the omega refused to have his view blocked. He would not be the kind of mate that ignored when his alpha was in danger, or hurt. He would see it through to the end, and be there when he won. Not if, when. When two alphas fought it was never clean, and Jungkook had expected blood, but the first splatter of red across the cushioned floor made his stomach flip. Her knuckles had split Taehyung’s lip and the blood smeared as he wiped his face with a flat look. “A cheap shot, Solar.” The lack of a title was obvious, and Jungkook silently praised Taehyung’s ability to stay calm even in a situation like theirs. The shorter wolf scoffed and rolled her eyes, but didn’t bother to respond. There actually wasn’t any speaking for a while after that. Taehyung shifted his stance and his expression sharpened just as he raised his fists. Jungkook could see Yoongi’s influence in the way he held himself, in how he curled his fists and held his weight between his feet. He could only hope that the time and effort put into all that training would pay off for them now.

Taehyung had never let him down before, he wouldn't do so now. Almost faster than the omega could keep up with the two alphas jumped at each other and the sound of knuckles against skin filled the air. It was obvious that Solar couldn’t shift, and Jungkook could only assume that his mate had chosen to withhold that particular car until there was no other option. He hadn’t asked for specifics, but he knew the training had been brutal if his bruises had been anything to go by. More and more blood dripped to the floor, both of them now equally as bloody as their fingers had extended to claws and their teeth elongated into a deadly bite. A fight between two alphas never ended in anything by bloodshed. Solar had knocked Taehyung down to the floor briefly but just as Jungkook’s heart had leapt to his throat his alpha rolled away before she could pounce, and jumped back to his feet. There was a sway to his body that made the omega nervous but he shoved that thought as far away as could. He wouldn't lose faith now. “He’s losing.” The murmur made Jungkook jerk in surprise and his head whipped around to see Hoseok lift a hand to his mouth with a frown. “What? No he isn’t.” He immediately denied and he knew his tone pulled a few curious eyes from the crowd. “What the fuck, Hoseok?” Then he felt another familiar body step up to his own and he turned to see Yoongi staring at the fight as well. “He’s tired, and stressed, and he doesn’t have the experience she does. Plus, his head cracked pretty hard against the ground when she knocked him down. It might have healed by now but it was enough of an opening for her to get a few more solid hits in.” Jungkook spun back towards his mate and he bit his lip when he saw Taehyung react a little too slowly at a high kick aimed for his ribs. The force made him stagger and Solar took the opening to spin and throw another kick to his knee to try and make him fall. “Tae-!” He gasped when the alpha groaned and dropped to one knee, his eyes fluttered shut as more blood from a head wound trailed down his face. Jungkook wrapped his arms tightly around his stomach and forced himself to hold back the tears that so desperately wanted to escape. He could feel his alpha’s anxiety, his nervousness, his love. They could always tell exactly what was wrong with each other and it had always been a blessing, but now Jungkook hated it. He didn’t want his alpha to feel nervous, didn’t want him to doubt himself. He wanted his mate to have as much confidence in himself as he himself had in him, he wanted Taehyung to believe he was truly as strong as the rest of them all knew he was. More words wanted to escape, he wanted to yell out to his mate to keep going- wanted to say he was always right there with him- but he was stopped before he could start. Solar lashed out and and landed another solid punch to his face that made Taehyung groan as his head snapped to the side, and then her claws latched onto his hair to yank him back. “An alpha as weak as you never could have taken over the Sun.” She spat and almost immediately Taehyung’s brows furrowed in confusion, even covered in as much as blood as he was. “Don’t give me that look, pup, don’t play coy.” “What the fuck are you talking about?” The blonde spat out more blood onto the floor despite her grip on his hair and her nose wrinkled in disgust. One of her betas growled at the move but Yoongi only leveled her with a hard glare that made her eyes drop back to the floor.

“I just said to not play coy, V. You know what I said.” “Yeah, I did, and it makes no fucking sense.” He snapped right back, and Jungkook frowned at the strange phrasing. What use would Taehyung have to lie? What exactly did she think he was hiding? They'd done nothing but be straight forward since they'd arrived- even since that first moment they'd received the Challenge. Something didn’t feel right. Her anger felt misplaced- too heavy for some decades old pack treaties. Even if he had been the heir to a mountain of gold it wouldn’t have explained the murder in her eyes. Something almost feral curled at the edges of her scowl and he could see Taehyung’s jaw clench. “The plan. Your plan.” She added, but his expression didn’t change, only a raised eyebrow ass he waited for her to elaborate, and then Jungkook could see a flash of doubt in her eyes. “We have proof of your intention to start a wide spread pack war to gain territory. You mated the Jeon heir to gain footing.” She said it so nonchalantly that Jungkook almost didn’t catch his mention until he felt a zing of anger rush their bond. His eyes snapped over to see Taehyung bare his fangs at her in a snarl. “You think I mated Jungkook for territory?” He asked incredulously, and even Jungkook frowned at the accusation. He was pretty sure anyone could tell how truly smitten he was with his alpha, and how that love was reflected back at him from his mate. “You’re delusional.” One of his hands lifted to curl tightly around her wrist and he yanked her fingers from his hair, a clump of blond stuck to her claws as they were ripped free. He pushed himself shakily to his feet and Jungkook let Hoseok slowly pull him back that time as Solar glanced between them. “Jungkook is my mate, my soulmate . You think I’ve made him for money? You think we’re starting a family because I want to, what, ‘expand my empire’?” The sudden reveal of his pregnancy didn’t shock Jungkook nearly as much as the word ‘soulmate’ did. Taehyung had mentioned the word before, but was that truly how he saw them? Despite the sudden gasps and the dozens of eyes on his body he felt a small smile bloom when Taehyung looked over and locked eyes with him. “The only reason I’m even here is to keep him out of your hands, Solar. I won’t lose more family.” “Cute words from a murderer.” She spat, and Taehyung’s entire body seemed to freeze. The warm feeling in Jungkook’s chest evaporated as the alpha’s brow furrowed at the accusation“Yes, I know what happened. I’ve heard all about it. The scorned second son who was never given a chance, the little boy who wanted recognition. You never would have gotten your position if you hadn’t killed them, right?” Jungkook gasped, and he could see Taehyung’s eyes almost go completely flat as he stared the other Alpha down. What the fuck sort of lies was she spewing now, he thought as his mind spun. She thought Taehyung had killed his own parents? She thought Taehyung- the alpha that spoke to their pup when he thought the omega was asleep, the alpha that asked before he touched- had murdered his parents? “What has he told you?” He didn’t even realize the words had been spoken until she had whipped around to glare at him. His eyes widened at her expression, the scent of her anger almost strong enough to push back against Taehyung’s when his mate noticed the shift in attention. Taehyung immediately took a step towards him but she slid to block his path as she turned. “Are you interfering with a Challenge, omega?” Her tone was like ice and he nearly shivered in response. “Darling, don’t,” Taehyung tried to make him stop but Jungkook shook his head.

“No, wait, I want to know: what the hell has that man told you?” He demanded, and he felt one of Hoseok’s hands hooked around his elbow. “You talk to Baekhyun, you have his ear, right? What kind of damn lies is he spinning?” There was a shift in the wolves around the room at the mention of the rogue alpha. A low murmur started as the packs had begun to whisper amongst each other. "Well?" He prompted again when she didn't immediately respond. The Elder that had silently watched the progression of events seemed mildly amused by everything, but Jungkook figured themselves lucky that they hadn't interfered. Solar, to her credit, looked stunned that he knew they were in contact. Although that didn’t seem to give her any pause as she curled her hands into fists at her side. “The truth. V killed his parents, then tried to kill his brother.” He forced his face to remain passive as she continued. “He claimed neutrality so we couldn’t accuse him,-.” Taehyung’s lips pulled back into a snarl at the obvious lies and even some of the Sun pack looked a little confused by the room’s reactions. Jungkook was sure they had been led to believe the same “truth” as their Alpha, as truly ridiculous as it was. Hoseok and the other two had even begun to growl lowly at the bold words. “You were a fool to believe his words.” Taehyung’s bright eyes stared her down, “I would have thought your father would have warned you against the words of a master manipulator.” She seemed to flinch at the mention of her dad, but anything she might have said was suddenly cut off by a sickeningly familiar voice. “Oh, TaeTae,” a phantom pain in Jungkook’s neck tingled as he felt his stomach drop, “such cruel words. Didn’t our dear Alpha ever teach that if you don’t have anything nice to say, then don’t say anything at all?”

Chapter End Notes

twt

cc

helloooooo, long time no see/read? i apologize for the late update- i got a new job! it's full time, and in my dream career and dream city, so i've been busy busy busy. don't worry, i have this fic planned to the end so it won't get abandoned just cause i have long hours. i do apologize again for how short it is tho! i really wanted to spread it out, but this was just what my brain was telling me to write at the time. now- what did you think of this one? what do you think solar is talkin about? who's that at the end? why won't i just give you guys the answers already! the next couple chapters are going to be an INTENSE ending (at least i hope so? i'm tryin, y'all). i'm still open for suggestions for baby names, also if you have any ideas for the prequel? hit me up! cc/twt is always open!

hell is empty and all the devils are here Chapter Summary

What is it about family that makes you want to punch the lights out of even your blood relatives?

Chapter Notes

title quote by: william shakespeare so. i'm sorry in advance.

See the end of the chapter for more notes

Jungkook was frozen- breath caught in his throat, body unable to move. He can see the way Taehyung’s eyes have slowly slid to look behind him and he could see the very second they locked eyes. Blue eyes dulled and the dangerous curl of his snarl sharpened as his teeth threatened to rip through his lip. Even Solar had stopped in sudden shock and had whipped around, dark hair a mess around her pale face. Hoseok’s arm was like a hot brand around his waist when he pulled him close and tugged him behind his back, Yoongi’s strong form solid at his side. “Nothing?” That haunting voice called, and Jungkook swallowed the lump in his throat to look up towards the doors that had been kicked open. Long legs, expensive clothes, the heavy scent of an alpha that smelled so familiar but so repulsive at the same time. Bright, crystalline blue Kim eyes that stared them down with a look he knew Taehyung had never been capable of. It was cruelty, it was bloodshed, it was danger. It was Baekhyun. The older man stood at the door, dressed to the nines, with three well built men at his side. They stood taller and broader than him but there was no doubt that they knew Baekhyun was their AlphaJungkook could barely stomach the vision of a pack built around the philosophies of a murderer. The omega felt his heart race in his chest and he quickly wrapped his arms around his stomach, mind focused solely on survival at just the sight of the alpha. His bond with Taehyung told him that his mate wasn’t too far off either, the hum of his anger paltry in comparison to the wave of protectiveness that Jungkook felt. “Baekhyun.” Jungkook had expected the voice of his mate and was surprised to instead turn and see the Elder stand with his hands behind his back. It was almost infuriating to see him look so passive when the energy of the room was so manic. “You are interrupting an official Challenge between Alphas.” Jungkook felt his skin crawl as silence followed his words, Hoseok and Yoongi both slid to cage him in further as Seokjin moved behind him. “‘Alphas’.” The intruder repeated, his nose scrunched like he’d just walked into something foul. “Neither of them are worthy of the title.” One of the wolves at his side snorted and Jungkook couldn’t help how he flinched at the abrasive sound.

“Oh?” Baekhyun’s lips curled into a cruel smirk as he pushed his bright hair from his eyes- Jungkook’s stomach clenched when he could see Taehyung mimic that move so perfectly in his memory. Just the tips of his fingers, head tipped back as he shook the strands from his face. “I just see two pups fighting over an omega barely worth the title.” The words caught his attention and his eyes darted over to where Solar stood stunned by Taehyung’s side. ‘An Alpha barely worth the title’, that was what Baekhyun had said to her. The slur to himself barely registered as he watched her flinch. “You...you weren’t supposed to be here, yet.” Solar had obviously tried to sound confident but the break in her voice was a dead give away to her unease and anxiety. Her bloodied hands curled into tight fists at her sides, Taehyung’s hair still wrapped around her knuckles and his blood under her nails. “‘Yet’.” The Elder spoke up again, fingers still linked behind his back and face impassive. “Alpha Solar, are you admitting to planning to cheat against Alpha V?” Even now, they couldn’t stomach to use his real name, Jungkook thought incredulously. “Not only that, but to conspire with a rogue Alpha is an offense against the society we’ve worked centuries to build, Solar.” The mention of the rogue made the entire room shift as they all turned to look at Baekhyun where he hadn’t moved. “Elder-.” “I’m sorry, I’m sure this is all very important but- alas- we have some business to get to.” Baekhyun faked a yawn and Jungkook heard Yoongi swear as he reached out to grab a hold of his elbow. Everyone seemed to get on edge as the wolves behind him took a step. That was when he revealed his hand, the one thing they had never been able to figure out. “Elder,” the old man tilted his head in question but made no move to speak, “Sleep.” Jungkook gasped when Baekhyun’s eyes brightened- like two light bulbs in his face. Bright, icey blue light that seemed to make his skin glow from the intensity. Like a sack of rocks the Elder dropped to the floor, a chorus of gasps and shouts erupted as the Elder’s eyes slid shut just before his head smacked against the wood. “Well, that was easier than I expected.” The alpha sounded genuinely surprised and his head cocked to the side as he eyed the crumpled figure. “Baekhyun.” Jungkook felt a wave of conflicting emotions and he staggered into Hoseok’s back, a pain in his head and his chest from the feelings that Taehyung couldn’t hold back. Anger, fear, disbelief, confusion, worry- all of it pooled together into a mishmash of emotion that Jungkook could barely tell heads or tails of. His mate cracked his neck, his jaw clenched as he tried to hold back something. “What do you want?” He eventually asked; Jungkook caught the movement of a few other packs as they slowly edged their way closer to Taehyung. It soothed the tiniest fraction of his worries to see they them immediately turn from Baekhyun despite his show of supernatural strength. “You stopped the Challenge: congratulations. Are you here to try and take Jungkook again? You want to finish the job and kill me? Finally be the last Kim left standing?” Baekhyun shoved his hands in his pockets and seemed to mull over his words for a second. “You’re half right, I guess. However an omega bearing my brother’s pup is worthless to me now, despite his connections.” Jungkook’s hands splayed protectively over his stomach. “I can kill three birds with one stone with you, TaeTae.” He smirked, and the omega’s heart stopped, before it skipped into an uncontrolled panic. Three. Three. Tae, him, their baby. Their baby.

He didn’t know what possessed him to shove Yoongi out of the way so he could see the alpha clearly, his eyes wide with unshed tears. “No!” He cried, and Baekhyun turned to face him slowly, brows raised questioningly. Jungkook heard Taehyung shout something but he ignored it. “You can’t take this from me, from us, I won’t let you.” He stuttered over his words; indescribable panic bloomed between every breath and his vision blurred as the tears spilled over. “Oh, you worthless pup,” Baekhyun cooed cruelly, “you can’t stop me, even if you tried. You Jeon’s have a history of being- oh, what’s the word, Chanyeol?” One of the wolves at the murderer’s back grinned. “Weak.” “Right. Weak.” Jungkook’s lips parted in shock. “What?” Several sets of hands tried to pull him back but he immediately struggled against their hold. “What are you talking about? What did you do-?” When he was 15 he’d stepped outside to see the father of his unborn pups slaughtered on their front door. His parents had been found in a similar state in the Alpha’s main house just yards away. The grass had been dyed brown from the blood that had dried and crusted across the ground. “It’s a wonder what you can make someone do when their mind is weak enough.” Baekhyun murmured, even as his voice echoed clear as day in Jungkook’s ears. “Those betas you’d posted at your border had been so easy. A few whispered words and they’d given up their secrets and their bodies, their minds mine to control. I saved your Alpha for myself though, I wasn’t about to let some lowly beta take that honor.” He spoke simply, even as each and every word tore a deeper and darker hole into Jungkook’s chest. The realization was crushing, even if not entirely unexpected. Baekhyun was a monster, a truly vile and disgusting man. He murdered for seemingly no reason, he tore apart families and lives with barely a second glance. He’d destroyed Jungkook’s entire pack and he told them about it with a smile like he’d remembered a particularly good joke. “You know, I almost considered tracking you down, Jeon Jungkook. The omega son of the Alpha? Oh, what a prize you would have been-.” “Enough!” The sharp cut of the words made the monster freeze, before a startling large smile appeared as he let out a surprised laugh. “Oh?” Solar’s hands fell limp at her side. For the first time since he’d seen her she looked broken, uncertain, unsteady like the world had just shifted beneath her feet. “You- you murdered the Jeon Pack? That was…” She trailed off and several of the wolves behind the intruder barked out grating laughs. “After you had taken me in? Yes.” Baekhyun nodded and her expression fractured even further. Jungkook had no sympathy for a woman who had so blindly trusted the words of a man like him, but there was something hollow in his chest at the sight of her empty eyes. “You follow directions so well, but you always seem to disappoint me, Yongsun. Honestly, I had never expected the lie to take this long to fall apart.” Hoseok’s hand hooked tightly back around his elbow and Jungkook felt himself be yanked back; almost like a shadow the others followed his movements as Taehyung stepped around the frozen woman. “Kook, move,” the alpha whispered into his ear, but Jungkook couldn’t take his eyes off of his mate. “ Jungkook-!”

“You were always smarter than Alpha gave you credit for.” Taehyung’s voice was deceptively soft, and it took Jungkook a moment to realize that he must have referred to their father. The wolves around the room had settled into various defensive stances, uncertain what would happen between the brothers. Days ago Bangtan had worried they lacked support because of their isolation, but the bombshell about Baekhyun’s widespread lies had shaken them all. Taehyung wasn’t a murderer, Baekhyun hadn’t run for his life. Taehyung hadn’t built a plot to destroy the Sun Pack (and whoever else Baekhyun might have incriminated), and Baekhyun was clearly a master manipulator with more blood on his hands than they could imagine. Taehyung wasn’t the man they had believed him to be for the last seven years, and now everyone knew. “Oh spare me the trip down memory lane, TaeTae.” Baekhyun scoffed. “Chan, Min, Sehun- you know what I want you to do.” Three of the wolves behind the blonde growled, and Jungkook choked on the strong scent of beta that enveloped the air. It was like the shot that started the race and they leapt towards the first wolves they could reach. The gruesome noise of teeth ripping through flesh was not something Jungkook would ever be able to wipe from his memory. He gagged at the sight of blood splattered across the floor even as he was yanked backwards. “Hoseok, go!” Taehyung snapped above the sudden uproar; Jungkook’s heart lurched in his chest when they briefly locked eyes, “Go!” The omega tried to pull himself from his friend’s arms, tried to rip the hands that begged to protect him off of his body, but the panic in his blood only made him too pliable to the strength of his pack. Just as Jungkook was practically hefted into Hoseok’s arms Taehyung was knocked to the ground, bloodstained blonde hair tangled in the fingers of another blonde with a manic grin. “Tae!” He choked out, but his voice went unheard under the snaps of knuckles against flesh and teeth against bone. “No, I can’t leave him!” His own fingers curled into claws, his swipe significantly weaker than it would have been months ago. “Put me down!” “Quiet!” Yoongi hissed and the omega looked up just in time to see the older man duck under an arm before he threw out a heavy fist. The wolf- Sehun?- only dropped and jumped back up to try and tackle their Second to the ground. “Back door!” He called behind him and Seokjin was quick to push them in the opposite direction. However Jungkook scrambled to heave himself over Hoseok’s shoulder, mindful of how his bony shoulder tried to bury itself in his gut. “Taehyung!” He cried, the hot tears that trailed down his face sudden and almost dizzying in their intensity. His head felt light and his hands almost slipped off the slick material of Hoseok’s jacket. His eyes were locked on the sight of the two wolves locked together in the middle of the chaos. His mate, his alpha, the love of his life, the father of his unborn child- still, bloody, arms held tight behind his back, hair more red than blonde. Baekhyun sat over his body, Taehyung’s wrists held between his bloodied fingers, one knee clamped down over the small of his back. His eyes appeared closed and Jungkook felt a flash of relief that he wasn’t looking at the carnage around them. Then, as Jungkook was dropped back into Hoseok’s strained arms the closer they got to the door, Taehyung’s eyes flashed open and his body jerked as he twisted to throw Baekhyun off. “Hoseok, put me the fuck down!” He sobbed and squirmed but as Seokjin soon found himself jumping to help Yoongi, Hoseok looked even more determined to keep him still. “Hoseok!”

“If I put you down, we both die!” Hoseok snapped and Jungkook yelped when his weight was shifted so the alpha could jump around a wolf that sprinted past them. “If we stop- we die. If we look back- we die. If we distract Tae,” they locked eyes, “then he dies.” The words froze Jungkook’s blood. His tears hadn’t stopped but the very thought made his stomach roll. Die. Death. Dead. Taehyung dead? He couldn’t be blamed for how he went slack in Hoseok’s arms, his vision blurred from the spots that tried to take over his sight. It was too much, too much, too much- the anxiety that had never truly left from the moment the Challenge had even been mentioned- it was too much. His mate, his love, his Taehyung dead? There was shouting above him but he’s unable to discern the words. He barely even registered the shout that echoed over the room, a growl so familiar that even as he fell unconscious a blanket of comfort wrapped around his soul. An all too familiar pain in his stomach, a sharper pain in his backside as he hit the floor. He ached to cradle his stomach, his instincts strong even as he passed out, but his arms refused to move. The last thing he felt was the unfamiliar grip of large hands around his upper arms, an unfamiliar scent in his nose as he was lifted from the ground. “Jungkook!”

Chapter End Notes

twt

cc

...oof... this is me hiding from all of your inevitable angry comments lmao- i promise you just need to trust in me and the tags! have i surprised any of you? baekhyun has been working for...a hot minute, lol. what do you think about what he's done? who he's gotten rid of along the way? explanations are coming! remember, 28 will be an epilogue, so only two chapters left of actual plot! i will continue to try my hardest to get them out in time (have you guys noticed that it's been almost exactly a year since i first uploaded?). lmk what you guys think! i love reading all of your comments!

it surprises me how often we hold ourselves back until we have no choice Chapter Summary

When push comes to shove.

Chapter Notes

title quote by: po branson are you ready?

See the end of the chapter for more notes

He felt cold, but strangely warm as well. His body refused to move as his brain tried its hardest to wake him faster. His neck burned as he slowly came to, his chest tight from some unknown emotion, and his face ached strangely- a tingling sensation just under the skin. His ears felt as if they were stuffed with cotton, every sound around him muffled and distant. Something was latched around his legs, something sharp curled so tightly that his muscles aches from the tension. He groaned from the pain and the tightness loosened. “Well that didn’t last long,” an unfamiliar voice ground out, and like a wash of cold water Jungkook’s eyes snapped open. Immediately he was met with the tangled mess of dirty brown hair, an unfamiliar scent in his nose from the shoulder he was pressed tightly against. The hand locked around his thighs to hold him squeezed even tighter when his legs jerked in surprise. Sharp claws threatened to pierce skin when the fingers curled even tighter. “I wouldn’t struggle if I were you, omega.” The stranger growled, but Jungkook’s mind had already slipped into survival mode. His limbs were stiff but in his sudden, growing panic he thrust an arm and was satisfied by the grunt the stranger let out at the impact. His elbow collided with something hard, the back of his skull, maybe. Jungkook gasped when the grip around his legs suddenly disappeared and he felt his body fall to the side. “You bitch!” He snapped, but Jungkook was too frazzled to focus on the explosion of anger. “Put me down!” His tongue was heavy in his mouth but that didn’t stop the venom that dripped from his lips. “Put me the fuck down!” He had no idea what had happened, where he still was, who held him, but he knew one thing: it wasn’t Taehyung , and that was enough. TaehyungTaehyungTaehyung- it was on repeat on his brain, the alpha’s scent, touch, his very essence engraved on his soul. “Tae!” He cried out, unaware if they were even still in the same room. “Taehyung!” He scrambled to push himself to his hands and knees as he frantically called for his mate. “Oh, shut up.”

The dark voice made Jungkook freeze, and his skin crawled as a familiar figure stepped into view. There was a door at the end of the hall, and the omega watched as Baekhyun kicked the door shut. “You’re so loud.” He complained as he rolled his eyes. Long, blood stained fingers carded through his light hair and Jungkook felt his stomach roll. There didn’t seem to be barely a scratch on him, despite the blood splattered across his face and the lock of hair that lay flat against his forehead, red. “It’s hard to hear myself think.” “Are we ready?” Jungkook’s captor suddenly asked, uncaring how he interrupted the alpha. By his scent he was only a beta, but he knew that rank had nothing to do with strength. “Of course. You know I don’t leave loose ends.” Jungkook’s mind latched onto those words and immediately jumped to the worst conclusionsomething he repeatedly excelled in. “What did you do Taehyung?” He asked desperately, arms wrapped tightly around himself and their baby. “Where is he? What did you do to him?” The only consolation he has was that the spark of their bond hadn’t died, not yet. Even when Baekhyun barked out a cruel laugh and made a show of wiping his dirty hands on his pants he knew that Taehyung wasn’t dead. Not yet. “Oh, you know how it goes- what else was I supposed to do when my baby brother started acting out?” His smile was deceptively sweet as he spoke. “I had to put him in his place, remind him how a real Alpha fights.” That sweet smile morphed into something ugly when he brandished his razor sharp teeth. “Had to get a little rough. My bad.” Jungkook tried to swallow back the whimper, but it was no use. His body was weak, his mind even weaker, and he felt himself start to slip away. Deaddeadeadead- it ran through his mind like a song on repeat. He could feel Taehyung’s heartbeat as his own, could feel every emotion his mate felt the moment they formed, and yet he couldn’t focus on anything but the thought of his mate dead. “Oh, I think you scared the boy, Baek.” The beta that had dropped him said dryly, and then a firm hand reached down to yanked him back up to his feet. The fingers that strangled his arm would leave bruises, he knew, but that barely registered as a worry. “Stop crying and walk.” He growled, and Jungkook could do nothing but obey. Survival, it was all he knew. Keep himself safe, keep his baby safe. Without his pack he was alone, he had no one but himself. “What did I just say- walk!” The beta snapped again and Jungkook flinched at his tone, only to freeze when the door behind them slammed open again. “Jungkook!” The familiar soft, sweet scent made Jungkook spin around on instinct. A gasp left like it was punched out of him at the sight of his two rescuers, the omega and beta both laser focused on his captors. Jimin growled at the two of them, Jin’s hands curled into tight fists as he echoed the sound. “Kookie, get down!” It was all the warning the older omega gave before they both sprinted forward. Jimin snarled as his fingers latched onto the beta’s arms, claws out to rake through his skin as they tumbled to the ground. Beside them Jin had quickly locked himself into a tussle with the alpha that he was clearly on the losing side of, despite his ferocity. “Jimin!” Jungkook called out weakly, “Jin!” He wanted to crawl closer, wanted to help somehow, but he had followed Jimin’s advice and had quickly dropped to the ground as soon as the beta’s grip

on his arm had loosened in surprise. Then, as he tried to slowly crawl away, his arms suddenly gave out and he hit the floor with a thump that made him swallow back a whine. His legs felt numb, his arms too shaky to hold himself up anymore. There was the heavy taste of iron in the air and his chest ached like he’d gotten the wind knocked out of him. Why … He glanced down at his body and gasped, eyes locked onto the liquid that dripped onto the floor. He’d been too preoccupied- too frightened- to check his body for injuries. He hadn’t felt serious pain and had assumed that he had been grabbed unscathed. He’d been wrong, apparently. Three large gashes had been ripped through his shoulder and down his arm, clearly from claws that had either tried to steal him or hold him back. A sick thought made him wonder if perhaps Hoseok had gotten desperate in his attempt to keep him safe, but that made the end result for the alpha all that much worse when he was nowhere to be seen. The blood loss hit him quickly and he swayed even as he lay half sprawled across the floor. He was sure he looked as pale as a ghost and he could already feel a cold sweat begin to form across his brow. “It’s okay, baby,” he whispered, ears still tuned to the scuffle that hadn’t stopped behind him, “it’s okay. Daddy gonna be okay, we just need to find him. Just need to find Tae, it’ll be okay-.” “Where do you think you’re going?” A scream ripped from his throat as a firm hand wrapped his ankle and yanked him backwards, a streak of blood followed him across the floor as his shoulder slammed against the ground. Baekhyun’s face suddenly appeared above his own, eyes like ice as he stared at him wide eyed. “Were you going to run? Going to find dear little TaeTae? Did you really think I was going to let you find him?” Jungkook was too terrified to think of where Jin was, to wonder just how Baekhyun had broken out of his hold so quickly. “I’ll never let you go back. You’re much too valuable, Jeon. You were wasted with TaeTae- I know how to utilize you to your fullest potential.” “Don’t, don’t touch me!” Jungkook choked out, but his words went ignored. “J-Jin!” He twisted to try and see where Baekhyun had left the beta but Baekhyun quickly reached down to clamp a hand on his shoulder and a scream ripped from his throat. God, he wanted Taehyung. He needed Taehyung. Where was Taehyung? “Did you pups really think your Alpha would have been enough to kill me?” Baekhyun leaned down to whisper harshly in his ear. “Did you really think he’d be able to kill his own brother ?” Jungkook jerked in his grasp as he felt something warm pool under his body, his shirt beyond ruined as it soaked it up: blood, his brain helpfully supplied. “How fucking stupid were you? He barely put up a fight.” Despite the words that grated on his ears, and the grip that made his body burn in agonizing pain, Jungkook could only think of Taehyung. It didn’t matter what lies or truth Baekhyun was spilling, it didn’t matter if Taehyung really couldn’t fight his brother. It didn’t matter, because Jungkook just wanted to know if he was okay. “Is he dead?” He gasped out, vision too hazy to try and lock onto the alpha that pinned him to the floor. “Did you kill him?” Baekhyun on blinked at him, expression eerily blank. It almost reminded Jungkook of that first talk

with Taehyung, months ago. A man so powerful, but so emotionless at the same time. “Are you sure you-.” Whatever it was that Baekhyun was about to say was suddenly cut off as they both heard the squeak of shoes against the floor. His head snapped up as Jungkook tried to crane his neck around to see where the sound came from and they both stared at the door they had come from. It was distant but loud enough to be heard over the growls and snaps of teeth from the fight beside them. Then there was another squeak, then a thud, and another squeak. Shoes, Jungkook realized faintly. Someone was walking closer, and they were hurt. The telltale sound of uneven steps across the glossy floor, rubber soles that tried to hold a grip. Baekhyun took a deep breath in before a curious smile spread across his lips. “Well, this is a surprise.” Almost on cue the door swung back open, and relief like no other swept over Jungkook’s entire soul. Solar struggled over the threshold, blood crusted on her face and in her hair, with the man he needed more than life itself draped over her shoulder. Taehyung looked awful. His body was beaten and bruised and the wounds on his face hadn’t stopped bleeding- the neck of his shirt soaked up what it could but he was nearly drenched in it- but he was alive. He was hurt but alive. “Tae?” The whimper couldn’t have been held back, and the blonde lifted his head at the noise. Those bright, bright blue eyes locked into his and in an instant he tried to push himself from Solar’s grasp, tried to unhook his arm from around her neck and hobble closer. She held on though and yanked him back, which Jungkook was grateful for. He didn’t look like he could have made the short walk. “Jungkook,” his mate breathed out, voice hoarse, and Jungkook squeezed his eyes shut as tears of relief slipped down his cheek. “Well isn’t this touching?” Jungkook yelped as he was suddenly released and the hand on his shoulder ripped itself free. “You’ve turned against me, Yongsun?” The woman scoffed, eyes a little more wild than the last Jungkook had seen her. “You left me for dead and expected me to come running back? You lied to me for years and expect my loyalty?” She growled, and adjusted her grip on Taehyung’s body. “Fuck you.” Jungkook’s has would have dropped in another situation. What the fuck had happened since he had been taken? “Yongsun,” “Shut up.” She snapped, and Taehyung laughed at Baekhyun’s surprised expression. Jungkook wondered if the rogue alpha had ever actually been refused anything by her before. Wondered if she’d always been as obedient as they had assumed she had been. “So feisty.” Baekhyun murmured, and then his eyes dropped back down to where Jungkook still lay prone on the ground. “You two are so alike.” Jungkook felt a shiver run down his spine, which only made him cry out as another there was another explosion of pain. One hand cradled his stomach as the other reaches up to put pressure on

the wound, palm firm even as he bit back a scream. In the blink of an eye it was as if all the oxygen had been pulled from the room. All eyes jumped to Taehyung and even Baekhyun let out a soft whistle at the power that came from his broken body. However all that Taehyung saw was the blood that had soaked Jungkook’s shirt, and the omega didn’t have the strength to say he was fine. His mate’s eyes roamed to find the source of the blood but there was just so much of it“Tae,” He croaked, and the alpha looked back up at him. “He,” he groaned from another flash of pain, and that was that. That was all that Taehyung needed to push himself from Solar’s hold, his steps shaky but powered by his own fury as he propelled himself forward. “Tae-!” He tried to call out to stop him, but the alpha paid no mind as he stared at his brother. “You, you-!” Taehyung growled, teeth already growing, claws extended, eyes a little brighter. “Me?” Baekhyun had the audacity to laugh as he pushed himself to his feet. “What are you planning on doing, TaeTae? To a wolf?” He giggled. The words didn’t make sense until Jungkook heard the first pop. His shoulder popped out of place, then his ankle snapped. His body jerked as it reshaped itself, a scene of nauseating contortion that made Jungkook’s stomach roll and his eyes want to clamp shut. But they didn’t. He watched, eyes wide open as he watched Baekhyun shift into the wolf form he’d only heard about. The pure white wolf that stood on four legs, teeth already bloodstained and his eyes even brighter than they were before. Taehyung stopped only a few feet away, and rolled a shoulder as they stared each other down. Jungkook wanted to try and crawl away but he laid there transfixed as he watched them standoff. “Not much, right now.” Jungkook's eyes widened as he watched Taehyung's eyes flutter in pain. Was this the moment? Could Taehyung do it? “But, in a few seconds? I’m planning on killing you.” Then Taehyung shifted.

Chapter End Notes

twt

cc

sorry for the slightly later update! wanted to get it out on sunday/monday but life just didn't work out that way. are you guys ready for the culmination of this fic next chapter? don't forget that the last ch is actually the epilogue.. last minute predictions? opinions? ideas? you guys have been absolutely WONDERFUL and i love and appreciate each and every one of you. it feels so surreal to be almost done!

a certain darkness is needed to see the stars Chapter Summary

It's time for some things to come to an end.

Chapter Notes

title quote by: unknown enjoy. i'm pretty sure there's the basis of a naruto episode in here somewhere. (major thanks to isa for listening to my random ideas and for even giving me a few that ended up/will end up in the fic, as well as letting me bombard her of pictures of best boy, winnifer windigo wango tango the 6th )

See the end of the chapter for more notes

Pure white fur, eyes like beacons in the low light. A wolf. Taehyung had shifted into a wolf. He had done it. He was big- there was no other way to put it. Compared to Baekhyun, his brother was easily only half his size. Half as tall, half as broad. Half the wolf Taehyung was, Jungkook thought faintly. With their platinum coat they would have been nearly identical if Baekhyun hadn’t needed to tilt his head up to meet his eyes. “What the fuck?” Even as weak as he was Jungkook’s head still whipped around when he heard the scoff of disbelief. His heart dropped at the sight of the beta, Chanyeol, upright with Jimin pinned under one knee. “Well, this is a surprise.” He crowed with a tilt of his head. “Guess you had to grow up eventually.” “Oh yeah, puberty’s a bitch.” A voice cut in, flat and low as they spoke around a growl. A familiar and welcome voice, however unexpected. Jungkook gasped and despite the pain the movement gave him he pushed himself up on an elbow to see. There was no way-. Jongin stood in the doorway, Yoongi and Hoseok battered but alive at his back. The omega felt an overwhelming wave of relief wash over him at the sight of the younger alpha, and the redhead shot him a tired wink when they locked eyes. “Don’t worry, Kook,” Hoseok said tightly, “We got this covered.” Jungkook had no idea what the hell had happened since he’d been knocked out, but he wasn’t about to argue against it. Who had called the pack? Had he really been out long enough for them to run the miles they were away from the compound? The betas stared at each other as Jongin cracked his neck. “Sup?” He asked with a casual tilt of his head.

Jungkook had no idea what kind of history Baekhyun’s “pack” had with each other, but he could gather from the frown on Chanyeol’s face, the subtle look of betrayal, that they had been mildly close before. He let off of Jimin with barely a second thought and pushed himself to his feet. “Kai...” “Hey, kid? Don’t worry about us.” Yoongi called out and stepped around the beta. His scent was more and more suffocating with every step that he took, the urge to submit just grew stronger and stronger for everyone in the room. His scent had easily overpowered Taehyung’s the moment Jimin had been pinned to the ground; the idea that someone as strong as Yoongi willingly submitted to another alpha almost made him even more impressive, Jungkook thought faintly. Taehyung barely turned in his direction, but Jungkook could feel the overwhelming relief that the Second’s arrival had given him. He dipped his head briefly and Jungkook wished he could have been able to speak in that form, if only to hear what he knew his alpha was saying. I trust you. Baekhyun snarled, apparently angry that he had been ignored. His claws scraped against the ground and Taehyung’s ears twitched at the irritating sound. They seemed to have some sort of silent conversation, little growls and broken off yips that only they could understand. “Jungkook!” The Luna was yanked from his thoughts when two hands hooked under his body and hoisted him up. A strangled scream escaped him as his shoulder was jostled, immediately followed by a string of apologies by the redhead that had grabbed him. “Hey, hey- it’s okay, deep breathes. You’re gonna be okay, trust me, c’mon.” “Hoseok hyung?” His vision blacked out briefly from the pain, but when it cleared his friend smiled tiredly down at him. There was a streak of something red across his cheek (although no visible wound hinted it wasn’t even his) but he looked otherwise completely healthy, if not exhausted. “What…?” “Yeah, Kook, just me. Trust me, those guys have this covered. Baekhyun has a seven year old can of ass whoopin’ he needs to open. C’mon, Jongdae called in Junmyeon too, he should be close by.” It admittedly took a second for Jungkook to realize what he was implying, but the second he noticed they were leaving he immediately tried to fight Hoseok’s hold. “Whoa! Hey- what are you-?” “I need to stay!” He begged. “Please, I can’t leave Taehyung here-!” His words go unheard though as Hoseok struggled to carry him towards the door. “Jin! Fucking- stop it!” There’s an uneasiness under his skin that refused to leave and it only grew stronger with each step the alpha took. “Hoseok!” However the man only shook his head and hurried his steps. “You’re bleeding!” He snapped back, but Jungkook had already tuned him out. In a burst of manic energy the omega threw a hand out and growled as he pressed his claws tight against the alpha’s throat. “Kook-,” his eyes widened and he came to a sudden stop, barely able to keep Jungkook in his arms. “Put me down.” The words felt like venom on his tongue, and it was sickening that he was forced to use violence but he couldn’t leave. “Now.” A garbled scream ripped through the air and Jungkook felt his blood freeze, Hoseok’s own eyes widened and the omega’s hand slipped from his throat. “Taehyung!” He cried out, and could have really cried when Hoseok whirled around and they could see what had happened.

It was horrific. They’d only looked away for the briefest moment and the tide had turned so drastically. Taehyung lay pinned under his brother, once pure white fur stained red from the jaws clamped tight around his throat. His own teeth were bloodstained, a matching mark on Baekhyun’s foreleg that he held curled under his chest. Jungkook wanted to call out but his lips felt glued together as he watched. Taehyung whined under his hold, his legs outstretched to weakly push against Baekhyun’s chest. “Taehyung!” He cried out, and his mate’s eyes fluttered at the sound of his voice. “Tae, come on, please!” Baekhyun leaned down even further and a bitten back yelp came from Taehyung’s muzzle. The older wolf let out a low snarl when Taehyung tried to wiggle from his hold; more red dripped from his mouth as his jaws clamped down even harder. “Tae, please!” In a last ditch effort Jungkook clamped a hand down on Hoseok’s shoulder and jerked his knee up His kneecap connected sharply with the alpha’s chin and Hoseok cried out in pain as his teeth clacked together painfully. He let go of Jungkook in shock and his hands darted up to his face. “What the hell!” Hoseok’s voice is muffled by his hands but Jungkook ignores him to get his feet back underneath him as he falls, his stance unsteady because of the blood loss. His mind is focused on only one thing, and that’s the blood that pools under Taehyung’s body. Dead, dead, dead- he doesn’t want to believe it but it’s what destined for them all if Taehyung doesn’t do something-. Then he had a thought. A stupid idea. So, so stupid- and he knew it truly was stupid. Daddy doesn’t mean it, flower, daddy doesn’t mean it, he repeated over and over again in his head as he stumbled towards the wolves locked in their struggle. Please, please, daddy doesn’t mean it . “Baekhyun,” his voice cracked he called out, feet unsteady and his vision flickering from his exhaustion; the wolf in question looked up, mouth still locked around Taehyung’s throat. “You said...you said ‘kills the one dearest’, right? When you kill the one dearest to him? That’s what you said.” He clears his throat but it does little to help, he’s so shaky his lips tremble as he speaks. “Right?” Daddy doesn’t mean it, daddy doesn’t mean it, daddy doesn’t mean it. Baekhyun eyed him warily, and he could even see Chanyeol perk up from where he and Yoongi were stuck in an arm lock, Jimin slumped against the wall with his eyes barely open. “You...you tried to kill me before, to break this curse, right?” He could still feel the claws in his side sometimes, could still feel the way Baekhyun had ripped through his throat with barely a second thought. It was sickening to watch Baekhyun release his grip and then shift back to his human form. It was the sound of snapping bones and ripping skin as fur gave way to sickly pale skin. Blood stained his face and teeth, his injured arm almost ripped to the bone from where Taehyung had been able to fight back. “Let him live.” Jungkook choked out, and he forced the next words out of his mouth as he swallowed back a sob. “Kill me, and let him live.” It was like the room froze.

Taehyung’s limp body jerked in shock and Jungkook felt their bond burn as he felt every one of his alpha’s reactions. Shock, sadness, a fury so strong he nearly stumbled from the force. He tried to roll over to push himself to his feet but he whined in pain and Jungkook squeezed his eyes shut. “You’re offering yourself?” Baekhyun asked curiously, and there was a crash as Jimin had tried to crawl closer. His body was too weak to propel himself and Jungkook bit his lip to hold back his tears when the omega laid prone on the ground. “You’d give up your life for him?” “I’d give up everything for him.” He whispered, and that was when Taehyung let out a muffled scream against the floor. He pushed his body beyond its limits as he forced a shift back and the sounds were nearly horrific to see the amount of blood that spilled from his body as he too came back to his human form. “Don’t,” the brittleness of his voice made Jungkook bite back a gasp and he clenched his fists tightly. “Darling, please don’t,” “You kill me and your curse is broken right? You get to live normal lives, you can h-have children who won’t kill your mates,” his voice broke and he resisted the urge to cradle his stomach (daddy doesn’t mean it, daddy doesn’t mean it -), “you can be normal pack. That’s what you wanted right? You wanted to be normal? Wanted to have the prestige the main branch does? You wanted to get rid of this stigma against your family?” Baekhyun’s eyes narrowed as he stared down the Luna; Jungkook forced himself to not look away, and he hoped the heavy scent of blood in the air covered the waves of nervousness from his body. Chanyeol tightened his grip on Yoongi a and the older alpha snarled at him but made no move to fight back as they watched, Jongin stayed still with his arms locked around Chanyeol’s neck as well. Jungkook could hear the scuff of Hoseok’s shoes across the floor but no steps as he stayed put. “Alright,” The older Kim brother didn’t even glance back at the others, “but how about we make things a little easier, hm?” Jungkook’s breath caught in his throat as Baekhyun’s eyes glowed, a bright, bright blue he was only used to seeing from the man currently sprawled across the ground. “How about you stay for me, okay?” There was the oddest feeling of something like tethers on his mind, something that tugged and yanked in every direction, and Jungkook gasped at the sensation. However, as Baekhyun stepped closer and closer, he felt no actual need to stay still. He wondered if this was how the victims of the alpha usually felt, but a hidden twitch of his finger gave him a small blossom of hope. Maybe, maybe, maybe this will work. He risked a quick glance over at Taehyung and resisted the urge to cry when he saw that his alpha had just barely managed to push himself to his feet. “Now, be a good boy and bleed for me?” Baekhyun had just reached a bloodied hand out, claws extended and ready to make their home in his flesh, when Jungkook made his move. He wouldn’t just let some monster kill him, take him from his mate, his baby, his family. He’d only watched from the outside as Yoongi and Taehyung had spared together, never risking being injured so early in his pregnancy. However he’d always been a quick learner and he refused to just sit like a pig ready for slaughter. His hand shot out, to the obvious surprise of the wolf, and grabbed his wrist just as he kicked a foot out to hook around Baekhyun’s ankle. With a jerk he pulled his foot out from underneath him and

just as the blonde careened to the floor Jungkook followed with a grunt, knees on either side of his waist. “You-!” Baekhyun choked out, eyes wide with shock. “I won’t let you kill him.” Jungkook growled, and he pushed both palms up just under Baekhyun’s jaw, his throat exposed. “I won’t let you.” “Ha! Good fuckin’ thinking, Kook.” Yoongi laughed from the back and Jungkook felt a smile quirk at the corner of his lips, but he didn’t let off his grip. He let his own claws out to play and Baekhyun froze with one hand up to push Jungkook away. “You really think you can kill me?” Baekhyun laughed, voice choked off from the pressure of Jungkook’s hands. “Let go .” He ordered, eyes bright again, but Jungkook only shook his head and pressed down even harder. “I have your blood.” He whispered, and Baekhyun’s eyes widened again, his hand fell to the side with a soft smack . “I’m pregnant with his baby and you can’t do shit to me unless you use your bare fucking hands.” There was the sound of footsteps and Jungkook barely startled when a familiar arm wrapped around his waist and yanked him from Baekhyun’s body. Taehyung’s breath was heavy in his ear and he could feel something warm soak through his shirt, but he only sagged against his chest with a whimper and let his mate hold him close. “I can’t believe you.” Taehyung muttered in disbelief, and when Jungkook glanced up he saw that the alpha’s attention wasn’t turned towards him, but to his brother. “For so long I wondered if there was ever even a sliver of hope that my brother would ever come home, but there’s no saving you anymore Baekhyun.” Taehyung was covered in his own blood, there were open wounds all along his neck and shoulders that worried Jungkook, but his voice was stronger than it had been only minutes before. “You know, I’m so fucking sorry, Baekhyun.” His brother blinked in surprise, as did everyone else. “Sorry?” He laughed, self-deprecatingly. “For me? Please.” “I am. The curse destroyed our family, destroyed our parents, destroyed us. Taehyung held Jungkook ever closer and a hand slid down to curve around his back and stomach. “You’ve worked so hard to try and break it, and it only broke you instead.” Taehyung’s voice cracked and, in a rare burst of emotion from the alpha, tears started to trail down his face. “I just wanted my brother back, and now we’re trying to kill each other?” “Tae…” Jungkook whispered, worried, but Taehyung ignored him to continue. “I don’t want to kill you, hyung,” Taehyung said brokenly, “I don’t want to kill, but if I don’t then you’re going to kill me, and I can’t let you do that. I can’t leave my family, I can’t leave my pack, I can’t, I can’t, I can’t.” He shook his head, wet hair flying and sticking to his face. A grim look settled on his face and with another squeeze to his waist Taehyung let go of him and took a shaky step forward. “Baekhyun-.” Chanyeol suddenly called out, voice tight with worry, but the rogue alpha didn’t respond. The brothers stared at each other, silent words exchanged between them that only they could understand, and Taehyung dropped down into a position eerily similar to how Jungkook had, had him pinned. The three wolves locked together suddenly released each other when it became

startlingly obvious that this had become the moment. Brother versus brother, alpha versus alpha, blood against blood. Jungkook could not feel a lick of comfort from that realization. “I loved you.” Taehyung whispered harshly as his hands rose to curve around Baekhyun’s throat, and Jungkook watched with wide eyes when the wolf made no move to fight back. “I loved you so much.” Baekhyun let a soft smile grace his features, such a paradox to the manic expressions Jungkook had become so used to seeing in their few interactions. He wondered if that was how the alpha had looked Before. Before he’d snapped, before he’d been the card that had toppled the tower. “I love you, TaeTae.” He whispered back, and Taehyung whined as his tears fell on his brother’s relaxed face. His eyes drifted over to where Jungkook stood stock still, eyes wide, but he didn’t add anything. That was fine. He had nothing to say that Jungkook wanted to hear anyway. It was over faster than Jungkook expected. A jerk, a snap, and then it was over. It was over. It was over. Jungkook fell back on his ass just as Chanyeol dropped to his knees with a shockingly loud wail. The beta crawled to Baekhyun’s still body, but Jungkook had no sympathy to offer him. His attention was locked on Taehyung still kneeled over his now dead brother’s body. “Tae,” he whispered, and almost immediately his mate pushed away and nearly crawled over to the omega, “Taehyung, oh my god,” the blonde collapsed in his arms and Jungkook didn’t hesitate to pull him in closer, his cheek pillowed against his stomach. “Taehyung, I love you, I love you so much.” He whispered into his hair. “It’s going to be okay, it’s going to be okay.” He repeated the words breathlessly until Chanyeol’s cries died off and the shake in Taehyung’s shoulders slowed and his tears came to a stop. He repeated them until Yoongi and Jongin had both carried Chanyeol and Jimin off to who knows where, until Hoseok had run off and returned with Junmyeon in tow, the former a little less bloody than when he had left. He repeated them so often they almost began to feel false, but he kept saying them anyway. He would make them real, he would make them true. He would do whatever it took to give his family a chance to grow, to heal. “It’s going to be okay.”

Chapter End Notes

twt

cc

and so came the end of baekhyun, the end of the pain, the end of the struggle. although one chapter still remains? what will the epilogue contain? what do you want to see? what questions need to be answered? where have they gone from here?

how do you feel?

EPILOGUE: our life together has just begun Chapter Summary

Every story has an end, but this is only just the beginning.

Chapter Notes

title quote by: unknown the end.

See the end of the chapter for more notes

When Taehyung was young, an alpha who’d barely grown into his scent, his mother sat him down for a talk. Her body had been failing her recently and Tae had frowned as she settled down by him on the front steps of their family home. Her frail hands reached out to encompass his own and he held back an instinctual flinch. His visions had come with increasing frequency since his presentation and any contact simply sparked a fear of another. “Sunflower,” she started softly and Taehyung couldn’t help but smile at the familiar nickname, “I wanted to talk to you about something.” Something in her voice made him pause and nod slowly, confused by the solemn look on her face. “Of course.” He said simply. She stared at him for a moment, her dark eyes trailed over his face as she seemed to collect her thoughts. Her pitch black hair was pulled together at the base of her neck, laid prettily over her shoulder. Many times Taehyung had wished had hadn’t inherited the curse of his family in favor of her dark eyes, her dark hair. Her normality. “As an alpha it’s your duty to continue your line,” she began suddenly and Taehyung blinked in surprise, “however we are both aware your circumstance makes that...difficult.” The curse, he thought, it always came down to the curse. They didn’t need to talk about it, they were both too familiar with it. By the look of the thinness of her skin and how delicately she carried herself they all knew she didn’t have much time left. “I want you to promise me something, flower.” She gripped his hands a little firmer and he nodded without hesitation. “Anything.” “I want you to mate for love, flower. I want you to mate who your soul leads you to. I don’t want you to worry about, about pack treaties or land disputes.” She shook her head. “I want you to let the moon guide you to your mate, Taehyung. I want you to love .” The passion in her voice and in her eyes made Taehyung’s lips part in surprise. “Can you do that for me, sunflower?” Taehyung had been a little stunned by the conversation but had agreed anyway. It had struck him as odd that she would have brought it up but he hadn’t questioned it, not when every moment with his

mother was precious with their limited time. The time they’d already been granted had been nearly a decade longer than any Luna previous, something their Alpha had been vocally thankful for, for years. Nearly 15 years after that conversation, Taehyung thanked her. “Darling, please, let Jun do his job.” Taehyung watched amusedly as his mate pouted from their bed, arms crossed over his uncovered chest. Old, dirty bandages lay in a pile by his legs and Junmyeon huffed out a laugh before he leaned back in to clean the stitches. The alpha watched closely as the beta was quick and methodical, each movement with just enough pressure to sanitize the healing wound but not enough to aggravate. Even nearly a month later, even with their accelerated healing, Jungkook still felt fairly moderate pain throughout his body. It was torture to see his love in pain, to not only feel his own suffering as his own but know that Taehyung could do absoutely nothing to take it away. “Alright, everything is healing beautifully,” Junmyeon suddenly spoke up and they both looked up at the doctor. He went on to explain some small exercises for the omega to do, and Taehyung made sure to take a mental note of every little thing that he said. He didn’t want Jungkook to feel a lick of pain, not after everything they had gone through. Not after everything Taehyung had put him through. “Other than that, you seem to be doing great, and baby is doing well.” The doctor finished with a gentle smile that the mated pair returned gratefully. “I’ll be back next week, but if there’s any issues please call me immediately.” He packed his things and with a final bow to the Alpha and his Luna he stepped out of their bedroom with a final wave. A silence settled over the room, not necessarily uncomfortable but heavy nonetheless. Jungkook had pulled his shirt back on- Taehyung’s shirt actually from the look of the shoulder seams- but left it unbuttoned as he leaned back against their pillows. They stared at each other for a moment, a furrow in his brow. “Why are you all the way over there?” He asked quietly; when Taehyung didn’t immediately reply he sighed. “Tae…” The alpha watched as his fingers stroked absentmindedly across his stomach. So beautiful, Taehyung thought faintly. He was always so, so beautiful. Breathtaking, amazing, gorgeous. Headstrong, stubborn, sarcastic. Perfect. “You’re staring.” Jungkook pouted, and Taehyung silently stepped closer to kneel onto the bed, a hand reached out to push his mate’s hair from his forehead. He’d let it grow a little longer and the alpha thought his mate looked absolutely breathtaking with the dark locks that framed his face. “Can’t help but stare at art, darling.” He said lowly and he delighted in the sudden flush that took over Jungkook’s face. “You’re glowing.” He leaned down a little further and they both sighed into the soft kiss, their bodies hummed with the contact they both craved. “I love you.” He whispered, voice gentle as they slowly separated. Jungkook beamed and Taehyung couldn’t stop how he climbed into the bed and pulled his mate

close. “As I love you.” He burrowed his face in Taehyung’s chest and the alpha hid a smile in his hair at the happy scent that wafted from his love, the slow beat in their chests warm and content. “Dr. Kim said I should start feeling the baby kick any day now.” He mumbled, and Taehyung let out a pleased hum. “I can’t wait for them to show up, Tae.” “Me too, darling,” He pressed a kiss to Jungkook’s forehead with a small smile. Nothing excited him more than the thought of their little family growing, of a pup he could cherish and spoil and teach everything he knew. “Me too.”

The shopping fever started with an innocent comment from Jimin, unsurprisingly. “So where are you going to put the crib?” Just a simple question that had immediately set off Jungkook’s instincts and a deep rooted panic that made his alpha run in from across the house. His frantic, worried questions had been answered with a suddenly teary eyed omega that cried about how they didn’t have a crib. “We don’t have a crib for the baby, Tae! We’re awful parents! I’m an awful parent!” He had sobbed, his mood worsened by the dramatic swings he had been experiencing since he’d come closer to the end of his second trimester. Taehyung had tried to soothe his worries with the promise of a quick look online only to be quickly shut down. “I won’t have my baby sleeping in some Amazon bought bed, Taehyung!” He’d snapped, suddenly less teary than he’d been five seconds before. Taehyung had simply sighed and promised a trip downtown as soon as they could leave to go, to the delight of the man in his arms. The things he would do for his mate, he knew, were hardly limited by his distaste for the scent of human cities. So only two days later found them bundled into the back of their car as Namjoon drove them downtown. “I was never able to go here before.” Jungkook hushed as the beta pulled them up close to the front doors, and Taehyung only hummed. He was more than fully aware of how much his mate struggled financially before they met. No matter what his mate said that day, Taehyung was fully prepared to buy him whatever he even so much as looked at. Nearly two hours later Taehyung would be the first to admit he might have made a small mistake with that thought. “At least we got the crib first?” He tried to reason with the irritated omega, but Jungkook only held up a hand as he let out a huff. “Baby…” “Don’t ‘baby’ me!” He snapped, but Taehyung knew there wasn’t any heat to it. “You know how irritated it makes me when you just throw your money away!” He shook one of the bags in his hands. “We don’t 14 different baby bottles! You know what we do need? Clothes! You know what we didn’t get? Clothes!” “Darling,” Taehyung sighed but couldn’t hide his smile as he stepped closer and wrapped an arm around his mate’s waist. “I’m sorry, okay? I just got...excited.” It was a weak excuse but true nonetheless. “I…” The words froze on the tip of his tongue but Jungkook was always shrewder than he expected. “You?” He prompted after a few silent seconds, eyebrow raised curiously.

The alpha’s eyes darted away and he felt something cold creep over his being, his chest grew tight and he took a shaky breath in. “My family used to have a whole bunch of things that were passed down from our Alphas, to go down to their children for their pups. It, it was all destroyed in the fire that…” “That Baekhyun caused.” Jungkook whispered, and Taehyung nodded. The thought of him still hurt, the idea of him still hurt. The very reminder of what was once his brother still sent a bone deep ache through him, but it had gotten slightly easier. He had lost his brother long before he had killed him. “I guess I was just excited to be able to get all of this stuff myself for our pup. Typical alpha instinct to protect and provide.” He tried to laugh it off but it came off weak and he knew that his mate was unconvinced. Jungkook had begun to know him better than he knew himself at times. Jungkook was bundled in a heavy coat and his face was nearly completely covered by his scarf as they waited for Namjoon, but Taehyung could still see the furrow in his brow and the pout on his lips. “We need to go back in.” He said suddenly, just as the sleek black car rolled up. Taehyung blinked, curious as to where the sudden attitude change came from. “To return stuff?” “No, we need more. Come on. Shove all that in the car- the baby needs more pacifiers.” He rubbed a hand across his hidden belly and Taehyung’s eyes automatically tracked the movement, a soft smile on his lips at the reminder of the life growing inside. “Plus we still need clothes!”

The omega had started to sleep shirtless once they’d started the third trimester and Taehyung frequently found himself reaching out to stroke his fingers across the stretched skin. Their pup had become active in the last few months and it was common to feel a kick against their palms. Jungkook complained about how rambunctious they appeared to be but Taehyung knew better. Nothing could have disguised the unfiltered, genuine joy the omega felt when their baby moved. Every punch and kick only made his eyes light up brighter than any star Taehyung had ever seen, made him giggle and whisper gently to their pup when he thought no one could hear. It started with a soft tickle, just a brush across bare skin. Jungkook grumbled and tried to shift away but Taehyung simply smiled and gently shushed the sleeping omega. “Shh, darling.” He whispered and Jungkook’s brow relaxed as he slipped back asleep. Taehyung waited until he could feel his breathing slow before he slid a little down the bed. “Hey, flower,” he whispered, lips pressed gently just over Jungkook’s belly button, “it’s your other daddy.” It had become a sort of a habit when he woke up during the night to speak to their baby. He spoke of his worries as a father, the things he was excited to teach the young pup, about how excited they both were to hold them in their arms. Jungkook mumbled in his sleep but Taehyung only grabbed his hand and pressed a kiss to his knuckles and the omega sighed and burrowed deeper into his pillowcase. He laughed softly at the uncharacteristic so illness of his mate, but he then felt a sharp kick under his hand and Jungkook whispers quietly. “Easy,” The low whisper was barely heard even in the silence. “Let your daddy sleep, flower.” Jungkook let out another soft sigh and Taehyung squeezed his fingers gently. “You know, he’s trying so hard. I know he’s so excited to meet you.” He shifted to

press another kiss against his warmed skin and held back a smile at the way the omega shivered at his touch. A little over a year later and Jungkook still shook around him. Then his smile fell slightly. “I’m afraid I won’t be the dad you need, but I promise to always be there. I promise to keep you safe, to keep you as happy as I can. I promise to try my hardest to be the best alpha I can be for you two. I’ll protect you both.” One of his hands, large enough to cup his swelling stomach, rose to stroke across the light stretch marks. “I don’t know if I can be what you need, but I’ll try my hardest.” Jungkook’s other hand, tucked against his chest, rose to rub at his eyes and Taehyung froze, eyes up to see if he’d finally woken up the man. The moon’s light wasn’t nearly enough to light up the room but in the dim light he could see how the omega’s eyes blinked open, the low light reflected back at him sleepily. His hand moved from his belly to card through his hair, fingers a little too clumsy in his exhaustion. The other squeezed Taehyung’s fingers back and the alpha kissed his palm to hide his endeared smile. Adorable. “Tae?” His voice was hoarse from sleep and his fingers were slow as he wiped at his eyes and twisted out of his hold to check their bedside clock. “What time s’it?” He mumbled and Taehyung couldn’t stop the way he laughed at the confused frown on his face. “I didn’t mean to wake you up, darling.” His voice was still low but it grew louder as he shuffled back up the bed, his body’s heat welcome as Jungkook pulled him closer. “Go back to sleep.” The omega shook his head and tugged one of Taehyung’s arms around his waist. “‘You talkin’ to the baby again?.” He asked sleepily and the alpha’s fingers stopped their trailed across the small of his back. He’d known the whole time? An embarrassed flush crept up the back of his neck and across his cheeks as he buried his face in his mate’s hair. “You don’t gotta worry, baby.” He assured, a heavy hand reached up to pat Taehyung’s face; the alpha held back a noise of pain when his omega instead smacked him in the nose. “No?” He asked with a laugh, and Jungkook only snuggled in closer. “You’re perfect.” He was clearly almost back asleep now that the alpha was wrapped back around him but Taehyung heard him clear as day. “Love you, Tae.” There was a tiny smile on his lips and Taehyung’s heart clenched. He squeezed his eyes shut and tightened his hold around his love just a little, a protective arm looped across their baby. “Love you too, darling.”

Taehyung discovered during his first year of high school that being around humans hadn’t stopped the frequency of his visions at all; he was surrounded by classmates he was forced to interact with, was dragged to sports games that tried to suffocate him with the scents in the air, and frequently skipped class due to migraines. Unsurprisingly the times he was able to come back to the pack grounds after cass he took full advantage of the seclusion. However, even as he locked himself in his room and resolved to avoid any and all interaction there was one person he knew he couldn’t hide from: his Alpha. True to his thoughts only hours after he’d been home after school one day the burly man appeared in his doorway, key to the door in his hand.

“Taehyung.” The Alpha started, and the young wolf simply held back a sigh and sat up in his bed, hand already outstretched to turn on his bedside lamp. “We need to talk about something...important.” There was something in his voice that made Taehyung pause and frown in confusion, eyes raised to watch as his father stepped closer. He took a seat at his practically unused desk and dropped down into the office chair with a barely audible sigh. “Yes, Alpha.” He said instead of the questions at the tip of his tongue, and his father simply nodded. “Your mother tells me that you went on a date last week.” The blunt way he spoke always threw Taehyung for a loop, but the words also made his jaw drop in surprise. “What?” He’d mentioned in passing that he’d been forced into a double date by a classmate he barely considered an acquaintance. He’d even explicitly asked her to keep it a secret from their Alpha, knowing that he had rules and stipulations against things like that. “Alpha, I-.” “I’m not angry, Taehyung.” He said shortly, although the naturally stern look on his face didn’t give his words any validity. “But there’s something we should have talked about before you left.” In an uncharacteristically uncertain move he glanced towards the door and then down at his hands in his lap. His fingers twisted his wedding ring, something Taehyung’s mother had requested for the symbolism. “You must only mate the one you truly want to spend the rest of your life with, Taehyung.” He finally said, and the younger alpha blinked. “What?” The words felt eerily familiar. His father sighed again. “I do not need to talk about the curse we bear, you’re fully aware of it’s personal effects.” Like an echo Taehyung felt a throb behind his eyes and he grimaced at the memory. “However,” he raised a hand to rub across his brow and Taehyung was stunned to see a shine to his eyes. His father did not cry , it was unheard of. “You know how it’s affected your mother. You know…” he didn’t finish his sentence, but he didn’t need to. They knew. She didn’t have much longer. “Alpha…” “You need to take what I say to heart.” He interrupted him, and Taehyung’s jaw clicked shut. “You can’t...you can’t begin to understand yet the pain that this curse brings your loved ones.” There was a pain in his voice that Taehyung had never heard from his father in his 14 years of life. Never. “Just...promise me, okay?” Taehyung didn’t hesitate to nod his head, his fingers knotted in the blanket thrown over his lap. “Promise, Alpha.” “Tae, Taehyung-!” The alpha jerked away when a hand smacked against his chest and his eyes snapped open in surprise. Jungkook was leaned over his body, face pinched in pain and his hair matted to his forehead with sweat. “God, fucking finally, get up!” “Jungkook?” His tongue felt heavy in his mouth but the next words out of his mate’s mouth made him snap straight up, legs already carrying him across the room. “Get up! This baby is coming now.” They didn’t actually need to go anywhere but they had planned to actually set up for the home birth the next week, the equipment stored away for when Junmyeon would be by later to set it up. The beta was on the phone in minutes, Taehyung pulled on the first pair of shorts he could find as he tried

to coherently explain what was happening to the beta as his brain struggled to string words together. “Taehyung!” Just as he hung up he spun around at the pained whine of his name and quickly crawled back into the bed, back to his mate. Jungkook lay panting against the pillows and Taehyung gently stroked his palm across his belly, hoping his touch could soothe some of his discomfort. True enough his face relaxed ever so slightly and Taehyung felt his own shoulders drop a little. “How long have you been having contractions, baby?” he asked quietly, and from the way Jungkook chewed on his lip he knew immediately that his mate had tried to put off waking him for as long as he could. “Jungkook.” He didn’t even feel bad for how he growled his name and the omega only shrunk back against the pillows with a pout. “You could have seriously injured either of you, you should have woken me up as soon as you felt them.” However at the sight of tears in his mate’s eyes he immediately leaned in and kissed his forehead. “Baby, I’m sorry, I’m just worried. How are you feeling?” Jungkook didn’t respond at first and Taehyung felt guilt pool in his stomach, suddenly aware he shouldn’t have spoken so harshly. “Darling, I’m sorry, really.” The omega looked up through his lashes as they heard the front door open and a rush of several footsteps through the front room. “It’s okay.” He said just Junmyeon knocked and entered the room, and Taehyung frowned at his soft voice. “I’m just…” The beta moved around the room behind them but they paid no mind. “I’m just worried, Tae.” The alpha sighed again and tilted the omega’s head up to give him a kiss, just a simple touch of lips and a soft hum from his mate’s throat. “Everything will be okay, darling.” When they separated Taehyung glanced over his shoulder to where Junmyeon had suddenly left to go fill up their tub and he looked back with a bright smile. “Ready to meet our baby, baby?” “I can’t, I can’t, I can’t-” Taehyung wrapped his arms tight around Jungkook’s shoulders as the omega sank deeper into the tub, his own hands clamped tight around the alpha’s biceps. Junmyeon was settled across from them, a gentle eyed beta woman by his side along with a female omega. “You can, darling,” Taehyung whispered against his ear, “you’re so strong, Jungkook, you’re so strong. You can get through anything baby, trust me.” “I can’t, Tae,” He whined, hot tears trailed down his face and his head tipped back against the alpha’s chest. Taehyung shared a worried look with Junmyeon but the alpha quickly shook it off and nuzzled against his temple; he tried to soothe his scent but he knew he wasn’t nearly as good at it as Jungkook was any other day. “It hurts so bad, Tae. It’s too much.” The omega had been pushing for nearly eight hours by then and while Taehyung knew that some went for far longer he genuinely worried for his mate’s waning strength. They’d both been through so much in the last several months, Jungkook had been through so much in the last several months. “Deep breathes, Luna,” the omega woman reminded calmly, and Taehyung felt his mate took a deep, shuddering breath in. “Relax for a moment, push when your body tells you to.” The alpha took a deep breath along with his mate, ran his hands up and down his arms and gently knocked their knees together from where they both sat in the tub. Jungkook had whined hours before about Taehyung ‘getting gross’ when he’d climbed in behind him but had quickly shut up the first time he’d pushed and Taehyung had let him hold on him.

“Just think, darling,” he started and Jungkook’s eyes fluttered open again, “think about being to hold our baby, being able to see the pup we created. They just want to see the world baby, and you can give them that. Don’t you want to hold our baby?” He knew just how desperately Jungkook wanted it, how desperately he wanted to be able to give them this moment. “Luna, do you think you could push again?” Junmyeon asked, hands settled over the omega’s knees with a clinical eye. Jungkook didn’t speak for a moment and Taehyung kissed his hair hard, grip firm around his body. The bond between them went lax for a moment but just before the alpha was able to feel any true fear, the hands on his hands tightened and Jungkook shifted his weight. “Yes.” he said firmly, and Taehyung grinned, full of pride for his mate as Jungkook’s eyes brightened. “I want to meet our baby.” “Then let’s meet your baby.” The doctor said with a little laugh and a bright smile, which Taehyung echoed. It would have been funny how it only took two more pushes before Jungkook let out an ear piercing scream as Junmyeon and their midwives rushed to work. The water shifted as it was displaced and Jungkook sagged back in Taehyung’s arms. “You did so well,” Taehyung repeated as he kissed all over his face, the omega too exhausted to try and lean away from his affection. “You did so well, you did it baby, you did it.” Out of the corner of his eye he could see the doctor lift a small mass from the low water and both the alpha and his weary mate lifted their heads. Taehyung would have swore his heart stopped. “Ah, Alpha, Luna,” Junmyeon started with a beaming grin, “it’s an honor to introduce you to your son.” “Oh my god,” Jungkook whimpered, and Taehyung felt a wave of emotion so strong wash over him so fast he genuinely didn’t know who they came from. Like mirrors of each other they both began to cry, fast and hot tears that only seemed to speed up as Taehyung buried his face in his mate’s hair; the omega’s hands slid up to wrap around his neck in a sort of backwards hug as he shook like a leaf. “Oh my god, Taehyung, we have a son.” “We need to clean him, but would you like to hold him for a moment?” The beta woman asked kindly, and Jungkook nodded as he tried to speak over his blubbering cries. “Yes, yes, please,” he released the alpha to reach out shaky hands and Taehyung quickly reached out to help steady him as Junmyeon gently lowered the tiny pup in their arms. “Oh my god.” He repeated, tone soft and near reverent. “He’s beautiful.” Taehyung sobbed against his neck, unable to stop the tears now that they had started, and Jungkook quickly nodded in agreement. “Darling, fuck- ,” he cut himself off to hold his family closer, their arms both hooked under the baby. He was truly beautiful, they both knew, with his scrunched face and tiny nose and all his fingers and toes. Like the doctor had mentioned he still needed to be cleaned, but the mess did nothing to hide how much of a blessing he was. Jungkook’s fingers shook as they stroke across his face, and that was when the pup let out a warbling cry that made them both laugh wetly. “He’s got a good set of lungs,” the omega woman giggled, and that was when they reached forward to gently take the pup to wipe down. “Fuck,” Jungkook swore, and Taehyung huffed a laugh as he wiped under his eyes, gaze still locked

on the baby only a few feet away. “Oh my god, Tae, we’re parents.” “Yeah we are, darling.” the omega looked up just as Taehyung glanced down and they stared at each other for a moment. “I’m so proud of you, Jungkook.” His mate was exhausted, sweaty, and so tired his eyes fluttered shut every other breath, but he looked just like the strongest person Taehyung had ever met. “I love you.” His mate whispered, and Taehyung leaned down to kiss him gently, uncaring of their company. There was a muffled coo from one of the women and they smiled into the kiss in amusement just before they separated. Before Taehyung could respond there was a throat clearing and they both looked up to see their baby swaddled in a light blanket as Junmyeon leaned down to drain the water, freshly cleaned and eyes barely cracked open. Jungkook didn’t hesitate to reach out and hold their pup against his bare chest, Taehyung quick to hug them close together as well. “He needs a name.” Jungkook whispered, and Taehyung only hummed. They had decided months ago that the omega could have full reign over the baby’s name, no matter what gender they had turned out to be. “What about...Kim Jungsoo?” He asked curiously, voice heavy with exhaustion but eyes bright as he looked up for Taehyung’s opinion. Taehyung thought it was perfect, and said so. “Perfect name for a perfect boy.” He said just as quietly, and then he brushed his fingers across the dusting of hair on his head. His...Taehyung’s eyes suddenly zeroed in on his hair. “Jungkook.” His sudden change in tone made his mate’s head snap up as well as the other three and the omega’s scent soured with worry. “What?” “His hair.” They all looked down at the baby and it was only a second before Jungkook’s gasp broke the silence. “It’s black. Tae, his hair is black.” He looked up, obviously stunned, and Taehyung could only stare in equally as stunned silence. “Taehyung…” Then there was a crack, and everyone’s head snapped up at the loud noise. “Wha- Lisa!” Taehyung worried that all the sudden surprise was bad his mate’s health as he yelped in shock, his arms tightening around their baby, their precious pup. However along with Lisa there stood three other women, equally as intimidating from the pure power that radiated from them. “What the fuck!” The blonde woman simply laughed, and like in a trace the doctor and the two midwives quickly trailed out of the room, leaving only the witch, and presumably her afformentioned sisters, and the wolves in the tub, one of whom was naked from the waist down Taehyung noted with a tinge of irritation. “Oh, don’t worry, little wolf,” she rolled her eyes, “I could care less about Jungkook’s body.” She cocked her head and one of the other women laughed and flipped her hair over her shoulder. “We only came with a message. Probably the last you’ll ever hear from us, little wolf.” “What?” Taehyung asked dumbly, even as he shifted to try and hide his family from view. “What are you talking about?”

“Kim Jungsoo,” one of the other witches suddenly spoke up, soft brown hair piled high on her head that made her regal features even more intimidating as she stared them down. “The first of a new Kim Line. He will not live with the curse of your blood, Alpha V.” Taehyung’s heart nearly stopped, and he stared at the four women in total shock. “You did what we asked of you, you killed the one dearest to you.” She tipped her head to the side with a soft sigh. “Farewell, Alpha V, Kim Pack Luna.” Then, as quickly as they had come, they were gone in a blink of an eye and suddenly the mated pair were left alone with their newborn. Jungkook let out a shaky whistle and Taehyung couldn’t pull his attention from where they had stood. “Taehyung,” Jungkook’s uncertain tone made the alpha look down and he stared at the two loves of his life, the omega’s eyes wide and the baby held securely against his chest. “She…” “It’s gone. It’s done.” He said, nearly in disbelief, and Jungkook nodded slowly. “That means...I’m okay too, right?” Jungkook looked down at Jungsoo with gently brushed a thumb over his head of dark hair. “I get to spend the rest of my life with you, and Jungsoo, and I...I don’t have to worry about leaving you two, too early?” His voice broke as he spoke and the meaning behind his words hit Taehyung like a train. “I want you to mate for love, flower. I want you to mate who your soul leads you to.” His mother’s words, her frail hands wrapped around his own as she spoke about disregarding anything but love, letting his heart choose who he spent his life with. “You must only mate the one you truly want to spend the rest of your life with, Taehyung.” Words from his father, always so stoic in business but so loving towards to the woman who owned his heart. Words from a man who’d accepted that the woman he loved would die years before she should have, before they would ever be ready for. It was broken now. That curse, the magic in their blood that had haunted them for five generations, was broken. Taehyung would have his mate for the rest of their lives. They would be able to raise their son together, they would be able to laugh and live and love together. With the death of his brother, once dear to his heart but now only a memory of a hyung that no longer existed, his son could live a normal life. They would grow old together, and their son would never live with the stigma or the curse that Taehyung and his father’s fathers had been forced to deal with. “Taehyung, Tae, what’s wrong?” He hadn't noticed when the tears had started back up again, but there was one thing he was absolutely certain of. “Absolutely nothing, darling.” He said with a teary smile, one that Jungkook returned with a sweet little giggle. “Jungkook, baby…” “Yeah?” He twisted to lean down towards their little bundle of joy and kissed Jungsoo’s little forehead, and then shifted to kiss Jungkook’s cheek with a happy sigh. “I can’t wait to spend the rest of our lives together.”

Chapter End Notes

twt

cc

and. that's the end! i want to thank each. and. every. one. of. you! every hit, kudos, bookmark, subscribeevery single one was more and motivation to get this fic finished. i published this fic almost exactly a year ago, and i've never felt more thankful for this experience. i've never finished anything before! how do you feel about this ending? how do you feel about their story? baby jungsoo's life has only just started, but he has a life full of opportunity waiting for him. if you want to see short scenes of toddler jungsoo (on twitter), drop me a request on curiouscat or twitter!

Please drop by the archive and comment to let the author know if you enjoyed their work!