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Park Jimin thought Kim Namjoon would be his mate from a young age. He distinctly remembers the first time he had the thought. He was seven. It was the eve of the harvest moon and he was in the night garden next to the healer’s hut. Most of the adults were participating in the mating celebration across the village while the older pups supervised the younger, picking moon flowers and midnight roses to make bouquets for the newly mated couples that would emerge from the mating run. He was helping Taehyung with a particularly thorny rose bush when a group of older boys started bothering them, or more specifically bothering Jimin. He was used to it at this point, but Taehyung couldn’t let it go. “Why’s your friend have such tiny hands? Is he your age or a baby?” Seongwoo asked, his friends snickering behind him. “You know my friend is Park Jimin and that he’s my age, Seongwoo-ssi. Now stop making fun of him!” “Yah, I’ll stop making fun of him when he grows at least five centimeters. Did your dam starve you as a baby so you’d stay weak and feeble Park Jimin-ssi? Or stack books on your head so you wouldn’t grow? Some healer she is!” His friends chuckled louder now, but Jimin just rolled his eyes. He remembered quite well how Seongwoo cried like a baby in the spring when his dam had to set his broken arm after he fell from a swing. Too bad she was actually an excellent healer and his arm now worked just fine. Taehyung was turning red though and he growled in frustration, dropping the bundle of flowers he’d collected at his feet as he prepared to launch himself at Seongwoo. That’s when a deeper growl cut through the night, causing them all to go silent and still. Kim Namjoon, Seongwoo’s peer and the head alpha’s son, stepped from the shadows. At their ages It was too early to be certain of any wolf’s subgender, but based on his stature and size (broad shoulders and already a head taller than all his peers), it was expected Namjoon would be an alpha. He also had the same commanding presence as his father, a natural leader who’s words carried weight and demanded respect. And right then he was looking at Seongwoo like he was more useless than pond scum. “Did I just hear you insulting the pack healer, Seongwoo? Such slander of the omega who mends your broken bones and has brought you back from the brink of death more than once. I’m sure your own dam would be sorry to hear of it.” “Yah, Namjoon! You wouldn’t,” Seongwoo gambled, but he looked unsure, eyes darting from Namjoon to Taehyung who still glared at him with clenched fists. “Wouldn’t I? It’s clear you need a lesson in manners, hurling insults about elders, picking on younger pups. I’m sure she’d be quite embarrassed to learn what a bully her son has become.” Seongwoo looked properly chastised then, but Taehyung didn’t forgive so easily. “And if you bully my friend again I swear on Luna I’ll punch you right in the face!” “Kim Taehyung!” Namjoon’s response was thunderous but Taehyung just raised his chin. “Park Jimin is my twin. I will not stand for him being insulted!” Namjoon turned to Seongwoo, growling a “be gone with you before I tell your dam,” before turning back to Taehyung. He raised his hands to his hips, looking stern for a moment until the other pups were gone. Then his lips ticked up into the tiniest grin as he arched a brow, leaning in conspiratorially and lowering his voice. “Twins? But he is a Park and you are a Kim. How can you possibly be twins?” Taehyung’s eyes grew excited and he shifted from foot to foot. “My dam says Luna separated us in the womb because she knew birthing us both to one mother would be too cruel, but we are kindred in spirit, I assure you. Our wolves are soul bonded.” Jimin pretended to busy himself with the rose bush, glad of the darkness hiding his blush. Although he agreed that he and Taehyung were indeed bonded, he did wish his friend wasn’t so ready to tell the whole world about it. He waited for a laugh, for Namjoon’s snide reply. Surely the pack alpha’s son would find them ridiculous. The thoughtful hum Namjoon offered instead surprised him enough to look up. He blinked, further surprised to find the older boy’s intelligent dragon eyes settled firmly upon him.  “What Luna brings together, no wolf can separate. You’re very lucky Taehyung-ah.” “Thank you, Namjoon-ssi,” Taehyung beamed and Namjoon offered a full smile then, dimples popping as he stooped to pick up Taehyung’s flowers, handing all but one of the bunch back to him. “Call me, hyung,” he offered and Taehyung’s eyes went wide. “Really??” “Of course. Same for you, Jimin-ah,” Namjoon turned to him almost shyly then, dragon eyes assessing as he stepped closer, offering him the single white rose he had kept, the smallest one of the bunch. “You are very lucky as well. Have you ever heard the story of the first wolf?” Jimin shook his head. Of course he’d heard the story. They all had, but something about listening to Namjoon’s impassioned voice made him feel like he was learning something new and exciting. “The first wolf was big and strong and fearsome. The first alpha, with a heart as black as his fur. He was nicknamed the midnight wolf because he stayed in the dark, always lurking in the shadows, too cold to stand in the light of day. Until one night he came across a small silver wolf with a coat so beautiful it shown even in the darkness and lit the midnight sky so the midnight wolf could see. And it taught him about love and gentleness and gave him the gift of humanity. The first omega. Their mating produced all of us, the children of the dark and the light, and when their time on this earth was done, they jumped into the sky to watch over us, becoming the darkness and the moon, always guiding our path when we are in our truest form. I’ve heard Luna was very fond of the silver wolf, that’s why all of her favorite things are delicate and small. Those are the ones most precious to her.” Jimin accepted the flower, ignoring the way his heart fluttered as he bowed low in return. “Thank you, hyung. I will remember it well.” Namjoon gave a quick nod before resuming his guard post at the entrance to the garden. “Jiminie! We get to call him hyung. Did you hear that? Kim Namjoon is our hyung!” He whisper squealed, gripping too tightly to Jimin’s arm. “I think I’d like to mate him one day,” Jimin replied, apropos of nothing. Taehyung frowned. “I thought I would be your mate.” Jimin wrapped him in his arms, always a sucker for his puppy dog face. “You’re already my soulmate, Tae. My best friend. Kim Namjoon will be my alpha.” Jimin only became more sure as the years passed, when Namjoon would offer him a casual wink in passing or when he’d turn on the school yard or pass through the village square and find Namjoon’s eyes already on him, when Namjoon would frequently attend the healer’s hut for treatment of some minor bump or bruise (he was frequently accident prone) or in running an errand on behalf of his father or the pack council. He would frequently seek Jimin out at that time, just to check in and ask about his day. The most telling clue though, was the frequency of the flowers. They would show up at random, always small and singular and white (the color reserved for mates). Jimin would find them on his window seal or his front porch, waiting on his school desk, sometimes pressed between the pages of a book or nestled in the work bag he took on healing calls with his dam. Namjoon never outright gave them to him but he always suspected. At first the flowers just made him feel happy and safe but as he grew, those feelings grew as well into more mature emotions, like longing and attraction and desire. Instead of Namjoon watching Jimin it was Jimin now watching Namjoon, especially in their late teens when Namjoon had already graduated from the pack school and was frequently in his father’s presence and therefore frequenting the whole village as pack alpha in training. Jimin was in training too, as future pack healer, attending council meetings and engaging in important pack business with his dam when his school schedule allowed. He longed for the day when he would be free of school and able to attend more pack meetings, and therefore spend more time watching Namjoon. “You’re staring again,” Jeon Jungkook whined from his perch on the picnic bench, nudging Jimin’s shoulder. Jungkook was two years younger than Jimin and Taehyung. A pack transplant who came to live with his alpha uncle and his alpha mate when the dam and sire in his birth pack passed unexpectedly. He’d been shy and cute and sad, easily adopted by Jimin and Taehyung with his galaxy eyes and his polite request to call them hyung. Jimin almost couldn't remember a time before Jungkook, so integral to their friendship he’d become. They were all three on their lunch break between morning and afternoon classes, the schoolhouse being located directly across from the council meeting hall. The meeting hall where Kim Namjoon and his father were waiting outside, patiently greeting all the elder council members as they made their way into the building. “Jiminie is always staring. That is his future mate, you know,” Taehyung offered gleefully, snickering when Jimin pinched his thigh. “Will you keep your voice down? I wasn’t staring. I was simply…looking at him…for medical purposes.” “Medical purposes?” Jungkook choked on the apple he was eating, staring wide eyed at Jimin who was blushing furiously. “I just wonder if he might present soon? He seems to have grown so much recently,” Jimin murmured in reply, trying not to let his eyes linger on the strong line of Namjoon’s jaw, the thickness of his neck and shoulders, his exceptional height. He looked down at his lunch instead, stabbing at the noodles his dam packed with his chopsticks. “You think he’ll present two years early?” Taehyung asked incredulously. “He’s only eighteen, normal presentation doesn’t happen until twenty.” “I think I might present early too. Plenty of wolves do. There’s nothing special about Kim Namjoon,” Jungkook grumbled, tossing his finished apple core into the trees. “Yah! Weren’t you waxing poetic just last week about Namjoon-hyung’s thighs when he came and taught a class for the junior hunters?” Taehyung asked, ruffling Jungkook’s hair. “My comments on his thighs were purely from an athletic standpoint. My thighs will be that big one day. Just you wait!” Jimin frowned, glancing over Jungkook’s scrawny teenage frame and his suddenly flaming cheeks. He was still very much more gangly pup than wolf. Taehyung caught his eye and winked. “Don’t be jealous, Kook-ah. Jimin has had his heart set on Kim Namjoon since we were seven. None of the rest of us stood a chance.” Jimin blinked in surprise, scrutinizing his younger friend. Was Jungkookie really jealous because of Jimin or did he have his own crush on Namjoon? “Don’t look now, but he’s looking! He’s looking!” Taehyung hissed between his teeth, still fronting a smile. Jimin looked up anyway but the doors to the council hall were already closing, Namjoon’s broad back disappearing behind them. “He looked?” he asked breathlessly, despite his attempts to act casual. “He really looked?” “He always looks.” Jungkook rolled his eyes, seemingly annoyed, and possibly dejected? There was no time to dwell on it further as the teacher chose that moment to ring the school bell for their afternoon lessons. They made their way into the school house, but Jimin spent the afternoon distracted, staring out the window, hoping for another glance of Kim Namjoon. He sighed in relief when class was finally dismissed, gathering his books and preparing to walk home with Jungkook and Taehyung. “Park Jimin-ssi!” A voice called as soon as they turned along the dusty path. Jimin looked back to find a younger pup, Choi Soobin, jogging toward them. “My dam is in labor. Your dam, Omega Park, sent me to fetch you. She says she needs your help.” “I’ll take your things to the healer's hut and bring your bag?” Taehyung was already grabbing his books from his hand and Jimin nodded appreciatively, allowing young Soobin to lead him away to his own family cabin. He spent the next few hours assisting his dam, boiling water and cutting clean strips of linen and entertaining Soobin when he began to worry. Pupbearing was his least favorite healing task yet to date, it was tedious and messy and downright scary toward the end. His dam assured him Omega Choi had several hours still, so Jimin took Soobin outside for a brief walk before making him dinner. A knock sounded at the front door and Jimin answered it, relieved to find Taehyung with his bag. “Thank you, Taehyungie. I was starting to wonder if you might have forgotten, not that I’ve needed it yet, but–” Taehyung grabbed his arm, eyes wide and worried. “Jimin, I need to tell you something.” He offered a brief nod to Soobin before pulling Jimin outside, closing the door behind them. “Tae? What is it?” he asked anxiously, glancing along the path leading back to the village but nothing immediately seemed amiss, the setting sun casting a calming glow along the path. “Namjoon-hyung is leaving.” Jimin’s eyes snapped immediately back to Taehyung, sure he’d misheard. “The council voted today to sponsor his travels to The Capital City to pursue an advanced degree in leadership. He’ll be gone for three years.” “Three years?” The words scratched like sandpaper in Jimin’s throat, eyes wide as he turned back to Taehyung, who nodded gravely. “He leaves tomorrow.” It felt like all the air left Jimin’s body at once, Taehyung’s hands on his shoulders the only thing holding him up as he sagged against the door. “Tomorrow?” This time the words felt like actual knives and he wasn’t sure if he was going to cry or throw up. Maybe both? “He’ll be back, Jimin,” Taehyung assured, eyes imploring as he gripped Jimin harder. “He’s still planning to become the next pack alpha one day, and he hasn’t even presented yet. Neither have you. You’ve got time.” 
Time.
 But did they? What really were shy glances across a crowded courtyard and anonymously hidden white flowers in the grand scheme of things? They weren’t declarations of love or intent. They didn’t amount to much. And even if they did, they were too young for any of it. Jimin would just have to hope for the best. What other choice did he have? He took a breath and willed himself not to cry. “Thank you, Taehyung. I appreciate you telling me.” Taehyung hugged him and offered a reassuring smile but it didn’t reach his eyes. It was like he could sense Jimin’s inner turmoil and pain without Jimin having spoken a word, and maybe he did. They were soulbound after all. He returned to the Choi’s kitchen, helping Soobin wash up and finish his nightly chores before handing him off to his sire for bedtime. Omega Choi gave birth to a bouncing baby girl late into the night and for better or worse it took all of his mental energy. His dam sent him home to rest in the wee hours of the morning while she stayed to keep watch over Omega Choi through the night. The village streets were empty and quiet, Jimin taking refuge in their solitude as he walked. Thoughts of Namjoon danced at the edges of his mind, but exhaustion kept them at bay. Tomorrow he would have ample time to dwell in his misfortune but now he just needed sleep. He climbed the steps to the healer’s hut, following around the porch to the side door that served as his and his dam’s personal residence. He’d firmly closed and locked the door behind him when he heard a loud thump from the porch followed by hurried scrambling footsteps. He flung the door back open without a thought for himself, concerned that maybe his dam had decided to follow him home after all and had stumbled in the dark. The sight that greeted him upon exiting the hut was wholly unexpected. A bush. A whole bush—stems, roots, dirt and all— was resting on his porch. Jimin swore it wasn’t there just moments ago and as the clouds parted to allow more light from the moon, Jimin bent to assess the tiny, white star shaped flowers that bloomed from it. “It’s night-blooming jasmine,” a deep voice called from the shadows and Jimin startled for only a moment before recognition kicked in. 
Namjoon.
 Jimin rose and stepped to the porch rail, the light of the moon illuminating Namjoon’s face where he stood in Jimin’s front yard. “Hyung, you brought this?” The for me goes unspoken but Jimin could tell from the blush on his cheeks and the slight nod Namjoon gave in return that it was. “I didn’t think you’d be up at this hour, but I thought when you saw it in the morning you would know it was from me.” “Omega Choi delivered her pup tonight. I was helping my dam,” Jimin offered in explanation. Namjoon nodded, but an awkward silence followed. Both seemingly unsure what to say. “You must be tired, then. I won’t keep you,” Namjoon finally said. You could keep me forever. Jimin didn’t say. “I’m leaving in the morning. I’ll be gone for a long time.” “I heard. It sounds like a wonderful opportunity, hyung.” Jimin was proud of how steady his voice sounded, was glad for the shadows that hid the sadness on his face. “It is in some ways,” Namjoon replied cryptically, sounding divided. “I’ll be gone a long time.” Jimin nodded but didn’t speak, unsure what to say. “I brought the bush to remind you. I hope you plant it and think of it fondly.” Think of me fondly. Namjoon didn’t say. Jimin frowned. “Remind me of what, hyung?” Namjoon smiled then, dimples popping. “Of the importance of small things, Jimin-ah.” Jimin swore he heard fondness in Namjoon’s voice. Fondness for Jimin that made him feel breathless and light. “Of course, hyung. I’ll remember it well,” Jimin responded quietly, but it seemed Namjoon heard him all the same. He flashed him a tight smile before stepping back, preparing to leave. “Wait!” Jimin called, motioning for Namjoon to stay before rushing back into the house. He returned moments later, compelled to give his own parting gift. He held a large jar of salve, waiting as Namjoon stepped closer to take it. “It’s the one you like best. The magic one that heals papercuts overnight. Use it well in your studies, hyung.” Namjoon’s smile was blinding then. “I will. I’ll use it well and I’ll think of you. Farewell, Jimin-ah, until I see you again.” And those last five words gave Jimin enough hope to last for three years.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

3 years later

The late spring sun was bright on the horizon but the air was still cool as Park Jimin spent the morning tending the plants in the garden. His dam had tasked him with replenishing their dried herbs and restocking salves while she made her morning rounds in the village. Normally Jimin hated being stuck at home, but today he went about his work happily. Excitement palpable in the air. The summer solstice was only a week away and with it Jimin would be coming of age, at twenty, and very likely presenting. Not every wolf presented immediately on the eve of the summer solstice but many did, which is why the first week was celebrated as a week of rest (allowing time for first heats and ruts to occur) before the official start of courting season. Jimin swore he could already feel his wolf at times, waiting impatiently beneath the surface, waiting to be set free. A rustling from the trees behind the hut caught his attention. Even with the healer’s hut being on the northern edge of the pack lands, backing up to the forest, it was rare for animals or wolves to return to the village from the woods this way. Then, a familiar mop of black hair emerged from the tree line, immediately putting Jimin at ease. He waited as Jungkook slowly approached the house, a spear in one hand and his bow and arrow slung over one shoulder, a sack, presumably full of small game he’d hunted that morning, slung over the other. He was growing quickly, shoulders broadening by the day and build becoming more athletic. He was already one of the top hunters in their pack and had garnered much attention among their peers for becoming quite handsome. Jimin used to think of him often as his adorable little brother, but now he couldn’t help but notice Jungkook’s maturing appeal. It didn’t help that Jungkook had made his interest in Jimin abundantly clear. The school boy crush he’d harbored over the years morphing into something more serious and with intention as of late. Like now, as he approached the house, Jimin spotted a basket of wild berries gripped in his other hand, freshly picked and likely already washed in the nearby stream. Jimin’s suspicions were rewarded when Jungkook reached the fence, immediately holding out the basket toward him with a bunny grin. “Good morning, hyung.” “Morning, Kookie,” Jimin said with a smile, ignoring the flip of his heart paired with the stab of guilt in his gut as he noticed Jungkook was standing right above the midnight jasmine bush Namjoon gifted him three years ago. He didn’t think of Namjoon as often anymore. Well, that’s a lie. He thought of him daily still, but maybe not as obsessively as he once did. He’d matured, and it’d been three years, and Namjoon should be back soon. The thought sent his hopes soaring, but he tampered them down, choosing to focus on Jungkook instead. “What brings you to this side of the village?” Jimin asked, reaching forward to grab the basket, noticing the way Jungkook’s fingers lingered against his. “I saw your dam in passing this morning. She mentioned that you might need to go forging later, that she had tasked you with restocking healing supplies. I thought maybe I could accompany you into the woods?” “You think I need protection? Need I remind you that I’m your hyung?” Jimin arched a brow at him, but Jungkook just smiled. “You may be my hyung, but I am the superior hunter. I’m also bigger than you.” “Yah! Ungrateful brat,” Jimin grumbled, thrusting his garden spade at him playfully. Jungkook dove back, expertly avoiding the blow before growing serious. “You’re my favorite hyung. It would be an honor to protect you. And keep you company. Come on, hyung. You know you’ll be bored without me.” “Fine,” Jimin agreed, rolling his eyes. “Deliver your kill and meet me back here in an hour? I should be ready by then.” Jungkook saluted and jogged away, Jimin quickly returning to his work in the garden, occasionally indulging in the taste of a fresh, sweet berry. He was washing up inside the hut, just finished hanging the last of the herbs when Jungkook knocked on the door. He had ditched the spear and his hunting bag but still had his bow and arrow strapped to his back, just in case. They set out along the trail, but quickly diverted from it. Jimin’s target was a secluded meadow where wild plants and herbs bloomed undisturbed by regular foot traffic. They walked in companionable silence and it was one of the things Jimin really loved about being with Jungkook. How easily they could tease and laugh yet also be together in silence. It was so different from Taehyung, who never stopped talking, but who Jimin loved in equal measure. Jimin was halfway through filling his basket, kneeling beside Jungkook who was sprawled in the grass, like a cat soaking in the sun. Jimin caught Jungkook rolling onto his side in his peripheral vision, and felt Jungkook’s gaze carefully studying him. “What?” Jimin prompted when Jungkook continued to stare without speaking. “Did you know you’re quite pretty, hyung? In fact, I think you’re growing prettier by the day,” Jungkook answered finally, breaking off a blade of grass and wrapping it absently around his finger. Jimin felt his cheeks flame, but he didn’t look up, continuing to focus on his work. “Thank you, Kookie.” He immediately felt Jungkook’s eyes on him, like he wasn’t expecting that response, nor was he satisfied by it. “You’ll be presenting soon, hyung.” “Luna willing,” Jimin hedged. “Are you still waiting for Kim Namjoon?” That question got his attention and now he was staring at Jungkook, waiting a beat too long to feign nonchalance. “Who said I was waiting for Kim Namjoon?” He was definitely waiting. Could still recall the thrill he got when news came of Namjoon’s presentation. He had presented early, just as Jimin predicted, within a few months of moving to the Capital. He was indeed an alpha and next in line to officially succeed his father as pack alpha when the time came. The village had thrown a large celebration in his honor, in spite of Namjoon not being present for it. Jungkook was looking at him with knowing eyes, like Jimin’s attempt at bluffing wasn’t fooling anyone. “What does it matter if I am?” “He’s supposed to be returning soon and I can’t help but wonder if you’d ever consider anyone else?” The question was highly cryptic, especially considering Jungkook was no longer meeting his gaze and Jimin frowned, trying to decipher the meaning behind it. A large commotion provided a distraction though as both Jimin and Jungkook turned toward the forest as a rush of birds filled the air. “Yah! You stupid birds! Mini? Kook-ah? Are you out here?” Taehyung’s voice ghosted through the trees. “Here, hyung! In the meadow!” Jungkook called and then Taehyung was bursting from the treeline, angelically beautiful as ever, even with a few twigs and feathers caught in the halo of his hair. His eyes narrowed in on Jimin as he marched quickly toward them. He was panting and out of breath, clearly having rushed there, but he didn’t wait to calm down, starting immediately. “He’s coming.” “Who?” Jimin asked, but Jungkook scoffed and rolled his eyes, flopping back into the grass. Jimin spared him a confused glance before turning back to Taehyung. “Namjoon-hyung will be here within a few days. He sent word ahead. The council received it this morning.” “Oh.” Jimin attempted to temper his response, but he couldn’t control the excitement that leaked through. “That’s wonderful!” Jungkook scoffed again, scowling now. Taehyung grimaced. “There’s more. He’s…uh…bringing his mates. Apparently he has three.” Jungkook shot up from the grass while Jimin stayed frozen in place. “Three?! You can’t be serious. I heard one, which is normal,” Jungkook ranted and Jimin started at that. Jungkook already knew and he hadn’t immediately told him. Maybe he was leading up to it with his cryptical questions, but still, it stung. “Who could possibly have three mates? That’s basically starting your own pack.” “It’s not a pack because they’re all mated. Apparently it’s all the rage in the Capital and other larger cities and I’m certain of the number. I was helping Appa in the print shop this morning when Alpha Kim came and requested that an announcement be printed. He wanted to release the news to the pack now, give them time to warm up to the idea before they all arrive. Though unconventional, it’s not illegal and they’ll all be leading the pack one day.” “Right, because what’s the point of a pack council when you can just mate whoever you want and then suddenly they’re in charge.” “Jungkook-ah!” Taehyung gasped, surprised at hearing such vehemence from their friend. Jungkook might sulk and pout from time to time, but he wasn’t easy to truly anger. He was almost vibrating with rage now, pacing back and forth across the grass. “It’s unbelievable. How could he do this to us? To Jimin?” Jimin felt his cheeks flame as Taehyung looked at him worriedly. “He led you on. All those furtive glances and hiding flowers in your things. Giving you that stupid bush. I want to dig it up out of the ground and set it on fire!” “Jeon Jungkook! You’ll do no such thing!” Jimin growled, voice cracking like thunder across the meadow. Jungkook looked properly cowed at that. “I may have had a school boy’s crush on Namjoon.” Jimin valiantly attempted to hide his crushing disappointment in those words. It never felt like a simple crush, it felt like more than that. Destiny, fate, something stronger than he even had words to define. “But I’m older now, and wiser. It obviously meant more to me than it meant to him. And we haven’t even presented yet while Namjoon-hyung has had several years to find someone.” Several someones apparently. “It would be foolish for me to assume he would come back here and…” Jimin trailed off, not sure how to even finish that thought logically, because how many times had he fantasized about a future that involved just that. He wanted to cry, to thrash in the grass and dirt like a distressed toddler, but he held it in, willing himself to wait until he could be alone to deal with his feelings. “Besides, Jungkook-ah. Weren’t you just the one asking me if I’d ever consider someone else? Maybe now you’ll get your chance,” he meant it teasingly, but the words fell flat, Jimin struggling to affect his usual cheerful tone. “I didn’t want to win by forfeit. What’s the fun in that?” Jungkook sulked, bringing forth a genuine chuckle from Jimin this time. “Yah! What about me? Where do I fall in this tragic love affair?” Taehyung whined theatrically, wrapping his arms around Jimin and glaring at Jungkook. Jungkook smiled then, stepping forward to wrap his arms around both of them. “If Kim Namjoon can have three mates, then surely I can have two.” He leaned forward, quickly planting wet sloppy kisses on each of their cheeks before dancing away in a fit of laughter. They made their way back to the village after that, decidedly changing the subject to other things, but Jimin didn’t miss the way his friends kept subtly eyeing him and each other. They ate dinner together at the village kitchen before parting ways for the night. It wasn’t until Jimin had said good night to his dam and was safely curled in his bed before he let himself think of Namjoon again. He allowed himself to cry, willing himself to accept that Kim Namjoon was not, in fact, Luna’s plan for him. He prayed for Luna to take his disappointment away, packing all the hurt and sadness he felt into a tiny box in his chest. His heart was cracked but it wasn’t broken, not yet. He had a big heart with lots of love to give and he still had Taehyung and Jungkook, his future was still bright and full of potential. *** The rest of the week was an exercise in patience and acting for Jimin. By the next morning, the news of Namjoon’s imminent return with three mates in tow was widely circulating in the village. It was pretty much all anyone could talk about. 
Three mates?
 
Is this something the King Alpha has now decreed?
 
I would never.
 
It’s a crime against Luna.
 
One must uphold the sanctity of mating.
 
I can see the appeal of having more than one mate.
 
Do you think it will become common practice in our pack?
 
Who are these wolves?
 
How did they entice our future pack alpha to mate all three of them?
 
They must be special.
 
…must be powerful.
 
…must be the most beautiful.
 
…must be blessed by Luna herself.
 And the worst comments of all. 
I always thought Kim Namjoon would end up with Park Jimin.
 
Jimin-ssi, was Namjoon-ssi not courting you before he left?
 
I always thought he had his eye on you, Park Jimin. What a shame he did not mate within our pack.
 Those were the comments that hurt the worst. That almost made Jimin lose his breath. Had it been that obvious to the whole pack? Knowing others saw Namjoon’s interest as well makes the slight feel bigger, the shame and embarrassment ten times worse, but by the end of the day Jimin heard it enough times he almost felt numb. Maybe by the time Namjoon and his mates arrived he wouldn't feel anything about it at all. He busied himself with his work. His dam was ready to retire soon and kept hinting at letting him take over after his presentation, gradually offloading more and more healer duties upon him. Jimin also hoped he would feel differently after his presentation, like his wolf would somehow help him overcome this intense feeling of sadness and make him whole again. He spent the eve of the summer solstice with his friends, relieved that Namjoon and his mates had not arrived yet. They spent most of the day running in the woods and swimming in the nearby creek, things they would not be as free to do once they were fully adults. Jungkook came with them, even though he was two years younger, simply because Taehyung and Jimin were his closest friends. Jimin watched him from time to time during the day worried over how he might be feeling, on the brink of being the only one unpresented out of the three of them. He hoped Jungkook knew it would change nothing between them. That they would still love and cherish him the same. It was twilight by the time he was walking home, having parted ways with his friends outside the pack kitchen again. He’d hugged Jungkook and Taehyung both close, planting a firm kiss on each of their cheeks, earning a kiss in return from Taehyung and a blush and a stammered goodbye from Jungkook. “I’ll see you in a week! Park Jimin, my soulmate!” Taehyung had called theatrically across the square, turning multiple heads in the process. Jimin was still smiling about it as he approached the steps to the healer’s hut, coming to an abrupt stop when he realized there was something in his path. He stooped down to get a better look, finding three small round clay pots, each holding a mossy green plant with tiny pink and white flowers “It’s glowing night phlox,” The deep voice startled him, causing his breath to catch in his throat. “It's a delicacy of The Capital, the Omega Crown Prince recently declared it his favorite. It’s been bred to glow under the light of the full moon. It’s quite pretty, but watch it closely. It grows quickly and can invade other plants. The botanist I got it from said you need to nurture it with a heavy hand.” Jimin stood and turned to face Namjoon. He was broader now, more muscular, impossibly more handsome—fit and strong, and all those old feelings Jimin tried to bury immediately came rushing back. “Hyung!” Jimin cried, barely holding himself back from running to him, until he gathered himself, back straightening fully as he remembered himself. “I mean, Namjoon-ssi? Alpha Kim? It’s good—good to see you…again.” Namjoon’s dimples popped then and they almost brought Jimin to his knees. “Hyung, Jimin-ah. Always hyung. You look well.” “I am, hyung.” He paused briefly then, barely kept himself from saying the same to Namjoon, but he shouldn’t say such things to a mated alpha. His eyes darted to Namjoon’s throat, but any mating bites were covered by the high necked tunic he wore, surely a style from the city. “A-are these plants really for me? That’s very thoughtful. Thank you.” Except it sat sour in his stomach now, knowing they weren’t a courting gift. It couldn’t be, not when he already had three mates. “Of course, for your garden. I hope you use them well, Jimin-ah.” And Jimin tried to accept that. They weren’t a gift for him, not really. They were a gift for the pack healer, for the town, for the tiny pups who still picked flowers for the mating run. The run Park Jimin and Kim Namjoon would not be participating in together. How Jimin longed to smell his scent, just once. Just to know what the alpha of his dreams smelled like, but it wasn’t to be. His weak, unpresented nose lacked the ability to catch more than the barest hint of generic alpha. That thought reminded him of the importance of the day though and the impending summer moon. “I should be going, hyung.” Namjoon nodded once and Jimin was sure he imagined the hint of longing in his gaze. “You should, I won’t keep you. Rest well, Jimin-ah. I’ll see you soon?” Jimin bowed in agreement, scooping up the tiny pots as he made his way into the house. He swore he felt Namjoon’s eyes on him, but didn’t look back to check. Wasn’t sure he could live with the disappointment if he turned to find Namjoon already gone. He kissed his dam’s cheek before going to bed that night, ignoring the bittersweet feeling sitting heavy in his chest. He willed himself to dwell on the brightness of his future and not the disappointment of the past. On the eve of his presentation he wanted only happiness and hope to guide his way. But all his effort was for nothing, because he woke the next day as the same unpresented Park Jimin. His dam smiled and offered many reassurances. She was the pack healer after all. She would know all the ins and outs of pup presentations. It was perfectly normal for it to take a bit longer. He busied himself in the garden, planting the phlox around the edges of the flower beds to let it grow up and along the fence line if it chose. He forged for more herbs, taking solace in the peacefulness of the forest and well and truly stocking their healing supply for the rest of the summer. And when his presentation had still not come by the third day, he ventured into town, hopeful he would find Jungkook and at least have a friend to commiserate with. The idea that Jungkook would be somehow delighted by the fact that they were still the same made him feel better. He was not alone. He was well and truly shocked though when the screech of delight that greeted him upon entering the square was in fact Taehyung’s. Before he could even localize the sound, he was swept into warm familiar arms, the barest hint of a calming scent surrounding him. 
Beta.
 Taehyung was a beta. And it made perfect sense, that his bright, supportive, theatrical friend was the most stable subgender at his core. And why he was here now, a beta’s estrus typically being much shorter and less intense than a heat or rut. Conflicting emotions arose within Jimin. Happiness for his friend. Sadness for himself. “I’m so happy for you, Tae,” he whispered around the lump forming in his throat. Taehyung pulled back, his arms still tightly wrapped around Jimin as he studied his face. Jimin tried to smile but it fell flat. Tears stung at his eyes as their gazes met, and he saw in his soulmates eyes the crushing disappointment he felt within himself. They’d always done everything together. “It’ll happen for you, Mini. I swear.” The fierce determination in Taehyung’s eyes, like he’d move heaven and earth to make it happen for Jimin, made him feel warm. He clutched Taehyung closer, letting out a watery sigh. “Of course it will, Tae-ah, but for now let the focus be on you. Tell me everything.” And he did, regaling Jimin with so much detail and information that it completely distracted him from his own distress. Taehyung stayed with him all day, accompanying Jimin on all of his errands before following him home, greeting his dam with all the affection of a second son and begging her to let him stay the night. Jimin watched affectionately as Taehyung spent an exorbitant amount of time scenting everything in his room that night.  “I can’t smell you, Tae-ah. You know that.” “You can’t yet, but I can. And it brings my beta infinite joy to know your room smells like me,” Taehyung argued on a hum as he rubbed his cheek aggressively against Jimin’s pillow. He fluffed the pillow back into place and patted the empty spot beside him, waiting until Jimin scooted into place before wrapping his arms and his legs around him. “Can I scent you, Mini?” Taehyung’s deep voice in his ear sent tiny shivers down his spine. He took a deep breath, steadying himself, before he nodded. He’d never been scented by anyone before, other than his dam and his sire before he passed. The idea of Taehyung wanting to scent mark him made him feel cherished and loved. It tickled more than a bit, the way Taehyung nuzzled along each arm, scenting him from wrist to elbow, before he pressed his face into his neck, rubbing enthusiastically against the spot where Jimin’s dormant scent gland rested. Jimin gasped when he felt the hot press of Taehyung’s hard cock against his hip bone, scalding him even through two sets of pajama pants. They both erupted into giggles then. “Sorry, I can’t control it. My instincts are still close to the surface and my wolf feels very possessive,” Taehyung reasoned, pulling away slightly to look down at Jimin. “I love you, Jimin-ah. You’re mine.” “Always,” Jimin whispered back fondly, pushing Taehyung’s curls away from his face, noting the handsome curve of his cheekbone, so much more defined than even a few days ago. What did he do to deserve such a beautiful soulmate? He could be happy with Taehyung. Always happy with Taehyung. “I saw Kim Namjoon.” The words came unbidden from his mouth, and he winced slightly, unsure why they chose that moment to come out, but Taehyung didn’t look upset, only expectantly curious. “Oh, when?” “The night of the solstice. He was waiting at my house after dinner. Or at least, he was here when I got back. I found three pots of white flowers waiting on the porch and when he called out to me he was standing by the woods. I don’t know if he intended for me to see him there or not, but…” Jimin trailed off, unsure what else to say, what the purpose of him sharing this was, other than he shared everything with Taehyung. “What did he say?” Taehyung prompted, eyes unfocused like he was deep in thought. “Well, I stumbled over myself, tried to call him formally, which he corrected. Told me to still call him hyung. Told me I looked well. Said he brought the flowers for my garden and then wished me a good rest.” Taehyung hummed softly, leaning down to snuggle his face against Jimin’s neck again. This time he scented him slow and soft, like he was attempting to sooth and Jimin wished desperately that his body was able to respond. “I don’t know what it means, Tae,” he whispered quietly, holding his breath when Taehyung paused. “Does it matter?” Taehyung asked gently and Jimin marveled that as always, Taehyung could get to the heart of the issue with so few words. Did it matter when Namjoon was already mated? Intentions innocent or cruel, it hurt Jimin all the same. Taehyung held him as he cried, scenting him the whole time, like he could heal Jimin’s pain with just his nose. “Rest now, Jimin-ah,” Taehyung cooed when he’d finally exhausted himself. “You’re still mine. I’ve got you.”

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Taehyung stayed the next day, citing his sire had given him the full week off from the print shop and there was no reason to return early. Jimin felt a little guilty but also grateful. Taehyung’s presence drastically improved his mood and his dam only frowned a little when Jimin came to breakfast reeking of Taehyung.
 
Scenting was considered an intimate affair and Jimin was still unpresented, but Tae’s puppy eyes and protest of

but he’s my soulmate

earned only a cheek pinch and a gentle admonishment to wash before they went into town.
 
Taehyung saw no reason to go to town and so they spent the morning in the garden. Taehyung helped Jimin weed and water the plants, eyeing the most recent addition curiously. He had just stepped into the house to deliver a few ripened vegetables they had picked to Jimin’s dam when the snapping of twigs in the woods beside the house caught Jimin’s attention.
 
He caught the barest hint of alpha as he turned, heart picking up speed in anticipation of finding Namjoon, but instead he found—
 
“Kookie?”
 
He blinked in surprise to find Jungkook staring at him with wide hopeful eyes. It was jarring, to see the changes only a few days could make in his friend. He looked taller, stronger, impossibly more handsome.
 
“

Hyung

.”
 
Even his voice sounded deeper and before Jimin could respond he was hopping the fence and gathering Jimin into his arms, pressing his nose to his neck with a contended hum.
 
“Hyung, you smell

so nice

. Beta? Honestly, I thought you might present as omega, but it makes no difference. I think our scents are highly compatible,” Jungkook cut off his rambling to take another deep inhale from Jimin’s neck as Jimin stood frozen in place, sudden horror dawning. “Hyung, you

really

smell so nice. Fuck, I—“
 
“Jungkook, no. I’m not, it’s not—“ Jimin started to struggle in his grasp, fumbling for words, when the front door opened again and Taehyung stepped back onto the porch.
 “Jungkookie?!” Taehyung called incredulously as he stepped forward and Jungkook froze, stepping back to glance at Taehyung, expression confused, before turning back to Jimin. 
“Taehyung?” Jungkook asked and Jimin nodded. Jungkook frowned. “Hyung, where’s

your

scent?”
 
And Jimin promptly burst into tears.
 
It was a flurry of activity then, Jungkook immediately looking horrified and spouting apologies. Taehyung all but leaping off the porch, berating Jungkook for his insensitivity as he attempted to wrap his arms around Jimin.
 
But Jungkook wasn’t letting go and he took issue with Taehyung’s tone, and so they sandwiched Jimin between them as they fought, simultaneously waddling across the garden to the bench swing. 
 
“What is

wrong

with you? Asking about his scent? Can’t you see that he’s still unpresented?”
 
“Well maybe I would have noticed if he wasn’t

doused

so thoroughly in

your

scent. It’s practically indecent.”
 
“

Indecent?

We’re soulmates! And we were being perfectly discreet in the confines of Jimin’s garden. No one

asked

you to come here!”
 
Jungkook ignored him as he sat and promptly pulled Jimin into his lap. Undeterred, Taehyung wedged himself into the seat beside Jungkook and pulled Jimin’s legs into his own lap.
 
“Hyung, I’m so sorry! Please don’t cry,” Jungkook pleaded, distress clear in his tone.
 
“It’s okay, Jungkook. I’m sorry I’m so emotional. It’s obviously not your fault,” Jimin sighed, hating how raw and vulnerable he felt as he wiped the tears away.
 
Jungkook gave him a pained look, pulling Jimin tighter into his lap.
 
“What’s wrong with my scent, anyway?” Taehyung snapped, undeterred from their argument despite the soothing way he simultaneously patted Jimin’s leg. “I quite like it.”
 
“Nothing! It’s wonderful…That’s why I thought it belonged to Jimin…because it made sense.”
 
“

Oh

.”
 
An awkward silence ensued. Jimin wiped the last of his tears away to peer up at his friends who were both blushing and decidedly

not

looking at each other.
 
“Your scent…is

nice

as well,” Taehyung eventually murmured, still not looking at Jungkook.
 
Jungkook hummed, noncommittal, as he turned back to Jimin, his eyes instantly sad again.
 
“I’m truly sorry, hyung. I didn’t know. Didn’t even consider—“
 
“It’s really okay, Jungkook,” Jimin rushed to reassure, taking one of Jungkook’s hands in his and squeezing gently. “There was no way you could have known. What are the odds that you would present early and I wouldn’t present at all?”
 
“

Yet

,” Taehyung corrected fiercely. “You haven’t presented yet, which is perfectly normal and it

will

happen.”
 
“And I told you

both

I would present early. It really shouldn’t be

that

much of a surprise,” Jungkook pouted harder when Taehyung snorted at that.
 
“I’m happy for you, Jungkook,” Jimin said, making it a point to look Jungkook in the eye when he said it, but Jungkook wasn’t looking at him, his gaze narrowed on the night phlox dotting the edges of the garden.
 
“Did you get new plants, hyung?”
 
Jimin winced, responding hesitantly. “They were a gift.”
 
He felt Jungkook go rigid beneath him and then, before he could blink, he was dumped unceremoniously into Taehyung’s lap as Jungkook paced restlessly before them.
 
“He came to you, didn’t he? That snake! Hyung, why didn’t you throw the plants at his head and tell him to get lost? What if it’s

his

fault you didn’t present? The stress he’s put you under, for years! The hurt he’s caused! I’ll kill him. Murder him with my own bare hands!”
 
Jimin couldn’t smell him but he could sense it, the rage rolling off of Jungkook in waves—potent and volatile in the way only alphas could be and he didn’t want that, for his friend or for Namjoon.
 
“Kook-ah, you're being irrational and unfair. What’s happening with me is perfectly normal, like Tae said. It’s not Namjoon’s fault.” But his pleas fell on deaf ears as Jungkook continued to pace.
 
It wasn’t until Taehyung wiggled out from under him and stood directly in Jungkook’s path, both hands gripping his face. “Calm down, alpha,” he coaxed firmly, and Jimin knew he must be using his pheromones because suddenly Jungkook was gripping his forearms in return, taking great gasps of air into his lungs as the anger leaked from the lines of his body like water, something else taking its place.
 
They stayed holding onto each other tightly for a moment, something electric palpable in the air, before Jungkook stood back and collapsed to his knees in front of Jimin.
 
“I’m sorry, hyung. I keep messing things up today.”
 
“Jungkookie, it’s okay,” Jimin cooed, forgiving him easily as he ran his fingertips gently through Jungkook’s hair.
 
“It’s been a difficult week,” Jungkook confessed. “I’m still learning to navigate this, but I never want to hurt you.”
 
He let Jimin pet him a moment longer before climbing to his feet. “I should be going. I really only meant to make a short visit. I have my first Hunter’s Moon tonight.”
 
It was a right of passage for alphas, especially the hunters of the pack, who were believed to be closer to their instincts and therefore their wolves, to shift during the full moons of the summer and hunt wild game. They were faster in their wolf form, better able to sense their prey and track them undetected, and the bounty of the summer hunts kept the bellies of the whole pack full during the winter.
 
Jimin felt a wave of excitement for his friend but also trepidation, because if Namjoon was back that meant…
 
“I wish you luck and good fortune on your hunt tonight, Kook-ah, but promise me you will not approach Namjoon. Not on my behalf at least. Whatever sense of frustration and anger you hold toward him, I do not feel the same.”
 
Jungkook furrowed his brow but nodded once. Jimin caught his hand, unsatisfied as he tugged him back down to look him straight in the eye. “Promise me, Kookie.”
 
Jungkook let out a long sigh before replying, “I promise, hyung.”
 
Jimin kissed his forehead, causing Jungkook to blush furiously, before he held out his wrist. Jungkook eyed him cautiously, waiting until Jimin nodded his assent before leaning forward to gently scent Jimin’s wrist. The smile he gave Jimin when he was done made his heart sing.
 
“I’ll see you tomorrow, hyungs.” Jungkook offered with a nod before disappearing over the garden fence again.
 
Taehyung sagged back onto the swing beside him. “Luna, what in the

hell

was that?”
 
“Our Jungkookie is all grown up.” Jimin sighed, more than a bit bemused himself. So many changes in a week made his head spin.
 
“Who would have thought in a million years that

I

would be attracted to Jeon Jungkook? Not me, definitely

not

me!”
 
Jimin choked on air, turning to look at Taehyung. “What do you mean, Tae? Just last week we joked about the three of us. Surely you’ve noticed how handsome he was getting.”
 
Taehyung scoffed. “

You’ve

been the center of our love triangle for years. Have no doubt about that, Park Jimin! Jungkook

tolerates

me, he

loves

you.”
 
Jimin wanted to argue, but he didn’t, already having had enough conflict today. “And now?”
 
Taehyung shook his head, staring out into the middle distance as his cheeks grew hot pink. Jimin fought the urge to grin, unsure if he’d ever seen Taehyung this flustered.
 
“

Luna

, Jimin. You couldn’t smell him, but…it

has

to be the hormones. It’s only like this because we’re newly presented, right? Surely I’m not

really

attracted to him.”
 
“You don’t think he looked strong and handsome just now?” Jimin baited, fighting a grin at the way Taehyung groaned.
 
“And the way he went all

alpha

?” Taehyung fanned himself absently.
 
“What did he smell like, Tae?” Jimin asked hesitantly. Part of him didn’t want to know, afraid he’d become violently envious of his friends, but he couldn’t hold back his curiosity.
 
“Like…

sex.

”
 
Jimin choked on air again.
 
“Kim Taehyung! What do you know of sex?” Jimin asked, properly scandalized.
 
“Admittedly not much, but if I did…I’m sure it’d smell like Jungkook.”
 
They stared at each other in shocked silence for a moment before dissolving into a pile of giggles.
 
***
 
Jungkook stared out into the night. His alpha uncles were nearby, chatting amiably with some other alphas from town, waiting for the ceremony of the full moon to begin.
 
His shoulder stung, burned really, from the presence of his new tattoo, a right of passage he received as a new alpha and a top hunter in their pack. He planned to have his whole arm decorated by the end of the summer, wearing his fealty to his pack like a badge of honor.
 
He wondered briefly if Namjoon had allowed the pack shaman to mark him yet. He was well overdue from his time spent in the city. Jungkook heard the longer you waited after presentation, the worse it hurt.

Good

, he thought,

it wouldn’t be any less than Namjoon deserved.

The thought left him feeling conflicted. At his core he liked Namjoon. He’d looked up to him in his youth, even respected him once. He was kind, fair, and just in matters related to the pack, but he wasn’t kind or fair to Jimin. And that really was the crux of the matter. Jungkook

liked

Namjoon, but he

loved

Jimin, and he’d never understand how anyone could treat him so cruelly.
 
Or could he? He’d spent years pining for someone who pined for someone else. If Jimin ever returned even an ounce of his romantic affection would he not move heaven and earth to keep his attention? Even if it was selfish?
 
Is it really Namjoon’s fault Jimin fell for him at such a young age? He’d clearly returned his interest but there was nothing he could do about it unpresented. Gone were the days of arranged matings and long tedious courtings before a pup came of age. The dangers of attempting to mate too young were well known and documented, especially unpresented.
 
But he could have

waited

for him. He didn’t have to go off and mate three other people.

That

Jungkook didn’t understand and just thinking on it made his blood boil. It’s part of the reason he was where he was tonight, far down the pack line with his uncles instead of front and center with the other hunters. If he had any hope of keeping his promise to Jimin he needed to avoid Namjoon as much as possible.
 
He took several deep calming breaths, willing himself to find his center and turn his attention to the hunt. He needed to focus, he wanted to do well tonight.

Maybe he should have asked Taehyung to scent him.

That thought sent his mind spiraling in the complete opposite direction, because Taehyung’s scent made him feel calm but it also made him feel…

Nope, not now. Definitely don’t think of

that

now.

Not Taehyung’s scent.

Not Jimin

wrapped

in Taehyung’s scent.

He bit his cheek, hoping the pain would ground him, but then a great howl cut like a whip through the night, sending a bone jarring chill down his spine and stealing his attention. He looked to his left, noted all the alpha’s around him starting to disrobe, a sudden excitement palpable in the air.
 
It was starting.
 
Jungkook hurriedly took off his clothes, stowing them beside his uncle’s at the base of the closest tree. His uncles both smiled at him, squeezed his shoulder, rubbed their wrists at his neck, a gentle familial scenting.
 
“Enjoy the night, Jungkook-ah. You only get to experience your first Hunter’s Moon once.”
 
And finally Jungkook’s mind was in the right place and stayed there. Anticipation and gratefulness thumping like a drum beat in his chest.
 
He appreciated his uncles so much, for taking him in when he had no one and giving him the life he had now. There was no room for bitterness or anger in his heart at that moment.
 
Another howl broke through the night and humans were suddenly turning to wolves all around him. He looked to the moon and felt the tug, let it pull him under, releasing his body to the ground and suddenly he was standing on four legs instead of two. He felt blissful relief, human emotions falling away to make room for his primal instincts. He instantly loved it, the feel of grass beneath his paws, the wag of his tail, the flick of his ears in response to the forest sounds and the smells.

Luna, the smells!

He could sense prey immediately, saliva pooling in his mouth as the other wolves around him faded into the black. He knew to expect a learning curve. The differences between hunting as a human and hunting as a wolf were vast and numerous. But he didn’t even think to doubt himself nor his instincts as he stalked into the brush, letting his nose lead him to a place where he could no longer smell other wolves.
 
He could hunt in a group when necessary, but he much preferred the solitude of hunting alone. It seemed his wolf preferred the same, leading him to the far woods. He tested his speed, relishing in how fast he was as a wolf, how strong and powerful he felt. Eventually, he came to a clearing, crouching low to the ground in wait. He smiled when he recognized where he was, one of his favorite hunting spots—where rabbit, deer, and occasionally elk passed frequently en route to the stream.
 
He started small, nabbing a few rabbits as they passed easily, the count quickly climbing closer to ten. He placed them carefully to the side, anxious for something bigger to show for his pack. It wasn’t long before a deer snuck its way into the clearing and he crouched low, holding himself as still as he could until the last possible second, until the deer was almost on him, then he lunged, aiming for the neck and making a quick clean kill.
 
His wolf rumbled with pride. He’d done well. His celebration was cut short though when a loud bellow sounded from the brush. A moment later a moose appeared and Jungkook startled. Moose were rare in their territory, much preferring the colder climates of the northern region, but Jungkook blinked and it was still barrelling toward him.
 
He crouched over his kill unsure if he should defend his place or abandon it and leap for the trees. Preying on a moose as a lone wolf would be nearly impossible, but then a smaller russet brown wolf leapt from the brush behind it, clearly giving chase and Jungkook’s confidence grew.
 
He had no idea who the wolf was and felling a moose with just two would be hard, but not impossible if this wolf was a good hunter. Instinctively, Jungkook knew he was. Could see it in the lithe line of his body, the intelligent gleam in his eyes. The wolf zig-zagged his path, corralling his kill and confining him to the clearing to run him down.
 
He was doing well alone until the moose veered unexpectedly to the right, making a break for the treeline and safety but Jungkook was there, letting his wolf drive his actions without conscious thought as he stepped directly into the moose’s path. It was a risky move, he could have been trampled by prey so much bigger than him, but his wolf said it was the right thing and it worked, the moose veering back and darting left, keeping his path within the confines of the clearing.
 
The other wolf didn’t spare him a glance but Jungkook knew he was aware of him, could sense the closeness of their wolves in body and mind, and knew the other wolf approved of his actions and wanted his help. It almost felt like he was inviting him too. And so he did, reading the other wolf’s thoughts as easy as breathing, anticipating his next move in perfect synchrony.
 
Is this what it was like hunting with another wolf?
 
If so, Jungkook had it all wrong, because it didn’t feel like hunting with a human, where he found other people annoying and had to exercise his patience. This didn’t feel like hunting at all. It felt like dancing. Like flying. Like freedom.
 
Jungkook’s heart felt like it might beat right out of his chest. He felt exhilarated, alive like he never had before and he could sense the other wolf felt the same. Felt the joy of it wash over him in happy, ecstatic waves. Jungkook could do this forever.
 
The moose was wearing down quickly then, his steps faltering, bulky body losing speed. The moment to strike was upon them and Jungkook fell back, unwilling to take the other’s kill. It would be dishonorable to do so. He was just happy to be included, to have the opportunity to experience this, but then the russet wolf was altering his path, sending the moose to the middle of the clearing and directly to Jungkook.
 
The wolf’s eyes were no longer on the moose, but on Jungkook instead, and he knew. Instinctively. The other wolf was giving him the kill.

A gift.

The greatest gift Jungkook had ever received.
 
He didn’t hesitate, leaping up and taking the kill as cleanly as he had the deer. Maybe even cleaner still, because he had an audience now and the power of their combined adrenaline, and he

needed

to perform. Wanted to impress.
 
He had the fleeting thought that he didn’t need any other wolf to hunt with. Just one. Just

this

one.
 
The other wolf let out a victorious howl as the moose fell, coming forward to nose at the now dead beast. He padded close to Jungkook next, licking affectionately as the blood dripped from Jungkook’s snout before yipping happily. The warmth of his scent washed over Jungkook then, like the forest at midnight.
 
He was still becoming familiar with the scents of the other wolves in the pack but he was certain he’d never smelled him. It wasn’t uncommon though for lone wolves and smaller packs to join them on the Hunter’s Moon. Maybe Jungkook just didn’t know this one.
 
The wolf panted—mouth open, tongue lolling, tiny razor sharp teeth accented by pretty pink gums.

Cute.

The thought came unbidden but fully affectionate to his mind. Then he blinked and he wasn’t looking at a wolf at all, but at a man with the same tiny teeth and pretty pink gums and Jungkook was certain he’d never seen him before in his life. He looked wholly foreign and new. Skin pale in the moonlight. Too delicate and small to be such a formidable hunter. And pretty.

So pretty.

Second only to Park Jimin in his mind.
 
“Thank you, seonbaenim, for the excellent hunt. I could not have made a cleaner kill myself.” His voice was soft and melodic and Jungkook would have been struck by it if he wasn’t so surprised by his words. He choked on a laugh, the sound coming out like a broken bark in his wolf form.
 
Since when was he

anyone’s

seonbae?
 
The man arched a brow at him then. “What’s so funny?”
 
There was a commotion at the end of the clearing then, more wolves arriving and quickly shifting in excitement and Jungkook recognized the voices of his fellow hunters.
 
“Yes! We got it.”
 
“Great work, Alpha Min!”
 
His packmates knew this wolf? But Jungkook was still certain he didn’t. He knew of no Alpha Min in the village. He was also unreasonably disappointed to know his wolf had been hunting with the others. 
 
“Wait! Is that Jeon? Please tell me you didn’t let him make the kill. Fucking

Golden Maknae

strikes again!”
 
Jungkook was used to the playful ribbing by now but Alpha Min blinked at him in surprise. “

Maknae?

”
 
Jungkook shifted then, bowing low before righting himself with a shy grin. “Jeon Jungkook at your service.”
 
He delighted in the way the other wolf’s eyes grew comically wide, at the way he had to tilt his head back slightly to meet Jungkook’s gaze.
 
“I can’t believe it! A moose on your first moon!” Another of his packmates called.
 
Jungkook shrugged, continuing to smile at Alpha Min as he added, “There’s also a deer at the far edge of the clearing and a dozen rabbits by the largest tree.”
 
Alpha Min laughed in disbelief but his face was glowing as he bowed again. “Golden Maknae indeed. I look forward to learning everything I can from you. I am Min Yoongi. You may call me hyung.”

Yoongi-hyung.

Jungkook felt giddy, unable to wipe the smile from his face, but his joy was short-lived because more wolves were arriving at the clearing. He easily recognized the pack alpha and beside him lumbered a large wolf with the darkest coat of black fur Jungkook had ever seen.

The midnight wolf?

The thought sent a thrill through Jungkook’s bones. A childhood fable brought to life, but then the wolf shifted and he recognized him.
 
Kim Namjoon.
 
“Ah,” Yoongi said, following his gaze. “It seems my mate has finally arrived.”
 
***
 
For as long as Kim Taehyung had known himself, he’d been drawn to bright and shiny things.
 
It’s why Park Jimin was his soulmate. The brightest star in his universe. It was also why he found his appa’s print shop to be infinitely boring. Sure the keys of the printing press were shiny when new, but they faded quickly under the black ink when used and honestly, news as a whole was so boring, wasn’t it? Always drab or drowned in negativity, rarely pleasant or uplifting.
 
He was at the print shop alone that morning, waiting for his appa to return from the council meeting when the bell above the door tinkered, signaling a new customer had arrived.
 
Taehyung was in the back, wrestling with tying a stack of announcements fresh off the press, when a bright and shiny voice called pleasantly through the shop.
 
“Hello?”
 
Taehyung’s head snapped immediately toward the voice, sure he’d never heard a more beautiful sound, and promptly spilled the stack of papers he’d been wrestling with to the floor.
 
He muttered a curse before calling out, “I’ll be right with you!”
 
“Is everything okay?” The voice called, still so bright and beautiful, even laced with concern and Taehyung hurriedly scooped the papers up in his arms, placing them haphazardly on the table in an effort to return to the front faster, suddenly concerned the owner of such a lovely voice might leave.
 
That’s when the scent that accompanied his guest wafted into the backroom and it was so wonderfully indescribable, like diamonds doused in sunlight and Taehyung scrambled to the front then, almost tripping over his own feet before he righted himself, smoothing his hair back before stepping through the door.
 
“Yes, hello! Welcome to—Hi.”
 
Taehyung thought he was prepared, but he was not. The sight that greeted him was a beta, even more beautiful than his voice, all sharp angles and fluid lines with bright eyes and a heart shaped mouth, and when he smiled at Taehyung, he swore he saw stars.
 
“Hi,” he replied and Taehyung tripped on air and banged his elbow against the counter. He cursed again. thoroughly embarrassed as he rubbed the offended joint. The beta covered his mouth and chuckled cutely and—

oh, that laugh.

Taehyung was in love. There was no doubt about it.
 
“How may I help you?” He’d put a full sentence together this time. Taehyung beamed, proud of himself. The beta beamed back, like he was proud too.
 
“Are you the printer? I’m new here and would like to run an ad in the paper for my jewelry making service. I hear courting season is upon us and thought it could be a popular gift option.” The beta held out his wrist and shook it gently, a dozen delicately made bracelets catching the light and sparkling beautifully.
 
“Oh, they’re gorgeous! Almost as pretty as you,” Taehyung offered with a flirtatious grin. “I’m sure you’ll sell a million. I’m not the printer, but I am his son and I’d be happy to help you with the ad.”
 
His efforts were rewarded by another bright laugh and the beta wiggled a bracelet free and passed it to him with a wink. “For your help, and also good advertising. I’m always in the market for handsome models.”
 
Taehyung’s heart leapt in his chest. He grabbed a pen and a piece of paper and passed it to the beta in exchange for the jewelry. “I’m Taehyung by the way, Kim Taehyung.”
 
“Ah! My mate has mentioned you! It’s lovely to put a face with a name. I’m Jung Hoseok.”
 
Taehyung frowned, glancing discreetly at the beta’s very visible, very

unmarked

neck, but then he shifted his bracelets again as he began to write and Taehyung saw it, a silvery pink bite scar on his wrist.

How odd.

Taehyung had never seen a mating bite like that before. They were almost exclusively done on the neck, where the bond would be strongest and most visible.
 
“Your mate?” he asked hesitantly, a strong sense of foreboding growing.
 
Hoseok blushed a delicate pink across his cheeks, smiling fondly. “Oh, yes. I have a

few

mates actually, but the one you know is Kim Namjoon.”

Oh fuck.

Taehyung swallowed down the sudden guilt rising in his throat.

Jimin

.
 
He hadn’t thought once of his soulmate since the moment Hoseok stepped through the door. And

oh

he was awful, the worst kind of friend. He should give the bracelet back for sure, but he couldn’t bring himself to do it.
 
“Right, well. We’re glad to have Namjoon-hyung back in town. He’s been greatly missed.” The words coming from his mouth were exceedingly polite, but the change in his demeanor was palpable. He couldn’t control it, barely containing the sour edge to his scent. He thought he might cry. Hoseok frowned.
 
“Are you alright, Taehyung-ssi?”
 
“Yes, just…hungry. If you’ll write that ad quickly, it’s time for my lunch break.” He was lying through his teeth. His appa would indeed be miffed at him closing the print shop before he got back from his meeting but he’d take the disapproving lecture without complaint.
 
“Of course, I won’t keep you.” Hoseok offered a more muted smile as he slid the pen and paper back across the counter to Taehyung before bowing in thanks. “Eat well, Taehyung-ssi. I hope to see you again soon.”
 
Taehyung could not bring himself to smile in return. He  watched forlornly as Hoseok exited the shop, then darted out from behind the counter and quickly locked up behind him.
 
He needed to find Jimin and confess himself as soon as possible. Taehyung was honest to a fault and he never kept things from Jimin, even when he probably should and he feared this would hurt him greatly.
 
It was ironic he told Hoseok he was hungry when his stomach was currently in knots. He doubted he’d be able to eat anything until he found Jimin, but he reasoned the pack kitchen was the best place to start his search.
 
He frowned when he entered the large hall and scanned all tables with no sign of Jimin. He did find Jungkook though, looking terribly angry as he ate alone in the corner, away from the other hunters. His furrowed brow either meant he was having a bad day or that the food was excellent. Taehyung assumed the later and approached, but his nose wrinkled at the hard edge to Jungkook’s scent when he got closer. Definitely a bad day then.
 
Taehyung was relieved to know his scent was much less attractive in this form. Thank Luna for small favors! He needed all the help he could get today.
 
“Hello, Jungkookie. Have you seen Jimin?” He asked, sliding onto the bench beside his friend.
 
“Council meeting,” was all Jungkook grumbled between bites, not sparing Taehyung a glance.
 
“Oh damn, I forgot,” Taehyung bit worriedly at his bottom lip, glancing around the room. When he turned back Jungkook was frowning at him.
 
“Shouldn't you be watching the print shop for your sire if the council meeting is still happening?”
 
Taehyung grimaced and shrugged. “Yes, but I have an emergency.”
 
Jungkook straightened then, scanning Taehyung’s person with concerned eyes, scent mellowing. “Are you sick? Is that why you need Jimin?”
 
The gentleness in his tone made Taehyung blush. He quickly shook his head. “No, nothing like that. I just need to speak to him.” He leaned forward, lowering his voice. “I met one of Namjoon’s mates.”
 
Jungkook’s expression darkened and Taehyung was seriously concerned he might snap his chopsticks.
 
“

Min Yoongi?

”
 
Taehyung frowned. “No, Jung Hoseok. Why? Have you met a Min Yoongi?”
 
Jungkook ignored the question and returned to shoveling food in his face. That was as good as a yes to Taehyung. “Hoseok is a beta. What is Yoongi?”
 
Jungkook just growled and Taehyung sighed in exasperation.
 
“Use your words, please! Or maybe a signal. Blink once for alpha, twice for omega.”
 
“

Tae

,” Jungkook said in warning, then rolled his eyes when Taehyung only stared back stubbornly. 
 
“Alpha. I met him on the hunt,” he admitted grudgingly, no longer meeting Taehyung’s gaze.
 
“And his mating bite. Was it on his neck?”
 
Jungkook frowned. “What kind of question is that?”
 
“An important one,” Taehyung pressed. “And don’t tell me you didn’t see. I know you alpha’s frolic naked on your hunts.”
 
Jungkook’s gaze turned murderous. “We don’t

frolic

. And I

don’t

know. All I saw was his

stupid

face and then I was too enraged to see anything else at all.” 
 
He stood from the table then, grabbing his bow and arrow from the ground by his feet. “I’ve gotta get back to work. Good luck finding Jimin.”
 
“Jungkook, wait!”
 
But Jungkook did not wait and Taehyung was left alone with his thoughts again, the knot of guilt that had lessened some during their conversation now writhed like a living thing inside of him.
 
Luna, he needed Jimin!
 
***
 
Jimin could not wait to be done with this meeting.
 
The council room was stuffier than usual, packed to the gills with pack members eager to see their returned future pack alpha.
 
And because of that, the meeting was taking much longer than normal, those not typically involved in the ins and outs of pack business now present and putting their noses (and opinions) in places they typically wouldn’t.
 
“Are we really sure a pack

hospital

is necessary? We already have a healers hut. I think our resources would be of much better use reinforcing our pack

boundaries

.” Jimin wanted to roll his eyes but he refrained, instead focusing on his dam’s face and her perfectly neutral expression.
 
“As I said before, Alpha Han, the pack has grown at an exponential rate during our lifetime. Additional space is needed to properly care for our fellow pack members. I would also like to propose taking on two apprentices to be trained by myself and my son. Once my son has fully presented, I intend to retire my role as pack healer and allow him to take my place. Having two apprentices already in training would aid in this. I’m quite ready to assume my next role as an

Elder

Omega.” His dam said this with a certain gleam in her eye that sent scattered chuckles through the room. On the outside she still looked rather youthful and spry, but Jimin knew how hard she worked. Was privy to the fine lines slowly forming around her eyes and the gray notes hiding in the braid of her hair.
 
She was still young when she’d had to bury his appa. Had raised Jimin mostly alone, along with shouldering the burden of caring for the rest of the pack. His dam was exceedingly strong and she deserved a break.
 
And Jimin wished desperately to give it to her. Was so tired of sitting through these meetings, unable to voice his opinion, because he was still unpresented. He was doing his best to hold his head high, because he

knew

the gaze of the pack was currently on him–some curious, some judging. Namjoon’s eyes especially felt like a constant weight, although Jimin was uncertain he was ever looking

directly

at him. It just felt like he was, but Jimin was most definitely not looking at Namjoon.
 
“And when will

that

be, Omega Park?” Alpha Han continued to bluster, eyes narrowing on Jimin. “Your son is

currently

of age and has not presented. It could be

years

before it happens, as we all know

late bloomers

are unpredictable. Is it

really

necessary to fund a hospital now, when we could be invaded by an enemy at any moment?”
 
Alpha Han looked quite pleased with himself as his son, the very same Seongwoo from all those years ago, snickered quietly beside him. How had

that

insufferable ass presented on time when Jimin still had not?

Curse Luna, and the moon, and the sun, and all the stars in the sky for leaving Jimin in this hell!

A loud throat clear sounded from the council table, directing everyone’s attention to the front. Jimin’s dam sat down with a quiet huff beside him and he finally risked looking toward Namjoon only to find him standing tall, eyes trained intently on Alpha Han.
 
“I strongly support allocating our resources to the formation of a hospital and to the health of the pack. What good are boundary reinforcements without healthy wolves to defend them? We also currently have

no

active threats to our borders, Alpha Han. The lone wolves and small packs surrounding us are all peaceful. Even the Lees to the South and the Kims to the North are our allies. No pack conflicts have arisen since the Alpha King began his reign. If you still have concerns over the safety of the pack, I strongly encourage you and your son to consider volunteering yourselves to the Pack Guard.”
 
Jimin tried to search for flaws as Namjoon spoke–something,

anything

to ward off the tidal wave of longing he felt in his heart, but Namjoon was sickeningly perfect in his position of power and authority before him (and everything Jimin had ever dreamed he would be), and despair washed over him anew.
 
Alpha Han continued to bluster for a moment before Pack Alpha Kim lowered his staff, signaling the time had come for a council vote, which was unanimously in favor of the hospital and two new healing apprentices. Jimin’s heart warmed at his dam’s resulting smile and he finally allowed himself to relax, business moving on to other topics and taking attention away from Jimin. He still felt eyes on him though and against his better judgment, he looked back to the front, catching Namjoon staring right at him. He looked worried and sad and (

oh Luna

) was that pity? If Namjoon pitied him, he didn’t think he could bear it.

Heavens, would this meeting ever end?!

He felt decidedly like a toddler again, wanting to thrash across the council room floor until he’d rid the room of every remaining wolf. He somehow remained quiet. Eyes trained on the floor for the remainder of the meeting, relieved when it ended a short while later.
 
He was tired and famished and infinitely frustrated to find the clock on the wall signaling that it was too late to attend lunch in the pack kitchen. He was supposed to be engaging in house calls with his dam this afternoon and would now be unable to eat until supper.
 
“Jimin-ah, I can take care of the house calls by myself this afternoon. Go home and grab a bite to eat,” his dam instructed as they exited the meeting hall.
 
Jimin opened his mouth to protest but she silenced him with a firm glance. “I

will

be retiring soon and I will not be coming out of retirement to help you once I do. Take your last bits of freedom while you still can.”
 
“Yes, Eomma,” he sighed, kissing the cheek she offered.
 
“Omega Park!” They both turned to find Namjoon striding toward them. He bowed to Jimin’s dam. “Congratulations on your future hospital and on two new apprentices. I’ve already asked Beta Kim to print an announcement in tomorrow's paper. I’m assuming you’d like to interview the applicants yourself?”
 
“Thank you, Namjoon-ssi. I’ll leave the interviewing process to Jimin. He will be the one stuck with them in the long run after all.” She smiled fondly before bowing in return. “If you’ll excuse me, I need to be getting to my house calls.”
 
Namjoon bowed as she retreated and Jimin wondered briefly if he might be able to slip away unnoticed but Namjoon rounded back to him quickly.
 
“Jimin-ah, I’m so sorry. I want to apologize on behalf of the council for Alpha Han’s behavior today. Bringing up your unpresented status was uncalled for and I intend to have a word with him about it.“
 
And Jimin prayed for the ground to swallow him whole. Namjoon

apologizing

on behalf of the council?? Could there possibly be anything more embarrassing?
 
“Hyung, I beg you. Do not confront him on my behalf. Comments about me being a…a

late bloomer

are nothing new. Do not concern yourself about it.”
 
Jimin mustered the courage to look Namjoon in the eye and immediately wished he hadn’t. He could read his emotions much better up close like this, the same expression from earlier on his face. It was definitely pity.
 
“I will. I will concern myself, if his words or his actions hurt you.”

Luna, help him!

“They did not.” Jimin felt his eyes well with tears, but he ignored them. And it wasn’t even a lie, not really. Alpha Han’s comments barely scratched the surface of his tender heart. This conversation was infinitely more painful. “I may be struggling to understand what Luna’s plan is for me, but all will be revealed in time, I’m sure. Now, if you’ll excuse me.”
 
He turned to make his escape then, but a warm hand to his wrist held him in place. “Jimin, wait—“
 
“Alpha Kim!”
 
A voice called from across the square and Namjoon dropped Jimin’s wrist like it’d burned him, seeming to remember where they were—the gossip hub of town where anyone could see. It hit Jimin like a physical blow, the wave of shame that washed over him at the idea that Namjoon would not want to be seen conversing with him, which was ridiculous, since Namjoon was the one who had approached him in the first place.
 
But hadn’t it always been that way? Even as kids, Namjoon only ever sought him out in person when he had another reason to be in the same place at the same time. Either that or he snuck around his house, dropping gifts under the cover of night. Was Jimin something to be ashamed of? If that was the case, why associate with him at all?
 
He took the opportunity to duck away while Namjoon’s back was turned, disturbed by his own line of thinking. Namjoon did not call after him, which seemed to confirm his theory, but was also a relief. He wallowed in his thoughts all the way home, his own misery the overarching theme.
 
It had only been a week, how long would it take to overcome it? And when would Namjoon ignore him long enough to allow him to do so?
 
He was rounding the bend in the road to the healer’s hut, when the steady sound of someone weeping reached his ears. He knew that cry.

Taehyung.

It felt like his heart took flight and suddenly he was running, the only thought in his head now was

find Taehyung, save Taehyung.

The house came into view and he spotted him immediately, curled into a tiny ball on the porch steps, forehead to his knees.
 
“Tae!” he called as he approached, relieved to see Taehyung was able to lift his head and look at him. His beautiful curls were disheveled, cherub cheeks blotched and streaked with tears. He only seemed to sob harder when he saw Jimin and that was almost more concerning.
 
He reached him then, panting and out of breath as he dropped to his knees in front of him, hands smoothing over his neck and shoulders, checking for injuries.
 
“Are you hurt? Sick? Did someone die?”
 
Taehyung shook his head but turned away, not even looking in Jimin’s direction now. His hands had made their way to his wrists, still assessing him anyway, and he pressed his fingers in, checking his pulse points and his scent glands there, then noticed a pretty silver bracelet he’d never seen him wear before. It sparkled prettily in the sunlight, so intrinsically Taehyung’s style, it had to have been made for him.
 
Jimin’s heartbeat slowed, adrenaline petering out and creating space for a sudden, painful drop. He kept his voice steady and gentle when he asked, “Tae-ah, is someone courting you?”
 
“What?!” Taehyung gasped, eyes wide and round. He followed Jimin’s gaze to the bracelet and then he was reaching for it with panicked fingers, tugging roughly until Jimin pried his hand away, cupping his wrist and protecting the piece of jewelry with both of his own hands.
 
“Don’t. You’ll ruin it.”
 
“I don’t care!” Taehyung sobbed.
 
“Yes, you do,” Jimin insisted, moving to sit beside Taehyung and pulling his arm into his lap, effectively moving the jewelry further from Taehyung’s reach. “I know you. You wouldn’t be wearing it if you didn’t.”
 
He waited for a breath, letting Taehyung cry some more before he tried again. Willing the best version of himself to come through, the version of himself that wasn’t dying inside. “It’s okay if you’re being courted, Taehyung. If you feel something for someone and you wish to pursue it. I would never hold you back from that.”
 
“I don’t—I’m

not

. But, I think I fell in love at first sight. He was so beautiful, Jimin, and I flirted with him. He gave me the bracelet just to give it to me and then he said he’s already mated.”
 
Jimin snorted despite himself. “Was his name Kim Namjoon?” He tried to joke, but Taehyung just looked at him with wide, guilty eyes.
 
“No. His name is Jung Hoseok and he’s one of Namjoon’s mates.”
 
“Oh,

Tae

.”
 
And Taehyung was wailing now, deep heart wrenching sobs that caused a visceral reaction in Jimin. He pulled him closer, moving him to rest his head in Jimin’s lap and run soothing fingers through his hair.
 
“

Darling

, please calm down. I can’t stand seeing you so upset.”
 
“But I’m a

terrible

friend. An

awful

soulmate. I didn’t think of you once. Not until he said Namjoon’s name and then I felt so guilty. It’s been eating away at me for hours. I knew I had to tell you, but I’m so ashamed. Jimin, I’m so sorry!”
 
“Yah! None of that! Did you ever begrudge me my crush on Namjoon? Even when I said I would mate him over you? Even if I

had

mated with him. Could you find it in your heart to hate me? Refuse me my happiness?”
 
“Of course not, but you’re Jimin. You’re

literally

an angel.”
 
Taehyung turned to look up at Jimin then and Jimin smiled, wiping the tears from Taehyung’s face with his own shirt. “We’re

two

bodies with

one

soul, Taehyung. If I am an angel, then you are too. And you are beautiful and wonderful and there’s

no

chance that I could ever not love you or forgive you anything. Our soulmate bond is not conditional.”
 
Jimin meant it. He would never begrudge Taehyung being happy and in love, even if it came at his own expense, and it made him sad to think they were in the same boat, both in love with someone they couldn’t have.
 
Taehyung took a breath, opened his mouth to speak and then promptly let out a small squeak. He sat up, almost colliding with Jimin as he snapped his head toward the woods.
 
Jimin followed his gaze and saw nothing, but he kept his voice quiet all the same when he asked, “Tae, what is it?”
 
“He’s coming.” He looked back at Jimin, suddenly frantic as he scrambled to his feet. “You didn’t see me. I’m not here,” he hissed before rushing across the porch and disappearing into the house.
 
Jimin stared after him for a moment before the snap of twigs caught his attention and two figures emerged from the treeline.
 
He didn’t recognize either of them, but could tell they were alpha and beta as they grew closer—the beta slightly taller and fine boned, the alpha shorter and broader but still slim. They made a striking pair and were obviously close, the beta with an arm wrapped cautiously around the alpha’s shoulders as if guiding him. That’s when Jimin realized he was actually holding a wound dressing to the alpha’s shoulder.
 
“Are you hurt?” Jimin called without greeting, already taking mental stock of what supplies he might need from the hut.
 
Their heads snapped up, like they hadn’t realized he was there, and Jimin guessed they hadn’t, seeing as he had no scent.
 
“I am Park Jimin, the healer’s apprentice. My dam, the healer, is away making house calls at the moment, but I can help you.” He waited a moment, growing impatient as they came to a stop before him and simply stared.
 
“Do you need help?” he prompted again, doing his best to hide his exasperation. He could clearly see the cloth on the alpha’s shoulder was soaked through with blood and he was anxious to assess the damage.
 
“No, um, it’s really not—“ the alpha started to say, but the beta cleared his throat, giving him a stern look.
 
“Yes, my mate was injured during a hunting accident today. Could you please take a look?”
 
Jimin nodded, gesturing for the pair to follow him inside, only pausing for a second when the beta finally introduced them. “I’m Jung Hoseok by the way and this is Min Yoongi. We're new here.”
 
They must both be Namjoon’s mates,

of course

.
 
But the thought barely registers, his mind more focused on the medical emergency. He noted that Hoseok’s steps faltered at the doorway as he scanned the room, seemingly looking for someone.
 
Taehyung. It was likely his scent had saturated the place given how frequently he’d been here. That and his current stowaway presence. Jimin didn’t have to be able to scent him out to know Taehyung was most likely hiding behind the door that separated their private residence from the small clinic.
 
“Taehyung-ah, I need your assistance!” he called, only slightly remorseful that he couldn’t continue to allow his friend to remain in hiding. He was curious to see him interact with his newfound love interest, but more importantly, he very likely needed the help to mend Min Yoongi’s wound.
 
He gestured for Yoongi to take a seat on one of the two cots they had set up for patients before crossing the room to wash his hands and gather supplies.
 
He heard the door open and close behind him, but he didn't turn around, opting instead to keep an eye on their guests, Hoseok having taken the spot next to Yoongi on the cot.
 
“Taehyung-ssi!” Hoseok’s face was bright and affectionate as he greeted Taehyung, but his smile quickly dimmed into a flat line of concern. “Are you unwell? I worried about you after our interaction at the print shop. Did eating lunch not help you feel better?”
 
His lips were almost forming a pout at that point, like the idea of Taehyung being sick was personally offensive to him and Yoongi was eyeing his mate curiously, although he didn’t look upset or jealous.
 
“Oh no, Hoseok-ssi. I am quite well,” Taehyung rushed to reassure and Jimin didn’t think he’d ever heard his friend sound so shy. He turned then to find him blushing furiously and bit his lip to hide his smile.
 
“Taehyung-ah is a dear friend,” Jimin assured, stepping closer to the mated pair. “We’ve grown up together. He’ll be able to assist me if needed.”
 
“We’re soulmates,” Taehyung added, like he always did and Hoseok seemed to light up again, chattering and laughing easily as Jimin turned back to his stoic mate.
 
Yoongi was decidedly more quiet and reserved, and Jimin suspected, in pain. “May I?” He asked gently, gesturing to his shoulder. Yoongi nodded and seemed to brace himself. 
 
“Are you sure you know what you’re doing little wolf?” he asked quietly and although he was so obviously questioning Jimin’s skill, he did not take offense. Treatment from a poor healer could sometimes be worse than the injury itself, or so his dam always said. 
 
He made sure to channel as much reassurance as he could into his gaze when he said, “I am. You can trust me.” Yoongi still hissed as Jimin pulled the soaked fabric away, effectively bringing the attention in the room back to them. He noted how Hoseok grabbed Yoongi’s other hand and enveloped it in both of his.
 
Jimin’s primary focus, though, was on the task at hand. He noted the wound bed was no longer actively bleeding and that it appeared to be a clean cut. It wasn’t too deep, although it still might need stitches. “How did this happen? You mentioned a hunting accident?”
 
“Yes, I’ve been acquainting myself with the hunters as of late. It’s a role I excelled at in my birth pack. I was quite impressed with one of your hunters during the Hunter’s Moon and when I heard he was offering a lesson on archery today I thought I might attend. He was…decidedly

less

friendly when I met him the second time.”
 
Hoseok snorted. “Less friendly indeed. Did you not say he ridiculed you for your height, implied you were a terrible hunter, and then called you a coward?”
 
“Yes, well, I

too

tend to overreact when my buttons are pushed. He started it, but I may have

antagonized

him a bit,” Yoongi looked embarrassed at his admission and was not meeting Hoseok’s piercing gaze. It was quite delightful to see an alpha so properly cowed by his mate with just a glance.
 
“

Hyung

.”
 
Yoongi shrugged and then winced when the movement hurt his shoulder. “As I said, he was

perfectly charming

when we met the first time. How was

I

to know there was an

absolute brat

hiding just below the surface?”
 
Jimin turned, exchanging a worried look with Taehyung before asking him to prepare a batch of willow bark tea. Turning back to Yoongi he asked, “What happened after that?”
 
Yoongi startled as if caught in his own thoughts before blushing again. “Right, well, our verbal insults led to me having the misfortune of standing against a target where he claimed his arm was so good he could shoot an apple off my head. I had no interest in being brained with an arrow though so I suggested he shoot it off my shoulder instead.”
 
“Your

bad

shoulder,” Hosek huffed.
 
Yoongi appeared to almost shrug again, but thought better of it at the last moment, opting instead to raise his eyebrows. “It was a good call, seeing as his aim was

not

as good as he thought. I’m lucky it just grazed.”
 
“Indeed,” Hoseok sniffed, crossing his arms and Jimin had the fleeting thought that it was quite cute how Yoongi pouted in response to Hoseok’s disapproval.
 
“Hob-ah, I’m sorry.” Jimin watched him reach for the beta’s hand this time, running his long fingers gently over Hoseok’s knuckles. “You know I don’t like worrying you.”
 
“And you know I don’t like seeing you hurt.”
 
“I promise, it won’t happen again.” They shared a long look, one that seemed far too intimate with strangers in the room.
 
Taehyung cleared his throat then, approaching with a steaming cup of tea and offering it to Yoongi. “It will help with the pain.”
 
Jimin set about preparing clean dressings and an antiseptic solution for properly cleaning the wound while Yoongi sipped the tea, feeling calmer himself as he watched the lines of tension slowly ease around Yoongi’s body.
 
Taehyung was now seated on the cot across from the couple, expression thoughtful. “The alpha who did this. Do you know his name?”
 
And Jimin assumed Taehyung was as disturbed by the discussion of events as he was himself. They were a very peaceful pack, rarely allowing tempers to get out of control or for dangerous acts of showmanship to lead to injury.
 
Yoongi snorted then, eyes trailing to the ceiling, a rye smirk gracing his lips even as he hesitated, and Jimin got the distinct impression he didn’t want to say, but why would he be protecting a wolf who had hurt him?
 
“They call him the Golden Maknae–”
 
“

Jungkookie?!

” Taehyung all but yelped, jumping to his feet with wide eyes. “Jungkookie was the one who shot you?”
 
“It was an accident,” Yoongi rushed to correct, again as if he was attempting to protect Jungkook. Jimin didn’t recognize the emotion that crossed his face though when he asked Taehyung, “Do you know him well?”
 “Very. And Jeon Jungkook has never missed a shot in his life. I dare say it was on purpose.” Taehyung’s eyes met Jimin’s in obvious disbelief as the room grew quiet around them. 
A sinking feeling settled in Jimin’s chest as he connected all the dots in his mind. There was only one reason Jungkook would show such irrational anger toward a virtual stranger. All roads led back to Namjoon and then further, to Jimin.
 
“Yoongi-ssi, I am deeply sorry that this happened and for the damage and pain it has caused.”
 
Yoongi frowned. “Why are you apologizing? None of this is

your

fault.”
 
“Jungkookie is also a dear friend, and he’s fiercely protective of Jimin, which, on the surface, I’m sure makes absolutely

zero

sense to you, but the situation is quite complex–” Taehyung chimed in, attempting to explain but was cut off by Hoseok’s loud exclamation of

“Ah!”

startling all of them. 
 
Hoseok and Yoongi shared a loaded look before Yoongi glanced between Jimin and Taehyung, then nodded once. “It makes

perfect

sense, actually.”
 
Jimin wasn’t sure how to interpret that response, but then Yoongi prompted, “Could we get on with this? Before the pain comes back.”
 
“Of course!” And Jimin set to work, diligently cleaning the wound while Hoseok held Yoongi’s hand and Taehyung winced sympathetically in the background. Jimin attempted to distract him by asking questions about the previous injury Hoseok had alluded to, with Yoongi describing an accident involving a horse-drawn cart in his youth. “It was my shoulder versus the wagon and the wagon won. It healed, but it has greatly limited my mobility and causes chronic pain.”
 
“I’d like to consider using a poultice instead of stitches, if it’s alright with you. That would require you to rest more, and also for me to follow up frequently to change the dressings, but it’d be a lower infection risk. I can make house calls if you prefer. Once it’s healed, I have a numbing balm I can make for you, to help with the chronic pain and inflammation. There are also a few stretches I could recommend to help with mobility. Of course my dam is available as well if you would prefer her level of expertise–”
 
“

You

are fine,” Yoongi was quick to interject. “I trust you.”
 
Jimin nodded, allowing the wound to dry as he went about crushing herbs for the poultice. Although Yoongi’s next request made him pause his work. “If you were to make a house call, would you consider treating our omega mate as well? He has chronic bouts of illness but has been more sick since arriving here. We’d very much like to see him well again.”
 
And Jimin feels a sudden trepidation, the source of which is unclear. He’d tolerated this interaction with two of Namjoon’s mates quite well. He couldn’t deny they seemed like lovely people. But coming into his house and treating his omega when Namjoon hadn’t explicitly asked him to? Maybe that was what Namjoon was going to ask him about today, before he’d made his great escape from the village square.
 
“M–my dam is much better versed in the illnesses that plague omegas, as she is one herself. I would be happy to refer your mate to her,” Jimin offered tentatively.
 
“No,” Yoongi refused, expression and voice firm. “It should be you.”

“We think hyung would like you very much. He often finds it hard to be around other omegas,” Hoseok added with an encouraging smile.

And I am unpresented and therefore non threatening

, Jimin added himself.
 
Jimin shot Taehyung a glance, but his soulmate just shrugged.
 
“Very well. If you insist.”
 
The placement of the poultice and the task of fashioning a firm wrapping to cover it was done quickly and Jimin readied them to leave with additional packets of gauze and more willow bark tea.
 
“I will come tomorrow, about midday to see after you and your mate,” Jimin confirmed, cleaning his work station. “I assume you’re staying at the pack alpha’s house?”
 
“No, we’re staying at Namjoon’s house. In the woods.”
 
Jimin and Taehyung both turned at that, unaware the future pack alpha had his own residence.
 
Hoseok just winked and smiled, cheerily offering to draw them a map, further cryptically stating, “It’s not far.”
 
Map in hand as he closed the door behind them moments later, Jimin collapsed onto the cot beside his soulmate, taking comfort in Taehyung’s arms as he wrapped them tightly around him.
 
“What a day this has been,” he sighed, feeling rung out like a dishcloth, thoughts scrambled. It would take time to process all the events and revelations. “I can see why you like Jung Hoseok. He is lovely.”
 
Taehyung sighed heavily in response and Jimin could tell by the way he squeezed him tighter that he still hadn’t forgiven himself.
 
“Do you want me to go with you tomorrow, Mini?” Taehyung asked quietly, lips pressed into Jimin’s hair.
 
Jimin smiled teasingly. “Interested in seeing your crush again so soon?”
 
“No! I wouldn’t go to see Hoseok.”
 
“It’d be okay if you did,” Jimin reassured, but Taehyung shook his head.
 
“I’d go to provide

you

with moral support. How

are

you feeling, Mini?”
 
Jimin shrugged. “I haven’t decided yet.” Taehyung hummed in understanding. It would take time for Jimin to untangle all the thoughts in his head, but of one thing he was certain. “If anyone is going with me tomorrow, it’s definitely going to be Jeon Jungkook.”
 
Taehyung giggled then, a smile clear in his voice. “Can I be the one to tell him? I’d love to see the look on his face.”
 
They were silent for a moment, Jimin content to let himself bask in Taehyung’s warmth, until Taehyung asked, “Mini…did you notice how they carry their mating bites on their wrist and not their neck? Does it seem strange to you?”
 
Jimin frowned, surprised to find he hadn’t noticed that at all, but what a strange concept indeed.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

They had been walking for minutes now and Jungkook was still pouting. Jimin was mad at him. Really mad apparently. He thought he’d been just a little mad at first, because he still let Jungkook scent his wrist in greeting (just a little scenting, not enough to be considered improper) and thoroughly examined his new tattoos for proper healing. But as the minutes ticked by and Jimin remained silent, following some ridiculous map with hearts and smiling sunshines doodled in the corners, it was becoming apparent that he was really

really

mad.

“If you’re going to act this childish you can just forget about apologizing and go home.” Jimin huffed, rolling his eyes in exasperation.

Jungkook hated when Jimin was annoyed with him, but it still didn’t stop him from asking, “And let you enter the lion’s den alone? Not likely.”

Jimin stopped then, turning to glare at him with the full force of his hyung gaze. “Jeon Jungkook, these are good people. They have done

nothing

to you or I. I daresay they knew

nothing

of us before they came here. How can you deem it fine to be so hateful, for no reason, and permanently maim one of them?”

“

Maim?

It was barely a scratch!” Jungkook defended, feeling flustered and possibly a little sorry. If he was honest with himself he’d been feeling guilty about the whole thing since yesterday but he was still angry too. Don’t ask him why he was angry…he just was.

“

A scratch

? That will take weeks to heal, might require stitches, and will most definitely leave a permanent scar?”

“I–

really?

” Jungkook stopped, blinking at Jimin in surprise.

Yoongi had brushed the incident off after it happened, only commenting on Jungkook’s poor aim (Little did he know he’d grazed him on purpose). It was a petty move, meaner than anything else he’d ever done, but his anger had been right under the surface since the night of the full moon, rubbing like sandpaper across his sensitive edges. And Yoongi’s stupid smirk (stupidly

cute

smirk) had been the final straw that caused him to lash out. Yoongi hadn’t even flinched when the arrow hit him, that’s how he’d been sure that he hadn’t actually hurt him, despite the trickle of blood he saw staining his shirt. It couldn’t have been that bad, he’d seen bigger wolves cry like pups over lesser offenses.

The wave of self loathing and regret that washed over him now was wholly unexpected. He had the fleeting thought that the tiny alpha was too pretty to be permanently scarred over something so dumb.

“Yes,

really

, and apparently Yoongi-ssi has an old injury to the same shoulder which causes him chronic pain. So your little stunt has likely multiplied that pain by a thousand, leaving him well and truly

maimed

,” Jimin had stopped now too, rounding on Jungkook with the wrath of an avenging angel.

“Did he do something to deserve it? Slight you during the hunt? Inadvertently hurt your feelings? Or do you just go around, attacking innocent wolves these days?”

“

No

. I–

no

,” and Jungkook felt so much remorse then, thinking back on the night of the Hunter’s Moon when Yoongi had let him take his kill, how he’d smiled and praised him, even when Jungkook became cold and distant upon Namjoon’s arrival. He’d been equally friendly and open yesterday, until Jungkook opened his mouth and started acting like a jackass.

Jungkook doesn’t know what emotion is showing on his face but Jimin’s gaze seemed to soften and he took a step closer, reaching up to cup Jungkook’s cheek.

“I know you feel protective over me, Kookie. That this whole act is some misguided way of trying to be my hero, but please stop. It is

unnecessary

. I am okay and everything you are doing is the

opposite

of what I want.”

Jungkook blinked, ignoring the wetness Jimin wiped away from his cheeks. Alphas weren’t supposed to cry. “I’m sorry, hyung, truly.”

“I’m not the one you need to apologize to,” Jimin replied, giving him a beseeching look. Jungkook nodded in understanding, knowing exactly what Jimin wanted him to do.

He was going to have to apologize to Yoongi.

Jimin gave him a moment to collect himself and then they started on their journey again. Now that his emotions had cleared some, he frowned at the direction their path was taking, if you could even call it a path, only the barest trail visible to follow. The location was due east of the healer’s hut, charting an area of pack lands yet uninhabited, further away from the village but closer to Jimin’s house than any other structure to date. Even Jungkook wasn’t familiar with this area, always tending to hunt for game in the northwestern region.

He could tell by the increasing bursts of sunlight that they were coming close to a clearing but the sight that greeted him in the center of the meadow was completely unexpected. A cabin, bigger than any single residence he’d ever seen, was built with its entrance facing away from the midmorning sun. A large covered porch wrapped around the front and sides of the structure, seeming to end where the garden began.

And what a garden it was, appearing to wrap all the way around the house and extend further out to the right, big enough to house a weeping willow and rows and rows of herbs and plants with a bench swing similar to Jimin’s own on the corner, and a well built wooden fence wrapping the perimeter.

“Whoa,” Jimin breathed, eyes widening in obvious awe. “How long do you think he’s been working on this?”

Jungkook didn’t know for sure, but his guess would have to be somewhere in the range of

years

. One of his uncles was a carpenter, structures like this didn’t go up within a week. Namjoon had obviously been planning this for a long time, or the pack alpha, but he doubted that Alpha Kim would promote his future successor of a son to be on the outskirts of town, especially when the pack alpha’s house was literally front and center in the square.

Jungkook noted then the pile of timbered wood resting toward the back left of the house and wondered what additions Namjoon could possibly be making. The structure looked plenty large enough for four mated wolves

and

potential pups.

They approached slowly, seemingly both attempting to take it all in as they went. When they arrived at the porch, Jungkook paused, senses in overdrive at the sudden rush of scents. He recognized the midnight forest as Yoongi (and still found it disturbingly appealing) intermingled with something bright and sunny (beta) and sweet and fruity (omega), along with something deeper and spicier (alpha). The last was Namjoon. He remembered it from their brief interaction on the night of the full moon and hated the fact that it wasn’t unappealing. Jungkook had a sensitive nose and he was quickly finding that the scents of multiple wolves often mixed together to form a headache inducing haze when he was in his human form. He was surprised to find he didn’t mind the scents of all these wolves mixing together though. It was almost a soothing balm to his senses, wafting over him like the forest breeze.

Jimin stepped forward, knocking to announce their arrival, and a moment later Yoongi appeared behind the heavy door. His eyes widened when he spotted Jungkook and he looked so soft and innocent and obviously in pain, the idea that Jungkook had been the one to hurt him now made him feel sick. Yoongi quickly shuddered his gaze, a stoic mask settling over his features as he bowed to them.

“Jimin-ssi, thank you for coming. Jungkook-ssi.”

And the fact that Yoongi was still polite enough to greet Jungkook had him falling straight to his knees, forehead to the floor in a deep bow.

“Yoongi-ssi, I’m so sorry for hurting you and for the pain I have caused. I’m deeply ashamed of my behavior—“

“Yah! It’s fine. Get up. Get up!” Yoongi called, voice tinged with embarrassment but Jungkook shook his head stubbornly.

“Not until you forgive me or seek your revenge.”

“What revenge? I forgive you. I…understand how it happened.”

Jungkook peeked up at Yoongi in disbelief, still crouched on the floor of the porch. “You do?”

Yoongi’s cheeks turned a suspicious shade of pink, which Jungkook found to be very pretty. “I too was once a hot tempered, newly presented alpha. I know how long it takes to regain control of your emotions.”

Jungkook frowned, unable to stop himself from asking, “Exactly how old are you, Yoongi—ssi?”

“Old enough to change my mind about forgiving you if you keep asking such insolent questions, you brat. Now come in the house before I do,” he barked, cheeks impossibly redder. “And call me hyung. You too, Jimin-ah.”

Jungkook climbed to his feet, not missing the pleased smirk on Jimin’s face at Jungkook's reprimand before he followed Yoongi inside, Jungkook trailing behind.

They were barely in the main room of the house before Jimin was in full healer mode, directing Yoongi where to sit and asking him to remove his shirt, barking out orders to Jungkook to begin crushing the herbs for the poultice and to steep fresh willow bark tea.

Jungkook knew better than to balk at Jimin’s instruction when he was like this, and so he made himself at home in the kitchen, locating a clean kettle and mortar and pestle, trying to hide his smirk when Yoongi protested and, in turn, got a full reprimand from Jimin as he began his assigned tasks.

“I have trained Jungkook well, even better than Taehyung. He will not destroy your kitchen, I assure you,” he heard Jimin say only for Yoongi to respond, “I have utter faith in Jungkook-ah’s abilities. I’m just not used to others taking care of me.”

Jimin hummed thoughtfully. “Do you not have three mates?” he asked after a moment, not unkindly and Jungkook wondered the same, immediately offended on Yoongi’s behalf.

He heard Yoongi chuckle and could easily imagine his gummy smile, only realizing a second later that he was pouting because he was in the kitchen and could not see it himself. “As I’m sure you well know, Namjoon-ah is the most brilliant idiot you’ll ever meet—“

Jungkook choked on a laugh, attempting to mask it with a cough, and prayed they didn’t realize he was eavesdropping.

“—it’s a full time job keeping him in one piece, which takes both mine and Hobi-ah’s efforts. And Seokjin-hyung, as I said yesterday, has been quite unwell for some time. You mentioned before that Taehyung is your soulmate, and I very much feel Seokjinnie is mine. We grew up in the same pack, always close friends. When he traveled to The Capital for school I followed behind as soon as I could. It’s part of why we are

both

Namjoon’s mates.”

Something inside Jungkook did

not

like that admission at all. The kettle began whistling then and he stepped further away from their voices to grab it, missing Jimin’s reply as he poured the steaming hot liquid over the willow bark. He found cinnamon and honey on a shelf and added it for some flavor, unsure why he was going to such lengths for Yoongi, but also not ready to question it.

He stepped back into the front room to find them discussing the house.

“Namjoon-ah said he started on it several years before he left. It’s a miracle he did such good work on his own. I wouldn’t trust him with a two by four if my life depended on it. I have some training in carpentry so I volunteered to finish the rest of the construction this summer—“ Jungkook watched as Yoongi shrugged his shoulder and winced “—although that may not happen now.”

“I can help you,” Jungkook offered without even realizing what he was saying. “My uncle is a carpenter. I’m fairly skilled at the art.”

Yoongi arched a surprised eyebrow as Jungkook offered him the tea, then he was smirking down at the cup with a murmured, “Of course you are,” before taking a sip.

Jungkook watched as Yoongi’s eyes widened in delight as he swallowed, smacking his lips before taking another drink. “This is better than the tea I had yesterday,” he readily admitted.

Jungkook preened. “As Jimin-hyung said, I am better than Taehyung.”

Jungkook was rewarded with a gummy smile all his own this time, and if it made him extremely delighted, he kept it to himself.

***

Jimin hesitated, the barest sweetness of omega registering in his nose as he took a deep breath and knocked on the door.

He’d finished redressing Yoongi’s wound and left the pair of alphas to their own devices, Yoongi leading Jungkook outside to discuss his housing renovation plans. Jimin was very pleased to see them getting along so well. But now he was alone, left with no choice but to seek out his other patient and he was inexplicably nervous.

He wasn’t sure why, he’d treated plenty of his pack members over the years. Never had any complaints or poor interactions. He was highly skilled at his job as a healer, but the thought of treating Namjoon’s omega, whom he didn’t know, was suddenly terrifying. He pictured some high born wolf from the city, too sophisticated and well bred to gel with their country pack, who would look down on Jimin and judge him harshly for his unpresented status (even if there was nothing wrong with it and it was perfectly normal as Taehyung frequently reminded him). But that vision was also most likely ridiculous seeing as both Namjoon’s other mates were perfectly lovely and amenable to their lifestyle.

Jimin was berating himself for his wayward thoughts when he heard the faintest call to enter the room. The first thing he noticed was that the shades were drawn, casting the room in muted midday light and shadows. The space was large with minimal furniture except for that of a bedside table and a large round nest, filled to the brim with soft, tactilely pleasing materials. The second thing he noticed was the omega wrapped in blanket upon blanket in the nest, the most ethereal being he’d ever seen–sickly, of course–but ethereal, and he could not hold back the startled

“oh”

that left his lips.

He was maybe not the traditional omega in body, too tall with shoulders broader than he’d ever seen, but his face was virtually perfect, not a flaw to be found–with handsome brows, cheeks, jaw–-and the fullest, plushest lips. The only things JImin didn’t like were the dark circles under his eyes and the pallid color to his skin. He also appeared far too thin, the loose top hanging from his frame when he shifted to reposition himself in his nest.

He smiled brightly at Jimin, although he suspected it was dimmer than it should be, almost an echo of a smile that was once vibrant and full of life.

“Hello, Jimin-ah. My Yoongi-chi told me to expect you. I am your new hyung, Kim Seokjin.”

And Jimin felt all his trepidation wash away, immediately inraptured by this man, something about him so eerily familiar, yet different, to Yoongi– like two peas in a pod. Soulmates, indeed.

“Hello, Seokjin-hyung,” he offered in return, quietly shutting the door behind him and approaching the nest. He set his basket of healing supplies on the table, turning to address his charge. “How are you feeling today?”

Seokjin’s smile had dimmed but a smirk returned at that. “Quite awful, thanks for asking.”

Jimin felt himself smirk in return and he reached out his hand, a silent request to Seokjin to allow him to examine him. Seokjin offered his left wrist immediately, placing the delicate bones in Jimin’s grasp and allowing him to check his pulse and the small scent gland resting there.

“Will you tell me of your maladies?” he asked gently, holding Seokjin’s wrist gently in one hand as he traced the fingers of his other up the tender skin on the inside of his arm to the crook of his elbow and then further up into the gland of his armpit. Seokjin sighed but expressed himself readily, easily tilting his head back to allow Jimin a more intimate assessment of the unmarked scent glands of his neck before Jimin moved down the other arm, stopping at the raised bite scar on his right wrist. He was mated the same as the others, a detail that had escaped his notice until Taehyung brought it up last night, but now Jimin couldn’t stop wondering about it. He examined the bite closely. It was well imprinted and well healed, a good indication of a strong bond, but in the wrong place.

“I have chronic fatigue and pain. Headaches. Bouts of nausea and poor appetite, all of which lead to feeling generally weak and easily over exerting myself. The journey here was long and strenuous and took a lot from me. I also caught a small cold along the way which only made it worse. The symptoms of that have stopped, but the fevers took my appetite completely and I have barely risen from my nest since arriving. Only last night, when Yoongi was unable to prepare dinner with one arm,” he added wryly, letting Jimin press him to lay flat in the nest and press across his belly. “I was able to manage the single task, but took to my bed immediately after and feel drained now even after sleeping all night.”

“Do you always sleep well?” Jimin asked. Seokjin shrugged then winced as Jimin pressed into his lower belly. “Do you have more pain around your womb?”

Seokjin nodded and Jimin pulled the blankets back up, making sure he was covered and comfortable before unbinding his legs to assess the extremities. “How are your heats?”

“Dreadful. They make me feel as if I am dying. I’m glad they only come twice a year because I need nearly a month to recover when they do.”

Jimin frowned in concern. “But your mates…knotting does not help?” He tried to hide his blush, well aware he truly knew nothing about heats and knotting, but his abstract knowledge of the subject is that it should be pleasurable and fulfilling with a mate, and Seokjin had three.

Seokjin’s face remained calm but his ears turned impossibly pink. Jimin thought it was quite lovely.

“We do not knot.” Jimin blinked in surprise, truly not expecting that response. “Hobi and Yoongi help some, but I do not wish to be knotted.”

“You do not crave it?” Jimin asked quietly, the words barely a whisper in the room. His mind was spinning with the delicate nature of the topic and Seokjin’s unexpected responses, and the fact that he only mentioned two of his mates helping during his heat, is that common with multiple partners? He feels wholly out of his depth and sure he will have to discuss it with his dam, but,

Luna

, how will he even begin to bring it up?

Seokjin laughed sardonically, giving Jimin an amused look that does make him blush this time. “No, I do not crave it. What I crave is to

not

be an omega.”

“Ah,” Jimin nodded, as understanding suddenly snapped into place. “You’re distancing yourself from your wolf.”

“I–

what?

” Seokjin exclaimed, sitting bolt upright in bed. He blinked at Jimin, looking more lively than he had thus far. It was Jimin’s turn to smile in amusement.

“It’s rare but I’ve seen it before, when traveling with my dam to neighboring packs to learn from them. Tell me, hyung, was the nature of your presentation unexpected? Were you anticipating being a different subgender?”

Seokjin frowned down at his hands, swallowing like it was a painful memory. “I was expected to become an alpha. My father demanded it. I was the eldest son of the pack alpha, groomed to take over the position when I came of age. I was sent to The Capital City, just like Namjoon, to finish my education and return to lead. When I presented as an omega instead, it was…not good. I was cast out and told not to return or I would be killed. It was devastating. Omegas are not well viewed in my birth pack.”

Jimin hummed in sympathy, acutely horrified that someone’s own family could be so cruel. Like Seokjin had any control over what he was to become. He felt a deep connection to him then, Seokjin who was omega when he didn’t want to be, Jimin who had no wolf at all. He climbed into the nest without thinking, pulling Seokjin’s hands into his own lap.

“Did these symptoms all begin around the same time?” Jimin asked, belatedly realizing that he should have asked first to enter the nest, omegas typically very territorial over their spaces, but Seokjin just looked at him with sad yet hopeful eyes as he nodded.

“I think I can help, hyung. It may not fix everything, but it’s a starting point. Your mates, they accept you for who you are, right? As you accept them as they are?”

Seokjin nodded again.

“Then you have a place, and you will be accepted here. We do not view omegas that way, but we need to work on you finding ways to accept yourself. I think there is a dissonance between you and your wolf that is physically manifesting itself, and it will continue to, until you allow the two to merge–you and your wolf. You are meant to be one.”

Seokjin nodded a third time, decidedly more hesitant, but then he was gripping Jimin’s hands firmly and looking him square in the eyes. “I’m tired of living this way. I’m willing to do whatever you think will help.”

Jimin smiled. “Good. I’ll start with prescribing you daily walks, preferably in the morning before the summer heat becomes too strong. You need to be in nature, it will help you connect with your wolf. Even if it’s just sitting in the garden when you don’t feel up to walking, you need outdoor time every day. Next we should work on your diet. I’d strongly recommend fresh fruits and vegetables and lots of fish. We have a well stocked stream nearby, I will task Jungkook with collecting them for you.”

“Jungkook?” Seokjin questioned then, eyes impossibly wide, and Jimin smiled.

“I don’t know what Yoongi-hyung told you of him, but he’s really impossibly sweet. He’s been thoroughly chastised for his behavior yesterday and will no longer be causing any trouble. I’ve made sure of it myself. Collecting fish for you as reparations for injuring your mate is barely even a punishment.”

Seokjin chuckled at that, but Jimin grew quiet, unsure how to broach the last of his recommendations with him. “The last recommendation I have is encouraging all of your mates to scent you more, it will help to balance your hormones. I would also like you to consider allowing one of your alpha mates to bite you

here

.” He untangled his fingers from Seokjin’s, reaching up to gently trace the scent gland on his neck with his fingers, not missing the subtle tremor that wracked Seokjin’s body at the touch. “In our pack, it is traditional for mating bonds to occur on the largest scent gland on the neck. I am a bit unfamiliar with how your mating bond, at the wrist, works, but I can’t help but wonder if a deeper connection here might not help tremendously with your symptoms. Your beta’s bite could also work, but with the yin and yang connection between alpha and omega, one of your alphas would be ideal.”

Seokjin sat back then, expression suddenly unreadable as he looked down at his lap. They sat in silence for a moment, Jimin horribly afraid he’d crossed a line, but then Seokjin sighed and nodded. “I’ll speak with them about it.”

Jimin breathed a sigh of relief then, carefully sliding off the nest to rummage through his basket. “I have a few supplements I can start you with today, but I’ll need to go foraging tomorrow to find the more rare things: motherwort, lion’s mane, chasteberry,” Jimin frowned, reciting the list aloud to himself. “And I’m somehow out of lavender.”

“Oh, I actually think we have all of those in the garden.”

Jimin straightened at that, turning to look at Seokjin. “Oh?” He didn’t even have all those things in his

own

garden.

“Yes, I’d like to accompany you, “ Seokjin agreed, looking more energized than he had a moment before. “May we begin my treatment now?”

Jimin nodded, moving to help Seokjin sit at the edge of the bed and gain his bearings. “Of course, and maybe I can ask Jungkook to head to the stream before dark and get a few fish for your supper.”

Seokjin perked up even more at that. “Jungkook is here?”

“Yes, I had him accompany me today to apologize to Yoongi and then Jungkook offered to help Yoongi with his carpentry projects. They were heading outside the house as I came to see you.”

Seokjin nodded, grasping Jimin’s biceps as he lifted himself to stand. “Very well, I’d like to meet him.”

It took a bit of time to safely guide Seokjin to the shady outdoor swing in the garden and a few more trips to secure his comfort with a few pillows and a blanket from the nest. It seemed Seokjin took much delight in spying on the alphas who were visible in their work behind the house but who had not yet realized their presence. He shook his head when Jimin made to call out to them.

“Please don’t. They’re quite entertaining like this,” Seokjin murmured, and they watched as Yoongi firmly instructed Jungkook in what he wanted him to do and Jungkook cheekily balked at it before complying, a bratty glint Jimin was highly familiar with in his eye. They also both noted the way Yoongi’s firmness melted into fondness every time Jungkook’s back was turned. Jimin was more than a little curious as to what was brewing there. “The fish can wait. This Jungkook is quite handsome, isn’t he?”

Jungkook looked up then, eyes rounding at the sight of them. Seokjin let out one of those little chuckles again and wiggled his fingers in greeting. Jungkook’s face immediately turned bright red. Yoongi waved back, but didn’t approach, choosing instead to bark an order at Jungkook. Jungkook glanced at them one more time before turning back to Yoongi, whatever he offered in reply made Yoongi’s eyes roll back in his head, and Seokjin giggled maniacally.

“He likes you very much, doesn’t he?” Seokjin said, making Jimin frown.

“Who?”

“Jungkook.”

Jimin hummed but didn’t reply. His healing instincts were soothed by the sudden sparkle in Seokjin’s eyes and the way his smile was infinitely wider and more genuine now than it had been even a short while ago. He began to busy himself prowling the garden, shocked to find that they did, indeed, have all the supplies Seokjin boasted…and more. He found all the rare herbs he would typically have to go deep into the forest to collect, along with all the same night blooming flowers from his own garden, and a wide array of fruits and vegetables planted. A cluster of berries Jimin had not seen before hung ripely from a staked plant in a pot and caught his eye.

“They’re strawberries. Native to my birth pack and prevalent in the city. Namjoon said they are not common here, but they are quite delicious,” Seokjin offered with another fond smile. “Try one.”

Jimin did, humming in delight at the sweet taste that graced his tongue.

“You’re welcome to more if you like it,” Seokjin said with another small smile. “Or anything else in the garden. Namjoon would like that. He says you have quite the green thumb. I guess that comes along with being a healer. He speaks very highly of you.”

Jimin offered a polite smile, then promptly turned his back so Seokjin could no longer see his face as he harvested the necessary herbs. He’d very nearly been able to dismiss Namjoon from his mind while engrossed in his work but now the significance of the situation was dawning on him again, being in Namjoon’s house, in his garden, with his omega. It felt impossibly intimate in a way that made Jimin uncomfortable and he suddenly felt unnerved by how easily Seokjin had broken down his guard.

They existed in companionable silence for a bit and Jimin worked hard on harnessing his emotions, soothed by Seokjin’s occasional titter at something the alphas did. It caught him wholly unaware when he took a deep breath and sensed

alpha

a moment before Namjoon’s deep voice rumbled. “Do you like it?”

Jimin startled, spinning to face Namjoon from his precarious squat on the ground, almost falling flat on his ass before bracing himself with a hand and quickly righting himself. He stood and took a step back, wiping his dirt soaked hands on his pants. He felt terribly awkward, mind immediately recalling how embarrassing their last interaction was.

“Hyung, you scared me,” he admitted, avoiding Namjoon’s penetrating gaze.

Namjoon stooped before him, not relenting until Jimin met his eyes. “Do you like it?” he asked more gently this time, something in his expression so hopeful. “The garden?”

“Yes, of course!” Jimin exclaimed with fake cheer, taking another step away and turning to gesture to the garden at large. “It’s wonderful. You are quite blessed to have all this at your disposal.”

Namjoon frowned, eyes tinged with sadness when Jimin glanced back. “It’s yours as well. Anything you want from it, you can have.”

Jimin took another step back, bowing low. “Thank you hyung-nim. That is very kind.”

Jimin stood to find Namjoon frowning even more, eyes seemingly searching Jimin for what he did not know.

“Namjoon-ah, you’re home!” Seokjin called from the garden swing, smiling at his mate. Namjoon’s head snapped up in surprise, almost like he had been unaware Seokjin was there, which didn’t make any sense because surely Namjoon could sense his own mate.

“Hyung!” he smiled affectionately then, dimples popping as he strode toward Seokjin, bending to chastely scent his wrist. Jimin felt a pang of jealousy at that and promptly chastised himself for it. When Namjoon went to pull away and Seokjin caught Jimin’s gaze he gestured between them and pointed to his own neck, even as the thought of encouraging Seokjin to have Namjoon scent him more thoroughly made him sick. He needed it for his health. Seokjin froze, but then stopped Namjoon from pulling away and bared his throat expectantly. There was no mistaking the gesture, but Namjoon went frozen all the same, clearly confused as he glanced between Seokjin and (for some reason) Jimin. Namjoon held his gaze for a long moment, almost like he was waiting for Jimin to give permission, he waited a beat before nodding encouragingly and then promptly averted his gaze as Namjoon awkwardly scented Seokjin’s neck.

He felt his cheeks erupt in flames, a sudden tornado of emotions whirling inside of him, indistinguishable but intense. Sudden movement on the other side of the fence caught his attention then, he turned to find Jungkook striding toward them with a determined look on his face, Yoongi trailing behind.

“

Namjoon-ssi

,” Jungkook growled, slowing his approach only when Jimin caught his gaze and firmly shook his head. Namjoon smiled, oblivious to their exchange or the hostility in Jungkook’s voice.

“Ah, Jungkook-ah! It’s good to see you. I was sorry we didn’t get to catch up during the Hunter’s Moon. You’ve grown up well! You know you can still call me, hyung.”

Jungkook opened his mouth to respond but while Namjoon was talking, Jimin had made a quick beeline toward them, easily inserting himself directly into Jungkook’s path and drawing his gaze, he pressed a hand to Jungkook’s arm and all attention was suddenly on them.

“Kook-ah, have you met Seokjin-ssi? He is in need of fresh fish to aid in recovery from his illness. Can I count on you to collect some from the stream tomorrow morning and deliver them for me?”

Jungkook hesitated for only a moment, eyes darting to Seokjin before bowing low to him and turning back to Jimin, responding sweetly with an “Of course, hyung.”

Jimin didn’t know why he did what he did next, but in the next moment he smiled widely, reached up on tiptoe to cup Jungkook’s face, and planted an affectionate kiss just shy of his lips. The forest seemed to become still around them and when Jimin pulled away he found Yoongi gaping at them, Seokjin wearing a knowing smirk, and Namjoon, well, he couldn’t read the expression on Namjoon’s face–jaw tense, eyes dark, and hands curled into fists–but Jungkook was positively preening. Jimin felt instant remorse, he shouldn’t be playing with his friend’s feelings this way.

“Shall we be going then, hyung?” Jungkook asked jovially, before turning back to Yoongi. “I’ll have hunting duties to attend to in the morning after the fish, but I should be done by midafternoon, and can come again to help, if you’d like?”

Yoongi’s responding smile was subdued but present as he nodded in agreement. Jimin then had Jungkook follow him inside to assist with preparing the herbs he’d freshly picked, tasking Namjoon with helping Seokjin back to his nest and Yoongi with supervising their journey. By the time Seokjin was back in his nest and the alphas had met them in the kitchen, Jimin and Jungkook had all the supplements neatly arranged with written instructions on frequency and how to administer them.

Yoongi thanked Jimin profusely while Namjoon remained decidedly quiet, his eyes seeming to constantly trail Jungkook. Jimin didn’t know what to make of his cold demeanor although it was easier to keep his emotions in check when Namjoon wasn’t acting all friendly and soft.

They were making their goodbyes just as there was a ruckus at the front door, hearty laughter filling the air and mixing with Taehyung’s familiar baritone voice. Jimin felt Jungkook straighten, frowning toward the doorway as first Hoseok, then Taehyung stumbled into view, arms laden with packages.

“

Hyung?

”

“Oh, Jungkook-ah! Jiminie! You’re still here,” Taehyung said delightedly, cheeks rosy and smile bright. “I was just helping Hoseokie-hyung carry his purchases back from town.” The other beta looked equally as happy. They were an incandescent pair, one that made Jimin feel warm just from looking at them. Apparently they made Jungkook feel warm as well, or

hot

, if the immediate rage visible on his face was any indication.

“Right, well, we’re leaving

now

and you’re coming

with

us,” Jungkook said, leaving no room for argument. Taehyung blinked at him for a moment, before stealing a glance at Jimin.

“You’re right, it is getting late,” he said finally, seemingly in agreement, but Jimin didn’t miss the gleam in his eyes that said Jungkook was getting an earful once they were out the door. He turned to Hoseok, offering the things he was carrying.

“Taehyung-ah, thank you so much for your help in the village today and for helping me carry everything home,” Hoseok wiggled his eyebrows mischievously, setting down the packages Taehyung had just given him and assessing his wrist. He plucked free a leather bracelet, stained a beautiful lavender shade, with three moonstones stitched securely to the front. It was somehow even

more

Taehyung than the other bracelet had been.

“I made this specifically for you,” Hoseok murmured sweetly and Jimin had to look away as he watched Hosek gently attach it to Taehyung’s wrist, where the first bracelet was still present. Which was a good thing, because when he glanced at Jungkook again he looked ready to commit murder, and Jimin quickly grabbed his arm, throwing out a, “We’ll wait outside. Goodbye, hyungs!” as he deftly dragged him through the door.

He didn’t let go of Jungkook’s arm or stop walking until they’d reached the edge of the clearing, bodies at least slightly obscured by the cover of trees. Jimin had barely released him before he exploded.

“What the

hell

was that? Are they

courting

?” Jungkook all but yelled, raking agitated fingers through his hair.

“I don’t know, Jungkook,” Jimin admitted helplessly. He felt suddenly hollow, like his insides had been scooped out, leaving him drained and exhausted. He wanted to go home and curl up alone, free to ruminate in his thoughts and away from all these charged emotions. “If they are courting, it’s Taehyung’s decision, and there’s nothing we can do about it.”

He should probably add more, about how he wanted Taehyung to be happy and how Jungkook should focus on finding his own happiness and how this was all somehow the Goddess’s plan, but he didn’t have the energy. And Jungkook still looked so angry.

“

Nothing

we can do?” He gaped at Jimin, incredulous, before his mouth snapped shut, jaw hardening into a firm line. “Maybe you can’t do something, but I can.”

“Jungkook, what–”

“I’m going to court Taehyung.”

***

Seokjin was resting in his nest, feeling more contemplative than he had in a long time when the acute smell of sadness and despair approached his door. He hated having such a bitter scent in his space, but, alas, there was no help for it.

“Come in, Namjoon-ah!” he called before Namjoon could even knock. He heard him hesitate for a moment before slowly pushing open the door.

“Hyung, I brought the tea

Jimin-ah

instructed us to make. He said you should take it twice a day, once in the morning and once at night.” Even the way he said his name was different, less easy fondness, more coveting reverence.

“Ah, thank you.” He gestured for Namjoon to set it on the bedside table. “Jimin seems like a fine healer. More advanced than any I encountered in the city.”

“Yes, he’s wonderful,” Namjoon murmured, his scent turning impossibly sadder. Seokjin patted the nest beside him.

“Will you join me for a bit?” he asked and Namjoon nodded, sliding easily into the nest and pulling Seokjin to rest comfortably against him. Seokjin reveled in the security he derived from Namjoon’s chest, from his sound heartbeat—steady and sure. This was typically as intimate as they got. He’d questioned it for a number of years, but now he thought he understood why. He waited until Namjoon’s scent had mellowed, until he seemed more settled, before he spoke again.

“Oh, Namjoon-ah. My big, dumb, stupid,

idiotic

alpha.” He felt Namjoon stiffen for a moment before he relaxed again.

“I’m sorry. For whatever I’ve done to offend you.”

Seokjin bit back a snort, turning to face Namjoon. “Do you

really

think you’ve done something to offend me?” Namjoon gave him a dubious look and Seokjin laughed before his expression grew serious again. “When were you going to tell us that Park Jimin is your fated mate?”

Namjoon’s eyes widened in surprise, like he hadn’t expected to be called out. “How did you-“

Soekjin silenced him with a wave of his bitten wrist. “You didn’t think I could feel it? That we all could?” He hadn’t spoken directly to his other mates about it, but he assumed, could feel all their fondness for Jimin, an echo of Namjoon’s.

“You said you had someone special, someone you wanted to save your true mating bond for,” Seokjin reached out and brushed his fingers across Namjoon’s neck. He tried not to feel rejected by the subtle way Namjoon flinched away. “But you didn’t say…”

He trailed off, waiting for Namjoon to say something, the silence around them thick enough to be cut with a knife.

“I wasn’t sure,” Namjoon eventually murmured. Seokjin rolled his eyes.

“

Bullshit

, Namjoon. How long have you suspected?”

There was a longer pause as Namjoon studied his fingers. “Since I was nine.”

Seokjin let out a heavy breath at that, watched as years of pent up pain and longing ghosted across his mate’s face.

“It was the night of the mating moon when I was nine. The first time I gave him a flower. I always knew he was special. Always felt drawn to him. I thought, maybe? I hoped. I even planned.” He gestured to the house around them, the one he’d been quietly working on since he was fifteen. “I don’t think I fully grasped it, fully understood, until I moved to the Capital. There’s so many more resources there. I came across it in a book once, just by accident and then…” he paused, cheeks blooming pink. “I read everything I could on the subject, and I was more sure, but now…” he shrugged.

Seokjin frowned. “Now?”

“Now we’re mated—“

“Which never should have happened—“

“

Hyung!

” Namjoon was looking at him with steel in his gaze. “If you think for a second that I regret biting you—.”

“I know.” And he did. Seokjin had been kinder in describing his birth pack to Jimin earlier. They had every intention of killing him, not letting him live, even if he’d promised to stay away. His presentation was considered a weakness of their bloodline. A weakness that needed to be extinguished. He’d needed a claim from a strong alpha, like Namjoon, to keep them away, but sometimes he wished…”You could have waited for Hoseok and Yoongi.”

“

Waited

for Hoseok and Yoongi? Hyung, it took them

months

to safely leave your pack and find us. Even under the protection of the Alpha King, it wouldn’t have been enough to save you, not without a claim.” It was true and yet Seokjin felt guilty, even more so now that he knew. Namjoon reached his hand out, covering the bite mark on his wrist. “I don’t regret it. Will

never

regret it. You're my best friend, hyung. I’d do it again a thousand times.”

Seokjin scoffed, only marginally placated. “And Hoseok and Yoongi?”

Namjoon smiled then. “They never gave me a choice anyway. And I don’t regret them either. I firmly believe we all belong together.”

Another truth. They hadn’t, immediately submitting their wrists and demanding to be bonded as soon as they’d found them. Seokjin was lucky to have so many people who cared about him, who were willing to bind themselves to him for all eternity. They fit like puzzle pieces, but the puzzle wasn’t complete yet.

“And you feel the same way about Jimin. Maybe even more so?” Definitely more so, if the flash of inextinguishable desire in Namjoon’s eyes is anything to go by, but then he blinks, looking impossibly sad again.

“But what if Jimin does not feel the same? He’s still unpresented. I’ve kept my distance to keep him safe, and he clearly has Jungkook now.”

Ah

. Seokjin snorted at that, shaking his head. “Yes, he has Jungkook, but I’m not sure Jungkook has him. He looks at you the same way you look at him, you know? And even unpresented, he’s still

of age

, you could–”

“

No!

” Namjoon argued, “We all know the dangers of mating for unpresented wolves. Everything I’ve read,

everything

, says the consequences are exponentially worse in cases of fated pairs. I

cannot

…will not…until he presents.”

Seokjin frowned at that. “Namjoon, I’m not suggesting you

mate

him unpresented. You know you would never do anything to hurt him. Surely you know that.”

Namjoon shook his head. “I don’t know that, hyung. Not for sure. The way I feel about him…” Namjoon’s eyes were impossibly wide and hazy with emotion. “Even just talking to him. He makes my wolf crazy. I can’t risk it, not for my own

selfish

desires.”

Seokjin snorted again at that. “I see, so you’ll just let

Jungkook

live out his selfish desires with Jimin. He’d clearly scented him today, before they arrived. I smelled it on him as soon as he walked in the room.”

Namjoon growled at that and Seokjin rolled his eyes. Alphas were always so fucking

predictable.

“Oh, settle down! And stop being all sulky and jealous. Even if

you

won’t do anything about Jungkook, I’m sure Yoongi will be more than happy to.”

“

Yoongi?

” Namjoon looked so confused Seokjin outright cackled.

“Oh, Namjoon-ah. Clearly you’ve not been paying attention.”

There was a firm rap at the door and then Yoongi was barging in without preamble, offering a shallow bow in apology before blurting out. “I’d like permission to court Jungkook.”

Namjoon gaped like a fish, mouth and eyes open wide as he swung his surprised gaze from Yoongi back to Seokjin, who smirked, and offered a quiet. “I told you so.”

Yoongi frowned and crossed his arms, eyes narrowing on his hyung. “Told him what?’

“That you have a pain kink and a certain affinity for pretty, bratty wolves. Your interest in Jungkook is both obvious and predictable. Not to mention the way you’ve brought his name up in almost every conversation since the full moon. I saw this coming a mile away.”

Yoongi scrunched his nose in displeasure for a moment before his expression cleared. Then he shrugged his good shoulder in resignation. “Yeah, well, you’re not wrong, hyung. But I saw the way you looked at him too. Don’t think your garden flirting went unnoticed.”

Seokjin scoffed, feeling his ears turn pink. He didn’t try to deny it though. “I too have an affinity for pretty, bratty wolves. Especially the ones who aren’t afraid to put you in your place.”

Yoongi smiled, bright and gummy. “It’s settled then. I’ll court Jungkook for us. Namjoon will continue to wait for his fated mate.” Namjoon gaped again at that, looking between Seokjin and Yoongi, who rolled his eyes and pointed to his wrist. “Seriously, Joon-ah? You thought we hadn’t figured it out?”

Namjoon shrugged, clearly at a loss for words, so Yoongi continued. “And Hoseok will continue to court Taehyung.”

“

Taehyung?

”

Hoseok poked his head through the doorway then, looking equal parts pleased and sheepish. “Yes, Namjoonie. I’d like permission to court him as well. He’s quite funny, and beautiful, and—(sigh)—

captivating

.”

“And doesn’t it make sense?” Yoongi added, eyes both sincere and calculating as they implored Namjoon.“To pursue the ones Jimin loves most? To keep them safe and protected, so we can all be bonded together?”

Like a puzzle with seven pieces falling into place.

Except one piece was still missing.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

As expected, Jungkook and Taehyung bickered all the way back over the situation with Hoseok, Jungkook accusing Taehyung of being sneaky and disloyal, Taehyung accusing Jungkook of being paranoid and insane. The night ended with Jimin parting ways with them on the path back to town, praying they wouldn’t kill each other before they got to their own houses. Taehyung was moody and abnormally quiet at lunch the next day with Jungkook all together absent and Jimin was worried. In all his romantic childhood fantasies, he never imagined that courting season could be so divisive. And it bothered him more that Taehyung wasn’t talking to him about Hoseok. Although maybe he would have if Jungkook hadn’t pounced on him immediately last night. Jimin felt he could have been a better friend and intervened instead of staying silent, too wrapped up in his own heartache to keep the peace between them. Maybe Taehyung was mad at him about it? He silently kicked himself, watching as Taehyung played with his chopsticks and barely ate his food. He’d mindlessly finger his wrist with the beautiful bracelets on it at odd moments and every time he did it made Jimin’s heart sink. Jimin finally opened his mouth, preparing to put his own feelings aside and make a kind comment on the newest addition Hoseok had given him when Jungkook suddenly stormed into the dining hall. He looked determined and was wearing an unfamiliar fur vest, thick and protective but also beautifully cut in a light enough fashion to withstand the summer heat. The dark fur was carefully oiled and brushed, almost shimmering under the dim lights of the dining hall.  The awkwardness between Jimin and Taehyung vanished long enough for them to share a curious glance, both seeming to note the change in Jungkook’s attire and behavior, both equally confused by it. Jungkook approached them without ceremony and for once, instead of looking at Jimin, his eyes were glued to Taehyung, who was pointedly not looking at him. An awkward beat of silence hung in the air before Jimin decided to break it. “Hey, Jungkook-ah. Is that a new fur?” Jungkook spared him a glance, but his eyes snapped quickly back to Taehyung. “Hi, hyung. Yes, Yoongi-hyung gave it to me.” Jimin’s heart stopped. “Yoongi-hyung?” “Yes,” Jungkook huffed impatiently. “He gave it to me this morning when I dropped off the fish for Jin-hyung.” Jimin was pleased that Jungkook had followed through on his requested duties to Seokjin, but something unpleasant flipped in his belly at the familiar reference.  Jin-hyung? Hadn’t they just met yesterday? “As a gift?” he pressed, desperate to know. Jungkook seemed oblivious to his worry, which was abnormal. He just sighed impatiently, still staring at Taehyung. “I guess? It’s from the moose we took down together during the Hunter’s Moon. It was nice of him to fashion it into something for me, but that's not important right now. What’s important is, I used the rest of the pelt to make something for Taehyung.” Taehyung straightened at that, finally meeting Jungkook’s gaze. “Me? ” he asked in disbelief. Jungkook held up a fur covered satchel then, bound together with precise leather stitching with a single braided leather strap decorated with several pretty pink river pearls. Taehyung gasped as Jungkook laid it across the table before him. He reached out as if to touch it before he thought better of it, placing his hands back into his lap, safe under the table. Jimin couldn’t smell a change in his scent, but he was a master at reading Taehyung’s face, and it was obvious he liked it. No. Loved it. “Kim Taehyung, please accept this as an official offer of courting,” Jungkook said in a loud, clear voice, catching the attention of several tables around them who gasped and giggled in delight. A valuable, well crafted gift, a public declaration of courting, Jungkook was pulling out all the stops. Jungkook spun on his heel then, not giving Taehyung a chance to reject him as he strode confidently from the dining hall, although Jimin doubted Taehyung would. They’d been dancing around their attraction to each other since their presentation and despite the mildly conflicted look on Taehyung’s face as he finally ran his fingers along the soft fur of the bag he was also absolutely glowing. And Jimin hated that watching his friend's budding romance made him absolutely sick with envy. — The summer progressed at an agonizingly slow pace from then as Jimin waited on tenterhooks for what fresh hell the winds of fate would bring him next. He tried to hang on to his optimism, but it was difficult and he found himself fading into the background of his own life, a helpless bystander watching as everyone around him moved forward while he was stuck standing still. His only saving grace was his work and he threw himself into it with abandon: asking his dam to allow him to take over more duties, interviewing potential apprentices, and keeping a close eye on Seokjin. He’d reviewed everything about his case with his dam, who agreed with all his recommendations and encouraged him to continue on his path, thinking it would help to expand his healing knowledge of omegas. He found himself at their cabin often, taking morning walks with Seokjin in the garden and around the clearing, restocking his supply of herbs for his tinctures and teas. Seokjin frequently encouraged him to take more than what he needed for his treatment alone and Jimin didn’t like to, but sometimes he did, finding it harder to make time to forage with the uptick in his healing duties. The task also felt lonelier, and less safe alone, with Jungkook too busy most days to accompany him into the woods. He took a certain amount of solace in Seokjin, in his talent for inane chatter and hiccuped laughter, even on days when Jimin wasn’t really up for talking, he filled the air around him with brightness and his initial progress was uplifting, until he came down with a midsummer cold that sent him reeling. Jimin had been making two-a-day visits for the last few weeks, desperately attempting to nurse him back to health while avoiding as much contact with his mates as he could. His visits inevitably coincided with Jungkook's. Jungkook, who used to revolve around Jimin like the moon revolves around the earth, but who now only wanted to grill him on Taehyung's reaction to his continued gifts or ignore him all together in favor of Yoongi and Seokjin. Taehyung might have been taken with Hoseok and busy fielding Jungkook’s gifts, but at least he still made time for Jimin Jimin knew in his heart of hearts that Jungkook didn’t realize what he was doing. He had a way of hyper focusing on things when he put his mind to something. It’s just that that something used to be Jimin and now it wasn’t. He also knew how much Jungkook craved approval and attention, and Seokjin and Yoongi were giving it to him in droves, even if Jungkook didn’t know exactly what it meant, Jimin could spot it from a mile away. If he wasn’t certain at first, his suspicions were quickly confirmed when as soon as Yoongi’s shoulder healed he disappeared in the workshed behind the cabin for three days straight, reappearing to gift Jungkook a moose bone handled hunting knife and a new set of razor sharp arrowheads. Jimin still felt conflicted when he thought about it, upset with himself and his own negative reactions. He wanted so badly to be happy for his friends, it felt like Luna’s curse that he couldn’t. He was diligently trying to free his mind of heartache as he approached the cabin around midday toward the end of summer, even as every second felt like he was marching one step closer to his own funeral. The Mating Moon was barely a week away. All of this would come to an end soon. Or would it ever really end? Would seeing his friends happily mated feel worse or better? Who would Jungkook choose? And what of Taehyung? Jimin was unsure and still thinking about it as he knocked on the door, only belatedly realizing he’d been standing there longer than normal with no response. He knocked loudly again and then a third time, feeling suddenly frantic to lay eyes on Seokjin. Had he taken a turn for the worse overnight? Had his mates unexpectedly left him alone? Although surely not, despite Yoongi’s shoulder having healed, he hadn’t left Seokjin unattended the whole summer. Jimin calmed his spiraling thoughts, deciding to head around the side of the house, wondering if the side entrance by the garden might be open. It was closer to Seokjin’s room, so maybe he could knock on his window and get a response. His heart was still pounding as he rounded the house, but he breathed an immediate sigh of relief when he spotted Seokjin swinging idly on the garden swing, surrounded by nesting materials, similar to that first day, quite alive and well. Jimin called out right away, seemingly startling Seokjin where he was bent over his lap, knitting something. Seokjin smiled and waved enthusiastically when he spotted him and Jimin smiled in return. “Hello, hyung. Are you well today?” Jimin asked once he was close, setting down his basket and holding his hands out to Seokjin who presented his wrists for inspection. “I’m very well, Jimin-ah. It feels good to be in the fresh air again.” “And you came out here alone ?” Jimin asked, arching a suspicious brow, scanning the empty garden. “Never!” Seokjin denied, clutching his chest theatrically at the accusation. “I had Yoongi escort me out on his way to the shed. He’s remained within shouting distance just in case. Would you like a demonstration?” Seokjin asked, cheekily. He took a breath, preparing to scream, but Jimin covered his mouth with a palm and a firm look. “Yah, hyung. Save your strength.” Jimin could easily tell that his color was better, his eyes more luminous, Seokjin’s energy shining through with the quickness of his wit. Yes, he looked better than he had in days, but he was still too thin with dark circles pressed under his eyes like tiny bruises. “And how are you today, Jimin? Namjoon mentioned he hasn’t seen you around recently. Maybe you could stay for dinner? Catch up with him a bit?” And Seokjin was always doing that. Was there a day this summer he hadn’t mentioned Namjoon? Always encouraging Jimin closer even as he tried to pull himself further away. It made no sense. Seokjin flinched as Jimin gently pressed against the scent gland in his neck. He tried to hide it, clearing his throat and murmuring about it feeling ticklish but Jimin knew better, he’d learned to read Seokjin’s body language quite well. Jimin sighed, worried. “Hyung, when is your heat due? Have you talked with your mates about a mating bite?” Seokjin chuckled and played dumb, raising his wrist. “I am mated.” Jimin scoffed, patience growing thin. “A true mating bite.” Seokjin frowned, his good mood dimming faster than the flame of a candle. “Yes, we’ve discussed it. My heat will be in another month.” “And?” Jimin pressed, too concerned for the wellbeing of his charge to worry about the propriety of the question. “You need to do it before then, or during that at the latest. This is important for your health, hyung.” “I know.” “Do you?” Jimin pressed. “Yes!” Seokjin snapped, giving him an frustrated scowl that was truly inconsistent with his character. “Now let’s drop it and enjoy the day. Don’t you ever come just for a social call?” he asked sarcastically. Jimin rolled his eyes at that, his own ire peeking as he dropped onto the swing beside Seokjin. His negative emotions from before suddenly came crashing back to the surface, like an ocean tide. “I’m your healer , hyung. Not your friend.” Jimin felt instant regret when he said it, at the harshness of his tone and the stricken look that graced Seokjin’s face. Seokjin hid his hurt quickly, his handsome face contorting into a haughty mask. “Well, I thought we were friends.” Jimin couldn’t bring himself to apologize or comment on that, but they were friends, weren’t they? As much as you could be friends with someone who had everything you wanted? His eyes fell to Seokjin’s lap then, where he was still clutching at a ball of knitted rope. “What are you making, hyung?”  Seokjin froze, eyes darting between Jimin and the rope before he slowly replied, “It’s a fishing net.” “You’re planning to go fishing?” Jimin asked, confused, but Seokjin just shook his head, looking defeated. “It’s meant to be a gift…for Jungkook,” he admitted quietly.  Ah. and there it was. The elephant in the room. “You’re courting him,” Jimin said, a statement, not a question. It was obvious. He’d known it for a while now and it was almost a relief to say it aloud, despite the sadness that it brought him, followed by another rush of anger as additional thoughts fell into place. Seokjin’s mates weren’t biting him. He and Yoongi were courting Jungkook. “You want Jungkook to bite you. T-to claim you. Is that why you haven’t asked your mates to actually mate you?” Jimin’s words are cruel even to his own ears, but he can’t help it, the emotions warring inside of him threatening to tear him apart. He loves Jungkook. He’s his best friend, but he isn’t necessarily in love with Jungkook is he? Hasn’t felt for Jungkook what he’s felt for Namjoon, it’s different, but still, the idea of this hurt so much. He half expected Seokjin to deny it. “And how would you feel about that?” Seokjin asked instead, sending Jimin reeling. “Does it matter , hyung?” Jimin asked, incredulous, suddenly holding back a sob. Seokjin looked pained, hand reaching for Jimin, but thinking better of it and pulling back instead. “It does. I fear we have already taken so much from you.” Jimin stilled, eyes boring into Seokjin as he tried to decipher what he meant. Seokjin’s gaze was pitying to the nth degree. They didn’t say a word but somehow Jimin knew that Seokjin could read him like an open book. “Jungkook is yours,” Seokjin whispered, but it felt like maybe he was talking about Namjoon. “He’s not mine,” Jimin hissed. Seokjin ignored his protest, asking instead. “Would you give your permission? If we asked for it?” Jimin snorted. “I’m not his sire, nor his dam. He’s a grown alpha, and I…I am nothing.” “ You are not nothing,” Seokjin argued vehemently and it was a small comfort to hear the conviction in his voice, even if Jimin didn’t feel it. “I remain unpresented ,” he whispered, tears suddenly clouding his eyes as he murmured the words he has felt for weeks. “So it feels as though I am nothing.” “You are not nothing,” Seokjin said again. They were silent for a long time, Jimin phasing from anger into desolation. He felt drained, ready to give up the fight. “Whether I am or not makes no difference, hyung. I have no divine right or authority over Jeon Jungkook.” “But if you did—“ “ Hyung .” It was both a plea and an admonishment, but Seokjin implored him with earnest eyes. “Jimin-ah.” He scoffed, wiping at the tears cascading down his face. The chirping birds and bright sunlight surrounding them, a direct contrast to the despair he felt. “If I did…if you had to take him from me. I’d ask that you promise to treat him well.” “We would. You know we would,” Seokjin assured, “but we have no intention of taking from you, Jimin.” That assurance confused him. If they weren’t taking Jungkook then what the hell was this whole conversation? They were disrupted then by a messenger from town whose voice bellowed through the garden loud enough to bring Yoongi running. It was a welcome distraction that allowed Jimin to dry his eyes and collect himself. He briefly overheard that the messenger was looking for Namjoon. He handed Seokjin a letter from the Capital that had Seokjin and Yoongi both frowning. Jimin paid it no mind, excusing himself to leave before Jungkook arrived for his afternoon work session with Yoongi, unable to bear watching Jungkook slowly slip further away from him. *** Hoseok’s bright laughter filled the space of the empty market stall and Taehyung couldn’t hold back the answering smile that spread across his face. Especially not when Hoseok leaned in, tapping one finger conspiratorially against Taehyung’s nose. “Are you even paying attention? What’s going on inside that pretty head of yours?” Taehyung blushed, averting his gaze back to the intricate bracelet he was attempting to make on the table in front of him. He’d taken to finding Hoseok at the market almost any moment he could spare, mainly when he wasn’t helping his appa in the print shop, but he was running out of excuses to stop by. When he’d heard that Hoseok had more bracelet orders than he could possibly make in a day, he’d volunteered as free labor right away. He’d sadly misjudged his bracelet making ability though, if the sad tangle of materials in front of him, that looked nothing like the requested order, was anything to go by. “I’m so sorry, hyung. Would you be willing to show me again?” He asked sheepishly, reveling in the fond smile Hoseok gave him, even as he tried to be stern. “Very well, but only once more. I expect you to pay close attention this time,” Hoseok admonished, scooting close enough to press his body to Taehyung’s side as he expertly untangled the mess of string and beads. Taehyung tried to keep his heart rate in check, taking deep, even breaths of Hoseok’s scent as he followed the graceful movements of Hoseok’s hands. It wasn’t that he wasn’t paying attention, it was more that he was paying attention to the wrong things. Like Hoseok’s body heat and the way he hummed contentedly as he worked, and the way his eyes sparkled when he glanced at Taehyung as he explained his technique. Taehyung was surely an expert in those things. “Ok, now. Try again,” Hoseok encouraged, transferring the braid of materials back into Taehyung’s hands and by the grace of Luna, Taehyung did it right this time. Hoseok clapped and giggled in delight when he examined his work and found no flaws and Taehyung felt so high he could float right up to the moon. “My Taehyungie! My quick study! Even my mates haven’t been able to pick up my craft to help out. You are truly Luna sent!” Taehyung deflated slightly at that, the reminder of Hoseok’s mates sitting heavy in his chest. Not that he resented them, not really. Not like Jungkook. He thought they were all lovely people and he noticed how they fit so well together. He did hate that Namjoon was among them, but more for Jimin’s sake than anything else, because he knew the pain it brought his other half. But he didn’t resent the fact that Hoseok had multiple people to love and take care of him. If anyone was deserving of it, it was Hoseok. He was akin to Jimin in his mind–ethereal and beautiful and deserving of all good things, only good things. Taehyung was sure of it, and, oh, how he longed to be one of the ones in Hoseok’s inner orbit, who earned the right to shower him with love and affection and praise. Like he was for Jimin and Jungkook. His skin flushed unbidden at the thought of Jungkook and his continued courting advances. Fingers running over the braided strap of the satchel he never left home without, the pink pearl earrings that matched, the wildflowers and fresh honey he’d left on his doorstep just this morning because he knew Taehyung liked his tea excessively sweet. Taehyung loved Jungkook, he was sure of that, but he was finding it hard to equate his feelings for Jungkook with the feelings he also had for Hoseok and his soulmate bond with Jimin. He spied Hoseok’s mating bite then as he laid out new materials for Taehyung to make another bracelet of the same pattern and Taehyung was blurting out before he could think, “Hyung, will you tell me about your mating bite?” Hoseok went still beside him and Taehyung kicked himself for letting his impulsive thoughts escape his mouth, but he couldn't be sorry he asked. Not really. Not when he’s been dying to know. “Forgive me, hyung, if it’s too personal a question to ask. I mean no disrespect. Your bite is just so different from what we typically see in our pack and I can’t help but find myself curious about the bonding. How it works. How it differs from what we do, if at all.” “Ah,” Hoseok blushed, a sight Taehyung decided immediately he wanted to see again and again, and looked shyly down at the table. “It’s not too personal and I don’t mind you asking. In fact, I’m rather glad you did.” He moved the bracelets on his wrist aside so Taehyung could get a closer look. “Our mating bite is more of a familial bond. I like to think of my mates as my chosen family. The people I wasn’t born with but who I never want to be without. It’s more popular in the city where the community is bigger and less like a pack. City wolves are governed by the Alpha King, but mated packs, so to speak, still give that closeness of home, that feeling of community and belonging that comes automatically to smaller packs. I grew up with Yoongi-hyung and Seokjin-hyung. I guess you could say they’re like my Jungkook and my Jimin.” The idea made Taehyung’s heart feel full. Hoseok looked at him then, eyes gleaming as he reached forward and ran his own fingers reverently over the bag crossing Taehyung’s chest, sending his heart fluttering. “Our birth pack is a little less traditional than yours, but not as progressive as the city. We typically mate at the neck.” His fingers traced up Taehyung’s chest, almost as if he was going to touch his scent gland and Taehyung held his breath, afraid he might pass out if Hoseok actually did. He stopped just below, tapping a delicate finger against Taehyung’s collarbone before pulling away, leaving him lightheaded. “But we also allow more than one mate. Alpha-beta-omega couples are very common,” he chuckled, leaning into Taehyung conspiratorially. “I honestly thought the three of us would be a mated trio. Seokjin alpha, me beta, Yoongi omega.” Taehyung smiled at that. “It seems things didn’t go as planned?” Hoseok shook his head, expression dimming some. “It’s a long story and not all mine to tell, but, no, it didn’t go as planned. Seokjin presented as omega while he was in the city and Yoongi presented as an alpha. When Yoongi and I finally made it to the city, Seokjin had already bonded with Namjoon in this way.” He shook his wrist. “It was new to us then, but there was no doubt in our minds that we would bond together with them. I worried at first, of the bond not being strong enough, of it being split between all four of us, but now…I’m very happy. Namjoon is a good alpha, it’s all worked out for the best.” Taehyung hummed noncommittally. “You don’t miss it? I mean, you don't feel like you’re missing out, not sharing a traditional mating bond with your mates?” Hoseok hummed in return, glancing shyly at Taehyung again. “I didn’t say that, but I also don’t feel the need to bite my current mates that way. Our bond is very settled and works well, but…there may be another wolf.” Taehyung straightened at that, fully turning his body toward Hoseok. “ Another wolf?” Hoseok’s smile turned mischievous. “Or maybe more than one? I didn’t think it before coming here but, well, your pack has been good for us in many ways. Seokjin and Yoongi have a certain wolf in mind, and Namjoon…“  What about Namjoon? Taehyung’s mind pressed but he couldn’t ask, his breath caught in his throat at the idea that Hoseok might be in love with someone else. “…well, and I have someone in mind as well.” 
No!
 Hoseok got up from the bench, moving to shuffle through a box behind them as Taehyung’s hopes slowly dwindled down the drain. Hoseok was oblivious, continuing to gush about this other wolf as he searched. “I’ve been smitten with him since the day we met. He’s very handsome and kind and sweet, and I think I have time to give him one more gift before the full moon…tell me, what do you think he’ll think of this?” A lustrous hunter green brocade blanket appeared before Taehyung then. It was thick and heavy and soft, the most beautiful thing Taehyung had ever seen. “Hyung, did you make this?” Taehyung asked in awe. Hoseok laughed. “Oh no, but I have some wonderful designer friends in the city who did. I special ordered it and had it delivered here. It was rather expensive, but I think it was worth it. Something about the color reminds me of him.” He held a corner of the blanket up toward Taehyung’s face, smiling fondly at him, and Taehyung caught a strong whiff of Hosek’s scent, belatedly realizing Hoseok had heavily scented the blanket.  He fought the urge to bury his face in it, to wrap it fully around his body and refuse to give it back. He felt green himself, with envy. Who was this other wolf who’d stolen Hoseok’s heart? “Do you think he’ll like it?” Hosek asked sweetly and Taehyung wanted to cry. “Of course, hyung,” he assured miserably. “He’d be an idiot not to.” “You’re definitely not an idiot, Tae-ah.” Hoseok’s smile widened and he shook his head. “So, does this mean you accept?” “ What? ” Taehyung’s head snapped up then, eyes wide with disbelief, heart hammering in his chest. Hoseok chuckled, long fingers sliding over all the bracelets he’d made over the summer that now circled Taehyung’s wrist. “I know you have a lot to think about. That Jungkook is also courting you, and that Jimin is your soulmate, but if there’s even a chance, I beg of you, Kim Taehyung, please consider me. I promise there’s a solution here that can suit all of us.” Taehyung nodded once, then buried his face in the blanket to hide his blinding smile. *** Jimin felt like he was in mourning. As he had all week. As he had since the moment he’d walked away from the cabin garden. He hadn’t returned since, taxing Taehyung, his dam, and occasionally Jungkook to deliver things and check on Seokjin. “He’s worried about you, hyung. Won’t you come check on him yourself?” Jungkook had pleaded just yesterday morning and, Luna, how it’d hurt to hear Jungkook making pleas on Seokjin’s behalf like he was closer to him than he’d ever been to Jimin. He’d begged off, citing a stomach ache he worried he might pass along, but the truth was, he was hiding, nursing his wounded pride and envious heart, because both were making him terribly sick. He prayed every night, harder than he ever had, for Luna to make things right. Make his feelings somehow bearable or take them away all together. To turn him back to the kind and generous friend he knew himself to be, who was less sorry for himself and more optimistic for his future. When none of that worked, he turned his heart toward acceptance. His best friends would be mating other people, and that was just something Park Jimin was going to have to learn to embrace. His heart was still heavy on the eve of the mating moon, as he stared forlornly at the full moon already hanging high in the sky, even though it was barely dusk. “Are you sure you want to stay here?” his dam asked delicately, well aware that things were not quite right with Jimin. “Even though you are unpresented, you are still of age, and welcome to join in the mating run celebration.” Jimin shook his head, unsure if he wanted to laugh hysterically or cry at the thought. “No, Eomma. I’ll stay here. Someone needs to watch the pups.” His dam snorted, “Let the older pups watch the younger. Gaining responsibility is a right of passage, Jimin.” “Am I not still an older pup myself, Eomma?” he asked derisively. His dam pinched his cheek. “You are not and you know it. Being unpresented does not make you less than, nor does it make you a pup,” she admonished, but Jimin’s spirits did not feel lifted. He nodded his head anyway. “If I change my mind, I will designate someone to be in charge and come find you.” His dam nodded in approval, even knowing that Jimin had no intention of leaving the healing hut tonight. Whatever his fate and the fate of his friends, he had no intention of facing it until tomorrow. She left then, heading to the village and leaving Jimin to himself for a few hours until the village pups arrived. He busied himself by cleaning the interior of the hut, checking supplies and making a list of things he would need to restock soon, anything to keep his mind away from his overly depressing thoughts. A knock at the door barely a half hour later surprised him, but he really wasn’t surprised at all when he opened the door to find Taehyung. Taehyung wordlessly engulfed him in a hug as he entered the hut, pressing his lips fiercely to Jimin’s forehead. “Do you know I love you? More than the sun and the moon and all the stars in the sky?” Jimin huffed, already feeling the pinprick of tears in his eyes. “Tae Tae.” “I really do. I mean it. No matter what. I love you so much, Jimin.” “I know,” Jimin said, pressing his face to Taehyung’s neck, wishing like hell he could breathe in his scent. “I love you too.” Taehyung pulled away after a moment, guiding Jimin back to one of the healing cots, setting them both down and pulling him in close. Jimin reveled in Taehyung’s familiar warmth, in the comfort of his friend. “Tonight is the Mating Moon,” Taehyung said after a time, hand still running in soothing circles over Jimin’s back. Jimin nodded, still taking in Taehyung’s presence, knowing it might be the last moments of freedom they could share together. “I’m going to run,” Taehyung admitted after a moment and Jimin nodded, already reassuring his soulmate, knowing he would support him no matter the cost to himself. “You said, at one time, that you wouldn’t begrudge me anything.” Taehyung’s voice already sounded wet and Jimin hated it, hated that his soulmate was so tormented by his loyalty to him. That was the only thing that made it worse, Jimin’s own pain reflected in those he loved. “I won’t. I still promise, Tae,” and he did, despite how it hurt him. “I support whatever you think is best for you.” “I–I don’t know who I’ll pick, who will catch me. If it will be Jungkook or–” Jimin held his breath. “--or Hoseok.” The name felt like a stab through the heart and Jimin sobbed, feeling hot tears track down his face. “But, just know that I will always love you the most. My soulmate. My Jiminie.” Jimin could feel Taehyung crying too, his tears running down to track into Jimin’s hair, Jimin’s face still buried in Taehyung’s neck. He let Taehyung scent him after a time, feeling somewhat at peace, although still hollow, as they eventually said their goodbyes. When Taehyung finally left to get ready for the run, the sky was almost fully dark and he cleaned himself quickly, splashing cold water onto his face before he proceeded into the garden, ready to greet the young pups when they arrived. He distracted himself, assessing the health of the glowing night phlox Namjoon had given him at the beginning of summer when he heard the telltale sound of twigs snapping. He looked up, anticipating the giggles of cheeky, happy pups but he found a stoic Jungkook instead, standing at the edge of the garden fence, conflict obvious in his gaze. “Jungkook?” he called, both a question and a statement. Jungkook shook his head, eyes glassy and fraught  as he hopped over the fence, suddenly standing right in front of Jimin. “ Hyung ,” he whispered with a strangled breath, and any semblance of peace Taehyung had brought him earlier in the night now shattered into a million, tiny pieces. He didn’t understand the difference in his mind, between letting Taehyung and Jungkook go, but there was an obvious difference, and somehow severing the connection with Jungkook was infinitely more painful. Maybe because he was younger. Maybe because, in this moment, he seemed so innocent, so fragile. “It’s okay, Jungkook,” he whispered, tears already starting to fall. “Everything is going to be okay. Tonight, just…just do what you feel led to do. It’s okay .” He sobbed and let Jungkook cup his face, his hands falling automatically to grab at Jungkook’s wrists. He felt, rather than saw, Jungkook shake his head. “It’s not okay, hyung. I know it seems like I’ve lost sight of you this summer, but I promise, you are always on my mind. I–I love you with all my heart.” And something about hearing it aloud made Jimin sob harder. “I love you too, Jungkook.” he said between wracked breaths, and then he felt something unexpected. Jungkook’s warm, solid mouth against his. He forgot to breathe for a moment, tiny sparks dancing across his lips at the warm contact. Jungkook pulled away briefly before leaning back in for one more firm, chaste kiss. “I’ll find Taehyung, hyung. I’ll find Taehyung and I’ll bring him back to us.” And as sweet as that reassurance was, it made Jimin feel wrong somehow. He shook his head, trying to figure out why it felt so wrong in his head. “Jungkook, no, you should–you should follow your heart tonight, even if it hurts me. Do what your wolf feels is right.” “I am, hyung. I promise. You’ll see.” Jungkook kissed him softly one last time and then he was gone. *** Jungkook scanned the crowd of wolves circling the field, eyes peeled for any sign of Taehyung. He was determined. He’d meant what he said, he’d mate Teahyung and bring him home to Jimin. They would wait for Jimin to present and then they would all be together. Just the three of them. There was no room for Hoseok or Namjoon. 
But what about Seokjin and Yoongi?
 None of that. No . He would have Jimin and he would have Taehyung and that was more than enough. Seokjin and Yoongi were his hyungs. He thought of them fondly now but that was all they were. There was nothing more than that.  But the gifts. His wolf whined in protest as he tried to ignore it, admonishing it to be quiet and stay the course. The gifts were just gifts. Nothing more, nothing less. Nevermind if Jungkook treasured the furs and the knife and the fishing net like they were the most precious things he’d ever received. It was something good hyungs did for their dongsaengs. And why was he even justifying this to himself? He felt frustrated and agitated and achy, eerily similar to the night of the Hunter’s Moon. The results of that night had been wholly unexpected and sent his newly discovered wolf into a tailspin. He needed tonight to go exactly as he’d planned it. What he needed was– Taehyung. He saw him then, a sea of wolves parting around him like a beacon of light, guiding Jungkook to him. He was stunning, hair loose around his shoulders, body covered by a sleeveless white tunic, leaving his golden arms on full display. His wrists were bare for once, free of those god awful bracelets Hoseok kept draping him in. At least Jungkook tried to tell himself they were awful, even though he’d caught himself admiring them more than once over the past weeks and something about seeing Taehyung without them now was making him inexplicably want to cry. Luna, what the fuck was wrong with him? He blinked, wiping unshed tears from his waterline as fast as he could, hopeful that no one had seen. He was just overwhelmed. Taehyung was breathtaking and he just needed a moment, but when he looked up again, it was with the horror that single moment had cost him. Because Taehyung’s wide eyed attention was caught now on the willowy beta standing in front of him. Hoseok, who was smiling that warm heart shaped smile he seemed to save only for Taehyung, as his nimble fingers tied the telltale strip of white satin fabric around his bicep with a knot of intention, one that signified an intention to claim. And Jungkook was dumbfounded, even though theoretically he knew that Hoseok seemed to be courting Taehyung, he didn’t actually think… He had three other mates, for Luna’s sake!  It’s ok , he told himself, more than one wolf can set out to claim the same mate.  He just had to be faster, which would be no problem once the race started. There was no way Jung Hoseok could possibly outrun him. He wasn’t the golden maknae for nothing. And Taehyung might have wanted Hoseok but he wanted Jungkook too, Jungkook was sure of it. He would submit to him when the time came. It would still be– “Jungkook-ah?” A familiar deep, quiet voice startled him from his thoughts again and Jungkook looked down, surprised to find Yoongi standing nervously before him. The sudden shock caused his control to slip, allowing his wolf (the keeper of all his darkest desires) to surge forward. “Hyung,” he greeted breathlessly, his wolf purring loudly in his chest. He cleared his throat quickly, afraid the sudden rumble might soon become audible. What was Yoongi doing here? But then he felt an unfamiliar tug against his arm, looking down to find Yoongi deftly tying a white satin ribbon around his own bicep. “What are you doing?” “Isn’t this how it’s done, Kook?” Yoongi asked, voice calm but firm as he tightened the knot and Jungkook was suddenly short of breath, heart constricted by the pseudo threads of ribbon binding around it, holding him safe and close, like the warmest hug. “When you want to claim someone?” 
Oh. Oh fuck.
 “ Hyung .” “Surely you knew. You understood, that Seokjin and I—” “Hyung, you don’t—“ “We do,” Yoongi said firmly, gaze steady, eyes tinted alpha red with resolve. Jungkook’s wolf howled in his chest, whole body shuddering at Yoongi’s words. “If you don’t want us to claim you…run fast.” It felt almost like a challenge, as Yoongi made the final tug that cemented the knot of fabric against his skin. A challenge Jungkook knew his wolf intended to lose because, fuck, Seokjin and Yoongi. Yoongi and Seokjin. 
They want him. They want him. They want him.
 His wolf was running circles in his chest. All thought of pursuing Taehyung forgotten, because somehow Jungkook’s wolf knew he would be safe and protected with Hoseok. And Yoongi and Seokjin wanted him. He felt Yoongi’s gaze upon him as he turned, making his way to the starting line as a marked wolf, one deemed worthy of being pursued, and the elated part of him, the most primal side, was preening and happy and ecstatic. Even as the rational side of him told his hindbrain that this was wrong—that Jimin was the ultimate goal. Jimin and Taehyung. Jimin, Jimin, Jimin. But then, the Pack Alpha was howling and Jungkook was shifting, almost against his will, and his wolf was dead set on being the prey, for once, instead of being the hunter. He took off in the direction of the north woods, body agile and fast, weaving a complex and intricate path to follow because he knew his alpha would appreciate a good chase, in Jungkook not giving in so easily, even though it was inevitable. But no, it didn’t have to be. He could still pursue Taehyung, take the advantage that Yoongi had given him of getting a headstart and make it to Taehyung first. But then he heard the second howl, signaling the hunters being released to find their mates and there were no further thoughts of Taehyung, only the panicked excitement of Yoongi. 
Yoongi. Yoongi. Yoongi.
 And his wolf urged his body to move. As much as it wanted to be caught, it still wanted their alpha to pursue them, to earn it. It didn’t take long though, for the scent of midnight rain and the panted breath of Yoongi’s wolf, so familiar—even though he’d only heard it once before—to reach his ears. He kicked it into high gear, wishing to be chased, and he was not disappointed, Yoongi matching him step for step, even reaching out at one point to nip at his tail. He pressed on, faster and faster and faster until he burst through the trees and came stumbling to a stop. It was the same place. The same spot as the night of the Hunter’s Moon. His wolf had led him straight back to the clearing where he’d first met Yoongi. He’d avoided it all summer, something inside him too raw to come back here and relive that night—the elation of the kill, the bitter disappointment when he realized who Yoongi was. He wasn’t disappointed now though, more in awe. His wolf really knew him too well. He looked up at the full moon and was promptly tackled to the ground. They were a ball of fur and growls and snapping teeth and then, suddenly, they were quite human again. Skin to skin. Yoongi’s lithe frame straddling Jungkook’s narrow hips, hands pinning Jungkook’s shoulders to the ground. Jungkook’s blood ran hot at the feel of Yoongi’s bare ass against his thighs, the way he smiled down at him with a gummy smirk. “Caught you.” 
No!
 The thought was jarring, Jimin’s serene face flashed before his eyes, knocking Jungkook out of his pliant state and they were wrestling again. Jungkook ended up on top this time, Yoongi still somehow smug beneath him. “Hyung, I can’t.” Yoongi pouted at that, the sight so unexpectedly cute Jungkook felt his resolve slip and suddenly he was flat on his back again, Yoongi’s knees pinning his thighs wide open this time, his wrists pressed firmly into the ground. He felt every line of Yoongi’s body settle against him, Yoongi’s hard cock rubbing warm and insistent over his, sending him gasping and reeling with need. He leaned in, breath fanning across Jungkook’s ear, “Why not, Kook? What’s holding you back?” Jungkook groaned, futilly attempting to ignore the way Yoongi’s skin slid across his sensitive nipples with every inhale. “ Jimin ,” he finally hissed and he braced himself for a growl or a hiss or at least a harsh glare but Yoongi pulled away just enough for Jungkook to see him smile. “Ah , Jimin ,” and Jungkook was stunned by the deep affection he heard in Yoongi’s voice. “He’ll be well taken care of when the time comes. Believe me. Namjoon–” “Fuck Namjoon,” Jungkook growled, body stiffening again. Yoongi arched his brow at that. “Careful, love. He’ll be your alpha now too.” “Like hell,” he groused, ignoring the way his heart fluttered at the pet name. He arched his body, testing Yoongi’s strength and he did growl then, pressing Jungkook more firmly into the ground. “ Submit , you brat.” Yoongi hissed, scraping his teeth enticingly against Jungkook’s collarbone. “And trust hyung. For once .” Jungkook huffed and then channeled all of his strength into one final surge, bucking his hips up to unseat Yoongi and send him sprawling. Yoongi’s arms went flying out to catch himself, but Jungkook was there, swooping in to cradle him close to his body and keep him from hurting himself, even as he pressed Yoongi firmly into the ground one final time. “ You submit,” he challenged petulantly and was wholly unprepared when Yoongi did so easily, throwing his head to the side without a second thought and readily exposing his throat. It was too enticing for his wolf to resist and between one second and the next his mouth was sealed to Yoongi’s scent gland and he bit. – He woke hours later in a soft bed, snuggled firmly between two warm bodies as the mating haze cleared sluggishly from his mind. Memories flooded back in abbreviated clips and phases, like some kind of fever dream. 
Him biting Yoongi.
 
Yoongi biting him.
 
The way they’d stumbled through the woods after, unable to keep their hands and mouths and bodies away from each other, like magnets snapping together again and again.
 
Seokjin’s face looming into focus behind the cabin door, a wide smile gracing his lips, leading them to a warm bath.
 
Seokjin’s crooked fingers washing his chest.
 
Stumbling into equally warm blankets and Seokjin’s mouth.
 
The feeling of Yoongi’s mouth around his cock.
 
Biting Seokjin. 
 
Knotting Seokjin.
 Fuck. Fuck.  He surged upright then, eyes flying open as he took in the nest. Seokjin’s nest with his new mates still slumbering on either side of him. His fingers traveled to the tender flesh of his neck, traced the scabbing and quickly scarring teeth marks around his scent gland, two sets, firmly marking him as claimed. He was claimed. Cherished. Loved. He could feel it with every breath he took. Seokjin and Yoongi loved him deeply, the same as he loved them. He could admit it now, finally recognizing the feeling that had been growing between them these past weeks. More than fondness and simple friendship. The knowledge made him feel warm and safe even as something sickening flipped inside of him at the same time. He stumbled quietly from the bed, moving quickly to the door, blind panic growing even as the scent of familiar wolves surrounded him, offering the comfort of home and belonging, because this was his home now. No. 
No, no, no.
 He reached the hallway, sliding the door to the nesting room shut behind him, and took a large gasping breath, fighting back the loud sob threatening to break through. Another door opened then and Taehyung was standing in front of him with wide eyes, hands supporting him at the elbows as he whispered his name in awe. “Jungkookie?” He blinked back his panicked haze, admiring the perfectly placed bite mark on Taehyung’s scent gland. It was clearly Hoseok’s work, as beautiful and meticulously made as his bracelets, the ones now adorning Taehyung’s wrists again. With the panic at bay he could admire the way Taehyung’s scent was now blended so well with the others. This was his home now too and the thought settled Jungkook a little more. He felt Taehyung reach up and trace the bite marks along his neck with reverent hands and then he was smiling and leaning in, pressing his mouth hot and insistent against Jungkook’s. “ Hyung .” he murmured between breath stealing kisses. “ Jungkookie . Jungkook, you’re here. I’m so happy. I’m so–” Taehyung cut himself off with a whimper, pressing Jungkook back against the wall, winding his fingers through his hair and pulling him close, like he wanted to devour him and Jungkook kissed him back with fervor, because this is what he’d fantasized about all summer, having Taehyung like this and— fuck , the sickening sensation was back again as his belly flipped, the sudden feeling of loss and panic and—he pushed Taehyung away by the hips, a sob wrenching up from his throat. “ Jimin .” “Ah, Kook-ah, it’s okay . It’s okay. I promise,” Taehyung whispered frantically, reaching for him, trying to step back in to soothe him, but Jungkook just pushed him away again. Then a solid chest was pressed to his back, the familiar scent of Yoongi surrounding him and he collapsed into the arms of his new mate, hating himself for how much comfort it brought him. “It’s okay, pup. Calm down, love. I’ve got you.” He watched as Taehyung’s face began to crumple in sympathetic tears and then Hoseok was there, providing him with the same support and he could sense Seokjin’s presence…and Namjoon. He turned his head, finding Namjoon standing, stoic and commandeering, at the end of the hall. “Come,” he said, gesturing to the main living space. “We all have things to discuss.”

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Jimin watched through the window as his friends walked down the path to the healing hut, something cold and ominous settling in his chest.
 
It was the morning after the Mating Moon. He’d somehow survived the night, getting barely any sleep after he’d shooed the younger pups away. His dam had stayed in the village for the night, leaving Jimin alone to lay awake and ponder all the ways his life was about to change.
 
He could tell, even from this distance, that they both had traditional mating bites on their necks, but some instinct he didn’t understand told him they weren’t mated to each other, at least not fully, and it confused him.
 
Were they part of Namjoon’s pack then? He’d expected a possible bite to Jungkook’s neck from Seokjin, but there appears to be two there. So Seokjin and Yoongi? And what of Taehyung? Was his bite from Hoseok? The whole mating situation among Namjoon and his mates confused him, but this was all together something different.

It’s done now.

He reminded himself.

Please, let it be done.

He prayed one final prayer before he opened the door, stepping out onto the porch. His friends stilled as soon as they saw him and for a moment they were all frozen in time, watching each other. Then Jungkook sniffed, fat tears rolling suddenly down his face, and he stumbled forward, up the stairs, falling to his knees at Jimin’s feet.
 
“Hyung, Jimin-hyung, I’m–” he dissolved into heavy sobs, clutching at Jimin’s calves, upsetting his balance almost to the point of causing him to fall. Taehyung rushed forward, placing a steady hand on Jimin’s elbow, the other falling to Jungkook’s shoulder.
 
Jimin studied Taehyung’s expression, tried to decipher it. His face was a stoic facade, carefully crafted, like the mask of a character, something Taehyung had played at when they were pups. He’d gotten quite good at his acting, but he could never hide from Jimin. They were soulmates after all. The fact that he was even trying now scared Jimin more than he’d like to admit.
 
“Come on, Kook. We talked about this. You need to calm down,” Taehyung admonished gently, letting his hand trail up to brush gently through Jungkook’s hair. Jimin saw it then, Namjoon’s bite at his wrist, looking very fresh, maybe less than an hour old. If Taehyung had it, surely Jungkook did too. Both of his friends, so well loved and claimed they’d been bitten more than once, by more than one person, by someone that Jimin once wanted so badly to be his.

They’re your friends. You of all people know how lovable they are. How deserving. You should be happy for them.

He tried to tell himself, but it was no use. They’re happiness suddenly felt like it was completely at Jimin’s expense.
 
He couldn’t control the feeling that rushed to the surface then, threatening to choke him with its darkness. Worse than feeling jealousy or envy. A feeling so unspeakable there surely wasn’t even a word for it. He stumbled back against the door, out of Jungkook’s and Taehyung’s grasp. A visceral response. Namjoon had bitten them. They had Namjoon’s mates and they had Namjoon.
 
Stupid Jimin. 
 
Always holding out hope for things he couldn’t have. He only realized it then, that he’d somehow been thinking there might still be a place for him in all of this.
 
He turned the knob on the door, retreating into the house but his friends quickly followed.
 
Jungkook’s sobs had quieted down as he wiped at his face, silent cries still wracking his body as Taehyung guided him by the shoulders to sit at the edge of a healing cot. Jimin grabbed a pile of fresh cut gauze from the table, tossing it haphazardly toward Jungkook as he paced back and forth across the room, afraid if he stopped moving for even a second he might launch himself at them.
 
“Why–” Jimin grit his teeth, concentrating on the words. “Why are you

crying

, Kook-ah?”
 
“Because, hyung. I’m so sorry,” is all he said before he started quietly sobbing again.
 “Seokjin and Yoongi,” Jimin said their names, noticing the way Jungkook’s shoulders tensed. “Are you unhappy with your choice?” His tone came out scathing and sarcastic, even to his own ears. 
“I–” Jungkook blinked at him, clearly at a loss for words.
 
The room fell silent as Jimin continued to pace, he glanced at Taehyung then, finding his expression somehow ever more guarded and mask-like.
 
“And you. Hoseok?”
 
Taehyung nodded once, gaze never leaving Jimin’s.
 
“And Namjoon?

Both

of you. Namjoon?”
 
“I’m sorry, hyung,” Jungkook whispered and Jimin felt nothing but rage.
 
“You should be,” he snapped and both of his friends stared at him with wide, anxious eyes, because it was such an un-Park-Jimin-like thing to say, but he couldn’t control it. He felt wounded and reckless and like he wanted to lash out at them.
 
He took a breath, willing himself to find even a scrap of his true self that was still present, the kind and forgiving and ever patient hyung. He couldn’t find it.
 
“Jimin-ah,” Taehyung tried, voice quiet but sure. “You said you wouldn’t begrudge

us—or at least me—

my happiness. I find it hard to believe you told Jungkook any differently. You said you understood. You said to follow our hearts. Surely you knew if we mated with Namjoon’s mates we would mate with–”
 
“It’s not that simple!” Jimin cried, cutting him off. “Nor is it as easy as I thought it would be. I need time. And space.” His eyes implored Taehyung. “You

will

give it to me.”
 
Taehyung flinched, worried eyes assessing how those words affected Jungkook before glancing back at Jimin, his eyes heavy with accusation. “We’re leaving,” he hissed and Jimin nodded, registering the frustration in his soulmate's words but too caught up in his own to delve into where it was coming from.
 
“Yes,” Jimin agreed, clearing a path to the still open door, opening it wider. “You should. It’s for the best.”
 
“No, Jimin,” Taehyung argued, straightening his back and staring wide eyed at Jimin. “We’re

leaving

the village. Today. As soon as we’re done here. Namjoon-hyung has been called back to the city by command of the Alpha King. We’re leaving for a long time. We don’t know when we’ll be back.”
 
And that, Jimin was not expecting. It felt like a physical blow. He didn’t want his friends to leave, not truly. Not forever. He wanted them to hurt. Just a little. Just enough, until it made him feel better and then they would reconcile and find a way to live happily together again. He blinked at them in confusion, in the sudden sorrow and guilt marring their faces. Taehyung stared at him stonily. Jungkook’s cowering form almost in Taehyung’s lap.
 
They were leaving him.
 
He never, in a million years, thought they’d actually ever leave him.
 
And a new sense of rage filled him, because what good was his anger if he couldn't even use it against them? When they wouldn’t even be here to see it? They would go off and forget him and Jimin would be left alone with only his bitterness.
 
That was the moment Park Jimin’s heart well and truly broke. He didn’t know what he’d done to deserve this. He’d always been patient and kind, spreading his love and compassion freely, never asking for much in return.
 
Why did everyone he loved abandon him?
 
Jimin steeled himself, pulling all his emotions tight to his chest, reeling himself in so he didn’t explode into a million tiny pieces. He needed to protect himself and he needed to get the hell out of here. He took one last look at his two best friends. It felt like he was drawing an invisible line between them, severing all ties. “I understand.”
 
Except he

really

didn’t.
 
“I wish you safe travels and all the happiness with your mates. If you think of me on occasion, maybe you could write? Don’t overtax yourself to do it though, I’m sure you’ll be too busy with more important things. Now, if you’ll excuse me…”
 
“Jimin–” Taehyung started but Jimin was already out the door, leaping down the steps and off into the woods.
 
Running and running and running.
 
Until he realized he wasn’t being chased. No one was coming to save him and then he collapsed into a worthless pile of tears and snot and trails of spit that coated his chin. He screamed into the earth and up to the sun and later to the moon. Until his voice was all but gone and the blackness of night surrounded him. He laid in the forest alone and he knew …he’d never be the same again. 
 
***

FALL

My Dearest Jiminie,

It’s been nearly a month since I last saw you. How are you? I hope you are well.

I’m writing per your request. Although, I fear maybe you didn’t mean it. That you do not wish to hear from me. I don’t want to bring you more pain, but maybe you’re still mad enough you’ll rip it up and throw it straight into the fire without reading it at all.

If that’s the case, I hope it’s a cathartic experience for you. I will be happy to write you more letters to burn if it will somehow make you happy again.

My soul is broken without you. I miss you so. Thinking that you hate me is more than I can bear.

The city is different. Bigger. Dirtier. Less like home. Even still, everything about it is new and potentially exciting. I wish I could share it with you. Even if you hate me, I still wish you were here. I assume you do not wish to hear of my mates, but just in case…they are good company and attempt to lift my spirits often, but they are not you. No one could ever be you. I hope you know that.

Jungkookie and I left a box of things with your dam before we left. Did you receive it? It’s all things of ours that we wanted you to have. Ways for you to remember us. If you do not wish to keep them…well, I’ll pretend to understand, but I will not tell Jungkook. It would break him. You still have so much power over him Jimin. He’s been distraught and depressed since we left.

I think often of how you lashed out that day. I think you were hurt and angry, but also afraid. Afraid of what though? I’m not sure. Do you think we could so easily forget you? That’s impossible, Jimin!

I wait anxiously for your letter in return. Even if you just yell at me. All in shouty caps. I long for any word from you.

Love always,

Your Taehyungie.

~~~

Dear Taehyung,

It’s good to hear from you.

I’m glad you arrived in the Capital safely.

I read your letter, as you can see.

after much coaxing from my dam

after I cried my eyes out

Otherwise I would not be writing in return.

The thought of burning it didn’t cross my mind

although it did after

I almost burned it after reading just to see if it helped

Your words were too heartfelt to burn.

I’d be at a loss if I wasn’t able to read them again.

I don’t hate you or Jungkook.

Not really.

But I am still angry and hurt and frustrated.

I will work on it, because I want to reconcile.

I miss you.

Please don’t ask me to talk about it before I am ready.

Tell me more of the city and of your mates.

Just don’t mention Namjoon

If you’re happier without me

How in love you are

Is Hoseok treating you well?

And Jungkook?

Is Seokjin well? Did he have his heat?

My dam and I are preparing to make our rounds of the neighboring packs with the hunters before the first snow comes. If we do not make it back in time, it may be a while before you hear from me. I have officially selected Choi Soobin and  Kang Taehyun as my apprentices. They will be traveling with us for the trip. The council has also started constructing the hospital in town.

Sincerely,

Jimin.

P.S.- I got your box of things. I do not know why you gifted me one of Hoseok’s bracelets though?

Of all the things

I don’t want it

I will keep it safe until your return.

Also, please tell Jungkook I do not wish to keep his bow and arrows, either, although I will keep it for him. I don’t know how to shoot and he knows it!

~~~

Oh My Jiminie!

I was so happy to receive your letter. I’m glad you received our things and that you are willing to write to me. The bracelet is not one of Hobi-hyung’s. It is mine that I made for you. I have one that matches so we can wear it at the same time and think of each other. I had intended to give it to you that last day, but I’m glad you have it now.

Hoseok is treating me quite well, as are all my other mates. It’s been an adjustment, learning to live all together in the same space and figuring out how our dynamic works. I am also struggling to find my purpose, now that I no longer have work at Appa’s print shop. Hoseok has introduced me to some of his city friends, who are all very inspiring and artistic. I’ve started to pursue drawing. If I get good enough, maybe I can send something with my next letter? Have you seen my appa around lately? I miss him…almost as much as I miss you.

Jungkook is struggling a bit, being so far away from the woods. There is not much hunting that occurs here as many wolves around the city choose to farm and sell the animals they raise for slaughter at the city markets. It’s quite a strange concept and it does not “please his wolf,” whatever that means. Strange alpha things, I guess.

Yoongi is keeping him busy in other ways, carpentry mostly and assisting with settling disputes in our neighborhood from time to time. Jungkook would like to train to become a palace guard but Yoongi forbade it. Said it was too dangerous and that he would be unable to be there to keep an eye on him as his shoulder injury prevents him from applying himself. I find it endlessly funny how he babies Jungkook.

As for Seokjin, his heat was very difficult. He wanted me to assure you that it was not as bad as the last. That the mating bite did help some, but it still took much of his strength. I am assisting my mates in nursing him as best I can but we are running low on supplies and the city apothecary is not as well stocked as your garden or the woods. We tried to send for a healer just last week but Jin-hyung refused, saying he would have Park Jimin advise him or no one. I hate to ask it of you, but if you have any advice you can offer I would greatly appreciate it.

We all would.

We all miss you.

We speak of you often and fondly.

Even the hyungs wish to speak of you and worry often about your wellbeing. (I hope you do not hold it against me to speak of such things. I just want you to know you are always on all of our minds).

I pray your journey to other packs was fruitful and that your apprentices learn fast. Keep me updated on news of the hospital.

Love Always,

Your Taehyungie.

~~~

WINTER

Taehyung,

I’m not wearing your stupid bracelet.

Nevertheless I will keep it and cherish it all of my days.

Because I am a fool.

I hope the parcel I send with this letter actually arrives with it. I’m sorry it took so long to respond, I am sending all the supplies I can spare in the dead of winter for Seokjin, as well as a jar of salve for Yoongi’s shoulder. See the attached instructions for use.

I saw your appa just yesterday. He is doing very well and says he misses you too.

I miss you so much I feel like I’m dying, but I’m still so angry.

We did not beat the snow on our journey and it slowed us down tremendously. There have been bouts of contagious illness in the outlying packs to the north and they required us to be isolated for several days before we could interact with them and once again, when we began to leave. The northern pack healer seemed exhausted and reported the loss of life in the past few months to be great, even over the summer. Our trip was so delayed we did not make it to the southern pack, but hope to schedule a spring visit instead.

It worries me, being so responsible for the pack in that way.

It’s scary and feeling scared makes me feel more alone.

Life without you feels empty and meaningless.

I pray we never encounter such illness in our own pack.

How is the weather in the capital?

Sincerely,

Jimin.

~~~

My Dearest Jiminie-

Please keep yourself safe and well. I can’t fathom the idea of a life without Park Jimin, although I know you are well and truly the best healer. Do not worry over your responsibilities to the pack. You could never fail them.

The winters here are much milder than home as we are nearer to the coast. We’ve had a few snow flurries, but mostly just cold rain. I miss the snowy winters of our woods so much.

Do you remember Jungkook’s first winter with us, when he asked to be buried in the snow like sand on a beach, having no idea it was a bad idea? He caught that dreadful cold and we camped out for days in the hut, bundled up like three pigs in blankets while you nursed him back to health as your dam ordered. He was your first patient and I, with that dreadful tummy ache I got from drinking too many hot chocolates while you nursed Jungkook, was your second. I know first hand of your healing magic.

I’ve thought of that memory often in the past few weeks because I think it was an important one. It felt like the moment we went from just two soulmates to soulmates plus one, or maybe three soulmates? I cannot fathom a life without Jeon Jungkook either. I know you asked me not to speak of it before you’re ready but this rift between us, between all three of us is killing me. Have you changed your mind at all? Would you be willing to speak of it? You must know that anything you have to say, I will listen. I will always listen.

I don’t know how long we will be stuck here, the King is very fond of Namjoon. Did you know Namjoon-hyung speaks several languages? He’s so smart! He’s working as an ambassador to the court as a translator. Namjoon does not wish to hold the position long, but I fear the King will not easily let him go until Pack Alpha Kim is ready to retire. Regardless I would like to visit you in the spring, if you will allow it. I know Jungkook would want to come. Seokjin-hyung as well. I will speak to the others about it if you agree.

Love Always,

Your Taehyungie.

P.S - I would be remiss if I did not include my thanks for the things you sent. Your parcel was well and truly Luna sent for Seokjin. He is doing much better now and Yoongi is trying to use the salve you sent sparingly so it will last, but it makes such a visible difference in his comfort when he uses it.

P. P. S. - And thank you for your message from Appa. I find comfort knowing you are there to look out for him.

~~~

Taehyung,

You say you cannot fathom a life without me and yet you appear to be living it quite fine.

What good is your faith in me when you are not here?

It is strange to read that you long for these cold winters when you’ve always hated them when we were younger.

I am still not ready to speak of difficult things.

Please do not ask again.

I am unsure about a visit

it would be strenuous on Seokjin to come

and I am very busy.

My apprentices are hard working and eager to learn, although I do worry of their fortitude. Soobin has fainted twice now at the sight of blood and just last week Taehyun mistook whiskey for willow bark tea and got Elder Omega Lee very drunk. Work on the hospital has all but stopped until the snow clears and they are staying with us at the hut to absorb as much learning as possible. Funny you should bring up the memory of Jungkook’s first winter when I am currently reliving it with two new dongsaengs, minus the sickness.

How fortuitous that you cannot live without Jeon Jungkook as he is now your mate and therefore you will never have to.

These letters are becoming harder to write. I think maybe we should take a break for a while.

Sincerely,

Jimin.

~~~

Jiminie,

I take it back. Whatever I said to make you stop wanting to write to me.

I’ve been crying for days since receiving your last letter. Distraught and desolate.

Please. I beg of you. Do not become lost to me!

I wish with all my might that I could sprout wings and fly to you right now. I would hold you in my arms and remind you how much I love you. How important you are to me and then I would never let you go.

I regret every decision I have made that has pushed you away. There is so much I wish to explain. I wanted to respect your wishes and those of others, but I cannot bear this!

Is it terrible to say that I murderously envy your silly apprentices who get to spend such precious time with you when I cannot? They are not your soulmates. I am! We are!

Take a break from me if you must, but when spring comes, I am coming for you.

Mates or not.

Rather you approve or not.

I will be on your doorstep and we will hash this out!

I love you.

Always. Forever.

No matter what you do or say,

Your Taehyungie.

~~~

SPRING

Taehyung,

You

cannot

come.

Petty jealousies and our differences aside, my worst fears have been realized. As the first flower broke through the snow, messengers from the Choi Pack to the south arrived with news that their numbers have been decimated by illness, similar to that of the north over the winter.

One of their messengers became ill during the journey and stayed behind with a small family of lone wolves just outside our border. He did not survive and now that family is sick and now more of the lone wolves are showing symptoms. We are trying to spread word through the council and by word of mouth through the village to stay in doors and away from others, but people are resistant. We are pack creatures after all.

Alpha Han is on again about attempting to fortify and close our borders although Pack Alpha Kim is still pushing for the completion of the hospital as his top priority. I fear what will become of us over the coming weeks. What will become of the new wolves who are about to present?

The illness starts with malaise and then fever, followed by cough and poor appetite and significant pain and can last for days to weeks. It seems to target adult wolves while sparing children and is highly contagious. Also highly fatal, seeming to quickly drain the life of almost all those it infects.

Do you know of this illness? I pray it has not yet reached the city, but if you hear anything and can pass along information that would help, please do. And whatever you do, protect Seokjin, I fear for him in his already weakened state.

Sincerely,

Jimin.

~~~

My Jiminie,

Above all else, please keep yourself safe.

I have heard no word of such illness, nor have any of my mates. We have travelers who pass through the city all the time though. Yoongi and Jungkook are out and about the most, they will keep an ear out. Namjoon has spoken to the Alpha King and he has intentions to begin limiting travel into and out of the city to prevent the potential spread. Namjoon very much wanted to  leave at once to return to the pack, but the King forbade it and after I told him of what you said regarding Seokjin’s safety he begrudgingly agreed that we should remain here.

I wish more than anything that I could come to you though. I pray to Luna every night that your apprentices have listened well and that all those we love there remain safe.

Remember you are the best healer, Jiminie.

Love Always,

Taehyung.

~~~

SUMMER

Dear Taehyung,

Please do not worry for my safety. As an unpresented, I seem to be safe from this, as are my apprentices, which has allowed me to spare my dam from exposure. The hospital was completed by the Spring Solstice and we began using it immediately as the influx of sick patients seemed to multiply overnight. It is with a heavy heart that I must report many losses.

I have treated your appa, one of Jungkook’s uncles, and Pack Alpha Kim just today.

Taehyung I am sorry to say, your appa did not make it. I held his hand as he took his last breath and he told me that he loves you and I am crying too hard to even finish writing now.

How can I write of sparing my own dam while telling you your appa is now gone? It feels as if I am losing my own appa all over again.

Taehyung I am broken! I would not wish such pain on anyone and never you. I hope you can understand. You said I am the best healer, but I am not. I have failed! I cannot put the loss and devastation surrounding me into words.

I don’t understand the purpose of this. Why is Luna testing us this way?

Taehyung, Forgive me.

Jimin.

~~~

My Darling Jiminie,

My heart is broken for my dear, sweet appa but also for you. It is a blessing to know that your face was the last one he saw. If I could not be there for him. I’m glad that you were. And I am glad your dam is safe. I would never wish you to be alone. Please keep her that way.

You are not at fault here. Do not doubt yourself. Not now, when you need your strength the most. You are a fighter Jimin. You must continue fighting!

Please keep writing so that I know you are safe.

Love Always,

Your Taehyungie.

~~~

Dear Jiminie,

Reports of mass illness have finally reached the city, our borders are tightly closed in an attempt to keep it from spreading here. Your early warning to us has likely saved many lives, but being safe and waiting to hear from you is maddening and guilt inducing. What purpose is me being safe when you are not.

Being locked away is making all of us tense and on edge. I know you are busy, but please write when you can. I long to hear from you.

Love,

Taehyung.

~~~

FALL

Dear Jiminie,

It’s been nearly three months since I last heard from you. Fall is beginning. We are still locked inside the city.

Are you well? Are things still dire back home?

It worries me that I have not heard from you. Please write soon.

~~~

Dear Jiminie…

~~~

Dear Jiminie…

~~~

My Dear Jiminie - Where are you?

***
 
WINTER

My Dearest Tae,

It seems my assumptions of me being unable to contract this illness were misguided. After many months of treating almost every member of our pack without contracting it myself, it seems I am now very sick.

I am sheltered away from my dam, as we long ago divided the healing hut between us to keep me from exposing her. I am attempting to nurse myself back to health but I fear it is no use. My symptoms are getting worse instead of better. I fear I may not survive.

I am sorry for only writing now, after all these months, but this is the longest I’ve had to sit in one place since it all started. Please know that you were always in my heart and on my mind.

If I never see you again, please know that I love you.

I love you and Jungkookie more than life itself.

Please tell him that. Please hold him and kiss him and do not let him cry.

My biggest regret will always be not getting to see you one more time.

All my anger and my pain. The resentment. It seems so meaningless now.

It goes without saying but, I forgive you both. You and your mates, for anything, everything.

Please live a happy life. My dying wish is only for your happiness. And tell Namjoon–

Jimin stared dejectedly down at his unfinished deathbed confession, wiping cold sweat from his forehead. He’d started it over a week ago, before he became too sick to finish it. It read pathetic now, even to his own eyes. What was he even going to tell Namjoon? The thought completely disappeared now that his mind was not riddled with fever.
 
It’d been a few days since things had started looking up, he’d slowly gained back his strength. He was almost fully back to himself yesterday, weaker, but feeling more normal. Even this morning he’d woken with a bit of a spring to his step. Still distancing himself from his dam, just to be cautious, but he’d cleaned up his side of the hut, even took the laundry down to the creek behind the house to wash and dry.
 
He almost threw the letter into the fire then, as he tidied up his desk, loathe to send it or finish that thought about Namjoon, but something stopped him.

What if you still need it?

Which was a ridiculous thought. He’s no longer on his deathbed and he was too embarrassed to admit those residual feelings even behind closed doors.
 
But then, as he re-read the letter, a cramp came low in his belly. One that made him grimace in pain at the sharp stabbing sensation. His body felt achy, mind going slightly fuzzy, an echo of the throes of his recent fevers. He wiped more sweat from his brow, noting his brow felt less cold and clammy and more scorching hot.

What’s happening to me?

He took a seat in the desk chair, still clutching at the letter.
 
“Jimin-ah?” His dam called through the door with a quiet knock. “I’m setting your dinner tray by the door. Come and get it soon, before it gets cold.”
 
“

Eomma

.”

His voice came out quiet and fearful, too soft for her to hear through the heavy wooden door. How he longed for the comfort of his dam, the sensation of physical touch, the warmth of another person. A sudden bolt of longing sent him whimpering to the floor, chair toppling, body sprawling with a loud thunk. He moved to get up but another cramp caused him to curl into himself instead, clutching his swollen abdomen, powerless to move.
 
“Jimin? What was that? Jimin-ah? Are you hurt?! Jimin-ah?!”
 
He heard the lock rattle in the door, and knew she was about to open it. He opened his mouth to call to her to stop. To not put herself at risk, but a low whine cut through the air instead, like a wounded animal. It took Jimin a moment to realize the noise came from him.
 
Even as tears streaked down his face in paralyzing fear for her, he whined and pressed himself closer to her touch when she bent to cup his face. He clearly saw the moment when her eyes widened and she sniffed the air.
 
“Jimin. You’re going into heat. You’re

presenting

. Oh no. Oh no, no, no. My baby!”
 
The fear in her eyes confused him at first until his mind cleared enough for him to realize. He was too weak to withstand this. Too gaunt and plaid and malnourished. If the heat itself didn’t kill him, the effects of it on his already weakened body would.
 
Maybe it’s a good thing he didn’t throw out that letter after all.
 
The pain was searing and lasted for days as Jimin alternated between weeping and screaming, soaking in his own sweat and rivulets of slick. He felt as though his body was burning from the inside out, fire raging hotter and hotter with no route to escape.
 
He had the fleeting thought that Seokjin was right.
 
He wished to

not

be omega, because he did not want

this

.

Please, Luna! Give me anything but this!

He thought about dying once or twice. Fantasized about how freeing it would be, but Luna would not take him, so he had no choice but to endure. Through the pain and the fire and when his wolf awakened, howling and thrashing to life in his chest, he leaned into it. Willing himself to either complete the process or be finished.
 
He awakened on the sixth day, weak as a kitten but lucid as he stared up at the pale blue winter sky through his window, powerless to move a muscle.
 
He heard his dam bustling around in the kitchen before a tap came at the door and she called out, “Jimin-ah! I’m coming in!”
 
He didn’t try to stop her this time. Was looking forward to her feeding him spoonfuls of broth by hand and washing his sweaty face. He longed for the comfort, but his hopes were short lived when she promptly dropped the tray she was carrying to the floor, hands coming up to cover her mouth when she gasped.
 
“Eomma?” he rasped weakly in question, voice like sandpaper. Oh, how he longed for water.
 
“Jimin! Your hair!”
 
***

Namjoon sat before the fire in the communal den of their city house, feeling the flames lap at his skin. Spring had come quickly, melting the slight chill that was winter here away weeks ago. This fire was wholly unnecessary, but he lit it all the same. For Seokjin, who was always cold or used to always be cold, before he had a warm and broody Jungkook to pout in his lap at all hours of the day and night.
 
Namjoon studied them for a moment. Seokjin hummed quietly as he read a book, fingers carding haphazardly through Jungkook’s hair until Jungkook’s eyes slipped closed. Namjoon considered it progress. For the first few months, Jungkook had refused to even be in the same room as Namjoon. The fact that he would let his guard down long enough to drift off to sleep now was huge. It should make Namjoon feel happy and fond, but instead he felt nothing.
 
He tried to think back, to a year and a half ago, when he’d made Taehyung and Jungkook part of his pack.

“I will be your pack alpha now.” Namjoon had announced, once they all settled in the main living space, Jungkook curled between Seokjin and Yoongi, Taehyung perched on Hoseok’s lap. Namjoon remembered feeling a ridiculous sense of pride and hope at the sight, his mates all looking besotted and starry-eyed over these pups. These pups who meant so much to his own beloved. He’d felt certain this was the right path. Content for the first time in ages.

“Not yet,” Jungkook had sneered, the tear tracks on his face making him look decidedly less fierce, in spite of his words. “Your father is still in charge here.”

“I don’t mean the greater pack or the community. I mean this pack. Our pack,” he gestured to the wolves around him. “You are mated to my mates now, and I will be your pack alpha. You have to let me bite you. It’s a hierarchy and we need it to live harmoniously together.”

“Over my dead fucking body!” Jungkook spat, huffing when Yoongi gently scruffed the back of his neck to calm him.

“Easy, love,” Yoongi admonished. “He speaks the truth. Once you’re connected to him you’ll see. It’s important.”

“But–but, Jimin.” Jungkook sputtered, tears welling in his eyes again. “I cannot. He would never forgive me.”

Namjoon’s heart seized at that, hair rising on the back of his neck in challenge. He knew Jungkook had strong feelings for Jimin. Did he still somehow have intentions to claim him?

Over my dead fucking body, indeed,

Namjoon thought.

When the time came, no one was marking Jimin but him. Absolutely no one.

“For fucks sake, Joon-ah. Calm down. He’s not challenging you for Jimin,” Yoongi snapped, somehow reading his mind as he so often did.

The whole room went quiet then. Taehyung’s eyes snapping to Namjoon. “Jiminie? My Jiminie? You…” he trailed off, taking another moment to study Namjoon. “You want him too?”

“He’s all I’ve ever wanted,” Namjoon confessed, not missing the way Jungkook’s back straightened from the corner of his eye. His eyes slid to Jungkook then, his alpha rising to the surface. “And you won’t like what happens if you challenge me for him when the time comes, Jungkook, I swear–”

“Oh! Oh, oh oh!” Taehyung interrupted, scrambling off Hoseok’s lap to slide to the floor at Namjoon’s feet, elegant fingers gripping his knees as he gazed at Namjoon in excitement. “You really want him, don’t you? Bite me. Bite me! I need to feel it.”

Namjoon obliged, cradling Taehyung’s wrist gently in his hands as he made quick work of administering the pack bite. Taehyung gasped almost immediately as the bond snapped into place and Namjoon felt a brightness in his chest, so similar to Hoseok.

Taehyung’s smile was blinding as he pulled his wrist back, marveling at the bite and the sudden rush of emotion that came with it. He turned to Jungkook, holding his arm out.

“Kook-ah, it’s ok. Just come. Come!” Taehyung motioned for Jungkook to join him and surprisingly he did, eyes wide and distrusting of Namjoon but also impossibly curious. He let Jimin guide his wrist up to Namjoon, nodding eagerly. “Let him.”

Namjoon paused, waiting for Jungkook to give a hesitant nod before he bit down. The feeling in his chest now was not as bright as Taehyung, but something impossibly more docile and sweet. For all his sneering and feigned fierceness it seemed Jungkook was little more than an innocent puppy. No wonder Seokjin and Yoongi had gravitated to him. Namjoon saw it now too, as Jungkook stared up at him with round, hopeful eyes. “You care for him very much.”

Namjoon nodded. “I believe he is my fated mate.”

And it had felt so good to say it then, feeling closer to Jimin somehow through these wolves.

Jungkook gasped in understanding but Taehyung frowned. “What does that mean?”

“I know of them. From my birth pack,” Jungkook admitted, expression suddenly cautious. “Hyung, you must be careful.”

“I know, Jungkook-ah,” Namjoon agreed, feeling fondness and camaraderie with the younger wolf. It was a relief, knowing Jungkook understood. That he too wished to protect Jimin.

“What? No! Namjoon-hyung he’s hurting so much. We must tell him, or at least of your feelings. I can’t keep this from him,” Taehyung argued, suddenly agitated and upset.

“We must, Taehyung-ah. I cannot be near him until he presents.”

Taehyung’s expression shuddered then, joy short lived, and Namjoon felt a growing sense of dread. “I cannot keep this from him, hyung. He is my soulmate.”

“You must, Taehyung,” Namjoon ordered, alpha bleeding into his tone. “I’ll command it if I have to.”

“That’s impossible. You expect to command me everyday not to tell him?” Taehyung pressed. “Hyung, do you realize how often I’m around him? It’s impossible to keep a secret from him. Alpha command or not. He’ll know I’m hiding something as soon as he sees me.”

All the hyungs held their breath at that and Taehyung looked around the room curiously, clearly unsure what he’d said to warrant such a response.

“We’ll be leaving for a while, Taehyung. The Alpha King has called me back to the city,” Namjoon said gently. And that had been the beginning of the end. The last day Namjoon had felt any semblance of anything good.

His new pack mates had pulled away from him abruptly, even more so after their disastrous goodbye to Jimin, and Namjoon couldn’t blame them. He’d wondered more than once the last eighteen months if he’d made the wrong decision. He’d kept his distance from Jimin to protect him, he hadn’t trusted himself not to hurt him, but what if it was all for naught.
 
They hadn’t heard from Jimin or anyone else from the pack in months and Namjoon’s fear and lack of control over the situation had made his alpha rage and claw away at his insides until there was nothing left. He felt lifeless, a shell of his former self. Moving through his days, surrounded by people, cold and numb and somehow still alone. Maybe the fire was for him after all, a futile attempt to warm his dead frozen heart.
 
The sound of the front door opening distracted him from his thoughts. It was likely Yoongi, returning from his afternoon shift of neighborhood patrol. Namjoon anticipated him stopping in the den to greet them, but he heard him scurry down the hallway in the opposite direction instead, which was strange. Taehyung was only growing more depressed by the day, holed away in the room he shared with Hoseok, rarely letting anyone but Hoseok or Jungkook enter to check on him. Why would Yoongi be heading directly to him, unless…
 
Namjoon stood abruptly from the chair, startling Seokjin who then dropped his book on Jungkook’s head.
 
“

Hyungie

,” Jungkook whined, blinking up at his mate in mock distress. Seokjin cooed, leaning down to kiss his face.
 
“I’m sorry, baby. Namjoon-ah startled me.”
 
Namjoon ignored them, turning to stride down the hallway but then Yoongi was there, looking both anxious and hopeful.
 
“They’re opening the gates,” Yoongi said to the room at large. “They’re opening the gates and will be allowing travelers to pass through as early as tonight–and Taehyung received a letter. I just delivered it to him.”
 
Something crippling spasmed in Namjoon’s chest, forcing him back to the edge of his seat.
 
“It is–was it from Jimin?” Jungkook asked quietly, abruptly sitting up beside Seokjin.
 
Yoongi’s eyes flashed to Namjoon, but then he nodded. “Yes. I didn’t open it, but judging from the handwriting on the front, I very much think it was from Jimin.”
 
Namjoon’s breath exited his body in a whoosh. Oh thank Luna! Thank fucking Lu–
 
“HYUNG! Hyungie! Namjoon-hyung!” Taehyung all but screamed, feet thundering down the hallway with Hoseok close behind him. His appearance was disheveled–clothes wrinkled, hair a mess from weeks of wallowing, but his eyes were bright, tears of joy cascading freely down his face. He crossed the room quickly showing the crinkled paper in front of Namjoon’s face.
 
“It’s happened. It’s happened, hyung! He’s presented!” Taehyung cried, even as Namjoon took the letter from him and began to read himself. He felt as Taehyung pressed something into the palm of his hand, but he was too distracted by the letter to register it, both elated and deeply troubled by the events Jimin described.
 
“We leave tonight. As soon as they open the gates.”
 
“But the King–” Yoongi started.
 
“Fuck the King,” Namjoon snapped, alpha bristling to life in his chest. “I’ll send word to him. I’ve served long enough. He’ll understand.” And if he didn’t, who cared? Namjoon would not wait a moment longer. “Pack your things now. Go!” he barked and everyone scrambled to move, the overwhelming scent of the house, frantic and flustered but overwhelmingly excited.
 
Namjoon moved to his desk in the corner, preparing to pen a quick note to be delivered to the king, that’s when he realized what Taehyung had given him.
 
A lock of vibrantly bright silver hair.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Dear Taehyung,

It’s been many months since I last wrote you. Please forgive my absence. Much has happened since my last letter.

The plague of illness raged on through summer and fall. Many lives were lost, despite the best efforts of myself and my apprentices. Although some were saved, our pack number has dwindled to a third of what it was when you left.

I was wrong in my assumption that unpresented were unable to contract the illness. Though it is rare, it can occur. I contracted it myself over the winter months and endured a fierce battle that I fear I almost did not win. I presented immediately afterward, in the dead of winter, outside of the typical season, as it seems nothing in my life is willing to go as planned.

I do not know if it was the strain of illness followed by the strain of presenting that caused it, but all my hair has turned gray, as if I am suddenly an Elder myself. Even writing it now, it sounds like I’m lying, because who’s even heard of such a thing? I’m enclosing a lock of hair as proof. It’s time for a trim anyway.

The shaman declared it a gift from Luna, but it feels more like a scar. A reminder of many unpleasant things. He disagrees though, even deeming it fit to bless me with my own tattoo. Can you picture it? Me. An omega with silver hair and tattoos? I am omega by the way. I forgot to say that before. It’s strange to think of myself as more than just Jimin still, despite it being a few months. Did you feel that way when you presented?

Needless to say, now that things are improving and the surge of illness has passed, it seems I am still the talk of the town. Now instead of whispering of my unpresented status, they whisper of me being the second coming of the silver wolf. Can you believe it? Of all the ridiculous things…

With our pack numbers falling so low, the council is lobbying for us to integrate our pack with the Kims to the north and the Lees and Chois to the south.

I hope the council wrote to Namjoon, but in case they did not or the message was not received, Pack Alpha Kim was significantly weakened by his battle with illness and has yet to fully recover. Beta Kang, his second, has taken over to lead in his stead.

The Elders who are still living are assisting him in making decisions and we are still governed by pack majority vote, but I’ve heard whispers that some of the rowdier alphas, led by Alpha Han and his son, do not approve of these decisions and are unwilling to follow a beta ruler.

I fear they wish to overthrow the pack hierarchy all together and declare themselves in charge.

Along with pack mergers, the council is strongly considering mandatory participation in courting and mating season among all unmated wolves of age this year. They’ve already invited the northern Kims and the Lees and Chois to send their eligible wolves and families to widen the field of available unmated wolves. Something about the whole idea sickens me. It’s something our pack has never done and feels barely a step above forced mating.

I’ve been told I may be considered for exemption, as my status as pack healer, “blessed” by Luna and the shaman, has deemed me invaluable to the pack. Many in the community are grateful for my hard work and the effort I have put into saving lives this year, but I do not relish the thought of feeling further separated from the pack if I am the only one who does not participate.

Maybe it makes sense, that my mating should be taken from my hands just as everything else in my life has been?

Ah, it seems I have rambled quite a bit. And I have not even asked of your well being yet? How are you? And your mates? I hope you are all still well and safe in the city.

Sincerely,

Jimin.

***

Jimin sighed, pushing his silver hair from his face and willed the late spring sun to warm his skin and quiet the sudden restlessness clawing at his chest. His wolf was anxious, more so every day as the summer solstice approached. He reminded his wolf that he had already presented, but knew there was no help for it. He might still be a new wolf, but he’d already learned, there was only one thing that would quell this anxious feeling.
 
He set his gathering basket to the side, eyes darting around the clearing to make sure he was still well and truly alone–although he always was, no other wolves came out this far–before disrobing quickly and promptly shifting into his wolf form.
 
It was instant relief, his omega rising to the surface in delight, racing around the ring of trees until his muscles felt pliant and warm. He snapped playfully at meandering butterflies and nosed at the cool, fresh earth, reveling in the scents of nature.
 
And Jimin knew it was taboo, for an omega to be this close to his wolf, to feel the pull so strongly he must follow the urge to shift outside of a mating run or the season of a full moon. It’s why he kept it to himself. Even his dam didn’t know.
 
He shuddered to think how his pack would react if they found out. Eyes followed him in awe now when he traveled to town, wolves tripping over themselves to seek his care and advice, hoping they too would be blessed by Luna. It made him feel like an imposter. He was just a wolf after all. Just one sad, lonely, omega wolf. Just as weird inside as he’d always been. The pack was fascinated with him now but he knew how quickly their interest could fade.
 
He huffed as his wolf lowered to the ground, letting the soft grass tickle his belly, snout falling to rest against his silver paws. That was the other thing he’d been hiding.
 
The fact that his wolf was, indeed, entirely silver.
 
He’d ignored it for a time, reasoning with himself that all he could see were his paws and surely many wolves had silver in their coats. Until he’d stumbled upon a stream one morning while shifted, too driven by his wolf’s immediate thirst to consider that he might see his full reflection in the water’s edge. He’d stared for a long time, awed by the beauty of his all silver coat. Was this what his pack thought of when they saw his silver hair in his human form? He was not so vain to think himself the true reincarnation of the silver wolf, still he kept it to himself. A secret between him the sun and the moon. Despite his fear of what his pack would think, he loved his wolf and felt a strong and deep connection to his omega. His omega was all he had now and he cherished it.
 
He worried on occasion what would happen if he mated. Would he find solace or rejection of his omega in another wolf. Jimin had grown so used to being by himself.
 
But then he reminded himself it was not worth worrying about. The pack council would decide his fate soon, if he would be required to mate or not. Even if he was  required to mate, it wasn’t a guarantee that other wolves would find him fit for courting, although eligible wolves from the surrounding packs had already started to arrive, and there was an overwhelmingly small number of omegas. If replenishing their numbers through mating was the goal, omegas would be essential. Some new wolves had already started seeking him out, too curious of his reputation to stay away. Two alphas, Kim Mingyu and Lee Taemin, came to mind, both attractive and exceedingly polite. Would they still show interest if they knew?
 
He lazed in the sun for a while, until he knew he could no longer dally and avoid his responsibilities for the day. Soobin and Taehyun would be returning to the hospital soon, having completed their own gathering run to Namjoon’s cabin garden. It was quite convenient, having two apprentices to manage places and things he wished to avoid. Namjoon’s garden had become invaluable during the months of illness and it truly was a beautiful place.
 
Even while hating it, he couldn’t allow it to go to waste, and he’d found Soobin very adept at gardening and mixing herbs, despite the fact that he still became quite squeamish at the sight of blood. At least Taehyun had a stronger stomach.
 
Jimin shifted back to his human form, dressing quickly and raking his fingers through his disheveled hair. He leaned down to grab his basket when a twig snapping to his right caught his ear. He turned, heart racing at the thought of almost being caught, but the sight that greeted him sent all thoughts flying directly out of his head.
 
Was it a ghost or a hallucination of Park Jimin’s own mind? His heart kept speeding up until it seemingly stopped all together, silence ringing loudly in his ears until the image before him smiled, nose scrunched like a bunny, with eyes as wide as a thousand galaxies. Jimin took a breath, the scent of sensual amber and alpha invading his senses. He opened his mouth to speak but could barely make a sound.
 
“J-J-Jungkoo-“
 
“Hyung!” Jungkook’s smile grew, the hairs on Jimin’s arms spiking into gooseflesh at the sound of his voice.
 
It felt so real, too real.
 
He watched the figure of Jungkook take a deep breath, and Jimin knew instinctively he was scenting him out. It made a shiver run down his spine and he watched as the smile fell away from Jungkook’s face, expression flickering from reverence to arousal and it almost felt like deja vu, except Jimin could scent it all this time and then Jungkook was sprinting to him, cupping his face with both hands and tilting it to the side to press his mouth and his nose right against his neck.
 
He stood rooted to the spot, alpha rumbling happily above him, until he felt the first hint of tongue against his skin and that quickly snapped him out of whatever trance he was in. He reached forward with deft precision, finding Jungkook’s left nipple easily even through the fabric of his clothes and pinched.

Hard.

Jungkook yelped, quickly dropping his hands and pulling away, but Jimin followed, pressing into his skin with the bite of his nails, twisting the taunt bud aggressively until Jungkook let out a whimper.
 
“Jeon Jungkook, need I remind you that you are a mated alpha?! How dare you scent me without my consent! If you ever do that again, I swear on Luna I’ll—“
 
“Jimin!” The sound of Taehyung’s voice completely derailed his thoughts and he was turning from Jungkook without a second glance. The worst kind of hope was welling up inside of him, but Taehyung was already folding him into his arms, shaking his body with deep racking sobs, whispering Jimin’s name on repeat in his ear. His tears soaked the shoulder of Jimin’s tunic in seconds.
 
And,

fuck

, it wasn’t a dream or a hallucination. Jimin was suddenly certain of it. They were here. They had come back to him.
 
Jimin closed his eyes and took a deep breath, breathing in the scent of his soulmate for the first time, grassy and bright with hints of citrus, and it felt like something slotted into place inside of him. Like he’d recognize it even without knowing somehow.
 
“Jimin! You’re alive. You’re okay. We’ve missed you so much! Your hair! Oh, your scent!”
 
Jimin wrapped his arms around Taehyung and let himself be held, even if he knew it was wrong. Not that Taehyung was giving him a choice anyway. He all but had him in a death grip.
 
“I missed you too, Tae,” he whispered. A stuttered sob from Jungkook was what finally broke them apart, but not completely, Taehyung kept his hands firmly planted on Jimin’s waist as they turned. Jungkook’s face was crumpled in even more tears than Taehyung now and Jimin could smell the regret and remorse in his scent, his wolf immediately pushing him to soothe and comfort.
 
“I’m sorry, hyung. I’m so sorry. I keep fucking things up!” Jungkook hid his face in his hands, self loathing apparent in his tone and he could see the things he hadn’t noticed at first, when he’d thought Jungkook was a hallucination. He was older, hair longer and slightly unkempt, jawline sharper. He looked slimmer, less vibrant and healthy and when he looked at Jimin again, his eyes were haunted.

Oh, his baby.

“Do you—do you

hate

me?”
 
Jimin’s heart thumped painfully in his chest, he paused long enough to search his heart and make sure. He knew there was still hurt there, under the surface between them, but it was surprisingly less than it used to be and it seemed so easy to forgive now. “ Come here, Jungkook. I don’t hate you.”
 
He turned in Taehyung’s arms, because Taehyung still wasn’t letting him go, all but gluing himself to his back, and opened his arms to Jungkook. He came slowly this time, turning his face pointedly away from Jimin’s neck before he fell into him with a bone crushing weight.
 
“Hyung, I’m so s-sorry. I’m so sorry. I’ve missed you s-s-soo much!” Jungkook was sobbing so hard now Jimin was surprised he was even still breathing.
 
He pressed his fingers into his hair, comforting him the way he used to when they were pups. “Shh, it’s okay now. I missed you too, Jungkook. I forgive you.”
 
And pressed between them, Jimin couldn’t recall a time in recent memory when he’d felt this whole, this safe. It made his chest ache with longing, but he didn’t let it torture him now like it would have a year ago, he just took a deep breath and let himself feel it, because at least it meant he was still alive. He’d learned over the last year that pain itself was a gift, because at least it meant you were still alive enough to feel. And even if it hurt, it wouldn’t last forever. Nothing did.
 
He drew away when his wolf became too restless, urging him to let himself be scented and to scent them in return. Those were things Jimin knew he was not allowed to have and he closed the door firmly upon it. He cleared his throat, pressing away the tears that threatened to overflow. It’d been a long time since he’d let himself cry and he didn’t want to start again now. Even though he forgave them, he wasn’t naive enough to forget. His guard was still up and suddenly their closeness was anything but comfortable and safe. He wiggled until they both got the hint and let him go.
 
He took a step back, futilely attempting to straighten his tunic. It was all but ruined now by tears. “Yah, you brats!” he muttered. Taehyung and Jungkook both giggled wetly in response. “What are you even doing here?”
 
Taehyung snorted, wiping his face. “What do you mean? We came as soon as we could. The same day the city gates were opened and the travel ban was lifted. It was also the day we received your last letter. Did you honestly think we could stay away?”
 
Jimin shrugged, ignoring the way that response made his hands shake. “Did you bring Seokjin-ssi then? How long are you staying?”
 
His friends shared a look and Jimin paused, trying to remember what Taehyung had said in his letters from all those months ago. Hadn’t that been the plan?
 
“Forever,” Taehyung said after a moment and Jimin frowned, unsure how to interpret that.
 
“We all came back,” Jungkook added. “Namjoon-hyung intends to take his place as rightful pack leader. We’re staying.”
 
“Ah, that makes sense.” Jimin wasn’t ready to delve into what that declaration

actually

meant, so he pushed it aside, focusing on the task at hand. The way he’d perfected over the past eighteen months.
 
“That’s it? That’s all you have to say?” Jungkook asked, not unkindly. He sounded and looked lost and Jimin felt an inkling of pity then. What did he really expect him to say?
 
“Actually, I have a favor to ask,” Jimin said, turning to grab his basket. He turned back to find he had their full attention then, like they were hanging on his every word. “Could you run this basket by the hospital on your way back to town? Soobin will be expecting it soon and I need to stop by the healing hut first.”
 
His friends gaped at him in silence, but Jimin was undeterred, stepping forward to place the basket firmly in Jungkook’s hands.
 
“I-I…of course, hyung. I’d be happy to,” Jungkook stammered.
 
“Kook-ah, why don’t you take it?” Taehyung encouraged gently, scent turning soothing in a way Jimin assumed was meant for Jungkook. “And I’ll escort Jimin to the hut. I have some things I’d like to discuss.”
 
Jungkook looked like he wanted to argue, but ultimately didn’t, turning to Jimin with slightly pleading eyes. “I’ll see you again soon, ok hyung?”
 
Jimin nodded, then turned toward the path to home, assuming Taehyung would follow. He felt his presence beside him a moment later, his slender arm looping around Jimin’s. “I hope you don’t mind. I just…feel the need to be close.”
 
Jimin nodded, but didn’t speak, feeling suddenly awkward around his soulmate for the first time in his life. He wanted to lean into the touch, but at the same time wanted to pull away. He reasoned he was still a bit in shock that he was actually here. That this was

actually

happening. It still felt like a fever dream.
 
He waited for Taehyung to bring up the things he wanted to discuss, but he didn’t, they made stilted small talk instead…

How are you other mates?

How’s your dam?

How was the journey?

How have things in the village been?

…at least not until the hut was fully in sight.
 
“How are you, Jimin?”

What a loaded question.

He shrugged, noncommittal as he stared straight ahead. “I’m well. The solstice is next week and things at the hospital have been calmer.”
 
“That’s not what I meant. Those are facts, not even related to you. I want to know how you’re feeling.” Taehyung huffed, disappointed and Jimin knew without looking that his lips were pursed into a pout, so much like the Taehyung of his youth, pouting prettily until young Jimin caved and gave him what he wanted. He wasn’t that same Jimin anymore though. 
 
He choked on a humorless laugh at the thought, the idea that things could go back to the way they used to be. He pulled his arm free from Taehyung’s as he made his way up the porch steps.
 
“What’s funny?”
 
He reached for the door, but Taehyung pulled his hand back, spinning him around. “Talk to me.”
 
“You think it’s that easy? That the path of our lives could split the way that it did. That we could exchange a handful of cold, distant sentiments through letters while you were tucked away safe and secure in the city and I was stuck, living what I lived through, here. That it would still be so easy, after everything, for me to spill my deepest, most intimate feelings to you?”
 
Taehyung’s eyes were fierce on Jimin’s, fingers still gripping Jimin’s wrist securely. “My letters to you were neither

cold

nor

distant

. If anyone was putting distance there, it was you.”
 
“Can you really blame me?”

“No, but it worries me and it hurts.” Taehyung’s eyes softened. “The only letter that really sounded like

you

was the one where you told me about Appa.”
 
Jimin found he could no longer meet his gaze, a lump forming in his throat. “I’m still sorry for that,” he croaked.
 
He felt Taehyung come closer, his scent soothing and sweet, impossibly more gentle than it had been even for Jungkook. “It’s not your fault. I already told you. I could never blame you.” He paused then, taking a breath. “And the only reason I brought it up is because I’m worried about you. You’ve been through so much now. If you’re not talking to me, Jimin, who are you talking to?”
 
Silence reigned between them.
 
“Your dam? Your apprentices?” he pressed and Jimin shook his head.
 
“I have no one, Tae. No one, really.”
 
“That’s

not

true.”
 
“It is. You have no idea—“
 
“Then tell me. If you have no one, then tell

me

.”
 
“I can’t!” Jimin exploded, finally wrenching his hand away. “I don’t even have the words right now. It would take weeks, months, maybe even years, Tae!”
 
Taehyung crowded his space again, insistent. “We have time. I’m not going anywhere.”
 
“Are you sure?” Jimin snapped, unable to hold the bitterness back, echoes of past resentment thumping through his veins.
 
“I’ve been your soulmate all your life and yet you hold so little faith in the things I say? I’ve never lied to you. I’ve withheld some things, I admit it. Things that were not mine to say, but I’ve never lied.”
 
“What if I don’t

want

to tell you? If you can

withhold

things from me, I don’t see why I can’t do the same to you.”
 
“It’s not the same,” Taehyung argued, clearly frustrated as he pulled his hand away, raking it through his hair.
 
“Why? Because you have five mates now to rely on and, therefore you don’t need me, but I have no one and therefore I

have

to need you?”
 
His hands shook as he brought them to his face, attempting to reel in the weight of emotion suddenly pressing on him, his wolf thrashed violently in his chest, seeking the comfort of Taehyung, the warmth and the safety. His wolf had no qualms about needing Taehyung, but Jimin himself…
 
No. Not now.
 
“You really think that? That I don’t

need

you?” Taehyung asked incredulously. “Jimin, the things I haven’t told you–”
 
“I don’t have time for this now,” Jimin pulled himself together again. “I have responsibilities, Tae. Other people who are waiting and relying on me today. I can’t do this with you.”
 
Taehyung looked sad, but nodded. “Soon then. We’re coming back to this.”
 
Jimin snorted. “I’m not making you any promises.”
 
He turned to open the door, Taehyung catching it with his hand, gesturing for Jimin to enter first, making it obvious he intended to invite himself in with him.
 
“You’re not getting rid of me so easily, Park Jimin.”
 
He followed him inside, making himself comfortable in Jimin’s space like he’d never left, offering aggressively positive comments on the way Jimin had rearranged things. Jimin ignored him for the most part, slipping behind the screen in the corner to change his clothes, using the rosewater scent masking tonic he’d made recently to further remove their scent from his hair and skin. There was no help for his neck though, where Jungkook had licked him. He was going to have to wash it.
 
He rounded the screen again and found Taehyung reaching for something on his bedside table. He realized a second later it was the bracelet Taehyung had left for him all those months ago. The one Jimin refused to wear but still never put away.
 
“Do you ever wear it?” Taehyung asked, glancing at his own wrist where the matching bracelet sat. He crossed the room without waiting for Jimin to answer, looping it around his wrist and senching it snuggly against his skin. Taehyung admired his work for a moment, running his thumb gently over the beaded design. “You can take it back off if you want. I just wanted to see.”
 
He shook his head. It felt too much like a claim to his wolf, and as much as he didn’t want to delude himself into thinking it meant more than it did, he still didn’t have the heart to remove it. He pulled his wrist free, moving to the water basin on the table, and grabbed the soap. He pulled his tunic aside with one hand, thoroughly scrubbing his neck.
 
“What are you doing?” Taehyung snapped, voice suddenly agitated. Jimin paused, eyes glancing up.
 
“Removing Jungkook’s scent. I can’t possibly go to town smelling like someone else’s mated alpha. It’s not right.” Taehyung narrowed his eyes at that and Jimin shrugged, resuming his cleaning. “We’re not pups anymore, Taehyung. The eyes in town are on me all the time now and any potential mate might find it–”

“
Potential mate?"

Jimin frowned, rinsing his now clean skin and patting it dry before looking back at Taehyung. “Yes, the council plans to vote on the required courting/mating season today. Even if they offer to exempt me, I’m still thinking of going ahead with it. I mean, what am I waiting for? A few wolves from other settlements have shown

some

interest, I don’t necessarily like the idea of giving up my position here, but if my future mate might require it–”
 
“

What?!

”
 
And Jimin didn’t understand the utterly devastated look on Taehyung’s face or why his bright scent had turned suddenly bitter. “You did read my last letter, right? It explained all of this. Why do you look so surprised?”
 
“Jimin-ah! Are you home?” His dam called, interrupting them as she came through the door. She paused for only a moment, eyes brightening when she spotted Taehyung. “Oh, my darling Taehyungie!”
 
And the thread of their conversation was lost over pleasantries exchanged with his dam and Jimin’s insistence he must finish getting ready and hurry to town.
 
“Ah! That reminds me. Soobin is already looking for you. Said an omega arrived from another settlement just this morning and was refusing to leave the hospital until they saw you.”
 
Jimin rolled his eyes, even as he gathered his things, occurrences such as this becoming more and more common as of late. It was frustrating when others did not see the same value of care from his apprentices. He

had

trained them himself after all.
 
Taehyung escorted him on his way and Jimin anticipated more needling, for Taehyung to pick up where they’d left off earlier, but he was surprisingly quiet instead. That earlier awkwardness returned.
 
The square was noticeably busier when they arrived. Livelier and louder than it had been in months, crawling with street merchants and vendors. Jimin assumed more wolves had arrived from the outlying packs and was distractedly scanning for new faces as they made their way to the hospital entrance, when two familiar figures emerged from the crowd.
 
Hoseok and Yoongi, both looking pleasantly happy and excited as they spotted Jimin, or, surely they were looking at Taehyung like that?
 
“Hello, little wolf!” Yoongi called as they approached and Jimin didn’t know if he’d ever seen the alpha look so openly friendly and fond of anyone besides Jungkook as he flashed him a gummy smile. “We found your little minions creeping in the garden this morning and apparently scared them half to death, or at least one of them. The other stood his ground and threatened to fight us. Then they said they were with you and we helped them carry in the supplies they had gathered.” He pulled Jimin unexpectedly into a hug when they were close enough, but then he was frowning as he pulled away and Jimin felt like he had whiplash, still trying to decipher the story Yoongi just told and his oddly affectionate tone.
 
“Jungkook said he scented you, but you don’t smell like him. Although your scent is very nice, pup, don’t get me wrong, but it’s going to make him upset.”
 
Jimin balked at that. Jungkook’s happiness wasn’t Jimin’s responsibility, at least not with matters related to scenting. He was

not

his mate. Yoongi

was

his mate.
 
But then Yoongi leaned in again, nose almost grazing Jimin’s scent gland and he gasped, tripping backward in his haste to move away, ready to fall if not for Taehyung’s firm grip around his waist. Yoongi moved away slightly, but not far, steadying Jimin by the elbow, and he felt warmth circle his opposite arm, realizing Hoseok had grabbed him to keep him from falling as well. Hoseok was tracing the bracelet on his wrist soothingly with his fingertips now, eyeing Jimin with concern.
 
Yoongi didn’t let go of him, neither did Taehyung.
 
It felt like they were crowding him, circling him up, but in the best way possible, making him feel warm and safe and small, all their scents combined making his wolf want to roll belly up and pur. It was the strangest sensation, all together new and overwhelming. His wolf had yet to react this way to anyone and it frightened the living hell out of him.
 
He quickly untangled himself, pulling away and offering a polite bow.
 
“Yoongi-ssi, Hoseok-ssi–”
 
“

Hyungs!

” They both corrected quickly and he startled at the fervence behind their request. Why were they all looking at him so intensely? Being so touchy and crossing such boundaries. What was he missing?
 
“R-right.

Hyungs

. If you’ll excuse me, I need to get to work now.”
 
He dashed quickly inside the building, pressing his back to the wall inside the first empty exam room, out of sight and hidden away. He took a moment to breathe, to calm his racing heartbeat and gather his wits. He felt his wolf whine in protest, but he silenced it quickly, wondering if the pending full moon or the excitement of the day was what was truly getting to him. His wolf was confused. Clearly.
 
He opened his eyes to find Taehyun blinking at him owlishly from the doorway. “Are you well, hyungnim?”
 
“Quite. Thank you, Taehyun-ah.” Jimin said, straightening his tunic for the millionth time. He smelled faintly of Taehyung and his mates now. He prayed it wasn’t noticeable and thanked Luna his apprentices were unpresented and largely unable to smell. “Where is Soo–”
 
“Ah! Hyung!” Soobin bounded down the hallway at that moment, making a beeline for the sound of Jimin’s voice. “There’s an omega–” He started, pausing briefly to catch his breath when he found them. “He’s demanding to speak with you. I’ve tried calming him down several times, but every time he sees me he just seems to get more agitated.”
 
“He keeps asking to speak with Omega Park - The Greatest Healer In All the Land,” Taehyun offered with an amused grin.
 
Soobin looked anything but amused though, posture riddled with anxiety. “I tried to put him in an examination room, but he demanded to wait in your office, instead?”
 
Soobin gestured anxiously to the stairs down the hall that led to the second floor, which housed their apothecary, supply room, and Jimin’s small office. Jimin nodded, patting Soobin’s arm soothingly as he slid past him out into the hall.
 
“Thank you, Soobin-ah. You did well. I’ll take it from here.”
 
Soobin visibly relaxed and Taehyun snickered at him, earning himself a glare from Soobin in return. Jimin took a moment to admire the young wolves and their closeness. Wondered how the summer would change things for them. Soobin was old enough to present now, though Taehyun was less than two years behind. Would he potentially be looking for a new apprentice in the fall if one or both of them presented and was forced to mate. The thought was daunting.
 
“Oh, and hyung! You never told us the cabin garden where we harvest herbs belonged to future Alpha Kim! He and a few of his mates nearly took our heads off this morning before we told them we were with you–”
 
“They weren’t that scary. I could have taken the tiny alpha. Honestly, the beta was scarier,” Taehyun butted in.
 
“But they seem to really like you a lot. Like really,

really

–”
 
“Thanks, Soobin-ah, Taehyun-ah! We’ll talk later, okay. See that Elder Omega Lee gets her willow bark tea and

not

the whiskey this time, hmm?” Jimin called, cutting them off as he made his way up the stairs to his office, which also doubled as an exam room when exceedingly private consultations were needed. He was only marginally surprised when he opened the door to find Seokjin.
 
“Finally! My healer has arrived!” Seokjin cried from his perch on the window seal. He fell back against the frame, one hand swept up to his brow for dramatic effect. Then he smiled and winked at Jimin. “Hello, Jimin-ah, my old friend.”
 
Jimin pressed his back against the door, arching a brow. “If you think I’m old, what does that make you?

Elder

Omega Kim?”
 
Seokjin’s hand flew to his chest this time, mouth gaping. “You wound me, Omega Park.”
 
His tone was playful, but Jimin had no interest, already over the entirety of this day. “What ails you Seokjin-ssi? If I remember correctly, you prefer to avoid other omegas. As you can see, I’ve now presented as one. Both of my apprentices are unpresented though, and would be happy to assist you in any way that they can–”
 
“That was before,” Seokjin said, decidedly more serious as he straightened from his perch, although his eyes were still bright and mischievous. He looked impossibly healthy, vibrant and vivacious, even after the long journey from the city and only arriving this morning. “I was out of touch with my wolf then. A very good healer taught me how to embrace my inner omega. He saved me. These days I find I quite like the company of other omegas, especially ones as pretty as you.”
 
Jimin’s eyebrows climbed impossibly higher. Was Seokjin

flirting

with him?
 
“Don’t look at me like that, you know you’re beautiful. I read your letter, but I couldn’t quite picture the hair,” Seokjin added, moving toward him, fingertips reaching out to dance around his head like a halo. “It’s stunning, truly. They’re right about you being blessed by the goddess herself. Namjoonie’s gonna die when he sees you.”
 
And that was the exact

wrong

thing to say. Jimin’s heart seized in his chest, a flood of rage, the likes of which he’d never felt, surged inside of him.
 
“If you’d like me to examine you, Seokjin-ssi, have a seat. Otherwise, get out of my office.”
 
Seokjin’s eyes flew wide as they snapped to Jimin and he took a step back, uncertainty and hints of fear spiking in his scent. “Jimin…have I gravely misjudged things? We’re all just so happy to see you. I meant no offense–”
 
“Sit down or get out,” he snapped again, stepping away from the door, gesturing meaningfully between it and the exam table. Seokjin chose the latter, settling himself on the table and holding out his wrists obediently as Jimin began his exam, rattling off his routine questions.
 
“When was your last heat?”
 
- “Four weeks ago.”
 
“And your symptoms during it?”
 
- “Much better than the last. I’d say it was well within normal expectation.”
 
“I see you’ve allowed another of your packmates to bite the gland on your neck.”
 
- “Jungkook and Yoongi. I think it’s helped greatly. Thank you for suggesting it.”
 
Jimin paused at that. “You didn’t need to tell me who, but I’m glad it helped.”
 
“I figured you’d want to know,” Seokjin offered quietly, seemingly avoiding Jimin’s gaze as they held this awkward exchange. Jimin wants to ask why. Why did Seokjin think this mattered to him, but he holds the question back. Attempting to stay professional.
 
“And now? What ails you?”
 
“Nothing,” Seokjin said sheepishly, and that brought Jimin up short.
 
“Is my entire existence a joke to you?” he snapped, watching as Seokjin’s eyes flew wide again.
 
“Jimin, no! I’ve missed you. We all have. Frankly, it’s been miserable without you–”
 
“You don’t look miserable. You look perfectly well, as you just said. You have

nothing

that ails you. Yet you’re here, wasting my time. Parading your good fortune and your alphas and your betas and my own friends before me. Making suggestive hints the likes of which I do

not

understand, and–”
 
In the angst of his rant he had moved away from Seokjin and the exam table and was now turned toward the window. The one that faced the council meeting hall, where he could see the doors were clearly closed, because the council meeting was already in session. The meeting that would surely decide Jimin’s fate.
 
He swore, ignoring Seokjin who questioned what was wrong, as he glanced quickly at the clock on the wall and made a mad dash for the doorway.
 
***

Namjoon was sweating bullets. No, buckets. He’d been arguing with Alpha Han and Beta Kang for the better part of an hour and he was in serious danger of losing his temper.
 
He took a breath, attempting to reel in his scent and not react to the overt edge in Alpha Han’s. “As I’ve said before, Beta Kang, it is unethical to

force

wolves into courting and mating. I understand the trials the pack has gone through over the last year, but two wrongs do not make a right–”
 
“What do you know of the

trials

we’ve been through? You’re barely still a member of this pack. You haven’t even been here!” Alpha Han called out of turn and Namjoon saw red as the crowd around them broke into a low roar.
 “I am still the future leader of this pack,” Namjoon growled, voice low but still somehow easily projecting over the crowd that immediately quieted in an effort to hear him, which only further served to annoy Alpha Han. “Nor am I ignorant to the struggles that have occurred in my absence. The illness that has plagued our pack has caused great suffering in every known place around us. Our struggles are not unique, nor should we rush to make rash decisions that will have generational impacts on our fellow pack members. I stand by that as future pack alpha, but if you wish to disagree with me and intend to challenge me for my status, Alpha Han, then by all means…” 
Namjoon held his arms open wide, eyes trained acutely on the other alpha, who was red in the face, all but huffing and puffing, ready to blow the whole place down. But Namjoon was ready too. He was itching for a fight even.
 
Beta Kang’s gavel dropped heavily against the wooden table, breaking the trance the alphas found themselves in. Namjoon glanced toward the table, frustrated not to find his father at the center. He’d visited him just this morning and seen with his own eyes how weak he had become.
 
“Alphas I demand you stand down. We shall have no further discussion on this matter. Alpha Kim, you are not pack alpha

yet

, I will remind you just this once that the council will vote on your status later this summer and not a moment sooner and Alpha Han, speak out of turn again and you will be thrown out and unable to cast a vote.” He paused then, waiting for either alpha to argue and when neither did he called for a vote. A vote that was overwhelmingly in favor of mandatory participation in mating season.

Fucking hell

! How could they

not

see this was wrong?
 
“What of exemptions?” Namjoon called as soon as the result was announced, unwilling to let the matter go. His alpha was still restless, frustrated by his inability to force things the right way.
 
The meeting was interrupted then, as the heavy oak door of the entrance was pushed open and all heads turned in the direction of the intruder, who walked confidently into the room.
 
At least Namjoon assumed that in reality he walked, because in Namjoon’s mind it looked like he waltzed in on air, floating in like an ethereal being, as all the oxygen was subsequently sucked from the room.
 
Because suddenly Namjoon couldn’t breathe, looking perfection in the face with eyes that burned like heaven’s wrath and the most brilliant shock of silvery hair swept back from his angelic face. Jimin. He couldn’t control the way his lips fell open, mouth parting in an effort to taste his scent, even as he stood fully across the room, too far away for any wolf around to scent him, but Namjoon could: jasmine and fresh pear and the barest hints of honey, reaching him. 
 
Saliva pooled in his mouth and he grappled to hold onto his sanity as he looked at his fated omega. Fully presented, smelling beautiful and ripe and perfect.
 
He’d considered he might see him here and had been excited for it, all but forcing himself to attend to his responsibilities of the day before seeking him out, but he wondered now if that had been a mistake. Too much of a shock to his system to see him for the first time this way, in a crowded room of people with his wolf all but climbing out of his chest, threatening to force a shift right at this moment.
 
Isn’t this what he’d always feared? That he’d lose complete control over Park Jimin?

Mine.

“Omega Park. You’re late.” Beta Kang called.

Mine.

“Forgive me, Beta Kang-ssi. I was working diligently in the hospital and lost track of time. Surely an exception can be made for saving lives?”
 
Sweet voice. Angelic smile.

Fucking mine.

He watched as Jimin’s eyes scanned the room, demurely daring any members of the pack to object, knowing they’d be fools if they tried to do so, because Jimin was perfect. And Namjoon would rip their fucking tongues from their bodies if they tried. He held his breath, waiting for Jimin to meet his eyes.

Omega. See me. See me

!
 
“Has the vote been taken?”
 
That sweet voice again, but Omega wasn’t looking at him. He was seemingly looking everywhere else.
 
“Yes,” Beta Kang announced. “The pack has voted in favor of mandatory participation in mating season. That is not to say that any pack members that do not find a mate will be penalized, nor will action be taken to force mating if relationships do not naturally form.”
 
Namjoon took a moment to pull his alpha back, as best he could. It was not easy, but he regained enough of himself to register the quiet resignation on Jimin’s face. He gave an acknowledging nod, taking a seat in the row across from Namjoon and he was so close, so close now, but still not noticing him. He couldn’t tell if it was intentional or not, his alpha both offended if it was and if it wasn’t.
 
“Alpha Kim was just asking of exemptions when you arrived,” Beta Kang finished, gesturing to Namjoon with his gavel and Jimin’s head turned then, finally meeting Namjoon’s gaze. And time stopped. Everything else in the room faded away as they stared at each other.
 
He could barely hear Beta Kang droning on in the background. “In the planning phases of this, the council previously agreed that any eligible unmated wolf may request an exemption of participation with good reason. Of which the council will convene a session to hear and vote on said request. Are there any initial exemptions to speak of?”
 
“I request an exemption for Park Jimin?”
 
The words were out of his mouth before he could stop them. Like someone else was all together controlling him.
 
Jimin blinked, clearly surprised by his request, snapping them out of the syrupy sweet moment they’d been having and back into reality. His cheeks turned a beatific shade of pink though, one that almost brought Namjoon to his knees. He was so in love. So wholly, so irrevocably so…the burnt sweetness of distressed omega brought him back to himself again
 
 It was Jimin, he knew immediately, but what was the source of his distress? Namjoon’s eyes darted around the room for imminent danger, but when his eyes fell back to Jimin, he realized he was still staring at

him

, but not with any semblance of good feelings. He looked horrified.
 
“And does Omega Park request an exemption for himself?” Beta Kang was asking loudly, attempting to be heard over the surprised whispers of the crowd and Namjoon was speaking again before he could stop himself.
 
“Park Jimin is my fated mate. I have been unable to claim him until recently as he has remained unpresented, but I fully intend to claim him soon. At a time when he deems himself ready. Fated pairings should not be rushed, and, therefore I request an exemption–”
 
“

Fated

mate? Don’t you already

have

five mates?” Alpha Han bellowed.
 
The crowd erupted in loud voices then, any semblance of quiet whispers abandoned and Beta Kang rapped his gavel loudly against the table, calling for order.
 
Namjoon’s eyes were only for Jimin though as the color slowly drained from his face. Namjoon worried for a moment that he might faint. He longed to cross the void of space between them and take him into his arms. Protect him, keep him safe and away from harm, but then he blinked and Jimin’s color was back with vivid clarity, his scent morphing from distress to righteous anger. The stench so potent the wolves around them fell silent, several bringing their hands up to cover their noses. And Namjoon never anticipated seeing such a look of abject hatred on that angelic face.
 
“Omega Park,” Beta Kang called. “What do you have to say of this?”
 
The room was so silent, Namjoon swore he could hear a pin drop, but his ears were only focused on the rapid beat of Park Jimin’s heart. They were still staring at each other.
 
“I–”
 
Namjoon held his breath, hands shaking in anticipation, but then Jimin turned to face Beta Kang, eyes leaving Namjoon all together. It felt like he was ripping out his heart.
 
“I know of no such thing.” His voice was confident and clear when he spoke, like a knife slicing through Namjoon. “I am fated to no one, nor do I request an exemption. I intend to run with my fellow wolves at the end of the summer and welcome all courting gestures.”
 
With that said he stood, bowed lowly, and quickly left the room.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Jimin was in serious danger of hyperventilating. He felt the panic rising in his chest. Knew he needed to take deep breaths to gain control, but his body wouldn't cooperate. 
 
Chest rising and falling. 
 
Too fast. Too shallow.
 
What the fuck? What the

actual

fuck?
 
He slid behind the frame of the meeting hall, away from prying eyes, and pressed his body up against the building, hoping the sturdy wood would somehow tame the shaking.
 
He didn’t understand what had just happened there. Had barely been able to control his reaction to his scent, to quell the desire that always threatened to choke him every time he looked at Namjoon. Still. Even after all these years and all the ways he’d been hurt. The pull felt even stronger now.

What was his omega even thinking?

And the things he’d said. Ridiculous, preposterous, and infinitely embarrassing. Was Kim Namjoon really that cruel? After all the years Jimin had told himself he was not, that he did not understand how the things he did affected others. To spout such lies

now

with no purpose. He couldn’t wrap his mind around it.
 
The scent of cinnamon and clove reached him then, spicy and soothing. His body all but calmed in an instant and suddenly he could breathe again, but he didn’t want to.
 
Not like this. Not at the will of Kim Namjoon.
 
“Stay away.” he hissed, straightening off the wall to his full height as Namjoon rounded the corner.
 
“Jimin—“
 
“I am Omega Park. You will address me as such.”
 
Silence reigned in the space between them. Worry and trepidation palpable in Namjoon’s scent, like he couldn’t control it. His expression was grim, jaw tight and eyes hooded, as if preparing for a fight. He looked even more the part of powerful, imposing alpha than he had two years ago, but if he wanted a fight, Jimin would give it.
 
“The things you said back there, Alpha Kim. Were wholly untrue. How dare you. How dare you say such ridiculous things in front of our pack members.”
 
“It’s

not

untrue.” he argued, quiet but sure, eyes burning with intensity.
 
“It is. You really expect me to believe that you, who have kept your distance from me for years—“
 
“It was

not

by choice.”
 
“Now that I am a novelty to these people—“
 
“You were never a novelty to me. I have

always

loved you. I

ache

for you. I have

pined

for you.” Namjoon was moving closer then, determined. “For so many years—“
 
“Enough!” Jimin cried, closing his eyes and pressing his fingers into his hair, tugging at the ends in an attempt to ground himself. He took a step back, body meeting the frame of the building again. “Do you really expect me to believe any of that?”
 
He’s met with silence again and he opened his eyes to find Namjoon staring at him.
 
“You have no idea…” Namjoon admonished, shaking his head, chest heaving, like he was running out of breath or holding himself back. “You are mine, Park Jimin.”
 
“I am

not

,”Jimin balked. “You have

five

mates. None of which are me. Do you deny them?”
 
“No.” Namjoon shook his head. “They are mine, as they can also be yours, but you

must

know that I am

only

yours.”
 
Jimin laughed hysterically at that, of all the absurd things to say, but Namjoon growled. His eyes flashed red as he crowded him against the wall and Jimin fell quiet, the sudden urge to bare his throat in submission almost overwhelming. He fought against it, senses going haywire. Namjoon’s scent and body were too close. His omega, too excited.
 
“Do

not

doubt me, omega,” he rumbled, voice so low it made Jimin ache between his legs.
 
Saliva pooled in his mouth, gums aching, as Namjoon tilted his own head, showing his throat, to display his unmarked scent gland. “I have

saved

myself for you. You are

meant

for me.” His eyes stayed, unwavering on Jimin’s. “I’ll prove it.”
 
He turned abruptly then, stalking away, leaving Jimin gasping and trembling in his wake.
 
***
 
It took Jimin a while to calm down. He really wasn’t sure how long he stood behind the council meeting hall collecting himself, but eventually he did. He made his way back to the hospital after that, avoiding the curious glances and whispered conversations happening around him as he did. 
 
Young Jimin would have run home and hidden in his room for days after an altercation like that. Current Jimin didn’t have that luxury, no matter how upset or confused he felt. 
 
Luckily it took time for news to spread in town, before his packmates would start coming around the hospital looking for gossip. So he was able to spend the rest of his afternoon in blissful ignorance, pretending nothing had happened, and focusing on his work.
 
He was still caught off guard when he stepped out of the hospital that afternoon to find Kim Mingyu waiting patiently under a tree, tall frame leaned casually but confidently against the trunk. He smiled brightly when he saw Jimin, body snapping to attention.
 
He greeted him with an eager bow, reminding Jimin of an overgrown puppy, or rather, of Jungkook.
 
“Omega Park-ssi, would you allow me to escort you to dinner?”
 
Jimin nodded, too surprised by the offer to say no. Mingyu beamed, falling into step beside him as they headed toward the pack kitchen. Jimin couldn’t help but notice how he towered over him. A strong alpha. He’d be a good protector, an important quality in a mate, but the thought felt wrong, his omega shying away.
 
“Do you enjoy living here, Omega Park-ssi?”
 
“Please, call me Jimin.” Jimin interrupted, and Mingyu smiled.
 
“Jimin-ssi, then. Do you like it here? I find the climate warmer than our pack lands in the mountains.”
 
“Yes, although the winters are still very cold. I’ve traveled to your pack lands before, when I was training with my dam as an apprentice healer. It’s very beautiful there.”
 
“I know,” Mingyu said, and Jimin laughed, watching as his cheeks tinted slightly pink, but his confidence did not wane. “I didn’t mean…I wasn’t bragging about my pack lands, although I agree, they are beautiful. I meant, I know you’ve been there before.” He paused in the road, gesturing to a small scar above his eyebrow. “I had an unfortunate collision with a tea kettle when I was a pup.”
 
“Ah! I remember you now. I treated you didn’t I? On my first trip to your pack.”
 
“I’ve thought of you fondly since then.” Mingyu admitted, resuming their walk to the dining hall. “You were so kind, and still are, it seems. I find it fortuitous that we are both here now, unmated.”
 
Jimin hummed quietly, something nervous springing up inside of him. He was momentarily distracted as the kitchen came into view and he spotted Jungkook standing alone outside the building.
 
“I hate to be so forward, but rumors are swirling that you are the future pack alpha’s fated mate although many say you outright denied it.”
 
“I did,” Jimin admitted, stopping to turn fully to Mingyu who smiled widely in reply.
 
“Excellent.”
 
“Hyung–” Jungkook interrupted then, coming toward them and Jimin steeled himself for another ridiculous, emotional alpha outburst.

Although

,

hadn’t he had enough of those today?

But Jungkook was calm and quiet when he asked, “May I speak with you?”
 
Jimin turned to him, wholly surprised by his calm demeanor, doe eyes solely focused on Jimin and completely ignoring the alpha beside him who was standing taller and puffing out his chest at his approach.
 
“As friends,” Jungkook added, sincerely, and Jimin felt something in his chest unlock, the tension in his body releasing in a rush and he found himself replying without thought.
 
“Yes,” he turned to Mingyu, bowing, “If you’ll excuse us.”
 
“Of course, “ Mingyu agreed graciously, although his eyes slid, calculatingly to Jungkook before sliding back to Jimin. “I hope to see you again soon. And just so we’re clear….I’m not afraid of a little competition.”
 
Jungkook’s eyes did snap to him then, nostrils flaring for a moment, but he took a deep breath, offering a brief nod of acknowledgement before turning back to Jimin, forcing his body to relax with visible effort. And Jimin had never known Jungkook to show such restraint.
 
“This way, hyung?” he asked, gesturing to a set of outdoor tables in a secluded copse of trees. “They’re serving japchae. I took the liberty of getting a large portion for you so you didn’t have to go through the line. I hope that’s okay?”
 
And Jimin didn’t remember the last time someone had done something like that for him. It brought up bittersweet memories of this same shy boy, much younger and sweeter than the one of recent years, and his heart ached.
 
“Yes, Jungkook. Thank you,” Jimin said, nodding for Jungkook to lead the way. “That’s very thoughtful.”
 
“It’s nothing, hyung,” he murmured nervously, leading Jimin to the table, set with two place settings and a large, full serving bowl, but he didn’t serve himself, instead heaping large portions onto Jimin’s plate while leaving his own untouched. He gestured for Jimin to begin eating, waiting until he took a bite before saying, “Taehyung, wanted to come too, but I asked him not to. He got time alone with you to speak his mind this morning and I…well, I wanted my own turn, if you would hear me out? But also, we wanted to check on you. We heard what happened at the council meeting today and with Seokjin-hyung before that and…how are you, hyung? Are you okay?”
 
Jimin set down his chopsticks for a moment, appetite waning as he tried to swallow the bite in his mouth before responding, “I’m upset and embarrassed and….” Jimin paused for a moment to think. Finding it difficult to tease out and name what he was feeling.
 
“And angry?” Jungkook supplied. 
 
Jimin sighed, suddenly exhausted. He was angry, but he also wanted to be done with it. Bitterness and anger and spite had served him little in the last few years. They didn’t change things, didn’t make them better in any way. Nothing did.
 
“You should be angry, hyung.” Jungkook added quietly. “Namjoon-hyung is an idiot.”
 
Jimin choked on a laugh, Jungkook quickly pouring him a glass of water and offering it to him.
 
“We all know he’s smart, but he’s also dumb. Very,

very

dumb. He loses his head around you. Which, honestly, is the most relatable thing about him. I mean how many times have I done it myself?”
 
Jimin went quiet then, staring at Jungkook, eyes so round and wide, staring back. Jimin felt like he could see right into his soul.
 
“The things he said, Jungkook…” He shook his head, unable to say more. “It’s outrageous.”
 
“It’s not,” Jungkook replied, pausing, letting it sink in. “What he said was the truth.”
 
He laid his hand on the table, palm up, wrist exposed so Jimin could see the bite mark there. “I knew it the moment he bit me. Can feel it right here when I look at you.” He pressed his other hand to his chest, over his heart. “It lives here, with my own longing for you. The one that’s been there for a

very

long time.”
 
He looked impossibly vulnerable then, like the ghost of fifteen year old Jungkook come back to haunt him and Jimin felt like he couldn’t breathe, tiny hairs all over his body standing on end.
 
“Jungkook,” he rasped, barely a whisper of air escaping his lungs.
 
“I anticipate that you’re very angry at us for not telling you things, but it’s a long story and I think maybe I should start from the beginning?”
 
When Jimin didn’t answer, Jungkook gestured toward his plate. “Will you eat while I talk, please? I don’t want you to be hungry.”
 
Jimin didn’t want to eat, was not hungry in the least, but he wanted Jungkook to talk and so he took a bite anyway, chewing slowly.
 
“I still remember the first time I saw you. I was barely a pup of twelve when I moved here to live with my uncles and I felt so broken and sad. My dam and sire had passed and the pack here was so different from home. I missed the sea and the salty air and the warmth. I felt like I didn’t belong. That first summer was so lonely and I was so scared that first day when school started. I remember walking in the first day and you were sitting with Taehyung. He said something to make you laugh and you smiled so big and my heart just went

boom

. It was like I’d been living in black and white and suddenly I could see colors again, like a breath of fresh air for me, a spring day. And I thought,

he’s the most beautiful boy I’ve ever seen.

You didn’t notice me then. It took several months before you started inviting me to hang out with you and Taehyung, and you fascinated me. I couldn’t get enough of you. Even then, I was always a little out of place, like a third wheel. You and Teahyung were like two peas in a pod, but eventually we became three.”
 
Jungkook smiled sadly and Jimin felt slightly sick. He knew Jungkook had feelings for him, that he’d felt them for a long time, but he never knew it was like this. “Tae said he told you in one of his letters that we were all three soulmates and I like to believe that it’s true. That maybe somewhere in your heart, at some point, you loved me as much as Taehyung. In the early years, I thought you loved him the most and that maybe I was second? And I thought I could live with that. I loved Taehyung differently, but I loved him too, and I could accept it. But then…as we got older…I realized

Namjoon

was actually first.”
 
Jimin wanted to deny it, but Jungkook shook his head, almost like he already knew what Jimin was thinking and he smiled wryly.
 
“Hyung, you glowed when you looked at him. It was like he lit a fire inside of you. And when he looked back, it was electric, like you were two magnets, ready to snap together at any moment.” Jungkook shrugged helplessly. “I was

so

jealous for a long time. I let it eat me up inside because I wanted you

so much

. Even now, you have no idea how precious you are, hyung. How wonderful and amazing. How desirable you are. There’s not a thing about you I don’t like.”
 
He said it softly, trembling fingertips reaching out to hesitantly ghost across Jimin’s knuckles before he pulled away and Jimin fought the urge to chase that touch, to tangle their fingers together and keep him close. Jimin’s heart squeezed tight, the desire to comfort Jungkook so intense he had to grip the table in an effort to stay still. How could he not see how much he’s hurt Jungkook over the years? All the things he was going through related to him while Jimin was blissfully unaware? It made him infinitely sad.
 
“I let my jealousy consume me. Let it make me angry and bitter. I channeled it into hating Namjoon, even though there were many things I admired about him. Part of me even resented you too, for not

seeing

me, even though a bigger part of me hoped that him leaving meant it would give me more of a chance. I thought if I just

tried

harder, made myself

better

…maybe you’d want me too.”
 
“When Namjoon came back I became even more selfish. I used your hurt as my fuel to hate. I thought if I hated them all enough, maybe you would hate them too and then pick me? Because in my mind, it didn’t matter why you picked me as long as you did. And then I became so obsessed with not letting them have you, or Taehyung, that I lost sight of you all together, didn’t I? I said I was doing it for you, but–” His eyes grew misty then. “Did I even spend

time

with you that summer? You must have been so conflicted and lonely and I

abandoned

you…I didn’t even realize. My judgment was so clouded,” He shook his head, tears starting to fall.
 
“I’m so sorry, hyung. I know I’ve said it already but it will never be enough. My wolf was what saved me. He saw what I could not. And Seokjin and Yoongi…”
 
“I didn’t understand it then, but my wolf did. My wolf led me to the mating, but it still took time to see what love is really meant to be like. How you’re supposed to treat the ones you care about. When you love someone it’s not because of anything they do or how hard they try, you just love them. They also taught me what it’s like to be loved

first

and how your love doesn’t have to be exclusive to be powerful. How it can be shared and never run out. It just grows bigger with time the more you feed it, until there’s so much love there’s little room for jealousy.”
 
There was a long pause then.
 
“W-when the mating first happened, though…I was so

ashamed

and scared. You were so angry and I couldn’t believe that I’d done that to you.

Hurt

you that way. You’d never reacted that way to me and I feared I’d lost you forever, which honestly I deserved, didn’t I?”

No. Never.

Jimin wanted to argue, but he stayed silent, fighting back his own tears.
 
“I punished myself by keeping myself from contacting you. Not knowing if you hated me completely was better than knowing you did. I was a coward, but I didn’t realize at the time that maybe while I was punishing myself I was abandoning you again. I’m so sorry for that too, hyung. For leaving you alone at a time when you needed us the most.”
 
“Jungkook,” Jimin’s voice was tight when he spoke, unable to keep himself quiet any longer. “Not all things are within your control. You are human and allowed to make mistakes, but you are not a master of the universe, responsible for all things.”
 
Jungkook huffed wetly, dabbing at his eyes with the sleeve of his shirt. “Oh, but if I was, hyung. If I was, I’d move heaven and earth for you. I’d go back and change so many things. I’d be more open and share my feelings with you and ask you for yours in return. I would support you in all things and never abandon you.”
 
“Don’t focus on the past, Jungkook,” Jimin begged, his own tears finally spilling over and it felt like, maybe, he was talking to himself too.. “Focus on the future instead.”
 
Jungkook nodded, clearing his throat before he started speaking again, eyes impossibly wider. “In the future, I intend to love you openly and honestly, in any and all ways that you’ll let me. I’ll promise to be your friend first and to never leave you again—”
 
“Kookie, please,” Jimin sobbed, wiping at his eyes with his napkin now. “I don’t need you to promise me these things. I just need you to be happy. I already said I forgave you and that hasn’t changed. Are you happy now? With your mates?”
 
“It’s not about happiness, hyung,” Jungkook said, impossibly serious. “The question is, am I complete yet? And the answer is no. Not without you.”
 
He straightened then, drying his eyes one final time before he looked back at Jimin.
 
“I intend to court you, along with the rest of my mates. And I hope and pray that when the time comes, you will find it in your heart to accept us. If you do not, I will respect your choice and continue to love you anyway, for the rest of my life. But I will ask you, now, to strongly consider Namjoon. I didn’t understand it before he bit me, and it took me a long time to process what it actually meant. He felt very strongly about you

not

knowing before you presented and alpha ordered us

not

to tell you before we left. So if you still want to be mad at him for a while, I say go for it. Give him hell, hyung, but then…

consider it

. I believe he is your destiny and…he’s waited for you.”
 
He gave Jimin a meaningful look that Jimin in no way understood before sighing deeply and leaning in to whisper. “He’s

waited

for you. Yes, he has five mates and he’s bitten all of us on the wrist, but he’s not…we don’t…” He trailed off, cheeks turning pink before he tried again.
 
“I am

intimate

with Seokjin and Yoongi…and Taehyung and Hoseok as they are with each other. I learned in the city that it’s very common in mated packs for

all

members to

be

together in some way or form at a given time, but Namjoon hasn’t…has

never…

he has brought us all together, yet he keeps himself apart, because he considers himself

yours

. He’s never touched another wolf, not in the

truest

sense of mating, and…he spends his ruts alone.”
 
Jungkook’s words hung heavy in the space between them, Jimin’s mind completely blank. Too stunned to comprehend the implications of Jungkook’s words, until Jungkook cleared his throat again and nodded, standing from the table. “Ok, I think I’ve said everything I came to say. Thank you for listening, hyung. I’ll let you finish your dinner in peace and give you time to think—“
 
“Wait!” Jimin cried, suddenly panicked, loathe to let Jungkook leave him alone now with his spinning mind. “You can’t leave! I can’t eat all this food myself.”
 
“You…want me to stay?” Jungkook asked, hopefully.
 
“Yes! Stay. Sit. Eat.”
 
Jungkook followed his instructions easily, seemingly delighted to take his seat again.
 
“And will you—would you…e-escort me to the hospital tomorrow? I have some things I need help with and my apprentices have been very busy.”
 
He was lying through his teeth. The hospital had been slow and boring as of late, but the idea of being without Jungkook now that he’d finally gotten him back—
 
“Of course, hyung,” Jungkook smiled, wide and bright, and Jimin wondered if this was the moment he too started to see colors again. “I’ll be there first thing in the morning.”
 
***
 
Jimin was restless. He’d said goodnight to his dam hours ago and was now watching the waxing three quarter moon out his window. He almost felt the tug of the impending solstice and full moon to come in his gut. He needed to shift. Had it just been this morning when he’d shifted and run freely through the meadow? It felt like days ago and that worried him. He’d never felt the urge so strongly before, so close together.
 
There was no help for it though. Between the restless feeling and Jungkook’s words repeating in his head, there was no way he’d be falling asleep without letting out some energy.
 
He left the hut quickly and quietly, still worried of his dam finding out. He found a secluded tree to strip by, leaving his sleep clothes neatly folded before shifting.
 
His omega panted in excitement, springing forward to race off into the night without a second thought and Jimin leaned into it, letting his mind go quiet and his senses take over.
 
It wasn’t long before he burst through the treeline of the meadow again, so much faster in his wolf form than as a human. He made a lap around the clearing, stopping to sniff at some flowers and a rock when he was done. A rustling in the trees at the far corner caught his attention next.
 
Someone or

something

was coming and he didn’t have time to shift back or sneak away. His instincts told him they were too close. He prepared to defend himself. He crouched slightly and bared his teeth in wait, heart hammering in his chest.
 
The rustling stopped for a long moment but Jimin stayed, too fearful to turn his back. He swore he could feel eyes on him. A moment later, a large wolf, black as midnight and more than twice his size, stepped through the trees. His omega relaxed, head tilting to the side in interest before Jimin snapped it firmly back in place. He recognized the scent a moment later.
 
Namjoon.

Alpha

.
 
The pull was harder in this form. What had Jungkook said before about magnets? That’s what it felt like now, a thousand tiny magnets underneath his skin urging him forward, closer, there. His omega scratched and whined and wiggled excitedly in his chest.

Alpha. Go. Our Alpha.

But Jimin stayed, digging his paws into the ground and sitting back on his haunches in an effort to keep his wolf from moving. He longed to shift back to his human form and run, but he knew instinctively that—wolf or man—if he ran, the alpha would give chase. And if he was caught…
 
His omega urged him to tilt his head again at the thought.

Submit.

No.
 
Namjoon had yet to move, frozen still on the other side of the meadow, almost as if he were waiting on Jimin to make a call. He seemed to sense moving any closer was unwelcome and so he stayed too, but up on all fours, eyes scanning the woods like he was looking for threats before they fell back to Jimin.
 
He felt trapped. There was no help for it. He would have to wait Namjoon out.
 
Jimin huffed, lowering himself all the way to the ground, snout resting on his paws, eyes trained on the other wolf. Namjoon took that as freedom to pace along his edge of the clearing. He did not come closer, just trailed back and forth, almost like he was keeping watch. Continuously on guard, but guarding what?
 
Jimin was unsure.
 
In much less time than he expected his limbs grew pliant and lax, eyes heavy. He tried to remain awake, but he couldn’t, and before he knew it he was fast asleep, the spicy scent of alpha and fresh grass quite soothing to his nose.
 
***
 
He woke hours later in his human form, as the first crest of dawn rose above the trees. It was misty and cool and Jimin should be freezing, but his body was covered with a soft, heavy blanket, made of the richest fabrics Jimin had ever seen in shades of black and silver. Jimin rolled onto his back, and snuggled deeper because he wasn’t fully awake yet. Not until he took a breath, burying his face in the fabric just to come away gasping and sputtering from the heavy scent of alpha.
 
Not just any alpha.
 
Namjoon.
 
The events of the night came rushing back then and he sat up quickly, eyes darting around the meadow only to find himself alone. His heart rate started to settle, until he shifted again, smelling and feeling the trickle of slick from between his cheeks.
 
He threw the blanket off, scrambling up only to snatch it around himself again as soon as his naked body met the cold air. He shivered, wrapping the blanket more tightly around himself, inadvertently breathing in Namjoon’s scent and feeling more slick trickle out.
 
He wanted to throw off the blanket and shift into his wolf form to get home but he shied away from leaving a trail of slick so easily traceable in his wake and the blanket was too warm and beautiful to leave behind. So he made his way slowly home, cursing his restless omega the whole time, somehow still sneaking into his room without alerting his dam. He worried over where to store the blanket before deciding to hide it in the covered chest at the foot of his bed and if he took one final sniff of his scent mixed with Namjoon’s before stuffing it away, that was no one’s business but his own. It didn’t have to mean anything. It was simple biology, right? Surely any alpha had the ability to make him wet under similar conditions.
 
His omega growled at that suggestion, but he ignored it, filling the tub with warm water as fast as the kettle could make it and scrubbed himself clean. He worried that somehow the scent of Namjoon still lingered, like it was clinging to his very pores, but he brushed it off. Convinced himself that the scent of the blanket just lingered in the room.
 
When he made his way outside, he found Jungkook waiting by the steps, a small wrapped parcel in hand.
 
“Good morning, hyung!” He greeted him brightly with a wide smile, but it fell slightly as Jimin grew close. His head tilted curiously and he sniffed at the air, glancing around before turning back to Jimin.
 
“Hyung, you smell—“
 
“Like I bathed this morning? Yes, Jungkook-ah, thanks for noticing,” Jimin scooted quickly by, making his way down the path ahead, Jungkook catching up to him quickly.
 
“Ah, that explains it,” Jungkook agreed, although his tone implied it explained absolutely nothing. “Your scent is… quite

enticing

this morning.”
 
Jimin quivered at that, moving quicker still, but Jungkook matched his pace. “Is that a

spicy

edge I smell? Are you trying out a new perfume?”
 
“Yah! We’re barely friends again and yet you still see fit to tease me?” Jimin cringed a little, afraid his own teasing might be too soon. He couldn’t bear to see another sad look on Jungkook’s face, but Jungkook just laughed.
 
“Ah, hyung, I’m not teasing. I’m

flirting

. Isn’t that what you do when you court someone?”
 
And Jimin felt his heart flutter, even as his cheeks grew pink, and then Jungkook was dangling the wrapped parcel in front of him. “This is for you, by the way.” His voice was impossibly tender and sweet and,

oh

, Jimin was unprepared.
 
“I–courting gifts already? Isn’t it a bit soon for that?” He cursed his own voice for coming out high and squeaky, even as he snatched the parcel out of Jungkook’s hands.
 
“It’s never too soon. Think of it as a

pre

-courting gift, or if that makes you uncomfortable, think of it as just breakfast. You haven’t eaten yet, have you?”
 
Jimin’s stomach gave him away before he could think, growling loudly in the space between them and making Jungkook chuckle again.
 
“Eat up, hyung. We can’t have our pack healer going hungry.”
 
Jimin unwrapped the package to reveal two slices of freshly baked bread, still warm somehow with egg and cabbage in between. It smelled mouth watering and tasted even better when he took a bite, a spicy sweet sauce discernible on his palate. “You made this?” he asked, around a mouthful of eggs and Jungkook preened.
 
“I did, but Yoongi-hyung and Seokjinnie taught me how. They’re very good cooks.”
 
Jimin hummed around another bite, content to walk in silence until he had nothing left to eat. Jungkook watched him the whole time, his scent turning more pleased and happier with every bite. “Did you like it, hyung?” he asked hopefully when Jimin was done and Jimin nodded, unable to deny it, and he wasn’t even sure if it was the taste of the food or the idea of Jungkook providing it for him that made it so good.
 
“It was delicious. Thank you,” he whispered breathily.
 
Jungkook hummed happily, cheeks pink and eyes sparkling, so content he was almost skipping now and seeing him so happy made Jimin feel giddy and light in a way he hadn’t in years. “I’ll tell Yoongi-hyung you liked it. He’ll make you one every day. He has a

thing

for feeding his mates.”
 
Jimin felt his heart flip again, even as his mouth watered at the idea of more delicious food. He told himself not to like it so much. His rational mind told him to resist and keep his distance. He’d forgiven Jungkook and mostly forgiven Taehyung. He was mad at Namjoon and he was very

very

wary of Seokjin and Hoseok and Yoongi, but his wolf was having none of that, yipping happily in his chest at the thought of being classified as

mate

right alongside Jungkook.
 
They rounded the corner into town, the streets mostly deserted at such an early hour, and reached the hospital only to find Yoongi himself standing outside. Jimin wondered briefly if this was a set up. He swung his eyes to glare at Jungkook, hackles rising, but Jungkook looked as surprised as him.
 
“Hyung! What are you doing here?” He called curiously.
 
Yoongi bowed to them both in greeting as they approached, eyes trained on Jimin for a long moment, like he was trying to get a read on him before turning back to Jungkook. “Hyung woke up with a headache and didn’t want breakfast. I was hoping I could get some herbs to make one of your tonics for him?”
 
“Jinnie’s unwell?” Jungkook asked worriedly, lips already forming a pout. “He smelled fine when I left him this morning.”
 
Yoongi shrugged helplessly, turning back to Jimin, who was already opening the hospital door. “He hasn’t needed anything in weeks and we no longer have supplies. I suppose I could have checked the garden, but–”
 
“My apprentices harvested from it just yesterday. Even if there were some herbs left, it would take a bit to dry and prepare them. I’ll have whatever you need. Come in and I’ll collect it for you,” Jimin ordered, ushering them inside. His brain was already in healer mode, thinking back to his interaction with Seokjin yesterday before he lost his temper, anything that might have been amiss in how he looked or acted, but all had seemed well and he couldn’t control the inkling of worry that started to grow in the pit of his stomach. Angry or not, he cared about Seokjin’s well being.
 
Yoongi and Jungkook followed him quickly in and up the stairs to his office where he dropped his things before heading next door to the apothecary to get the herbs he needed. It took a bit of shuffling with three grown wolves in the small space and he couldn’t help but notice the way Yoongi kept frowning.
 
“Who built these rooms?” he finally asked, as Jimin wedged himself between a table and a shelf in the far corner and began crushing herbs. “Your old hut was better spaced than this.”
 
“Anyone available in the village who could help.” Jimin rambled as he worked, used to dealing with such cramped space after so long. “Jungkook’s uncles created the blueprint but wolves were already falling sick before it was finished, including one of the Alpha Jeons with the other assisting in nursing him back to health as his mate. Completing the downstairs portion was the highest priority. I think Alpha Han and his son worked on this part.”
 
Jimin thought he heard Yoongi whisper the word

ridiculous

under his breath, but he wasn’t sure.
 
“Do Alpha Han and his son make it a habit of not taking pride in their work?”
 
Jimin and Jungkook both snorted, with Jungkook adding, “If they even work at all. They’d much rather sit around and complain instead of getting their hands dirty.”
 
“I’ll fix it for you,” Yoongi said decisively, stepping back into Jimin’s office and calling out. “You need a bigger office space as well right? There’s no reason you can’t have an office

and

a separate exam room. And more space for supplies” He stepped back in, already nodding to himself as he scrutinized the wall framing. "Let me deliver these herbs to Seokjin and ask Hoseokie to keep an eye on him and I’ll come back. If I can get a plan together today, I can hypothetically start work tomorrow.”
 
Jimin paused his ministrations to gape open mouthed at Yoongi. “Y-you…you don’t have to do that.”
 
“Oh,” Yoongi smiled then, “but I want to. Would it make you happy, little wolf? To have more space and a bigger office?”
 
Jimin’s breath caught at the question and he was nodding without even thinking. Yes. Yes, he’d love that. No matter who offered to give it to him.
 
“Then, you’ll have it.”
 
“I fed Jimin-hyung your egg and cabbage breakfast sandwich today. He really liked it,” Jungkook said with a grin, completely off topic. And he wondered if he imagined the way the other alpha’s chest grew wider, expression visibly brightening.
 
“You did? I’ll make you lunch too then, and bring it with me when I return.”
 
Jimin felt suddenly shy, the attention of two alphas so focused on him overwhelming. “B-but, what about Seokjin? He’s unwell. The hospital can wait a few days a-and lunch too. Jungkook, if you need to go as well, I–”
 
Jungkook stepped closer to him, almost defiant. “I’m not leaving you, hyung. That’s the beauty of multiple mates. I can send my love with Yoongi and trust that he’ll give it to Hoseok who’ll give it to Seokjin.”
 
“And Hoseok is very good at caring for others. You’ll see.” Yoongi added, cryptically, seemingly pleased with this turn of events. “Now hurry along, little wolf. We have lots of things to do today.”
 
And Jimin found himself complying without further argument.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

An hour later, with Yoongi gone and Jungkook tucked away upstairs sorting herbs, Jimin wondered if he’d made a mistake.
 
It felt like he was emerging from a fog, like being trapped in Namjoon’s scent overnight had somehow altered the chemistry of his brain, making him softer and more pliant to Jungkook’s and Yoongi’s advances, and he didn't like it. How dare they think he could be plied so easily by offers of food and a bigger office space, like they were dangling carrots for a shy, innocent bunny. He was no rabbit, he was a wolf. And he was still mad at Namjoon, had barely forgiven Jungkook, and felt nothing whatsoever for Min Yoongi.
 
And so he pointedly ignored Taehyun’s curious gaze when he disappeared into the washroom, emerging minutes later with visibly pinkened skin after dousing as much of himself as he could in rose water cleanser and scrubbing, until the residual scent of Namjoon was well and truly gone.
 
He felt more like himself then, vowed to stand his ground when Yoongi returned, and promptly proceeded about his morning, treating an elderly beta with stiff joints and a young omega from another pack with a bad case of hay fever. He was just finishing up patching a young pup’s scraped elbow when the front door opened again, revealing Yoongi and—
 
“

No.

”
 The words were out of Jimin’s mouth before he’d even processed why he’d said them, barely glimpsing the flash of white clutched in the taller alpha’s hand that truly sent him balking. He knew instantly it was a bouquet of white moon flowers. And he absolutely hated the way his omega recognized it too, trying to bend him soft and pliant again. Jimin was having none of it. Him and his omega were going to need to have a talk. The whole room went quiet: the patients, his apprentices, Yoongi, and Namjoon all paused to stare at him. And the spectacle only served to make him madder, flashing him back to just yesterday. 
“Get out.”
 
Jimin’s eyes were trained on Yoongi, because he’d be damned if he was going to

look

at Namjoon, but surely everyone knew who those words were meant for. No one had outright asked him about the events of the council meeting yet, but he hadn’t missed the uptick in minor ailments overnight paired with eyes and ears peeking around curtains.
 
Yoongi looked confused, arching a brow as he pointed a finger at himself in question, and Jimin huffed, turning to Soobin. “Will you

please

tell future pack alpha Kim to

get out

of my hospital? Unless he’s dying, he has no reason to be here.”
 
“Ah, hyung,” Soobin’s shoulders rounded in distress as his eyes darted between Jimin and presumably Namjoon. “Can you not tell him yourself?”
 
Jimin wanted to roll his eyes. How could Soobin still be so soft after everything they’d been through in the last two years? He cowered even more under Jimin’s answering glare, but made no move to approach Namjoon, and Jimin sighed, turning to Taehyun who nodded once, moving toward the door as Jimin turned back to finish organizing the items at his wound care station, listening as Taehyun quietly asked, “Alpha Kim-ssi, are you by chance dying?”
 
A moment later, he sensed Yoongi’s presence behind him, smelling hints of worry and anxiety clear in his scent. “Little wolf–”
 
“

Omega Park

,” Jimin corrected, turning to glare up at Yoongi even as he remained seated, demeanor calm but authoritative, “I was remiss in not correcting you earlier, but my

title

is Omega Park. You will address me as such, Alpha Min, or you will not address me at all.”
 
Yoongi frowned. “I asked you to call me hyung–”
 “And I do not wish to. Nor do I wish for Alpha Kim to be in my presence, or for you to renovate my office and apothecary as a means to advance your own selfish desires.” Jimin made a point of looking up then, holding Yoongi’s dark, intelligent eyes to drive home his point.“ If you do it, I will not owe you or feel obligated to you in any way.” 
Yoongi studied him for a long moment, scent calming before he nodded. “I do not wish for you to feel as though you owe me or feel obligated. As I said before, I

want

to do these things for you, not because I want anything in return, but simply because I want to.”
 
Mildly appeased, Jimin turned back to his work, pointedly ignoring Yoongi, until the alpha asked a moment later, voice much quieter. “But what of Jungkookie?”
 
Jimin frowned. “What of him?”
 
“Are you going to ask him to call you Omega Park too? And him Alpha Jeon? You must know this would hurt him very much.”
 
Jimin felt his hackles rise, at the implication that he would do something to intentionally hurt Jungkook and that Yoongi somehow thought he knew Jungkook better. Mate or not, he’d been Jimin’s pup nearly all his life, and he felt equally protective after Jungkook bared his feelings so openly last night.
 
“Jungkook may continue to address me as he likes and I will do the same,” he said through gritted teeth. “Jungkookie is special.

You

are not.”
 
Yoongi pouted. “I’m a

little

special. You kicked Namjoon out, but let me stay. That’s gotta mean something,” he argued petulantly.
 
“What’s it matter to you? You’ve never cared before.”
 
Yoongi looked genuinely affronted at that. “That’s not true. I–” He cut himself off, frowning, like he couldn’t quite find the words he needed to explain himself, finally settling on, “I am Namjoon’s second. He is my pack alpha, I–do you not know how mated packs work?”
 
Jimin laughed at that, finding vindictive joy in the way Yoongi went red with sheepish embarrassment. “No, I do not,” he said once he’d calmed down some, moving back to his task. “Nor do I care. Now, if you’ll excuse yourself

upstairs

. I have more important things to worry about here.”
 
Yoongi looked crestfallen, but nodded, pausing for only a moment to fish a small container from his bag. “I did still make you lunch, Omega Park.”
 
Jimin sighed, only feeling marginally regretful when he said. “I find I am no longer hungry. You may offer it to my apprentices if you like.”
 
He smelled the disappointment in Yoongi’s scent but then Yoongi didn’t argue, Soobin and Taehyun gasping delightedly over the offer of food moments later. He pretended his stomach wasn’t mourning the loss as he listened to them fawn over freshly made rolls of gimbap when they opened the package.
 
He moved to start stripping the cots they’d used that morning, the clinic growing quiet as midday approached, knowing there would likely be another patient rush in the afternoon.
 
Yoongi had barely been gone five minutes when Jungkook appeared, looking hesitant and worried. “Hyung, I have finished organizing the herbs upstairs. I-Is there something else I can help you with now?” His voice and his scent were hopeful and Jimin was relieved when he still felt nothing but fondness as he looked at him.
 
He gestured to the basket in his hands, Jungkook immediately stepping forward to take it. “Are you above doing my dirty laundry? My assistants are still quite busy it seems.”
 
The unserious burst of giggles from the front of the room that followed belied that statement, but Jungkook only nodded eagerly, tightening his grip on the basket as he followed Jimin to the next cot. “Of course, hyung. Thank you, hyung.”
 
Jimin arched his brow. “Did you just

thank

me for giving you laundry duty?”
 
“Yes,” Jungkook agreed immediately, looking uncertain again. “And I want to apologize if I crossed any lines this morning? I wasn’t trying to push…with the flirting and the food.” He rubbed a hand against his chest in a circular pattern, eyes wide. “My alpha just gets so

excited

for you, but I can curb that, I can do better—“
 
Jimin stepped forward, pressing a firm hand to Jungkook’s mouth to shut him up. He felt his cheeks blaze, Jungkook talking about his alpha’s interest in him making his heart flip, but he needed to stand his ground. He took a steadying breath, forcing his tone to be firm. “I accept your apology. Now, all the things you need for cleaning those sheets will be out the back door.”
 
Jimin hesitated a moment before removing his hand. Afraid Jungkook would argue or pout, but he didn’t. Instead, he pressed his lips tight together and offered a firm nod before heading out the back door. It was clear to Jimin he was trying, and he appreciated that.
 
What he didn’t appreciate was, minutes later, when Taehyung stormed in through the front door, gracefully outmaneuvering Soobin and Taehyung, and headed straight for him.
 
“Jimin, we need to talk.”
 
Jimin felt exhausted at the prospect, already rung out by today’s events.
 
“Why is Namjoon sulking outside with his flowers? And did I see Jungkook out back doing laundry? Why are your apprentices eating the lunch Yoongi made for you?”
 
“Not now, Taehyung,” he said, striding toward the linen closet in the back, praying the next round of patients arriving for treatment would be less gossipy than the last.
 
He heard and felt Taehyung following close behind. “So you’ll talk to Jungkook, but you won’t talk to me?” His scent was acrid with displeasure and sent Jimin stumbling away when it reached him. He spun on his heel, unable to stop himself from reaching up to cover his nose.
 
“I didn’t

talk

to Jungkook, Jungkook talked to me. And will you calm yourself down? You’re stinking up the place. We have sick patients here.”
 
Taehyung’s eyes flew wide and he looked like he wanted to argue, but he took a deep breath instead, his scent mellowing marginally. “What do you mean you didn’t talk to Jungkook?”
 
“I mean that he opened up to me about all of the things he’s been feeling over the years and he told me things about this–this

situation

with Namjoon. Things maybe you could have

shared

, with all the letters you wrote, so I wouldn’t have been blindsided in a meeting yesterday in front of the

whole

town.” Jimin trailed off then, eyes boring into Taehyung who took a step back.
 
“But Jungkook said he told you. That Namjoon alpha

ordered

us not to say–”
 
“You mean to tell me he did it everyday? Every time you sat down to write me a letter, he told you not to tell me–”
 
“Of course not,” Taehyung hissed, clearly frustrated. “But, Jiminie, isn’t that something you would have wanted him to tell you himself? Would you really have wanted to hear it from me? That Namjoon is your fated mate–”
 
“He didn’t tell me! He told the whole

fucking

pack!”
 
They were interrupted then by a loud gasp that sounded out across the space of the clinic, followed by a shriek and Jimin recognized it instantly, wasting no time as he darted toward the front. He anticipated the loud thud of Soobin’s body as he hit the floor, fainting for the umpteenth time at the sight of blood, except the sound never came. When he pulled aside the curtain for one of the first exam rooms, he found Soobin gracefully draped over the arm of a much smaller alpha of his recent acquaintance. Lee Taemin, who was slowly lowering Soobin to the cot, holding his other hand, streaked with blood, carefully away.
 
“Alpha Lee?” Jimin asked hesitantly, pressing forward into the room, Taehyung and Taehyun close on his heels.
 
“Omega Park,” he said, soft but fond. A pleased smile crossed his face before he grimaced. “I fear I have upset your apprentice very much. I apologize–” 
 
“It’s not you,” Jimin rushed to reassure, instantly charmed by the way the alpha had about him. “Soobin-ah has a history of fainting at the sight of blood. He knows better than to take on such cases unassisted.”
 
Taehyun moved forward then, propping Soobin’s feet higher than his head and fanning his face. Soobin’s color started to improve almost immediately and he groaned.
 
“What did I hit this time?” Soobin murmured slowly, words slurred. “I don’t hurt anywhere yet.”
 
“You didn’t hit

anything

,” Taehyun whispered excitedly. “Alpha Lee caught you one handed. I saw it happen from across the room. It was most impressive.”
 
Jimin and Taemin shared a sigh and a look of relief, only interrupted by Taehyung sniffing, “It couldn’t have been

that

impressive. Surely

I

, a mere beta, could have done the same.”
 
Jimin watched as Taemin’s eyes widened, brow furrowing in surprise as he registered the slight. And it made him upset. He quite liked this alpha who was soft and sweet, so different from so many of his kind. He stepped forward before things could escalate further, blocking Taehyung and guiding Taemin by the elbow into the next exam room.
 
“I’m so sorry for the delay in care. Allow me to assess your injuries, Alpha Lee,” he said placatingly, using his best soft, soothing bedside manner. He tossed a stern look over his shoulder when Taehyung attempted to follow and pulled the curtain deftly shut behind him.
 
He turned back to find Taemin, resting gently against the edge of the cot, smiling up at him sweetly. “I had a fight with a rose bush and the rose bush won.” He gestured to his hand, still trailed with blood. On closer inspection, Jimin was able to spot several rose thorns embedded in his skin.
 
“Oh dear,” he murmured, quickly running his fingertips along the edge of Taemin’s hand, even as he reached for the necessary supplies. “I’m so sorry to hear that, but don’t worry. We’ll have you fixed up right away.”
 
“I probably could have treated it myself, but being away from my own village, I figured it would just be easier to come and have it treated instead of gathering the appropriate supplies myself.” Taemin added, as Jimin draped a clean cloth across his lap and began removing the embedded thorns with a fresh pair of tweezers. “I do not wish you to think me incapable.”
 
Jimin hummed knowingly, fighting the urge to grin. ‘There is no room for alpha pride here, Alpha Lee–”
 
“Call me Taemin. Please.”
 
“Very well, Taemin-ssi,” Jimin agreed, grinning freely as Taemin smiled in return. “As I was saying, there is no room for alpha pride here. We do not deem it fit to judge our patients based on their need for healing.”
 
“And what of

courting

pride?” Taemin asked, shyly. “If I were to admit I was attempting to pick roses to impress a certain omega? Would you deem it fit to judge me then?”
 
Jimin outright laughed at that and he thought he heard the faintest snort of disbelief through the curtain, but he ignored it. “If I were to judge, it would only be in your favor. It’s quite romantic to maim yourself for love,” he teased.
 
“Ah,” Taemin’s cheeks flushed a rosy pink. “Does that mean you’ll forgive me? For showing up with only thorns to give you, instead of flowers?”
 
Jimin stilled, tweezers holding the last thorn paused in midair as his eyes flew to the alpha.
 
“Oh, I—“ Jimin started, but was cut off by Taehyung throwing the curtain open.
 
“Are you almost done? Surely, it doesn’t take

this

long to treat such minor wounds.”
 
Jimin stiffened, but went back to his work, moving on to the next step of cleansing and dressing Taemin’s hand without sparing Taehyung a glance, but he could sense a change in the alpha.
 
“Are you a healer?” Taemin asked, voice still sweet but with an edge that wasn’t there before. “I’ve heard Omega Park is the finest in the land. Surely you could stand to learn from him instead of focusing your energy on being so hypercritical.”
 
Taehyung balked at that, scent turning sharp again with frustration. “I-I

wasn’t

—I-I’m not a healer—“
 
Taemin frowned. “Then who are you?”
 
“I’m his

soulmate

, Kim Taehyung,” Taehyung whined.
 
Jimin cringed, correcting. “He’s my

childhood

friend. He recently moved back to town with his mates.”
 
“Oh, I see.” Taemin’s expression dimmed, looking regretfully at Jimin. “ And I’ve taken up your precious reunion time. Forgive me.”
 
“Oh no,” Jimin rushed to correct again, “Taehyung was just leaving.”
 
“Am not.”
 
“You

are

too.” He finished his task, placing the last small bandage on Taemin’s hand and turned to glare at Taehyung. He expected Taehyung to be glaring right back, but instead he looked sad and slightly desperate.
 
“Jimin—“
 
His next words were cut off by Jimin’s tummy rumbling loudly and Jimin blinked in surprise, placing a calming hand on his stomach.
 
“Are you hungry?” Taemin asked attentively.
 
“Ah! I have not eaten lunch yet,” Jimin agreed, nodding in realization.
 
Taehyung straightened, looking even more distressed. “What? But Soobin and Taehyun were—“
 
“I will get you something,” Taemin announced, standing abruptly. “Please, it’s the least I can do.”
 
Taehyung rolled his eyes. “He doesn’t need—“
 
And Jimin had had

enough

. “Thank you, Taemin-ssi. That would be very nice.”
 
***
 
Fifteen minutes later, Jimin was seated at a picnic table off the square but within sight of the hospital as Taemin, preeningly displayed all the items he’d been able to wrestle away from the pack kitchen.
 
“I hope this is enough to sate you,” Taemin offered sweetly, eyes glued to Jimin. “If my arms were bigger, I would have carried more.”
 
Jimin blushed, eyes wide at the large selection of food that was already more than he could eat. “I assure you, this is more than enough.”
 
Taemin sighed happily, watching attentively as Jimin took a bite of rice followed by a bite of meat. And Jimin was only feeling more self conscious as Taemin’s eyes did not stray from his face. He swallowed his bite, dabbing a napkin at his lips before asking. “Will you tell me more of your pack, Taemin-ssi? I am more familiar with the Chois as my dam and I typically travel to meet with the Choi healer once a year, but I know the Lees have been our allies for a long time.”
 
Taemin smiled, immediately launching into the lineage of his pack and their day to day life in the warmer climate of the south. And Jimin thought he could listen to his soft lilting voice all day, the way he spoke so complimentary of his pack members and his home. Jimin munched away on kimchi and rice, the yawing pit in his stomach quickly disappearing. He had just asked Taemin a clarifying question about his number of siblings when Taemin glanced at a spot behind his head and frowned.
 
“I think they're watching us,” Taemin said after a moment, eyes still trained behind Jimin.
 
“Who?” Jimin asked, confused.
 
“Your friend? And two other wolves. Not your assistants.”

Taehyung, Jungkook, Yoongi

his brain helpfully supplied. He resisted the urge to turn himself, keeping his eyes focused on Taemin even as his heart leapt, which was ridiculous. He wasn’t trying to make them jealous, or rather, maybe he was a little, but he also wanted to get to know this alpha.
 
Taemin was glancing curiously around the square now.
 
“It seems

many

of your packmates are watching us,” Taemin added, tone thoughtful but unbothered. “I didn’t realize before.” He looked back to Jimin, a teasing glint to his eye. “Clearly you’ve distracted me.”
 
Jimin looked down, knew he was blushing again as he replied self deprecatingly. “Yes, well, I’m very popular.”
 
Taemin giggled at that, eyes shining and sincere. “Indeed you are and I think it’s well deserved.”
 
“Oh,” he really blushed then, wincing at the way his cheeks burned. “Does it bother you?” he asked, hesitantly, feeling that surely it had to. He was so used to going alone and unnoticed. Surely all this attention was just as bad, if not worse, for an alpha to see but Taemin shook his head.
 
“Not in the least. Although…I think future pack Alpha Kim is doing his best to murder me with his eyeballs.” Jimin startled, so caught up in his frustration with Taehyung and his focus on Taemin that he hadn’t noticed he was still there.
 
He turned his head discreetly to the side, following Taemin’s line of sight to find Namjoon glaring daggers at Taemin, moon flowers still clutched in his hand. He sat on a bench facing the hospital entrance, but his body was clearly turned in their direction, unabashedly staring. Had he been watching them the

whole

time? The thought made him shiver, in distress or pleasure, he was unsure. It had been over an hour since Jimin had thrown him out. What was he still doing here? Namjoon’s eyes slid to Jimin then, gaze turning from sharp anger to a raw hunger so intense it made Jimin’s mouth go dry and his heart gallop in his chest. And Luna, he wanted to hate him! Why wouldn’t his body just get the message and cooperate? He turned abruptly back, finding Taemin watching him now.
 
“Is there a story there?”
 
Jimin cleared his throat, feeling Namjoon’s eyes setting his back on fire. “Not one I’m willing to share. Although if you’d like to ask around, I’m sure you can easily find out.”
 
Taemin shook his head. “I have no interest in gossip. If you have not yet set your heart on someone, that is all that matters to me. I’d very much like to court you and see where it goes?”

His heart?

Jimin didn’t trust it in the least. He ignored the uneasy feeling that settled over him as he forced a smile at Taemin, even as a lump formed in his throat. “That sounds nice.”
 
***
 
His mood deteriorated more once he excused himself back to work, Taemin leaving him with a graceful bow and a promise to bring him lunch again soon. He felt Namjoon’s eyes on him all the way back across the square, the heat lingering even as he shut the door. And every patient that afternoon had something to say to him on the matter, either in bringing up the subject of the council meeting yesterday or commenting on the fact that Alpha Kim was

still

waiting outside.
 
By the time his last patient left, Jimin was certain that hearing another utterance of Namjoon’s name would make him scream. He was aggressively removing the dirty sheets from the cot when he heard Soobin presumably talking to Taehyun, “Do you think Alpha Kim–”
 
“Enough!” Jimin bellowed, rounding the corner and tossing the dirty sheets at his shocked apprentice’s head. “If you say his name again, I swear on Luna, I will fire you both.”
 
The two boys stared at him for a long moment, just blinking. “Are you well, hyungnim?” Taehyun asked, quite nervously and Jimin felt bad. Of all the people who deserved his temper, his apprentices did not.
 
“No, Taehyun-ah, I fear I am not.”
 
“Um,” a quiet voice startled all three of them and they turned collectively to find Jungkook, holding a basket of cleanly folded linens. “Would it be ok if your apprentices went home early and I closed up the clinic for you tonight, hyung? I remember how we used to do it, at the hut.”
 
Jimin felt the pressure in his chest loosen slightly and he didn’t hesitate to accept. “Yes, thank you, Jungkook-ah.” He turned back to his apprentices then. “I’m sorry, my temper was out of line.”
 
“Don’t mention it, hyung,” Taehyun assured, mood instantly brighter at the prospect of leaving early, and Soobin nodded, only slightly more hesitant.
 
Jimin sighed, turning back to Jungkook who nodded reassuringly. “I sent Yoongi-hyung home a while ago, but he left his sketches in your office to look over and approve. If there are any changes you’d like to make, he said he will be back tomorrow to discuss them.” He lowered his voice then, eyes darting to Taehyun and Soobin who were gathering their things before adding quietly, “I tried to send Taehyung home as well but he refused to leave. I’m sorry, hyung.” 
 
Jimin let out a derisive snort, because of course Taehyung didn’t leave.
 
He trudged slowly up the stairs, preparing himself for more shouted theatrics and outbursts, but Taehyung was silent as he entered the room, body curled in the window overlooking the square, eyes glued outside.
 
So Jimin ignored him too, making his way to his desk, easily spotting the plans Yoongi had meticulously laid out. He immediately hated how perfect they were, how much he liked them. The thoughtful placement of shelves, the creative, but infinitely more logical allocation of space. Clearly, Yoongi knew what he was doing with a meticulous plan for how to do it and he hated how attractive it was. The wave of longing that shot through him at the idea of such a potentially capable mate. Which he absolutely was

not

considering in any real sense.
 
No way. No how.
 
He wrinkled his nose, glaring at the plans, trying to think of any critique he could make that would even make sense when Taehyung finally interrupted him.
 
“He’s still out there you know.”
 
“I don’t care,” Jimin snapped, even as he kept his eyes trained on the plans in front of him, refusing to look up. He heard Taehyung sigh and shift, the sound of his feet hitting the floor loud in the quiet of the room as he stood.
 
“How long are you going to be mad at me, Jimin? A day, a week…forever? Are you really going to entertain these ridiculous alphas from other packs? Mate one of them and move away just to spite us?”
 
Jimin looked up at that, surprised by the jealousy in his tone and the sudden sadness permeating the room. It made his chest ache. His omega whining in discomfort, seeking to comfort their soulmate.
 
“I don’t know, Tae.” He admitted wearily, because he really didn’t know. Everything was confusing and happening so fast and overwhelming. He felt unprepared for all of it. Unsure what to do and still so angry. “What other choice do I have?”
 
“What

other

choice?!” Taehyung choked. “Will you not even

consider

us?”
 
“Tae—“
 
Taehyung was pacing then, agitated. “I didn’t tell you about Namjoon because you needed to hear it from him.” He gestured to the space between them. “This thing is between the two of you and, yeah, I agree, he did it in the

worst

way possible. We’ve all chastised him for it, but Jimin…Is this not everything you’ve ever wanted?”
 
Jimin stared in disbelief, rising from the desk only to plant his hands menacingly against it. “You think

this

is everything I’ve ever wanted?! To be left behind and tortured with the memories of you? To be stuck in place while everyone around me moved on. To be forced to live through the hell of the past two years and look death in the face, with the weight of the world on my shoulders, and have absolutely

no one?

You think I

wanted

this?”
 
Taehyung looked stricken. “That’s not what I meant. Jimin, I’m sorry. I just meant, Namjoon is what you always wanted and he’s waited for you—“
 
“Am I supposed to be

thankful

?! Like a fucking consilation prize? I didn’t ask for that! I didn’t ask for any of this!”
 
“No—No, I just—Jimin…” He started sobbing then, miserable, broken sounds that wracked his whole body and ripped Jimin up on the inside. 
 
“I miss you so much. You said I have five mates and therefore I don’t need you, but it’s simply

not

true. You’re my Jimin, you’re

fucking

irriplaceable and I know I can’t imagine what you’ve been through, but I spent months thinking you might be dead…and it was the

worst

feeling. More than A-appa, more than anyone. The worst possible thing that could

ever

happen to me would be losing you.”
 
“And I’m just so sorry…” he trailed off in a whisper, like he was unable to take another breath, unable to pull air into his lungs. “Can you ever forgive me?”
 
His request was met with silence. Jimin frozen in place. Taehyung looked so lost.
 
“H-how can you forgive Jungkook, but you can’t forgive me?”
 
Jimin faltered at that. “I didn’t —I didn’t say I haven’t forgiven you.”
 
“But you haven’t.” Taehyung gave him a knowing look, resigned and impossibly sad. “And I’m not saying I deserve it, but I don’t understand. We’ve wronged you in the

same

ways. Committed the exact

same

crimes. Why am I so much harder to forgive?”
 
The truth was, things were just simpler with Jungkook. They were close, as close as two friends could be, but Jungkook wasn’t Taehyung. He didn’t live under Jimin’s skin the same way Taehyung did. Wasn’t there for every moment, privy to Jimin’s deepest secrets and dreams like Taehyung was, and it made the betrayal of it all cut that much deeper.
 
“Because…I trusted you the most,” he admitted, throat so tight he was barely breathing. “Maybe even more than I trusted myself. You knew me better than anyone and still…you left.”
 
Taehyung’s lip wobbled then, eyes welling up with a fresh wave of tears as he asked in the tiniest voice. “Is it true what you said to that alpha? Am I just a childhood friend now? Someone small and insignificant that you’re capable of outgrowing.”
 
And Jimin felt gutted, because he hadn’t meant it. Had been frustrated and angry when he said it, but he held himself back even still, the fear of letting Taehyung back in just so he could hurt him even worse, paralyzing. 
 
It wasn’t until Taehyung got on his knees, crawling across the floor to wrap his arms around Jimin’s waist, burying his face against the softness of his belly, wetting the fabric of his tunic through with his tears, that the dam finally broke.
 
“Please, Jimin.

Please

forgive me. I’m sorry. I’m

so

sorry.”
 
He lowered himself to the floor then, gathering Taehyung into his arms and squeezing him tight. “I didn’t mean it. You’ll always be my soulmate.”
 
“Thank you,” Taehyung sobbed harder, squeezing Jimin back and it felt so good to be so close to someone he loved. Too good. More than he could stand. He pulled himself away, scooting back, ignoring the hurt look on Taehyung’s face.
 
“I want us to try to be friends again, Tae. But we have to go slow. I still need time and I’m not ready to…consider other things. You can’t push me on that.”
 
Taehyung nodded vigorously. “I won’t. I swear it. Just….tell me what I can do. Anything. To make this easier for you..”
 
“You can take Namjoon home. And make him stay away.”

***
 
Jimin was restless again that night. His conversations with Jungkook and Taehyung played like broken records in his head. He’d had a little time to process now, had displayed and felt more emotion himself in the last two days than he had in months and despite having done things to resolve the rift between him and his friends…he was still just

so

pissed. And maybe it was time he finally placed the full blame where it was due.
 
He wanted to hit something. Break something. Run for miles until his body collapsed. Scream until he couldn’t take another breath. Do

something

until he’d exhausted every last bit of energy coursing through his veins.
 
It’s the only excuse he had for how he ended up back in the clearing again as the moon rose high above the trees. So close to being completely full. He paced in his human form this time. Had made the trek carefully on foot with a lantern, unwilling to trust his omega in his wolf form. Namjoon’s black and silver blanket was strapped to his back in a canvas sack.
 
The first thing he did when he got to the clearing was drop the lantern and throw the heavy bag as hard as he could toward Namjoon’s side, hating already that he considered any part of this clearing Namjoon’s.
 
He kicked some dirt about it, screamed a few choice words at the sky, and then he paced, back and forth along the invisible line that seemed to divide the clearing.
 
It wasn’t long before his waiting was rewarded. He heard the same rustling from the night before, muted to his human ears but still present. His scent reached him first and then the large black wolf emerged, seeming to startle at the sight of Jimin standing fully human before him and despite their even bigger difference in size like this, Jimin felt suddenly bold.
 
“No, please! Come!” Jimin called, tone flippant. “You can take my meadow from me! Just like you’ve taken everything else of importance!”
 
Instead of moving forward, Namjoon froze, snout bowed and shoulders hunched almost as if in fear. Jimin laughed in disbelief.
 
“Seriously? I’m a fraction of your size. Are you scared of me?”
 
The wolf lowered to the ground with a whine, head still bowed as he slowly crawled forward and Jimin watched him, confused. And as much as Jimin found it easier to yell at him in this form, he needed Namjoon to be able to verbalize his understanding of what Jimin intended to say.
 
“Shift.”
 
“Now,” he added when Namjoon didn’t immediately comply. He pointed to the canvas sack. “Go turn human, cover yourself with that stupid blanket, and come back and

face

me.”
 
The wolf stilled, tilting his head for barely a moment before he stood, huffing as he trotted over to grab the canvas bag between his teeth and trotted out sight. He emerged a moment later as Namjoon, smaller but somehow more intimidating, the blanket cinched tightly around his broad shoulders. It was maddening how good he looked, striding across the meadow toward Jimin, flashes of bare golden skin tantalizing by the moonlight. He looked determined, eyes dead set on Jimin. It wasn’t with the same raw hunger of the morning, but with regret and, maybe remorse? Palpable, but no less potent.
 
Jimin swallowed hard and willed his focus to his anger. He held a hand up, stopping Namjoon before he could cross the invisible line dividing the center of the meadow. Keeping him far enough away so his scent wouldn’t be as impactful. He worried for a moment that Namjoon wouldn’t stop, would keep coming, but he ultimately did, going still immediately at the sight of Jimin’s hand, even as Jimin could read in his scent that he didn’t want to.
 
“You’ve really messed things up for me. You know that?” 
 
“Jimin-ah,” he rasped, cowering slightly again. “I’m sorry—“
 
“For what part?” Jimin scoffed. “The way you toyed with me for years? Getting my hopes up just to let them shatter? Or the way you brought your mates back and paraded them in my face? Stealing my friends? Ruining my reputation in front of the whole town? What are you

really

sorry for, Namjoon?”
 
He spit his name like an insult and he didn't miss the way Namjoon visibly shivered at the sound. Jimin hoped it was in fear.
 
Namjoon should be afraid. He should be

very

afraid.
 
 “All of it?” he whispered, hesitantly, like he was unsure.
 
“Are you

asking

me?” Jimin snapped in disbelief. “Are you really

that

unsure of all the ways you have hurt me?”
 
Namjoon winced, but shook his head. Stubborn. “It was never my intention.”
 
“Your intentions mean

nothing

,” Jimin hissed.
 
Namjoon kept talking, gripping the blanket more tightly around himself, as if it would protect him from Jimin’s wrath.
 
“I know I’ve made many mistakes—”
 
“No, you don’t! You know nothing!”
 
“Jimin—“
 
“You will stay away from me!” Jimin bellowed, fists clenched at his side to keep from outright attacking him. “I want nothing to do with you!”
 
Namjoon looked wounded, breathing rapidly, like a scared animal, but he shook his head, resolute. Eyes pleading. “I can’t.”
 
“Can’t

or

won’t?” Jimin demanded, tilting his chin up to glare down his nose at Namjoon, who sighed, eyes falling to the ground in frustration as he started to fidget.
 
“I can’t. My wolf—“
 
“Don’t blame

your

actions on your wolf!” Jimin sneered in disgust, shaking his head. “We are more than the animals that live within us.”
 
It was something they’d learned as pups, one of the first teachings of the shaman.
 
But Namjoon straightened then, eyes rising back to Jimin’s. They swirled now with flecks of gold that seemed to only glow brighter in the moonlight.
 
“You and I are not. We’re

different

.”
 
Something tugged in Jimin’s gut then. Hard. Making him gasp and pause. His brows furrowed as he looked at Namjoon, struggling to process his words.
 
His senses were suddenly heightened, like he was in his wolf form even as he still stood on two feet. Namjoon’s scent was stronger in his nose even though his body hadn’t moved. He could hear Namjoon’s heartbeat thundering in his own ears, loud and fast and wild.
 
“Can’t you feel it?” Namjoon pressed, untamed excitement flashing as his eyes flicked up to the moon before falling back to Jimin. “The pull is always worse before a full moon. Are you restless? Need to shift?”
 
He tilted his head to the side, curious but confident. “How often does it happen, Jimin? How long can you go before you

have

to break free?”
 
“I’m not like you,” Jimin argued, but it sounded weak and breathy to his own ears. He struggled to regain his boldness.
 
“You are,” Namjoon insisted, nodding almost rabidly. “You are the

silver

and I am the

midnight

.”
 
“You think you’re the midnight wolf?” Jimin spat, even as the thought made his palms sweat and the hairs on the back of his neck stand on end, as he considered that Namjoon in his wolf form was exactly as the midnight wolf should be. “You’re

insane

.”
 
Namjoon shook his head. “I’m not. You need time and I’ll give you as much as I can, but I will win you over. You’ll see.”
 
And that knocked Jimin out of his stupor. “I am not a prize to be won! I’m a person. And if I say you can’t have me, then you can’t. It’s not up to you!”
 
Namjoon scoffed at that, his confidence suddenly otherworldly, eyes crazed and almost all gold now as they settled on Jimin again. And if he believed in such things, he would think Namjoon’s wolf was speaking directly to him.
 
“You say I cannot have you, yet you clothe me in this blanket marked with your own slick. Who’s telling lies here, omega? If you didn’t want me, you should have washed it.”
 
The arrogance and condescension in his tone made Jimin’s lip curl. He felt his own wolf rise up then, climbing up his throat and out of his mouth. Loud and angry for once in the alpha’s presence. “Maybe that was intentional, alpha. To torment you with all the things you’ve waited for but will never have.”
 
Namjoon growled, tensing, but Jimin stood his ground, throwing a hand up between them, before Namjoon could lunge, with a loud command.
 
“

Stop!

”
 
He felt the power of it flow through him, like a physical thing, and Namjoon stumbled back. Eyes suddenly back to their natural brown as he stared wide eyed at Jimin. And Jimin was in shock himself.
 
“You will stay here and let me leave,” he continued, voice steady even as his body started to tremble. “And tomorrow you will keep your distance from me.”
 
He felt, more than saw, Namjoon nod once, acknowledging his words. And then he was backing out of the meadow, eyes trained on Namjoon until he was completely out of sight. Then he turned, forcing himself to take steady, measured steps until he was safely on the doorstep of his own hut.
 
He didn’t know how he made it, not realizing he’d left his lantern behind until he was safe inside, body trembling by the light of the fire. He felt cold and numb, like he was in a dream for the longest time, moving in and out of a conscious state of thoughtless being.
 
The adrenaline took a while to clear, but when it did it took any semblance of peace with it. For Jimin felt the restlessness again, louder and stronger than before, like splinters, fracturing and spreading under his skin.
 
Namjoon’s words echoed in his head.

How long can you go before you have to break free?

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Jimin awoke just before dawn, curled in a ball on the floor in front of the dying fire. He felt drained, with an aching back and a headache. And he still felt like he wanted to scratch right out of his skin. He took his time in a hot bath, letting the warm water soothe what it could.
 
He felt closer to being human by the time he opened his front door, but the sight of his lantern staring mockingly at him from the steps brought him up short. Had he brought it back after all and somehow dropped it? But, no, he remembered distinctly his hands, trembling and empty, unable to even grab the hand rail as he’d stumbled up the steps. Then how—
 
“Jiminie?” Taehyung called, hopefully, pulling Jimin’s gaze to the left where he was standing near the porch steps. How long had he been standing there? Taehyung was smiling but it quickly fell into a frown. “Are you alright?”
 
“Did you bring my lantern back?” he asked, tone harsh, borderline accusing.
 
Taehyung’s frown deepened, glancing around in confusion.
 
“No. I just arrived a few moments ago. Is everything okay?”
 
“Namjoon didn’t give it to you?”
 
“

No

,” Taehyung said again, with more emphasis. “I—was he supposed to? I thought you weren’t talking? I lectured him for the whole walk home yesterday, about leaving you alone. Just like you asked me too.”
 
He looked uncertain and Jimin realized he had no idea what Jimin was talking about, which meant Namjoon must have brought it himself, despite Jimin’s orders. Had he followed him all the way home last night? The thought irked him. He scowled and rubbed his forehead, his headache from before coming back.
 
“Nevermind,” he said dismissively. “Why are you here?”
 
“Oh,” Taehyung deflated a little. “I wanted to walk you to town? If that’s ok with you?”
 
Jimin nodded, because they

were

trying to be friends again, even if he didn’t feel like it right then. “Sure, Tae.”
 
He moved the lantern into the house before climbing down the steps, still slightly raw and on edge. “Did you bring me breakfast?”
 
Taehyung blanched at that, eyes going wide. “I—no.

Shit

. Was I supposed to?”
 
Jimin shrugged, feeling petty and irritated. “Jungkook did.”
 
Taehyung pouted. “I can go home now, make you something and bring it back to you if you like?”
 
“Don’t worry about it,” Jimin said with another shrug that only made Taehyung pout more. He pouted all the way to the hospital, in fact. Where they found Jungkook and Yoongi waiting with a cart full of wood.
 
Jungkook waved eagerly at them while Yoongi frowned, before bowing politely. Jungkook and Taehyung went to task as soon as they were inside, redressing cots and setting up stations as Jimin directed, well versed in the way he liked things from their years of assisting him. Taehyung still looked noticeably sullen as he worked.
 
Yoongi, in turn, followed Jimin upstairs, asking in his low, intelligent voice. “Omega Park, why does Taehyungie look so upset?”
 
“I don’t know,” Jimin said with a careless shrug. His skin felt like sandpaper. It was slowly driving him insane. He stepped into his office, rounding the desk. “I looked over your plans. They’re good.” he said, briskly, not missing the way Yoongi subtly preened at the acknowledgement. It only served to irritate him more and that’s when inspiration struck. “But I have a few requests.”
 
“Name them,” Yoongi encouraged, eyes bright on Jimin, eager to please.
 
“I want a bigger window,” he said, gesturing to the small window in his office. And he knew it was a big ask, glass not an easy material to come by, and expensive to boot. But he suddenly wanted to make this project as difficult as possible. He really didn’t know why. Maybe he wanted to push Yoongi, just to see if he would say no.
 
“A bigger window,” Yoongi’s eyes narrowed, flicking from Jimin to the window in question, calculating.
 
“Yes, in fact, I’d like almost this whole wall,” he gestured grandly to the space. “To be a window. So I can hang and grow my essential plants indoors during winter. And maybe a sky light here as well?” he gestured to the ceiling.
 
“A

skylight?!

” Yoongi asked, incredulously. And Jimin knew he almost had him. Could tell by the way he flexed his fingers around the notebook he was holding.
 
“Yes. Maybe two even?” He pointed to the space above his desk and then above his exam table.
 
Yoongi arched his brow. “Would those be for growing plants as well?”
 
“Oh no,” Jimin scoffed. “Those would be for my own personal enjoyment. Just something to improve my mood on long days when I’m stuck inside working.” he batted his eyelashes coyly. “Is it possible, Alpha Min?”
 
Yoongi sighed, eyeing the ceiling and the window. “It will take more time, but I should be able to have it done by the end of the summer.”
 
Jimin blinked, sure he’d misheard.

End of summer?

His requests were nearly impossible, but instead of scowling in disappointment or seething with indignant rage, Yoongi was suddenly smiling at him.
 
“I know a few things about glass making.” He stepped closer then, but still a respectful distance away, and lowered his voice conspiratorially. “But keep it between us, yeah? I don’t want the whole town knocking down my door with requests.”
 
Jimin narrowed his eyes, tempted to do

just

that. Instead he made one more request. “I also have a sketch of an exam table I've seen in other packs with a mechanism that raises the head of it up and down. I’d like you to make me one of those.”
 
“Gladly,” Yoongi nodded, expression serious again. “If you give me the sketch to review I’ll determine how long it might take and get back to you promptly with a timeline.”
 
Jimin huffed in disbelief, although he really couldn’t be that upset. If Yoongi came through with even half of it, he was still winning. Taehyung interrupted them then, anxiously wringing his hands. “Jimin, are you sure I can’t bring you breakfast?”
 
“Breakfast?” Yoongi asked, giving Jimin a knowing look as he rummaged in his bag. “I actually brought some for you, just in case.”
 
Taehyung looked relieved, but Jimin frowned, taking the offered sandwich, still wrapped and warm. His stomach wanted it, but his mind didn’t.
 
“Hyungnim?” Taehyun peeked his head through the door then, looking worried. “You aren’t firing us, are you? Jungkook-ssi and Taehyung-ssi have already finished all of our morning duties.”
 
“Of course not,” Jimin smiled. “My

friends

are just helping us out. Please feel free to order them around as you see fit. Now, have you eaten? Alpha Min has brought you breakfast.”
 
He brushed past Taehyung, offering the sandwich to his apprentice who gasped in delight. “Oh, Alpha Min-ssi! You shouldn’t have!”
 
“I didn’t,” Yoongi murmured, eyes boring into Jimin, but no one was listening. Taehyun was already tearing into the food as Jimin waltzed down the stairs.
 
“I’m going to the pack kitchen! I’ll be back!” Jimin called to no one in particular before stepping out the door. And he felt a little lighter as he took in the morning air, the itch under his skin a little less, but then he spotted Namjoon, sitting on the same bench across from the hospital entrance, more moon flowers gathered in a bouquet beside him and the itch that had subsided came roaring back, like flames blazing across his skin.
 
He stalked toward him without thinking, hissing under his breath as he drew close. “You don’t listen well, do you?”
 
Namjoon tensed, shoulders flinching, eyes wide and deceptively innocent on Jimin. It made him roll his eyes and scoff, uncaring who in the village was around to see. “Are we back to this cowering wolf routine until you feel like being an aggressive asshole again? How long can you keep this up, Alpha Kim?”
 
“I’m sorry, Jimin-ah. For the way I reacted last night and for–”
 
And the last thing Jimin wanted from Namjoon were more empty apologies.
 
“I told you to stay away,” he hissed.
 
“I am,” Namjoon argued, gesturing to the distance between himself and the hospital. “I’m keeping my distance, just like you asked. I didn’t try to come inside.”
 
“You’re stalking me!” Jimin argued. “From this spot I can see you out every window of the hospital and any time I enter or exit. As can

everyone

else!” Jimin gestured wildly to the town square around them. “When I said keep your distance, I meant

out

of my sight.”
 
Namjoon looked immediately upset and remorseful, but he still opened his mouth to speak, eyes pleading. “Jimin–”
 
“

Omega Park!

” Jimin corrected, crossing his arms and tapping his foot impatiently, trying to channel his rage into something more productive than decking Namjoon.
 
Namjoon bowed his head in apology, keeping his gaze low in deference to Jimin then, like he was being scolded by one of the Elders. “Omega Park-ssi, please forgive me for this misunderstanding. I truly meant no harm or disrespect. As I said before, my wolf finds it difficult to be separated from you, but I fear I’ve done a very poor job of explaining why, among a vast many other things I have yet to explain to you. Would you–” he leaned forward slightly then, sure to lower his voice where only Jimin could hear. “Would you

please

consider meeting me again tonight in the meadow so we can discuss–”
 
“I will not,” Jimin replied, quiet but firm, bending slightly to meet Namjoon’s gaze. “I will not return to that meadow until I am

certain

you won’t be there. Now, if you truly have nothing better to do today, kindly move yourself to the far bench by the market stalls so I can better ignore you.” he gestured to the bench in question, well shaded by trees that would keep all but his feet hidden from view from the majority of the hospital windows.
 
Jimin ignored the dejected look Namjoon gave him and the way his omega wanted to soften when the alpha picked up the bouquet of flowers and offered it to him. “Would you at least consider taking–”
 
He laughed as harshly as he could. “Absolutely not.”
 
Namjoon sighed, standing to his full height as Jimin took a step back. He looked like he wanted to say more, but they were disrupted by someone calling Jimin’s name. He turned to find a young alpha from the Choi pack eager to introduce himself and escort him wherever he wanted to go, so Jimin headed off to the pack kitchen with his new acquaintance, eager to forget about Namjoon.
 
He’d like to say he forgot about Namjoon all together, but he couldn’t help but notice he was still seated on the far bench when he returned half an hour later. He was easier to ignore though, despite the way Jimin still felt his eyes follow him, his omega excessively pleased that he told the alpha to sit and stay, and he did, like a good pet.
 
It also frustrated him to no end, because his omega was more responsive to a negative interaction with Namjoon than it was to the handsome alpha he’d just had breakfast with, or Mingyu who came over during their meal to posture and preen, or Taemin who smiled politely and waved from his spot across the room several times, almost any time Jimin looked his way. They were falling all over themselves for Jimin, being perfectly charming and attentive, yet his omega was unimpressed.
 
Maybe it just took time? Courting season had still not officially begun, the summer solstice still two days away and the week of rest after that before courting season officially began. He tried to envision Taemin, gallantly offering him the bouquet of roses he was unsuccessful in picking yesterday, willed his heart to flutter and his omega to swoon and yet—nothing.
 
He was still scowling about it when he re-entered the hospital to find Taehyung, sitting anxiously at the front table they often used as a reception desk.
 
“Soobin-ssi and Taehyun-ssi are treating two of your regular patients and Jungkookie went upstairs to start helping Yoongi-hyung with the construction,” he blurted without prompting.
 
“And what are you doing?” Jimin asked, curiously.
 
“Waiting for you?” Taehyung asked hopefully, but he seemed dejected, adding. “I tried to help hyung and Jungkookie upstairs, but hyung wouldn’t let me.”
 
Jimin frowned, finding himself defensive on Taehyung's behalf. “Why not?”
 
“He said my hands are too pretty for manual labor,” Taehyung held his hands up to demonstrate, pouting so earnestly about it that Jimin felt something inside him give, his earlier pettiness gone.
 
“Your hands

are

too pretty, Tae-ah,” he said without thinking.
 
“

Oh

.” Taehyung’s eyes grew wide at that, cheeks turning the faintest shade of pink and Jimin thought that was pretty too, even as he kicked himself. What

possessed

him to say that.
 
“Um,  It seems I have no need for additional help today,” Jimin said then, gesturing to the empty waiting room around him, fighting the urge to feel embarrassed. “I’m sure you have other things to do—“
 
“I don’t,” Taehyung corrected, eyes wide and even more hopeful now, voice pleading. “Please, don’t make me leave. I mean, I will…if you insist, but I’d like to be close to you…just to

be

. If that’s okay with you?”
 
Jimin sighed, his omega yipping in agreement, and he couldn't help but notice that standing here now, breathing in Taehyung’s familiar scent, was the first time he’d felt calm all morning.
 
“What would you do? Sit and stare at me?”
 
Taehyung bit his lip, thinking, and Jimin could see the exact moment inspiration hit, because he looked suddenly shy and infinitely more excited. “I don’t know if you remember, but in one of my letters I mentioned that I’d taken up drawing. It’s been a while since I’ve worked on it, but…w-would you let me draw you?”
 
“I—“ Jimin started to refuse but something stopped him. Maybe it was his omega, maybe it was just the look on Tae’s face and how soothed he currently felt in his company, but he found himself nodding. “Only as long as I don’t have patients to treat.”
 
“Of course.” Taehyung hopped up eagerly. ”If someone comes in, I’ll help you. Just let me…” and he was dashing up the stairs out of sight, returning quickly with Yoongi’s sketchbook and a pencil in hand.
 
Taehyung rounded the corner with Elder Omega Lee then, escorting her to the door, but the sight of Taehyung flying through the lobby toward Jimin brought them up short.
 
“Kim Taehyung! You know better than to run indoors!” she squawked, looking livelier in her effort to scold him than she had in years. She banged her cane against the floor for emphasis and Taehyung bowed and began to apologize profusely, to which she huffed and directed Taehyun to, “Quit dawdling and lead me to the door, son!”
 
As soon as she was out of sight, Taehyung straightened from his bow, catching Jimin’s eye, and they both promptly burst into loud, uncontrollable giggles. So loud in fact that Soobin peeked out from behind a curtain and shushed them, only sending them into another loud round of laughter. Taehyung was surprisingly the one who got control of himself first, stepping closer to Jimin and giving him the softest look.
 
“What?” Jimin gasped in an effort to take deep breaths, still laughing despite his attempts to reel it in. “Why are you looking at me like that?”
 
“Nothing, I just–I missed your smile…and your laugh. It’s good to see it again”
 
And Jimin waited for a bitter surge of emotion to come, but it’d been so long since he’d laughed and he felt nothing but relaxed and good at the moment.
 
“Where do you want me, Tae?” he asked instead, changing the subject and letting Taehyung lead him to the windows. He fussed over which one offered the best lighting before deciding on the far right. The only one that fully blocked all views of Namjoon. Jimin wondered briefly if Taehyung had done it on purpose to make him feel more comfortable, but then scolded himself and his heart for how it fluttered in response.
 
He directed Jimin on how to set his shoulders and tilt his chin and then he set to work, chatting amiably. “It’s been so long since I’ve seen Elder Omega Lee. I forgot what a fusspot she is,” he commented and Jimin couldn’t help the smile that crossed his face.
 
“The only time she’s even been nice was that time Taehyun accidentally gave her whiskey. She’s asked for him ever since when she comes for her treatment. I can’t help but wonder if she’s hoping he’ll mess up again.”
 
Taehyung snickered quietly, pausing his sketch to smile softly at Jimin. “Will you tell me the story? With all the details this time.”
 
And Jimin did, sharing the story of drunk Omega Lee and the first time Soobin fainted at the sight of blood, and the time Taehyun nearly got in a wrestling match with a four year old pup who refused to take their medicine. He strategically avoided any stories that might become too heavy, feeling suddenly protective of the fragile bubble they’d found themselves in. It was like magic for a while, like he’d somehow found a way to reverse time, back to when it was just the two of them over everything else.
 
The spell was eventually broken by Jungkook who spotted them immediately upon coming down the stairs. His brows came together in a familiar scowl, lips rounding in a pout.
 
“Hyungs, what are you doing?” he half asked, half whined. Jimin noted then how his hair was pulled away from his face into a tiny ponytail, brow dotted with sweat in a way that made him seem to glow. He couldn’t help but notice how he looked healthier and more rested than a few days ago. Could his forgiveness have really done all that?
 
Taehyung scrambled to hide his sketch, but Jungkook snatched it easily from his hands, frowning down at it. “You got his nose wrong…and his lips.”
 
“Yah! You brat!” Taehyung cried, ignoring the sketch pad in favor of smacking Jungkook, who dropped it promptly in an effort to defend himself. Jimin dove forward to catch it without thinking, clutching it to his own chest as Taehyung and Jungkook continued to bicker.
 
 “I’d like to see you do better!”
 
“I’m sure I could. I’m good at everything!”
 
“Yah! Just because Yoongi-hyung says it doesn’t mean it’s true. He spoils you!”
 
The look of pure indignation on Jungkook’s face at that, had Jimin dissolving in giggles again. How many times had they argued just like this in their youth, Jimin always feeling caught up guiltily in the middle. His name, the one used in vain to hurl insults. For once, he enjoyed being the one on the outside, free to enjoy their ridiculous antics.
 
The sound of his laugh brought their attention back to him. “Should

I

not be the one to determine if Taehyung drew my features correctly?” he asked teasingly, eyes already focused on the sketch book, completely missing the way his friend's eyes grew round with longing at his playful tone. The way the scents in the room shifted brighter around him.
 
Instead he was blinking down at the image in front of him, unable to quell the warmth slowly rising in his chest. Is this how Taehyung really saw him?
 
“Wow, Tae. You’re so talented,” he breathed, struck dumb by the stunning detail Tahyung had portrayed him in. If Taehyung had gotten any features wrong, it was surely by making him too perfect, too beautiful.
 
“I-“ Jimin lifted his head to speak, but stopped when he realized all the eyes in the room were on him. Taehyung and Jungkook (looking smitten)…Taehyun and Soobin (looking curiously confused)…Yoongi (leaning over the stairs with a fond gummy smile) and—
 
“Beta Jung?” he asked, sobering when he realized that another of the Kim mates had slipped into the hospital unannounced. His eyes darted around the still empty lobby before they settled back on Hoseok, the warm feeling of before abruptly gone.
 
Hoseok was smiling at him brightly too, but quickly morphed his expression to one of polite respect in response to Jimin. He gave a low, polite bow. “Omega Park-ssi, please excuse my intrusion.”
 
Jimin nodded once, appeased that Hoseok had at least been warned to keep his distance. Taehyung and Jungkook were turning to him then, Jungkook offering up a curious, “Hyung?”
 
Hoseok smiled, almost apologetically, as his eyes settled on Jungkook. “He’s asking for you.”
 
That’s all he said, but Jimin knew instinctively that the

he

in question was Seokjin. and he felt the same worry from yesterday bubble up again, reminding him that he still cared.
 
Jungkook hummed in reply, scent growing anxious as he turned back to Jimin. “Hyung, I must go. I’m so sorry.”
 
Jimin shrugged feigning indifference. “It’s fine. You and Alpha Min should both go.”
 
“He only asked for Jungkook. I can stay and help Yoongi-hyung,” Hoseok offered quickly, looking slightly nervous when Jimin narrowed his eyes at him, and clarified “

Just

to help, simply…because I

love

to help. With

no

other motives than to help.”
 
Taehyung snorted. “I think he gets it, hyung.”
 
Hoseok turned his eyes on Taehyung then, and promptly stuck out his tongue.
 
“Very well,” Jimin huffed. “Do as you like, but Jungkook, Soobin-ah will accompany you.”
 
“I will?” Soobin spoke up, eyes growing wide.
 
“Yes, I think there are a few herbs you neglected to collect the other day and we’re running low. I’ll make you a list.”
 
Soobin frowned and Jimin knew he wanted to argue that he was always meticulous in his herb gathering, because he was—and they both knew it. He shot him a quelling look though and Soobin thankfully caught it.
 
He nodded, following Jimin up to his office a moment later. They both paused upon entering, surprised to find one wall already missing. “We should move as much of the apothecary supplies downstairs as we can today. I’ll have the others help me,” he announced, grateful to have a task for the afternoon since today seemed to be a slow day.
 
“Hyungnim,” Soobin interrupted cautiously, watching as Jimin gathered a basket and started filling it with supplies. “Do you

really

think I made an error in collections earlier this week?”
 
“Of course not, Soobin-ah,” I’m sending you as a spy.”
 
“

What?

” Soobin blinked in surprise.
 
“I need you to pretend to gather the herbs, then offer to put eyes on Seokjin-ssi while you’re there, use your charms—“
 
“My

charms?

” Soobin asked incredulously. Jimin nodded in encouragement.
 
“Yes! Do whatever you need to do to get in the room with him, then report back to me with your findings.”
 
“Am I…

treating

him while I’m there as well?”
 
“What? Of course, why else would I be making you this basket of herbs to take?” Jimin asked incredulously, turning to glare at Soobin as he finished gathering what he wanted and covered it with a cloth so the basket still looked relatively empty.
 
“You said spying—“
 
“I meant spying in the

medical

sense. I’m worried for Seokjin-ssi, but I can’t go see him myself.”
 
“Why not, hyung?”
 
“I just

can’t

. So you will be my eyes and my ears and my hands,” Jimin said firmly, handing the basket over to Soobin. “Remember his case? He was very disassociated from his wolf.”
 
Soobin nodded, Jimin having used treatment notes from Seokjin as a prime example of the disorder during their training process
 
“Take care of him, Soobin-ah. I trust you.”
 
***
 
Jimin treated a few patients during the afternoon, allowing Taehyun and Taehyung to work on transferring the items from the apothecary downstairs. Hoseok seemed to split his time between tasks, fluttering around like a butterfly, helping the younger pair intermittently before disappearing for longer periods to help Yoongi. Jimin was unable to not notice how naturally and easily Hoseok was able to take charge of the others, even within Jimin’s domain.
 
But he found that he didn’t mind their presence. The murmur of Taehyung’s deep voice in the background was soothing, Hoseok’s tittering laughter mood enhancing, even the gentle

tap tap tap

of Yoongi’s hammer as he tried to work while obviously attempting to keep the noise down was somehow comforting.
 
His thoughts on the afternoon though changed some upon Soobin’s return, ushering him off to the side as discreetly as possible. Jimin’s heart sank more by the moment as they spoke.
 
“Are you certain?”
 
“No, hyung. I’m really not. I don’t have much experience with omegas and nothing firsthand with

this

, but… I’m really not sure what else it could be?” Soobin replied.
 
Jimin sighed, feeling defeated. He would have to find a way to examine Seokjin himself, there was no help for it. His mind was spinning on how to make that happen without outright asking, leaving Soobin with instructions to lock up as he exited the hospital, not even bothering to say goodbye to the others.
 
He was pulled from his thoughts when he rounded the corner, spotting Namjoon

still

sitting on the bench by the market stalls. Did the man

truly

have nothing better to do? That itchy feeling was back under his skin again, even as he ignored him and turned for home, deciding he was not in the mood to attend the pack kitchen again. He made a light supper with his dam, before retreating to his room for another fitful night of sleep. The moon called to him through his window while he fisted his bedsheets and tossed and turned in an effort to ignore it.
 
Jungkook was back the next day, along with Taehyung, Hoseok, Yoongi and the persistent itch under his skin. Hoseok and Yoongi maintained a respectful distance, although Yoongi brought him food again, which he promptly distributed to his assistants.
 
Taehyung and Jungkook both seemed on edge, circling around him, scents stronger and more temperamental, seeming to shift and change–for good or bad–depending on Jimin’s every move, especially if he was interacting with another wolf, patient or not. It almost felt like they were competing for him, and it grated on his nerves, which he told them, more than once, threatening to make them leave until they both pouted like the scolded pups they were.
 
“They’re being ridiculous,” Jimin groused at one point to Yoongi (of all people!), who’d just  helped him redirect Jungkook away from glaring at a young alpha while Jimin gave him care instructions for the very legitimate wound Jimin had just treated him for.
 
“I think they’re both close to their cycles,” Yoongi murmured quietly as soon as the patient left, startling Jimin as he turned to look at him. “Not that it’s an excuse, but it may explain the way they’re acting. They haven’t had one since late fall and they’ve both been consistent around the summer solstice in years past. It’s when they presented, right?”
 
Jimin hummed in agreement, feeling quite the idiot then, because he was a

healer

and theoretically knew such things, but it hadn’t occurred to him. But then why would it, when he hadn’t even been around them much since. He felt an inkling of old bitterness then and resentment toward Yoongi for having such intimate knowledge of

his

friends.
 
The speed and fierceness with which the emotion flared was surprising, intensifying that itching under his skin and he wondered for a moment if maybe he too was about to start his cycle. It bothered him that he didn’t know for sure. That he’d only had his presentation heat which was wholly unexpected and seemed to start without warning. That old feeling of being left out flared again too, even though he couldn’t blame anyone but Luna for his late presentation.
 
“If it’s any consolation, I don’t think they realize it. Even when you’re expecting it, the influence it has on you is almost always surprising,” Yoongi offered, like he was somehow reading Jimin’s mind, but he wasn’t looking at Jimin, eyes trained on Taehyung now across the room, like he too was trying to figure out his mate’s behavior and it’s intention.
 
“If it’s so, does that mean–will

all

of you be…

occupied

next week?”
 
As soon as he asked it, Jimin wished that he hadn’t, cursing his morbid curiosity for getting the best of him. But he

was

curious about how things worked with so many mates. Wouldn’t anyone be? He ignored the flush he felt creeping up his neck, relieved when Yoongi blushed as well while keeping his eyes trained across the room. Jumin wondered if he crossed a line, was about to apologize and excuse himself from this awkwardness when Yoongi cleared his throat and finally answered.
 
“No, ah–I…had my cycle earlier in the spring, with H-hoseok and Seokjin.”
 
Jimin frowned, that response only prompting more questions. “Is it not common to help your mate? Even when you are not in your own cycle?”
 
Yoongi stumbled over his words then, clearly embarrassed. “Um…of course it’s common, but…with multiple partners it’s sometimes easier for those who share the same cycle to spend it together. Of course we would help them, if needed. We would never deny them, but…I think they might prefer for it to be just the two of them this time.”
 
And Jimin wanted to question even that. But he couldn’t, because the images that sprang to mind then almost made him swallow his tongue. Jungkook and Taehyung, naked and slick with sweat, wrapped in each other's arms, mouths and bodies fused together. He reigned in his scent at the last second, holding it back with a desperate grip so Yoongi wouldn’t smell the burnt stench of jealousy with hot threads of arousal underneath. It disturbed him, how much he still wanted them even though they were mated, like his inherent desire for them was somehow embedded in his soul.
 
Wouldn’t it be just Jimin’s luck to have his cycle begin at the same time, his two friends mated and happy together, while he suffered in utter agony alone. The thought unsettled him more, remembering the pain and suffering he’d endured during his presenting heat. It was a sobering thought, sweeping away all emotion, except fear and cold dread. And he felt like a masochist asking his next question.
 
“Does it help? Having a partner?”
 
That finally had Yoongi snapping his head to look at Jimin, concern and sympathy discernable in his gaze. Jimin saw his fingers twitch, like he wanted to reach out and offer Jimin comfort even as he held himself back. And suddenly Jimin longed to be touched, to have someone who cared for him wrap him in their arms and let him be vulnerable for once.
 
Yoongi nodded, voice gentle when he said “Yes, with a partner it can become a beautiful thing. For Seokjin…it was still very difficult and painful…for years, but that’s because he wouldn’t let us…” Yoongi trailed off, but Jimin knew how to finish that sentence, having given Seokjin the advice himself. “But his last cycle, after the mating bites, was…” Yoongi trailed off, seeming caught in his own thoughts, obviously pleasant.
 
And Jimin’s own mind went spinning, imagining himself in Seokjin’s place, his own body guided by Yoongi’s gentle voice and skillful hands, Hoseok encouraging, instructing them exactly how they should do it. And the way his omega shivered in response to that was beyond his control
 
His scent flared, warm honey suddenly thick and sweet in the room. He saw the way Yoongi reacted, eyes dilating, his own scent rising to meet Jimin. The thickness of earth and pine surrounded him, making him feel like they’d been suddenly transported to the depths of the woods. His heart went wild in his chest and he tried to draw the smell deeper into his lungs.
 
Then Yoongi blinked, eyes going wide with dawning horror as he realized what he’d done. The color drained from his face. He took a step back, reeling his scent in and bowing several times in rapid succession.
 
“Forgive me, Omega Park,” he rasped. “I meant no disrespect.” And then he was vanishing up the stairs.
 
And even though it was the exact response he should have wanted from Yoongi, it left him cold and aching and dissatisfied.
 
***
 
Jimin was skittish for the rest of that day and the next, wary of his wolf replicating a similar reaction to any of the Kim pack. He kept his guard up and his responses short, avoiding Taehyung and Jungkook, much to their notable distress.
 
His only point of comfort came in Namjoon’s presence being taken as part of the inner council meetings prior to the solstice. So he was able to escape to the town square without the worry of being followed by his intense dragon eyes. Infinitely relieved to not have to see him.
 
The day of the solstice itself was calm and quiet all around and Jimin closed to hospital early, allowing himself and his apprentices a much needed break. He avoided the noise of the pack kitchen as well, opting instead for the solitude of his hut and the comfort of his dam.
 
He was surprised to find her standing on the porch though when he arrived, a bedroll and satchel strapped to her back.
 
“In my younger days, the elders always retreated together into the woods around the time of the solstice for meditation and to be closer to the moon goddess. We’re all of an age long past our own cycles and much prefer the solitude of the woods while the younger wolves

engage

themselves. I suggested it during the inner council meeting as a means for the elders, who are able, to come together and seek the moon goddesses guidance on how to navigate the pack through these unexpected times. Beta Kang and the inner council were in agreement. I’ll be gone for two weeks.”
 
“Two weeks?!” Jimin asked in surprise, calming only when she stepped forward to pat his cheek.
 
“You’ll be fine, Jimin-ah. Take the time to become more familiar with your wolf. You’ll need to be on the same page to endure the coming season and make the right choices for yourself. Embrace the solitude. These may be the last moments you are

truly

alone for a very, very long time.”
 
And despite her intention of granting him wisdom and perspective, he balked at the idea. She had no idea how well he already knew his wolf and the concept of

not

being alone felt so foreign he couldn’t even imagine it.
 
Puttering around the hut that night felt impossibly lonely, the itch under his skin becoming something constant and all consuming, more like a painful burn now. He brewed himself a strong batch of willow bark tea in an effort to counteract it. He was all but certain he was in pre-heat after all, even as the tea did its job and helped to dull the pain.
 
He lay in bed late into the night, letting his mind spin in wild directions he’d never let it before. He thought of Taehyung and Jungkook, and wondered if they were together, just the two of them, as Yoongi had suggested. Were they gentle and sweet together? Passionate and rough? They’d always seemed like opposing forces with Jimin the subtle calm in between.
 
What would it be like if Jimin were with them too? He couldn’t stop thinking about it. Would they love him soft and tender or consume him whole. He had no frame of reference, no prior experience to go by, only the twisted imagining of his own mind and his basic understanding of the mechanics.
 
He thought of how Jungkook had held him when they’d reunited in the meadow, the way his lips and tongue had felt against his skin. The only kiss he’d ever received all those years ago. Of Taehyung’s ethereal beauty and deep voice, the familiar feeling of their fingers entwined, his calming scent.
 
He thought of them and he touched himself. And if he cried when he came because of how much his heart wanted it, at least no one was there to see.
 
***

Jimin.

Taehyung woke with a start. He was hot and sweaty, the restlessness and prickly heat of his skin starting to kick in. He’d been dreaming…vivid, forbidden dreams, too fragile to speak aloud. Jungkook was still asleep at his side.

It’d been a while since they’d been together this way, but they’d somehow ended up here, by unspoken agreement, both longing for the same thing. It’d been too painful at first, after the fallout with Jimin, once they’d realized what they’d done. Jungkook too guilty, Taehyung too sad. They’d spent months barely speaking despite living in the same house and the few times they’d come together out of pure need had been fueled by anger, frustration…and hate. 
 
It wasn’t like it was with Hoseok…or the times he’d been with Yoongi and Seokjin—full of gentle touches and loving kisses and body worship. With Jungkook it was always fueled by hate. The hate was mostly self directed, but they found it easier to take it out on each other. They’d left bruises and bites. Had even drawn blood with the scars to prove it.
 
The hyungs had all but forbidden them from
being together, but something had shifted since they’d come back home. Jimin, as always, brought out the good in them, the chemistry. None of the others had questioned it when Taehyung grabbed Jungkook’s wrist after a stilted dinner, leading him back to the room he usually shared with Hoseok. 
 
Everything within their mated pack was stilted, the anxious calm they’d come to know in the city, thrown to utter chaos upon returning to the woods. The hyungs tried to encourage them that things would work out with patience and consistency. Namjoon was just perpetually absent, lurking in the shadows Luna only knew where.
 
Taehyung worried more everyday about what would happen if they were unable to successfully court him. Would they still make it all together or fracture at the seams? As much as he loved his other mates, there was a Jimin shaped hole in the middle of his heart. A Jimin sized hole in the center of the pack. He didn’t know how long he could continue to endure without his soulmate. His fear made him cling to Jungkook who clung back in return. It felt like they were holding their breath, balancing on a tenuous line, barely forgiven, constantly afraid of making a mistake. Now they were to be sequestered away for a week, because their bodies demanded it, but they also needed Jimin. The fear of Jimin rejecting them after this was enough to make Taehyung sick.
 
Jungkook stirred beside him then and Taehyung moved closer to feel the clammy warmth of his skin. He found it easier to be gentle with Jungkook in sleep, pushing his thoughts aside to press tiny kisses and gentle nuzzles to his face, trailing down his neck to his scent gland, then his collarbone. He lapped gently at a sensitive nipple, causing Jungkook to moan.
 
“Jimin.”
 
Taehyung bit down. Hard.
 
“Ah, fuck, Tae!”
 
“You know better than to mention him when we’re like this.”
 
Which was a ridiculous thing to say, when Jimin was always the focus. They both knew it.
 
“I was still dreaming,” Jungkook grumbled, barely lucid, fingers sneaking up to rub at his sore nipple. Taehyung batted his hand away, lapping at it with his tongue again, causing Jungkook to hiss, toes curling.
 
“You were dreaming of him too?” Taehyung murmured into his skin, his length hard and insistent against Jungkook’s hip. 
 
“Always,” Jungkook confessed quietly, his hands sliding around Taehyung to settle on his hips. “But I don’t want to hurt you this time, hyung.”
 
Even as he spoke his grip had grown taunt and punishing, finger shaped bruises likely already forming on Taehyung’s skin. He took a breath, slow and measured, tried to flex his hands away, but Taehyung pressed them closer. “It’s okay to hurt me a little.”
 
Jungkook shook his head. “I don’t want to hurt you at all.”
 
“Why? Is it because you want to pretend that I’m Jimin?” Taehyung knew he was baiting, but he couldn’t help it. The wounded side of him, barely scabbed over, wanted him to snap.
 
Jungkook growled, scent spiking as he easily flipped them, positioning himself to loom over Taehyung, fitting his narrow hips between his thighs, hands bracketing his head. “I know you’re not Jimin, hyung.”
 
He kissed him roughly then, lips firm but not yet bruising, tongue seeking entry, he pulled away when Taehyung tried to bite him. “What would you do if I was? Would you be gentle?”
 
Taehyung couldn’t stop talking, Jungkook sliding slowly down his body. He nipped at his hip in reply, sending Taehyung gasping, hot pain mixing with pleasure. “Of course I’d be gentle.”
 
“Would you be gentle with me if he was here?”
 
“Fuck, Tae,” he pulled slightly away, fumbled for the bottle of oil Hoseok had left descreetly on the bedside table. Jungkook’s expression was tense, fingers shaking as he pulled out the stopper, attempting to fight the impending rut haze.
 
When he moved back he settled with his shoulders under Taehyung’s thighs, forcing his legs wider apart. He trailed wet kisses down Taehyung’s inner thigh, oil slick fingers sliding between his cheeks.
 
“You didn’t answer my question, Kook.” He gasped again when his fingers met his hole, rubbing firm and insistent along his rim. l
 
Taehyung would start to produce his own slick later, thinner and less copious than an omega’s but still there. It took longer though, for his body to figure out what role he was serving for his partner. Because of this, Taehyung knew the first knot would hurt, and he would welcome it.
 
Jungkook still didn’t answer him, mouth occupied now kissing up his other thigh, so he repeated, “Would you be gentle with me if he was here?”
 
“Yes,” Jungkook finally said, raising his head to look up at Taehyung, even as his finger breached his rim. “Just like I intend to be gentle with you now.”
 
Taehyung’s hips bucked upward, toward the sky at the sudden intrusion and Jungkook didn’t hesitate, wrapping his mouth around his cock and swallowing it down. A stuttered moan broke from Taehyung’s lips as his hips were pressed down into the mattress, Jungkook guiding his finger deeper as he swirled his tongue around the head of his cock.
 
Taehyung sobbed at the pleasure, blinding and white hot and completely wrong. “No, Jungkook, please.

Please

, I can’t take it. I need it rough.”
 
He rocked his hips up, forcing himself deeper into Jungkook’s mouth, and he let him, even as Taehyung threaded his fingers in his hair to hold him in place. He didn’t fight against it, throat relaxed and pliant and

so

good, accepting Taehyung’s provoking thrusts.
 
He cried out in protest, kicking his legs until Jungkook wrapped a firm hand around his thigh, adding a second finger to his hole with the other. The burn and stretch enough to placate him as Jungkook scissored him open.
 
His fingers went lax enough in his hair for Jungkook to pull his mouth away, gasping and drooling, as he planted kisses along the bruise on Taehyung’s hip. His voice was ruined when he spoke. “Let me be gentle with you. Just this once. We have a whole week to get through.”
 
Taehyung shook his head stubbornly, whining in pleasure when Jungkook crooked his fingers just right. “Jimin wouldn’t want you to. He’d want you to punish me.”
 
Jungkook let out a breathy laugh of disbelief. He sat up, pressing Tahyung’s knees to his chest to open him wider and shook his head. “He’d tell me to be careful with you.”
 
“He’d tell you to spank me.”
 
Jungkook sighed, pulling his fingers out in what Tae thought might finally be punishment, before adding a third, making him wail.
 
“Maybe he would at first, but then he’d tell me to be gentle and lay you out just like this and kiss you with those perfect lips while I opened you up.”
 
Taehyung whimpered, turning his head to the side, unable to look at Jungkook then. Luna, how he wanted that. Jimin’s hands and voice and mouth. To open his eyes right then and have him be there, smiling at him with love, eyes hot with lust. He’d give anything.
 
“Maybe he’d run his fingers over your nipples too. Play with them a little.”
 
Taehyung snorted. “You’re the one with the sensitive nipples.”
 
“Fine. Maybe he’d play with my nipples then.” Jungkook blushed, even as he started to remove his fingers from Taehyung’s hole.
 
“And he’d call you a good boy,” Taehyung added, gasping when Jungkook’s fingers spasmed in response, hooking at his rim and pressing him open wider.
 
Maybe he’d even call you alpha,” Tae panted, vision blurring with need as he looked back up at Jungkook. “

Good alpha

. Is that what you’d want him to say, Jungkook?”
 
Jungkook whined and nodded, ever the eager puppy, even like this. Taehyung felt his lips curl up, watching as Jungkook fumbled for the bottle of oil again, slicking up his cock. “I bet he’d think you were so good, he’d ask to go first. He’d climb right on top of me and present for you.”
 
Jungkook growled at that, looming over Taehyung, lining his cock up, rutting forward, letting it catch on his rim. “You wouldn’t even have to stretch him, he could just take you. I bet he’d be so wet.”
 
Jungkook entered him then, both of them gasping at the stretch and tightness. Taehyung felt the pain lance through him, took a breath and tried to relax.
 
“I would though.” Jungkook finally said, voice tight as he worked himself deeper. “I would stretch him and put my

mouth right on his hole until he fell apart at least once before I mounted him.”
 
Taehyung clenched at that, at the vivid image it provided. Jungkook’s hips stuttered and he was babbling then.
 
“I’d fuck him so good. So good, hyung, while you kissed him and held him tight and told him he was good too. Your good omega.”
 
Taehyung shook his head, correcting. “Good

Jimin

. My Jimin.”
 
Jungkook thrust all the way in then, bottoming out, and Taehyung’s breath caught at the sudden sensation of fullness.
 
“

Our

Jimin,” Jungkook corrected.
 
Tae didn’t argue, instead adding, “I’d kiss him until he begged for your knot. Asked you to breed him.”
 
Jungkook choked on air, hips rutting forward roughly, starting a frantic pace, like he was losing all control. “Shit, Tae.”
 
“You’d want him to, right? To ask to be bred?”
 
Jungkook whined like it was too much, collapsed on top of Taehyung, and buried his face in his neck, hips thrusting rapidly. But Taehyung could feel how hard he was inside him, the increased ease of the glide and he knew it wasn’t from him. Jungkook was leaking all over, coating his insides with precum. 
 
“Are you gonna knot me, alpha? Knot me like you would Jimin?”
 
Jungkook whimpered and nodded, face still buried in his neck. Taehyung wrapped his arms around him, petting his hair and squeezing his nape. Held him close, safe, the way he wished he could hold Jimin.
 
When the knot finally caught he cried out, welcoming the pain, the sudden fullness, the impossible stretch and pressure as Jungkook filled him to the brim with a quiet groan.
 
He teetered on the edge, overwhelmed, his cock painfully hard where it lay trapped between them. Jungkook was still shuddering above him, aftershocks of his own release.
 
Then he adjusted the angle of his hips, slipping his hand between them to wrap around Taehyung with firm strokes.
 
“How would you want him, Tae? Would you fuck him too or let him fuck you?”
 
Taehyung nodded. Yes to both because, honestly, he’d take either. Anything, all things, as long as it was from Park Jimin.
 
“I bet he’d tell you how pretty you are. He wouldn’t be able to shut up about it, because you’re so pretty like this, Tae. And he’d tell you he loves you, like I love you.”
 
He came with a shout then, loud to Jungkook’s quiet. And the dam welling up inside finally broke. He sobbed, felt wetness on his cheeks. Realized he was crying.
 
It always ended this way.
 
“Shh,” Jungkook soothed, fingers coming up clumsily to wipe at his face. “It’s okay, hyung.”
 
“

Jimin

.”
 
“I know, hyung. I know.”
 
“I wish he was here.”
 
“I know, hyung.”
 
“I want him with us. To make sure he’s happy and safe and loved. I want him with us. So we can fix all the things we broke and make sure he never hurts again. I want—“
 
He broke off in a sob again.
 
“What are we gonna do, Jungkook? What are we gonna do if he doesn’t choose us?”

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

The next morning, Jimin woke with the burning under his skin having dissipated back to an itch. No sign of heat or painful cramping. No discernible change in his scent. And that, somehow, had him feeling worse than he could have imagined. An echo of the day he was supposed to present, but didn’t. So he prepared to go to the village, unable to let himself stay at home, with only his thoughts for company. He was unsure what to expect when he arrived, assuming there would be few patients with Soobin and Taehyun both potentially presenting. Would Yoongi still come, as he’d implied? Could he bear the thought of having confirmation that his friends were indeed spending their cycles together. He contemplated many scenarios on the walk to the village, but still the sight that greeted him, in reality, was wholly unexpected. Dozens of pack members lined up outside the hospital, looking exceptionally ill, with a frazzled Taehyun, alone and overwhelmed, attempting to man the entrance. His shoulders relaxed the moment he saw Jimin and he darted straight for him. “Hyungnim!” he gasped, lowering his voice as he drew close, grabbing for Jimin’s arm like a lifeline. “There’s been an outbreak of food poisoning at the pack kitchen. Almost everyone who ate dinner there last night, except those currently in their cycle, are sick. Soobin has not arrived and I feared you would not either–” “Easy Taehyun-ah, take a deep breath. We’ll figure it out together,” Jimin attempted to soothe, mind scrambling for what to do. He’d faced much worse than this, was nowhere near panicking himself, although he was annoyed and frustrated. How could he handle this with only himself and one apprentice feeling like he wanted to crawl out of his skin? And then a clear voice called out from behind them. “We can help.” They turned to find Hoseok, Yoongi, and–even more surprising–an exceptionally well looking Seokjin standing just a few feet away. Jimin felt himself balk, his guard rising immediately at the conspicuous absence of Taehyung and Jungkook and the unexpected addition of Seokjin (even as it was convenient so he wouldn’t have to sneak his way into seeing him). Still, he felt his annoyance and frustration rise, suddenly overwhelmed and vulnerable in a way he hadn’t been just a moment ago. He didn’t want help from the Kim pack, not without his friends involved. But then Hoseok stepped forward, bowing respectfully, sharp eyes imploring. “Please, let us help. We are resources at your disposal. Use us.” Jimin sighed in defeat, knowing Hoseok was right. Desperate times called for desperate measures and he found himself nodding, rattling off orders. “Taehyun, prepare as many cots as you can and report back to me. Yoongi-ssi, I need you to gather herbs from the apothecary and boil water. We need: chamomile, ginger, peppermint, and rosemary. Hoseok-ssi, Seokjin-ssi can you triage the patients? Group them according to who’s most sick, least sick, and those somewhere in the middle. We need to tend to the sickest first.” They worked quickly and efficiently. Hoseok’s clear voice rang out over the chaos, asking the crowd to follow his directions. Yoongi was easily able to find the ingredients Jimin requested and arranged them perfectly for his use. It was minutes later, as Jimin was tending to his first patient, that he realized he’d called them all by their first name instead of their titles, still formal but much less so. It was just easier, he reasoned, anyone would have trouble maintaining such formality in the middle of a crisis.  And he refused to think anymore about it. The morning was busy, but surprisingly smooth despite the volume of patients. As they just seemed to keep coming. Luckily the severely ill were few in number, most just suffering the usual side effects of a stomach bug. Jimin had no choice but to attribute their success mostly to Hoseok, who organized the patients beautifully and had a knack for giving orders in a way that was almost impossible not to follow. He’d even started managing most of the minor patients himself, having needed to listen to Jimin’s treatment instructions only once to carry it over. At one point he heard one of their fussier pack members demanding to see him instead, as they so often did, refusing to believe anyone but the blessed pack healer capable of tending to them. Jimin braced himself, prepared for Hoseok to come tear him away from where he currently was, pressing a cooling cloth to a fevered brow while Taehyun steeped a calming tea. He was already thinking three steps ahead, preparing to list off next step instructions to Taehyun, when he heard Hoseok’s voice grow stern and sharp. “Omega Park-ssi is very busy seeing other patients. He doesn’t have time to see you now. You can see me or you can leave.” Jimin and Taehyun both paused, sharing a glance, both breathing a sigh of relief when their pack member grumbled, but didn’t argue, taking Hoseok’s instructions and leaving. Taehyun leaned over, whispering to Jimin, “I swear he’s the scariest beta I’ve ever met.” “And maybe you could learn something from him?” Jimin teased, biting his lip to keep from smiling when Taehyun blustered. “I am not the problem. Soobin is clearly the pushover here.” It lifted Jimin’s spirits, knowing he was thus protected from interruptions in his work. His mood plummeted again though moments later when he exited the room to find Namjoon conversing with Yoongi near the entrance. He was honestly surprised to see him, having gone several days now with him out of sight and out of mind. He frowned, approaching them slowly, eyes cold even as the itch under his skin burned brighter. Namjoon turned his openly concerned eyes on him, forcing Jimin to turn his gaze to Yoongi, who was looking at him now too with concerned eyes. “Namjoon is here at the request of the council. Beta Kang sent him to assess the situation and determine what to do about the pack kitchen.” Jimin was both relieved and disappointed by the explanation, the latter feeling frustrating him to no end. The alpha had done nothing but vex him since his arrival and yet his omega was still holding out for something. He sighed and straightened to his full height, turning to address Namjoon, telling himself he was above being petty when it came to official matters concerning the pack. “I would suggest closing for a few days and a thorough cleaning. Consider throwing out anything leftover to start fresh when they reopen. Many are sick, but only a few are severely ill, and all should recover.” Namjoon nodded then bowed, eyes still glued to Jimin. “Of course. I’ll see to it personally.” Jimin almost laughed at the gallant way he said it, like his willingness to do so was supposed to mean something to him. “As you should,” he couldn’t keep himself from snipping before turning promptly on his heel. “Wait!” Jimin paused, despite his better judgment, waiting even as he didn’t turn around, for Namjoon to continue.  “Omega Park-ssi, I hope—I hope you are well and that this situation is not too taxing on you. I-if there’s anything I can do…” And Jimin felt inexplicably disappointed again. Was that really the best Namjoon had to offer? “Thank you, Alpha Kim, but I have all the help I need. Your mates are assisting me quite well.” And then he disappeared behind a curtain without a second glance, not staying to see the crestfallen look on Namjoon’s face. He threw himself back into his work, funneling all of his energy into his patients even as the elevated itch under his skin remained. It was midafternoon when he called for his next patient, only for Hoseok to show up instead with a large glass of water and a roll of gimbap. “You haven’t eaten all day, Omega Park,” Hoseok offered, firm yet cheerful. “I’m fine,” Jimin said, shrugging off the suggestion, mind  and hands focused on readying a new round of supplies on the cart beside him. “You can send in the next patient.” “You’re not,” Hoseok argued, stepping further into the room. “You need your strength if you’re going to continue treating patients.” And Jimin knew that rang true, but it grated on him hearing it from a member of the Kim pack. “I’m really fine. You should give it to Tae—“ “Yoongi and Seokjin are seeing to Taehyun-ssi now. There are currently no new patients. It’s the perfect time for a break.” Jimin frowned, his anger peaked at being cut off. Hoseok, who’d been exceedingly respectful up till now, was starting to push his luck. If it were any other member of the Kim pack, he would have already lashed out or thwarted their efforts by now, but something about Hoseok made him hold back. Maybe because Hoseok had always danced around the edges, then as he had up until now, enthralling Taehyung without directly involving himself with Jimin. And even as he directed all his energy toward Jimin now, he didn’t feel the same need to hit back. He grabbed the mortar and pestle from his cart, instead, and began prepping the herbs he’d been working with anyway. “It’s the perfect time to prepare more herbs in anticipation of the next patient.” He put more effort into crushing than needed, distantly aware of the way his wrist was starting to ache from the force he was putting behind it, after how much he’d already been using it today, but he desperately needed a way to work out his frustration. Hoseok stepped forward with a huff, positioning himself on the cot in front of Jimin. He set the glass of water on the cart where Jimin was working and grabbed the chopsticks, collecting a bite of gimbap and holding it out to Jimin. Jimin stopped, blinking in surprise. Was Hoseok really attempting to feed him? An act like that was something sacred—reserved for mates, especially for omegas. Hoseok gave him a firm look, almost like he was daring him to say something about it. “You need to eat,” he pressed. Jimin glared, with all the annoyance he felt. “And if I say I do not wish to eat your food?”  Hoseok sighed, setting the gimbap back on the plate and setting the plate beside him on the cot so he could cross his arms and glare right back at Jimin. “As you told Namjoon, the pack kitchen should be closed for several days and you did not know of events this morning to prepare something in advance for yourself. I’m simply trying to assist you by keeping you alive.” “I can feed myself.” Jimin snapped. “Yes, well,” Hoseok glanced meaningfully down at Jimin’s hands, where he was still gripping the mortar and pestle tightly. “You’re the one who insists on crushing herbs instead and I’m the one who desperately wants you to eat. We're killing two birds with one stone here. If you’re too busy to feed yourself, I will feed you. Do you not do it for your patients when they need it?” Jimin hated how rational it sounded, but all complaints aside the gimbap looked mouth watering and the longer it sat in his presence the more his stomach protested that he wasn't eating it. Hoseok seemed to sense his waning resolve and took up the plate again, offering the same bite of gimbap on his chopsticks with a small, hopeful smile. Jimin accepted it this time, vainly attempting to ignore the low hum of approval Hoseok emitted in response and the way it made Jimin feel suddenly warm all over. They shared a quiet silence then, Jimin working the herbs, agitation slowly calming as his stomach filled. Hoseok, content and attentive while feeding him. From this angle, Jimin was free to study him in detail in a way he hadn’t before. He noted the clear porcelain quality to his skin, the sharp angle of his jaw and the high line of his brow, somehow both delicate and fierce. His lips were heart shaped and pretty without being too full. He really was one of the prettiest betas Jimin had ever seen and his scent was bright and calming, mixed with hints of Taehyung. He eyed the mating bite on his neck then, something he, again, hadn't been close enough to see before. It was surreal really, knowing his own soul mate’s teeth had left such a scar. It shone pink and silvery in the late afternoon sun. Jimin couldn’t help but think it was pretty, the tiniest bubble of envy rising up as he looked at it. It wasn’t as bitter as he expected, but it was still there. He was unsure whom it was directed at though. Taehyung for making the bite or Hoseok for being the one to receive it. Maybe both? He thought back to his fantasies from the night before, of what he imagined it would be like to be with Jungkook and Taehyung and then his fleeting thoughts from a few days before that, of being in a similar but infinitely less realistic situation with Hoseok and Yoongi. But sitting here with Hoseok, he could picture it better now, the way Hoseok would order him around and instead of fighting it as he’d done today, he pictured himself submitting, so easy and perfect…the thought brought him up short and he gripped the pestle tighter in his fingers, causing pain to shoot up from his wrist to his elbow. He gasped, startled by the force with which it appeared, and dropped the pestle in the bowl, flexing his fingers in an effort to counteract it. Hoseok dropped the plate instantly, long fingers reaching out to Jimin as he cooed in distress. He didn’t ask before touching, seeming to move on instinct as he cradled Jimin’s hand gently between his own. He guided it to his lap, holding it in place with one hand as the fingers of his other began massaging along Jimin’s wrist. Jimin would have moved his hand away, but it felt so nice he found that he couldn’t, and then Hoseok was rubbing firmly against the widest part of his palm, coaxing the muscles to relax. Jimin let out a tiny hiss in pleasure/pain at the feeling. “You work too hard,” Hoseok scolded in pout, frowning down at his hand, fingers gliding to his wrist again. He pointedly avoided Jimin’s scent gland there, even as he pressed firmly along the sore tendons . “And you never let anyone take care of you.” “I’ve never had anyone who wanted to take care of me,” Jimin argued. He meant it to come out as a scathing retort, but it sounded quiet and sad, the soothing effect Hoseok had on his tired muscles coming out through his mouth. Hoseok’s head shot up, lips pursed like he wanted to argue, but Jimin shook his head. “Even growing up. I was always the one taking care of Taehyung and Jungkook. They tried to help, at times, but it was never…they were always content to let me…” He trailed off, unsure how to put into words his meaning, but Hoseok seemed to understand him anyway. “They weren’t mature enough then, but they are now. As much as it’s hurt to see them hurting, I think it was good for them. Helped them to grow. Helped them to see what they didn't before.” Jimin frowned up at Hoseok. “Helped them see what?” “Your worth. Your true worth. How much they stood to lose in losing you. They’re so afraid right now. They won’t make the same mistake again.” “Afraid?” Jimin scoffed. “You think I’m even on their minds right now? While they’re off…doing what mated wolves do.” And Jimin felt ridiculous even saying it. Hoseok was their mate, of course he knew. “You think they’re not?” Hoseok scoffed back, surprising Jimin. “Hopelessly pining for you while they screw each other’s brains out? Because that’s exactly what’s happening. Trust me, I was the one listening to them moan your name all night, even as they threw me out of my own room.” Jimin’s mouth dropped open at that and Hoseok seized the opportunity, stopping his massage of Jimin’s wrist to grab the last piece of gimbap and press it into Jimin’s mouth, smirking triumphantly at the now empty plate. Jimin chewed impulsively, because there was nothing else he could do, mind completely blank at Hoseok’s implication, but he grew a little angrier with each nash of teeth, any good will he still felt toward Hoseok quickly dwindled. “Stop it,” he said once he’d swallowed, reaching for the glass of water and draining it before continuing. “You’re toying with me. Manipulating. Attempting to bend my emotions to your will.” “I’m not,” Hoseok argued, stubbornly. “We’re not.” He shook his head, reaching insistently for Jimin’s other wrist. Even as Jimin pulled it away he reached for it again, intent on continuing his massage. He held his hand in a firm yet gentle grip, staring him down like he was daring Jimin to pull away again. When he didn’t, Hoseok finally continued. “We’re not trying to manipulate or toy with you. But we are trying to sway you. To convince you. I speak nothing but the truth when I say that Taehyung and Jungkook are, as we speak, desperately pining for you. They’re my mates. Do you think I would want to admit that if it wasn’t true?” Jimin studied Hoseok for a moment, noting the bitter edge to his scent. “Are you jealous?” Hoseok pursed his lips, looking down at Jimin’s hand where he was still massaging, faint color staining his cheeks. His scent started to shift and grow, allowing Jimin to better decipher his emotions. “I’m disappointed. As a beta I derive much pleasure from helping my mates during their cycles, even if I am not in my own.” He looked up at Jimin then. “But I understand why they just wanted each other, and…why they’re so focused on you. If I did not see you as a future mate, I would feel differently. If you were just anyone, then, I would feel very jealous.” “Future mate,” Jimin frowned at the words. “You don’t even know me.” “Don’t I?” Hoseok asked, a sad smile curving his lips. “In a way I’ve known you longer than Jungkook and Taehyung. You were the reason we all came. Then, and now. The whole purpose of any of this was you. Taehyung and Jungkook were…” he paused, like he was trying to think of the words. “Unexpected? Happy accidents?” He grimaced and shook his head, clearly not liking the way he’d phrased it before continuing anyway. “I knew we were coming for you. Namjoon said as much, the wolf he’d chosen for himself as a young pup.” Jimin scoffed at that. “I anticipated you, but I didn’t expect to walk into that print shop and find Kim Taehyung. Or for Yoongi to fall ears over tail for Jungkook and drag Seokjin along with him. Of course, Namjoon had mentioned your friends, but not in that sense. He didn’t anticipate they would join us, solely focused on you. but then we got here and we, Seokjin and Yoongi and I, realized very quickly that instead of five, we should be seven. The three of you weren’t meant to be separated.” “And yet you took them from me anyway,” Jimin argued. Hoseok sighed, scent turning sad but he didn’t deny it. “We did, but it wasn’t meant to be forever. We just wanted to keep them safe while we waited for you. And, yes, maybe it was shortsighted and selfish, but I speak for all of us when I say we didn’t mean for it to hurt you. Jungkook and Taehyung aren’t the only ones who’ve learned from their mistakes. We’re willing to do whatever it takes to make it up to you.” Jimin swallowed hard. “And if I say there’s no way for you to ever do that?” Hoseok huffed and shook his head, sniffing. “Then I would say I must politely disagree. The winds of fate are confusing at times, and unpredictable, but I will hold onto my hope.” And Jimin wanted to dislike him, for his bossiness and his boldness. His huffy replies. The way he was pushing Jimin’s boundaries, but his fingers were still warm and tender, pressing into Jimin’s skin, pulling the pain and weariness from his bones, even as they argued, and he found that he just couldn’t. Maybe it was Taehyung’s fault, his soulmate who was mated to this wolf but also so deeply rooted inside Jimin that he couldn’t be taken away. Something about Hoseok felt very much the same. And he just couldn’t find an inkling of dislike for him. He very much felt the opposite when the beta glanced up at him through pretty lashes, a small smile turning up the edges of his mouth. He stared at Jimin for a moment, before leaning in closer to whisper. “You think I do not know you, but I see you every day, in Taehyung and Jungkookie’s words and actions. Who taught them to be so kind and loving, hmm? Jungkook can be the gentlest, sweetest alpha I’ve ever seen–” “He didn’t learn that from me. He was always that way,” Jimin argued petulantly, but Hoseok hummed in disagreement, making Jimin’s cheeks flush “Maybe he was, but it stayed because of you. You fostered it in him. And all Taehyungie’s charm–” “That’s uniquely his as well!” But Hoseok was shaking his head again. “Even he says he got all his good parts from you. It’s always Jiminie this and Jiminie that. So perfect, and pretty, and wonderful. How could I not know you….and want you. How could we not all want you?” And he smelled it, desire and longing, gentle and sweet in the air. Jimin licked his lips feeling dazed, and watched as Hoseok’s eyes tracked the movement. Hoseok’s finger grazed the edge of the scent gland near Jimin’s wrist and his mouth went dry, heart suddenly racing. A rustling at the curtains startled them both and Seokjin's head poked through, coming into view, eyes widening as he took in the situation before him. His gaze swept over the empty plate of food, their closeness, the way Hoseok was holding his hand. “Oh, I’m sorry, I–”he started but Jimin didn’t miss the glint of something that flashed in his eyes before he masked it, his scent turning sour and Jimin could recognize it more easily in another omega. Seokjin was jealous. “I fear I am feeling very tired and unwell again,” Seokjin admitted, turning his attention to Hoseok and Jimin could see it, the dark circles under his eyes, the pallid tint to his skin, a direct contrast to the stark handsome glow he’d worn that morning. “Of course, hyung,” Hoseok said, rising from his seat and stepping forward to cup Seokjin’s cheek. Seokjin’s eyes darted to Jimin before focusing back on Hoseok. Jimin didn’t miss the way his scent stayed sour, not sweetening the way he expected under his mate’s attention and it bothered Jimin. “Let Yoongi-hyung take you home,” Hoseok encouraged. “He can bring us back dinner when he’s done.” “What?” Jimin interjected, surprised. Hoseok shrugged. “I assume some of the sick will be too ill to go home tonight. Were you planning to stay or ask Taehyun to?” It unsettled Jimin, how perceptive Hoseok was. “I was planning to stay. Allow Taehyun to go home and rest, but I can handle it alone.” Hoseok shook his head, he didn’t move to cup Jimin’s face the same way he had Seokjin’s, but he looked at him just as lovingly and Jimin wished he wouldn’t. “I’ll stay. Just in case you need me.” And so it went. Yoongi and Seokjin set off for home, Seokjin looking sick and miserable until they were out of sight. Jimin had been too busy to worry about Seokjin up until he interrupted them, but he worried about him then. A part of him was concerned about the jealous edge to Seokjin’s scent and what it meant, even as he scolded himself for caring. If Seokjin was irrationally jealous that had nothing to do with his medical condition and therefore should be none of Jimin's concern. Once they left, Hoseok gave Jimin some space, attended to tasks without Jimin even asking him to, seeming to sense that he’d pushed his limits. The afternoon passed in relative quiet, the majority of the pack members that needed it having already sought their help. The critically ill wolves were rounded on and all deemed to be stable and recovering by the time Yoongi returned. Jimin shooed Taehyun away for the night with the promise of allowing him to take the overnight shift tomorrow if needed. Then, he shared a stilted if not entirely awkward dinner of soup and bread with Yoongi and Hoseok while keeping an ear out for his patients. Yoongi seemed quietly excited to have so much of his attention, filling him in on the progress and next stages of his renovation plans upstairs in his low rumbling voice. Jimin was able to locate the plans for his tilting exam table, which Yoongi poured over, asking endless questions, until Hoseok scolded him into stopping and shooed him off as well. “You look exhausted on your feet, Omega Park.” Hoseok commented as they folded the last of the clean linens for the next day. “Go and rest. I’ll  take care of the next round.” “But they’re my patients,” Jimin attempted to argue, stifling a yawn. Hoseok nodded reassuringly. “I know. And I won’t hesitate to call for you if it’s needed.” So Jimin let him, yearning to lay flat for a while, even if just on a lumpy hospital bed. However, he found once he settled on his cot in the side room, away from Hoseok and the patients, he couldn’t fall asleep. He’d been leery of spending another lonely night in his hut without his dam’s comforting presence. But now, flashbacks of the infinitely lonelier, sadder nights he’d spent here during all those months of illness came back to his mind. And the itch under his skin was back to becoming a slow, unbearable burn. He turned on his side and glanced at the moon out the window,  briefly wondering if Namjoon was in the meadow. His wolf ached to be there as well, but alone, he reminded himself. He was still awake nearly an hour later when Hoseok finally rounded the corner and found him. He blinked in surprise, then frowned. “Can’t sleep?” Jimin nodded, swallowing the lump that had been forming in his throat. “Too many bad memories. I haven’t spent a night here since the last time the whole pack was sick. This is very different, but still, when I close my eyes…it feels the same.” He felt vulnerable admitting it, but he couldn’t stop himself, suddenly needing someone to understand. Hoseok hummed, eyes trained on Jimin. “Were you alone then?” he asked quietly. Jimin nodded again. “Yes, we took shifts, like we’re doing now, but with just the three of us…” he trailed off, watching as Hoseok crossed the room to the other cot and pushed it closer to Jimin’s, until they were touching, side-by-side. “What are you doing?” Hoseok didn’t answer right away, just blew out the only candle lit and climbed onto his cot. He laid his body parallel to Jimin’s, facing him.  “You’re not alone now. You’re safe,” he said it quietly again, like he was mindful not to spook him, and laid a tentative hand out in the space between them. An open invitation if Jimin wanted to take it. “Do you want to keep talking?” And for once, Jimin did. He retold the saddest stories of his life, the ones that sometimes gave him nightmares, and after a time his own hand found its way into Hoseok’s. He let the warmth and weight of it comfort him, slowly dragging him down into sleep. *** He woke with a start the next morning, panicked and embarrassed when he realized he’d slept the whole night through. But when he stumbled out from behind the curtain he was greeted by a cheerful Hoseok, happily steeping tea and tending to his patients. “Did you care for them all night?” Jimin asked in disbelief. “Yes, I checked on them several times. I think they’re all doing much better,” Hoseok said, after he’d served the last dose of ginger-mint tea and rounded back to Jimin, with a bowl of fresh, warm water. “Maybe they’re even ready to be discharged? It’s still early and they’re all settled for the moment. Why don’t you take your time to freshen up before you assess them?” He offered the bowl of water to Jimin with a clean towel draped over the edge. Jimin brought his hands up to cup the bowl, fingertips brushing Hoseok’s and he felt suddenly shy, despite the warmth blooming in his chest. Such a simple, thoughtful act, setting aside enough water for Jimin to wash up, and yet it made him feel so cared for. Something his own dam hadn’t done for him since he was a pup. “Hoseok-ssi, I’m sorry. I never intended to sleep through the night and leave you to—“ “Please, don’t apologize. It gives me great comfort knowing you rested,” Hoseok replied quietly, scent all gently restrained happiness, as he pressed the bowl further into Jimin’s hands. Jimin bit his lip, nodding once before returning to the other room. He took his time to bathe, letting the warmth from the water seep into his skin as he scrubbed his hands, face, and neck. He changed into a fresh tunic and gathered the bedding from the cots they’d slept on, pretending not to enjoy the way their scents mingled together pleasantly in the bundle of sheets as he carried it toward the back door. He had just stepped outside and prepared them for soaking and scrubbing, along with the other dirty linens, when a throat cleared behind him. He turned to find a fresh faced and exceptionally handsome looking Taemin watching him curiously. Jimin straightened in surprise, feeling immediately frumpy in comparison, but Taemin was smiling at him fondly and offered a low bow in greeting. “Forgive me for disturbing your work, Jimin-ssi. I just wanted to check on you. I tried to stop by yesterday, but your friends said you were too busy for a visit then. I was hoping to catch you today.” “You did?” Jimin asked, drying his hands on a spare towel as he stepped closer to Taemin, contemplating his words. “I’m sorry, no one told me.” Taemin smiled. “I’m not surprised. Your friends seemed most displeased to see me.” “Friends?” Jimin frowned, wondering who he had actually spoken to seeing as his actual friends had not been there. “The tiny alpha, the one who looks like a cat. He watched us out the window last week, and his taller omega mate. The one with broad shoulders and a very handsome face.” 
Yoongi and Seokjin.
 Jimin was too busy puzzling out how he felt about them turning Taemin away to worry over Taemin calling Seokjin handsome. He was handsome, it was just a fact, but still he didn’t feel jealous. He did feel pleasantly warm at the thought that Yoongi and Seokjin might have been. Although Seokjin being jealous didn’t make sense, how could he envy Jimin interacting with Taemin but also Hoseok giving him attention? “Do not worry. I remain undeterred.” Taemin disrupted his thoughts by stepping closer, pulling a hand from behind his back to reveal a bundle of pretty pink roses. “And I tried again, battling the roses, and won this time. I even trimmed the thorns for you.” “Oh,” Jimin felt his cheeks flush as he reached out to accept them, he felt tremendously flattered, and yet, it wasn’t quite right. Maybe in Taemin’s pack the color of the flowers didn’t hold the same significance, but Jimin’s omega longed for mating white—moon flowers, midnight roses, daisies, and fragrant night jasmine—all the different flowers Namjoon had gifted him over the years, the ones he’d denied now twice, but in this moment, longed for. “Thank you, Taemin-ssi. They’re beautiful.” He dipped his head, pretending to smell them, so Taemin couldn’t see the disappointment in his eyes. He reeled in his scent too, willing it to be happy and bright. Taemin was still smiling once he’d collected himself. “May I have the honor of bringing you lunch today since your pack kitchen is closed?” Taemin asked. “I am not much of a cook, but I’d love the opportunity to provide for you what I can, especially in a time of need.” Excited and eager emotions came through clearly in his scent and Jimin couldn’t help but return his smile, despite his prior disappointment. “Yes, Taemin-ssi. That would be very helpful.” Taemin preened for only a moment before he bowed to excuse himself and disappeared. Jimin remained for only a moment more before he returned inside himself, to put his bouquet in some water and then return to the washing. He was accosted almost immediately by three pairs of curious eyes, all of which fell promptly to the flowers in his hand. He barely had time to register that Yoongi and Seokjin were back and that Seokjin was looking better than yesterday afternoon but not as good as yesterday morning when Hoseok asked hopefully. “Did you pick those for yourself?” His expression was impassive, but Jimin could detect a slight strain to his voice and his scent, like spending one night next to each other was already helping him read Hoseok better. “Ah, no, Taemin-ssi brought them to me,” Jimin admitted hesitantly, although he didn’t know why he felt hesitant. Hoseok’s eyes widened in surprise and then narrowed in displeasure as he brushed past Jimin to look out the back door. “He came to find you behind the hospital?” he asked incredulously. “That’s creepy. Yoongi-hyung, there should be a fence back here.” Jimin frowned. He hadn’t found it creepy, at least no creepier than Namjoon stalking around looking for him. He almost said it, but bit his tongue, deciding to defend Taemin instead. “Yes, well, he said someone turned him away when he tried to visit through the front yesterday.” Yoongi, who had been nodding in agreement with Hoseok about the fence, blanched, eyes swinging wide on Jimin. “You were very busy. You didn’t have time to deal with him then, Omega Park-ssi.” And Jimin hated how endeared he felt when Yoongi bowed low in apology, tiny teeth nibbling at his bottom lip, like he was worried Jimin might really be mad at him. “And his scent was quite terrible,” Seokjin murmured, calling Jimin’s attention to him. He was looking slightly paler than a moment before as he hesitantly sniffed the air, seeming to relax when he realized the other alpha’s scent had not lingered with the flowers. “And those flowers are the wrong color.” Jimin frowned, feeling defensive of Taemin again and also confused, he found Taemin’s scent perfectlypleasant, even if it was not overly memorable to him just now. “Well, I like them. And he’ll be bringing me lunch today, so…” All three wolves around him grimaced, looking disappointed, but didn’t comment. Hoseok stepped forward first. “Would you like me to put those in water for you, so you can tend to your patients?” Jimin almost laughed when he handed the flowers over, only for Hoseok to hold them away from his body like he found them personally offensive. “Thank you, Hoseok-ssi,” he found himself murmuring quietly, not missing the way Hoseok’s head whipped toward him at the continued use of a less formal address. “But I was going to finish the washing first, just in case we get a round of unexpected patients today.” “Hyung and I can finish it,” Yoongi jumped in and Jimin almost argued that Seokjin shouldn’t overtax himself, but Seokjin was already following Yoongi toward the back door, ignoring Jimin all together. “Taehyun is up front. There’s also fresh bread with jam and honey if you find yourself hungry before lunch,” Yoongi added hopefully before slipping outside. Jimin sighed, feeling a bit unsettled as he returned to the front, calling Taehyun to assist him with their patients from yesterday, all of whom were, in fact, ready to go home. Hoseok fluttered around, helping with odds and ends. Jimin noticed he’d set the pink roses on the front reception table so Jimin could see them often. He also noted how Hoseok frowned cutely every time he passed them, so obviously displeased by their presence, and it made Jimin somehow feel infinitely endeared. Yoongi went back to his work upstairs, the gentle tap tap of the hammer making a soothing return, and Seokjin hovered at the edges, aloof but present and seemingly stable. Seokjin hadn’t made any attempts to approach him, other than his comments at large that morning, and Jimin was confused. Why was he here if not to confront Jimin or seek his advice in some way? He was still worried about him and upset by the jealousy in his scent yesterday. He thought back to the last day he’d seen Seokjin, the day they’d all arrived, how happy and healthy he’d seemed, how excited he’d been to see Jimin, only for Jimin to lash out and rush away. He didn’t regret it, he’d needed to vent his feelings, just like with all the others, but the others had bounced back to him, while Seokjin had stayed away. It was rounding midday by the time he’d dismissed the last patient. Taehyun was helping Elder Omega Lee with her weekly tonic (as she was far too old and crotchety to attend the elder summit in the woods) when the front door opened and Jimin turned to find Taemin and Kim Mingyu standing side-by-side, both carrying wrapped parcels of food. “Taemin-ssi,” he greeted with a bow, Taemin offering a gentle smile, before turning to the other alpha. “And Mingyu-ssi? What a surprise.” Mingyu beamed, standing taller before he bowed as well. “Hello, Jimin-ssi! I found Alpha Choi earlier, foraging for food, and when he mentioned, in passing, that he was bringing you lunch, I decided I should do the same.”  “Ah, you wish me to eat two meals?” Jimin asked with a nervous titter, unsure how to navigate such a situation as this. “Or whichever one is more appealing,” Mingyu encouraged, looking down his nose at Taemin still with a smile on his face. “Whichever one of us is the better alpha.” Jimin had been too surprised at first to register the rising tension, and assertive alpha scents, growing between them until Seokjin stepped into the lobby, and promptly gagged. He retreated quickly, face visibly green as he slapped a hand over his mouth and nose. The two alphas blinked at Jimin in surprise before he sprang into action. “Both of you, outside. Now. I’ll meet you by the picnic tables in a few moments.” He didn’t wait to see if they followed his orders, instead turning to follow Seokjin who had ducked into the farthest empty treatment room and promptly emptied the contents of his stomach into a basin. “Omega Kim—“ “Leave me,” Seokjin gasped, dry heaving now over the basin. Jimin frowned, knowing he’d be unable to do so. Something inside him clawed in his chest at the sight of Seokjin in pain, so much more urgent and acute than what he felt for him two years ago. “Omega Kim—“ “Just leave me here to die.” Seokjin was sobbing now, shoulders trembling. “Seokjin-ssi, please. You’re being a bit dramatic.” “I said, leave—“ “No!” Jimin all but yelled. He stepped forward into the room, grabbing a clean cloth and dipping it into cool water, wringing it out before he pressed it along the back of Seokjin’s neck. He let his hand run a soothing stroke down the length of Seokjin’s spine as he guided him to sit on the edge of the cot. “Hyung!” Hoseok was tearing through the curtain then, but Jimin stopped him with a look. “Hoseok-ssi, will you steep Seokjin-ssi some tea with fresh ginger and lemon while I help him settle?  Then send us Yoongi.” Hoseok nodded and quickly disappeared. “I don’t need Yoongi,” Seokjin whispered miserably as Jimin took the basin from his hands, setting it aside to empty later and guiding Seokjin to lay on his side. He was pale and sweaty, eyes half lidded. “You do,” Jimin argued simply. “You need to be scented by your alpha. When was the last time he scented you?” “I don’t know. Does it matter?” Seokjin asked petulantly. His eyes fluttered shut when Jimin cupped his wrist, pressing two fingers against the pressure point there.  Jimin eyed the scent gland right above his pressure point as he replied, “Of course it matters. I told you this two years ago.” “I prefer Jungkook’s scent. Sometimes Yoongi’s is too strong.” Jimin hummed contemplatively. “And your other mates?” Seokjin just shook his head and Jimin frowned. “You don’t like any of your mates' scents aside from Jungkook?” Seokjin wrinkled his nose. “Not right now and I only like his sometimes. It’s like suddenly my nose has become overly sensitive somehow.” Jimin hummed contemplatively again, then wiggled up the sleeve of his own tunic and pressed his wrist directly to Seokjin’s. Seokjin gasped, body jolting against the cot like he was being electrocuted. “What are you doing?” “I’m scenting you.” Jimin replied reasonably, even though there was truly nothing reasonable about it. It was true, that omegas often scented each other more platonically than other subgenders and that there were special healing/hormone balancing properties in omega to omega scentings, but Jimin had thought of none of those before pressing his wrist to Seokjin’s. He’d acted instinctively, led by the clawing inside of him that was clearly his omega.  “Are you claiming me?” The hopeful question falling from Seokjin’s lips forced his gaze up. He wanted to deny it, but it didn’t feel right to do so and Seokjin was staring at him with tear filled eyes, scent growing sweeter by the second. “Is it helping?” Jimin asked instead. Seokjin nodded. “Do you want me to stop?” Seokjin shook his head, but then shook it again, looking sadder. “But maybe you should.” “Why?” Jimin asked, feeling suddenly irrationally possessive of Seokjin’s wrist. “Don’t you want to get better? Do you not need to be well to take care of your mates? Did you not promise to take care of Jungkook when you took him from me?” Jimin meant it to be encouraging, but he could tell by the stricken look on Seokjin’s face and the way the tears started to spill over that he’d missed the mark.  “You think I am a bad mate?” “No, Seokjin-ssi, I—“ “You’re not wrong. I am, truly. I–” “You’re not. I take it back. It’s not what I meant.”  “Forgive me.” Jimin added after a moment, pressinghis wrist more firmly against Seokjin’s, but Seokjin just shook his head. “You don’t need to ask my forgiveness for speaking the truth,” Seokjin murmured bitterly, head thunking back against the cot. He took a deep breath and closed his eyes, attempting to calm himself. Jimin released Seokjin’s wrist as he watched him, reaching for the other. “I think you need more omegan influence. You mentioned before about not being averse to spending time with other omegas now. Have you made any omega friends?” Seokjin shook his head. “No.” “I think you should make some, and let them scent you.” Seokjin made a face at that and Jimin huffed. “Or, if you are not averse. You can come here and I will scent you.” And Jimin couldn’t control the way he held his breath, willing Seokjin to agree, he didn’t know why he suddenly felt so attached. Although, if Soobin was right in his diagnosis it might make sense, but he wasn’t prepared to consider that now. “You shouldn’t be so kind to me. I don’t deserve it,” Seokjin warned, but his scent was so much more balanced now, mixed with Jimin’s, and he could see the way his brow relaxed, the sickness dissipating. “I do not wish to be cruel. It’s not in my nature,” Jimin admitted with a sigh, admiring Seokjin. He could not help himself. “I can only hope that ordering you to be around me for daily scentings will somehow end up being a punishment.” Seokjin snorted. “Being near you could never be a punishment. It could only ever be a blessing.” Jimin scoffed at that, finishing the scenting and pressing a fresh, cool cloth to Seokjin’s forehead. “Even if it makes you jealous? Seeing your pack giving me so much attention?” Seokjin frowned then, cracking one eye open. “It doesn’t make me jealous. Them giving you attention.” “Yesterday, when you found me with Hoseok…” Jimin trailed off, watching Seokjin and sniffing the air carefully for any changes in his scent, curious if he’d even been aware of his own reaction. “Oh,” Seokjin’s cheeks flushed, the pretty rose pink a direct contrast to his still pale coloring. “That was not—I was jealous of Hoseok, not you. It was me wanting your attention, not them giving it to you.” Jimin was so surprised he stopped, fingers still pressed to Seokjin’s brow. He was looking at him with both eyes open now, gaze full of unspoken emotion. His hand reached up to circle Jimin’s wrist this time, thumb tracing Jimin’s scent gland. “You were my friend first, before we fucked it all up. I know you didn't feel that way, but I did. The time we spent together that summer was…it was very special to me, and—“ Yoongi wrenched the curtain aside then, disrupting them, looking frantic. “Hyung? Hobi said you were sick again. That you needed me.” Jimin removed himself from Seokjin’s grasp, feeling as if he’d been caught doing something he shouldn’t. “Scent him,” he ordered Yoongi as soon as he’d recovered himself. Yoongi hesitated only a moment before stepping forward and raising Seokjin’s wrist to his nose. His eyes snapped to Jimin as soon as he caught Jimin’s scent there, but Jimin just nodded encouragingly, turning back to Seokjin as Yoongi nuzzled his wrist. “Is it helping?” Jimin asked, noting the hazy look to Seokjin’s eyes, the way his body seemed to relax even more into the cot. He nodded, eyes fluttering shut a moment later and Jimin felt his wolf relax too, even as his body still felt keyed up. That burning itch was back to feeling like fire under his skin. Moons, he wished he could shift! He turned to Yoongi, heart beating too rapidly in his chest despite his best efforts to display a calm facade. “Keep him here. Make him rest. When Hoseok-ssi comes back, have him sip the tea. I’ll be back after lunch to check on him again.” He left without another word, knowing Yoongi would follow his instructions without error. He prayed the fresh air and sunlight would calm him as he exited the building and it did. At least enough to make it through an awkward lunch of two alpha’s vying for his attention and stuffing him full of food. He tried to appreciate Taemin’s calm, sweet demeanor and Mingyu’s boyish charm, but his mind was stuck on his wolf’s reaction to Seokjin and the burning pain under his skin. By the time he was done, he had a blaring headache and knew he would be unable to make it through the rest of the day. He returned to the hospital to find Taehyun unoccupied and ready to take over. Seokjin was asleep on the cot, his mates quietly by his side. “Take him home when he wakes up. Continue the ginger tea with lemon, plain rice and broth for dinner. Bring him back tomorrow for another scenting,” he told Hoseok, who looked like he wanted to ask questions, but didn’t, sensing Jimin was not ready to answer them. “I’m going home now. If you need anything before you leave Taehyun is still here.” Hoseok frowned at that. “Are you well, Omega Park? Could I walk with you?” “I am quite well, and no, I don’t need walking,” Jimin shut him down quickly, knowing he wanted to be alone and away from all of them, not ready to show anymore vulnerability right now. Hoseok didn’t question that either and Jimin was grateful. *** And so the week progressed. Jimin spent his nights alone, nursing his aching body with willow bark tea, tossing and turning under the rounding moon. He’d spend a few hours at the hospital in the mornings, until Seokjin arrived for his scenting, which always made the burning under his skin nearly unbearable, before retreating to his hut again. Soobin returned before the end of the week, having presented as a beta, a surprise to no one, and was able to assist Taehyun in Jimin’s absence, although all was well after the food poisoning fiasco and things were slow as expected, which was almost worse in Jimin’s opinion. It left him too much time to think and fret and not enough time being distracted. He avoided interacting with Hoseok as much as possible, appreciated Yoongi staying upstairs and out of the way, and shot enough rapid fire questions at Seokjin about how he was feeling to keep him from asking any of his own. It seemed to be helping, sharing scents as omegas made Seokjin feel calmer and more tolerant of his beta and alpha mates scenting him, thus promoting his well being. He looked better rested, less headaches, no new episodes of illness. If only Jimin could say he felt the same. His only saving grace was Namjoon’s continued absence, although he thought of him each night, as he fought the urge to shift. Wondering if he was in the meadow, if it was worth it to risk it, but no, he refused to go back on his word.  By the night of the Hunter’s Moon, Jimin was so restless he couldn’t stand it, a culmination of the week weighing down on him with no outlet. Even with his willow bark tea to numb the ache, the call of the moon was incessant and unbearable. This was the longest he’d gone without shifting. And the need to do it was so overpowering he couldn’t think straight. And, finally, it was all but guaranteed that Namjoon would be out with the hunters and away from the meadow. It was the perfect time, possibly the only time, to be undisturbed in his wolf form. And he craved it, even as something he didn’t understand tried to hold him back. There could be danger, it said. But the hunters never came in the direction of the village during the hunt, Jimin knew that. And never to the northern woods when game was much more plentiful to the south. So, regardless of the risk, he found himself leaving the hut after dark, shifting before he’d even reached the last porch step and taking off into the night. He reveled in the quiet of the forest and the beauty of the full moon. The sharpness of his wolf senses as he cataloged every touch and taste and smell. He allowed his sharpened senses to confirm that Namjoon was, indeed, nowhere near the meadow minutes before he got there. No wolves were and he almost howled in delight, darting out across the meadow the moment he arrived, letting his legs carry him fast and hard and exhilarated. He breathed in the first deep breath he’d been able to take in days and felt suddenly free. Then Namjoon’s words came rushing back to him. 
How long can you go before you have to break free?
 Jimin huffed at that, but his wolf latched onto it. As much as he wanted to deny it. Maybe his wolf and Namjoon’s really did have this one thing in common. But what did it mean? Jimin puzzled over it as he ran, his thoughts more linear and simple in his wolf form than they could ever be when he was human. The answer that came was clear and true and the reality of it made Jimin stumble in his tracks. 
We are what we appear to be…the silver wolf.
 
And he is the midnight.
 
We are the same.
 
A fated match.
 Jimin stumbled in his run, panting, heart pounding. He tried like hell to back track his thought process. Erase it. Deny it. Somehow come up with a different answer, but his wolf wouldn’t let him. Not in this form, with his omega at the forefront, demanding to be recognized. 
We are the silver wolf.
 No. 
No, no, no, no.
 A sudden explosion of scents, sharp and unfamiliar, cut through the forest.  
Alphas.
 Jimin’s wolf identified it immediately. Unfamiliar alphas in the woods, possibly part of the pack but indistinguishable to his nose. His blood ran cold. 
Danger.
 They were too close, too wild. Smelling heavily of blood and aggression, predatory senses heightened from the hunt. It would still be illegal to take an omega by force, but a forced mating would still be a mating and punishment later would still be too late. There were plenty of good wolves in the pack, good alphas. They could still reel themselves in. It didn’t mean they would attack, he tried to reassure his wolf. But his wolf only thought of all the alphas he didn’t trust, like the Hans and their dissenting friends. And what of the Chois and Lees and Kims? He was unfamiliar with their pack rules and even if he was, his wolf was too far gone now to listen to reason anyway. He cursed himself. Stupid Jimin, so stupid! He stood frozen, unsure what to do, how to proceed. He’d been running, panting, spreading his scent all over the place. And if they caught it, if they caught him… He could sense them coming closer, running fast, likely chasing prey. He had the fleeting thought, a sudden wish that Namjoon was here. 
Alpha would protect us, he’d keep us safe.
 A single howl cut through the night, chilling Jimin to the bone, and he knew instinctively it was for him, about him. The movement of the wolves paused and then a chorus of howls followed. They were coming right for him. And Jimin didn’t know what else to do. He ran.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Jimin ran.
 
As hard and as fast as his legs would carry him. Through brush and sticks and trees. He was careless, unsure why or where he was going, just running blindly.
 
He could sense the alphas tailing him, giving chase, though still at a distance. He could not see them, but his fear would not abate long enough to let him think and so he ran.
 
He felt desperate.
 
Think Jimin.
 
Think, think, think.
 
 Should he run back toward town and hope it would deter them? Run to his hut and hole up inside and pray they wouldn’t follow? Did they recognize his scent? 
 
And that sent another jolt of fear through him. Even if he made it through this safely. The whole town would know his secret and he was simply

not

ready. But he’d think about that later. If he had the chance. Now he needed to figure out where he was and what he was doing, because currently he was lost. Lost in a way he’d never been before. The woods around him were scary and unfamiliar. He had no idea how far away he was from home, and he couldn’t stop running.
 
Panic gripped him as the realization dawned and he stumbled briefly. Panting. Muscles straining.
 
And then a new scent cut through the night, sharp and spicy and familiar. And Jimin didn’t think, he just turned right for it and ran.
 
***
 
Jungkook was having trouble focusing on the hunt.
 
He wanted to be excited. It was only his second hunt and he had two of his mates by his side. He’d missed hunting while they were in the city. Had been anxious to get back to the woods. Longed for the freedom of the hunt and the way he could lose himself in it. But returning to the village had come with its own set of new responsibilities, and repairing his relationship with Jimin had become his rightful focus. He’d been able to hunt some small game in his spare time (which was much harder without his bow and arrow set—Jimin still had it), but enough to prepare his first courting gift. He’d fantasized about snagging something big for Jimin on the hunt. Another moose or an elk? Maybe even a

bear

? 
 
But then his rut had come, and with it a whole host of new fears. When they’d emerged just that morning—after much fussing and grooming and pampering from Hoseok—it was clear things had changed. He hadn’t had enough time to figure out all the reasons why though. Yoongi and Seokjin had arrived home with Seokjin smelling so much like Jimin it almost brought him to his knees. He’d wanted to scent his hyung, but he held himself back for fear of erasing Jimin’s claim. He held him close instead, sniffed at him contentedly, much to his hyung’s embarrassment.
 
He’d caught wind of Yoongi’s pensive gaze and scent next. He had asked of Jimin then and felt unsettled at his hyung’s description of him, growing closer to them over the week, but decidedly more restless. How he’d been excusing himself from work each day after scenting Seokjin, like he was unwell, though he consistently denied it.
 
He and Taehyung had both wanted to seek him out then, but his mates had talked them out of it, relaying that Jimin had been firm in his refusals to let Hoseok or Yoongi walk him home or check on him there.
 
He might want

us

though, Jungkook thought, but didn’t say. Not ready to start an argument. There was limited time anyway. He and Yoongi had needed to prepare for the hunt and seek out a still scarce Namjoon who, according to Yoongi, had been involved in pack business during the week but shut away when home, sadder and more closed off from them by the day.
 
Jungkook had been relieved when he’d finally set eyes on Namjoon prior to the hunt. Despite their differences, he and Namjoon had come to a mutual understanding over their months together. Jungkook realized over time that they were more alike than he’d initially wanted to admit. They had more than their obsession with Jimin in common. They tended to internalize their pain and frustrations and punish themselves in similar ways. And while Jungkook had his hyungs to guide him and teach him better ways, Namjoon kept himself apart and the longer they were together as a whole, the more Jungkook sympathized with him. And being close to Jimin again had him feeling more compassionate and somehow even more perceptive of Namjoon’s pain.
 
That’s why, when they finally found Namjoon, Jungkook approached him without a word and made a show of pulling him close and scenting his neck, more intimately than they ever had before. Namjoon stood frozen, still as a statue even when Jungkook pulled his head down to his own neck, asking for his scent in return.
 
“Missed you, hyung,” Jungkook murmured before pulling away, more than a little surprised when Yoongi stepped forward and pulled a still frozen Namjoon in to do the same. In all their time together, he’d never seen the two older alphas share scents and the sight now made him feel a bit giddy. Especially when Yoongi turned to him next, scenting him within an inch of his life before he pulled away with that gummy smile that still made Jungkook’s belly flip.
 
They’d lined up at the edge of the woods, as was tradition, Namjoon taking his father’s place in leading the call during the ceremony and Jungkook thought how different it was, being at the heart of it instead of the outer edges this time. Then they were off.
 
He’d felt the same exhilaration, shifting to his wolf form, heightened even more by having his alpha mates beside him. And it felt perfectly natural for him to flank Namjoon on the left with Yoongi on the right, awaiting his guidance as their Alpha. Except Namjoon immediately broke off from the pack. Turned. Led them in the opposite direction.
 
At first Jungkook thought he was trying to break away for a more peaceful hunt, which made sense. He often longed for the beautiful feeling he’d shared on that first hunt with Yoongi. He’d give anything to feel it again now, to share a kill with his mates.

Something special for Jimin with just his mates

, his wolf growled in possessive pleasure. He could already taste the satisfaction. Yes, that would be perfect. But then he realized Namjoon was heading toward the north woods, away from the plentiful hunting grounds to the south, skirting the western side of the village.
 
And maybe it wasn’t Jungkook’s fault that he couldn’t focus on the hunt when Namjoon clearly wasn’t focused either. He stopped them at a small clearing that bordered on the northern wood, and Jungkook wondered if maybe Namjoon knew something about hunting game here that even he didn’t. He was their future leader after all, but even Yoongi tilted his head in confusion when Namjoon’s big wolf sat back on its haunches, facing the north wood, like it was keeping watch.
 
He and Yoongi circled the clearing as they waited for Namjoon’s next move, nabbing a few rabbits and squirrels that passed through. Jungkook was feeling more tense and confused as the minutes ticked by, his alpha restless with the need to follow its instincts and sink its teeth into some bigger prey.
 
He was ready to shift and confront Namjoon about it, when suddenly Namjoon’s whole body went stiff as he surged up on all fours. Jungkook felt the fur bristle down his back as he took a defensive stance, tail standing on end. He noticed Yoongi do the same, searching for a danger they couldn’t see, smell, or hear. Then Namjoon let out a growl so menacing Jungkook felt it in his own chest and he was bounding off into the north woods at breakneck speed. Jungkook’s own paws were in motion, following, before he even had time to register he was moving, like his wolf was somehow tied by invisible strings to Namjoon.
 
He sensed Yoongi beside him, running just as fast, speeding up even in an attempt to reach Namjoon’s side, but he was running so fast, his wolf bigger and stronger, taking powerful strides even Jungkook couldn’t match. At least not until he took a breath and smelled it.
 
What they were after. What they were trying to

save

.
 
Jimin's scent was in the woods.

Jimin

was in the woods.

With other alphas.

Jimin was being chased.

His own vicious growl ripped through him then, spurring him on faster, faster, faster.
 
He could scent him better with every step, but he could also scent the other alphas and their aggression, the thirst for violence, and how they were closing in. But Jimin was running toward them it seemed and Namjoon seemed to register that too in the same moment. His wolf slowed, allowing Jungkook and Yoongi to catch up. They formed a defensive line, and Jungkook prepared himself for a fight, channeling all the rage and anger and aggression he felt for a single purpose, to destroy anyone who tried to hurt his hyung.
 
His eyes scanned the woods for Jimin. His petite frame, his vibrant hair. A human form in the woods should be loud and easy to spot, But all Jungkook heard were the pants and paws of approaching wolves and then a streak of silver shot past them. Namjoon let out a sharp alpha bark to Jungkook and he understood immediately.
 
Namjoon wanted him to follow,

but why?

He didn’t wait to ask, unable to keep himself from obeying Namjoon’s order. He caught up to the blur easily, registering only seconds later that it was a small silver wolf.

The

silver wolf. And it smelled like Jimin.
 
His heart sped up.

He was Jimin.

And now he understood the order. His job. Protect Jimin at all costs. He heard the clash of alphas behind them. Growls and snapping teeth, howls and whimpers. He prayed his mates were fine. He couldn’t turn back to help them. The sounds only seemed to spur Jimin to run faster, but Jungkook registered quickly that they were starting to head in the wrong direction. Jimin was most certainly lost. He sped up, flanking Jimin’s right, attempting to guide him in the direction of home.
 
Jimin snarled at his approach, turning his head and snapping his teeth, but then his steps faltered as he seemed to recognize Jungkook. He let out a whimper and Jungkook could see how he was trembling in fear now, the scent of it coming off of him in waves.
 
Jungkook attempted to settle his own scent, pumping out pheromones for calm, protected, safe. He pressed his snout into Jimin’s side, urging him to the left, toward his hut, and Jimin followed easily then, even as he continued to tremble and reek of fear.
 
Jungkook paid close attention as they ran, listening for threats, for other wolves approaching, but it seemed his hyungs had been successful in keeping them away and he felt a sense of relief as the hut came into view. He watched as Jimin reached the porch first, scrambling awkwardly up the steps in his wolf form, small frame huddled against the door. Whimpering and whining.
 
He shifted, unconcerned with his nakedness as he climbed the steps as well, opening the door to let the silver wolf inside. He went through after, closing the door and bolting it shut. He fumbled for a light, finding a lantern and striking the flame a moment later. He half expected Jimin to be back in his human form, but he was still a wolf…and he still looked so scared.
 
“Hyung. Hyung, it’s okay. You’re safe now,” Jungkook assured gently, setting the lantern back on the table and crouching down to Jimin’s level. The wolf came to him immediately, almost desperately as he pressed into Jungkook, unbalancing him. He landed on his bottom with a grunt and then the wolf was climbing into his lap, tail curling around his legs, snout nuzzling at his neck. He was still whining and trembling and Jungkook didn’t hesitate, wrapping his arms around his body, pulling him in closer, fingers threading into the fur along his nape.
 
He marveled at the softness of his coat, the shiny multifaceted silver hairs. Jimin was always so pretty, no matter what form he was in.
 
“You’re safe, hyung,” he murmured again, willing the feeling through his limbs like the strength of his hold could somehow make Jimin feel it. “I’ve got you.”
 
He didn’t know how long they stayed like that, huddled together on the floor, but it was long enough for his ass to go numb and the flicker of the lantern against the wall to change as the flame burned low. He thought he had Jimin all but settled, the shaking only sporadic now, the whining stopped all together. He almost wondered if he’d fallen asleep.
 
But then a loud incessant knocking sounded at the door, causing them both to startle. Jimin whined, cowering more into Jungkook, but a deep breath pulled the scent through the door and Jungkook relaxed.
 
“It’s just Taehyung,” he whispered, pressing a kiss to the wolf’s forehead a moment before a low frantic voice called through the door.
 
“Jungkook? Jimin? Are you here?”
 
Jimin whined again but Jungkook shushed him, maneuvering himself as best he could with a lap full of wolf to reach the latch on the door. Taehyung stumbled inside a moment later, frantically searching the room until he found them on the floor at his feet. His jaw dropped when his eyes landed on the ball of silver. “Is that—”
 
“Yes, will you close the door?” Jungkook hissed, arms wrapping around Jimin again.
 
Taehyung lurched forward to re-bolt it, before turning back to them.
 
He knew Taehyung probably had a million questions and Jungkook did too, but now wasn’t the time to ask them. He tried to communicate that to Taehyung through his gaze. “He was out in the woods, being chased by a bunch of alphas when we found him,” he offered instead and Taehyung nodded.
 
“I know. Yoongi and Namjoon told us. They took care of it.“
 
“They’re back?” Jungkook straightened and felt a trembling rack through Jimin. He ran a soothing hand down his back, willing his scent to stay even and calm to not betray his worry. “Are they okay?”
 
“Yes. Yoongi has a few bruises, but nothing major. Namjoon took the brunt of it.”
 
Jungkook wanted to ask more. He could see the slight pinch to his mate’s brow, but Taehyung was giving him the same

don’t ask questions

look he’d given him just moments before. And so, he stopped him. There’d be time for that later.
 
Taehyung crouched in front of them, holding a tentative hand out.
 
“Mini?” he asked, soft and low. Jungkook loosened his hold to allow Jimin to move closer to Taehyung if he wanted to. He seemed to have calmed again from where Tae’s knocking had riled him up, but it worried him that Jimin hadn’t shifted back yet, that he was still too afraid. 
 
Jimin didn’t move at first, frozen where he lay across Jungkook, but then he turned his snout in Tae’s direction and whined, a clear request for Taehyung to move closer and he did. His knees bumped Jungkook’s as they awkwardly bracketed  their bodies around Jimin’s wolf form. Taehyung was closer than he had been, but still not close enough. Jimin whined now in earnest, shifting restlessly between them, until they all ended up flat on the floor, Taehyung and Jungkook on their sides, curled around Jimin.
 
It wasn’t the most comfortable, Jimin’s bed mere inches away, and Jungkook was still woefully naked and growing cold now without a heated ball of fur in his lap, but then Jimin curled his tail around Jungkook’s hip and buried his snout in Taehyung’s neck and Jungkook knew he would stay forever like this if Jimin needed him to. He reached haphazardly for the quilted blanket on Jimin’s bed and pulled it down over them as Taehyung ran elegant fingers through Jimin’s fur.
 
“You’re so pretty, Jiminie. Such a pretty wolf.” Taehyung whispered and Jungkook felt his own body relax along with Jimin’s at Tae’s soothing tone. Jimin let out a deep huff that Jungkook felt all the way in his bones, the tense anxiety surrounding them finally seeming to dissipate. He pressed himself closer to Jimin, settling a hand along his flank, pressing his face into the fur of his shoulder.
 
“You’re safe now. We won’t leave you,” Taehyung assured as Jungkook felt his own eyes grow heavy.
 
The last thing he felt before falling asleep were Taehyung’s fingers tangling with his own to cover protectively over Jimin.
 
***
 
Jimin woke in stages. Waves of deep, bone weary sleep threatening to pull him back under every time consciousness pricked at the back of his mind. He could sense strong rays of morning light through his closed eyelids and willed them to open, but he was warm and comfortable, despite whatever hard surface he was sleeping on.
 
And it smelled so good. Calm and serene. He pressed his face deeper into his pillow, marveling at the way it seemed to radiate heat. He felt something firm pressed against his back then and thought it must be the wall beside his bed, even though he didn’t recall his mattress ever being so hard. He wouldn’t have thought it would be comfortable to lean back against  the wall either, but the wood was sturdy and strong and even warmer than his pillow. It made him feel so safe and protected. He could feel the edge of his blanket covering his head but open at the top and it made him feel like he was closed away inside a den, surrounded by his nest. Safe, protected, warm, content. He sighed happily, wiggling deeper into the blanket, pulling the pillow to his face even as he snuggled harder against the wall and felt a zing of warmth from his toes to the top of his head.
 
That’s when the wall let out a loud thundering shake that sounded distinctly like someone was snoring, but Jimin didn’t snore and neither did his dam, and they didn’t share a room anymore. And his dam was gone anyway because of the elder summit in the woods. She’d be back in exactly one week, because last night was the Hunter’s Moon and—

The Hunter’s Moon

.
 
Jimin startled fully awake then, eyes blinking open. He moved away from his pillow, or rather, Taehyung. He blinked at his sleeping soulmate in disbelief, could register now that they were on the floor of the hut, wrapped in the quilt from his bed. He had one hand wrapped in Taehyung’s fingers, the other tangled in the front of Taehyung’s tunic. The wall behind him let out another loud snore. And he realized it wasn’t a wall at all, but Jungkook, his tattooed arms wrapped tightly around Jimin’s ribs, his face pressed hotly to Jimin’s nape.
 
That’s when he realized he was naked too, along with Jungkook, which explained all the warmth. Because they had been wolves and Jimin had been chased. But he was having trouble parsing out the details. His wolf brain had been so frantic and controlled by his fear. He remembered smelling Namjoon and running toward his scent, then Jungkook following him, guiding him home after he’d snapped at him. How afraid he’d been of the other alphas. Everything went blurry after that.
 
Jungkook startled in his sleep, arms shifting around Jimin, dropping lower on his waist and pulling his tighter against him. He felt the firm press of something long and hard against the back of his thigh and that finally got him moving. He detangled himself without grace or finesse, tossing the blanket away and scrambling to his feet as fast as he could. He shot across the room to hide behind the safety of his dressing screen, listening with rising horror as his friends grumbled and groaned sleepily in the aftermath of his rude awakening.
 
It only took a moment before Jungkook was calling for him frantically, seemingly wide awake now and alarmed without Jimin beside him. 
 
“Hyung…Jimin…Jimin-hyung!”
 
Jimin took a deep steadying breath. His hands were shaking. His brain rapidly attempted to process the events of last night along with the knowledge his friends had now both seen him in his wolf form. They’d protected him, calmed him, slept beside him. And he didn’t

know how to feel about it.
 
“

Here

,” he rasped weakly after a moment. Cleared his throat, tried again. “I’m here.”
 
“Are you…alright?” Tae called then, voice decidedly more sleepy but no less concerned. He could smell it in their scents too, the burnt taste of worry. Jimin took another steadying breath, letting his heart slow. Embarrassment was kicking in now, setting his cheeks on fire. He breathed a tiny sigh of relief when he realized the scent of his slick was

not

palpable in the air.
 
“Yes, I just—I just wanted to clean up and find some clothes.” He hated how he stumbled over his words, the tremor in his hands reflected in his voice even as he tried to sound sure of himself. “Give me a moment.”
 
He poured cold water into the basin beside him, uncaring of the temperature as he dipped a clean cloth in it and attempted to wash himself. He dressed quickly, rounding the screen to find Taehyung and Jungkook still sitting on the floor where he’d left them, the quilted blanket wrapped haphazardly around Jungkook’s torso. The lean muscles of his arms and intricate tattoos were still on full display. Jimin pretended not to notice.
 
“I guess I owe you both my gratitude,” he blurted awkwardly, palms out. He felt at a loss, unable to meet their eyes.
 
“You don’t owe us anything,” Taehyung argued gently.
 
“We just want to make sure you’re okay,” Jungkook said, gnawing at his bottom lip. “We were worried last night when you didn’t shift back. What were you doing out in the woods, hyung?”
 
Jimin sighed, unsure what to say. How

much

to say. Worried they would judge him or make assumptions, but they were still just looking at him with concern. Curious and quiet.
 
“I couldn’t stop myself,” he admitted. “Ever since I presented…my wolf. He wants to be out in the open, free, roaming the woods as much as possible.” He peeked up at his friends then, trying to gauge their reactions. “Especially under the moon. I know it seems strange for an omega.”
 
“It’s not strange, hyung.”
 
“You’re obviously special.”
 
Jimin ignored that. He didn’t want to be special. Or different, he’d already been that too much in his life.
 
“I say want, but it’s really more of a need. Maybe even more than I realized? My wolf needs to shift regularly. It’s hard to resist the urge and I’d already been suppressing it for too long before last night. Because of Namjoon.”
 
They both frowned at that, sharing a look.
 
“Namjoon?”
 
“Yes, he…well, hasn’t he told you?”
 
Jungkook shook his head. “Namjoon hasn’t told us anything, hyung. Has he been bothering you?”
 
Jimin paused at that, which was ridiculous, because the answer was

yes

. But his omega wanted to argue, feeling suddenly protective of their secret rendezvouses.
 
“He’s been coming to the meadow I like to visit in the woods. In his wolf form. We’ve had some confrontations there. I didn’t like how my wolf reacted to him. It didn’t feel safe so I’ve been avoiding going because of it.”
 
Jungkook stood, scent flaring. The blanket around him started to fall but he clutched it to his chest at the last second and Jimin was grateful. “Didn’t feel safe? Were you afraid he would hurt you? Like the wolves last night?”
 
“No,” Jimin’s response was immediate, because it wasn’t that at all. But how did he explain? All Jimin felt last night was blind fear and panic. His omega didn’t want those wolves at all. With Namjoon, it was different. His omega wanted him too much. But Jungkook mentioning the other wolves suddenly had the details of last night coming into glaring focus.
 
“I—do you think I have anything to worry about? With those wolves? I don’t want everyone to know about me, about my wolf. That I’m the—“ He broke off then, slapping a hand over his mouth. He’d almost said he was the silver wolf. Almost admitted it aloud. Even as the thought made him sick with nerves, his wolf leapt excitedly in his chest.

Yes. That’s us. We’re here.

His gaze darted from Taehyung and Jungkook, waiting for any kind of negative reaction, but all he could see was concern for him in their eyes.
 
“I’m the silver wolf.” He said it quietly, barely a whisper, and it wasn’t as terrifying as he thought it’d be so he said it again. “I’m the silver wolf.”
 
Taehyung was beaming at him then, climbing out of the floor and wrapping Jimin tightly in his arms. “You’re the silver wolf.” he repeated back to him, gentle but confident, without a hint of judgment in his tone.
 
He hugged Taehyung back and absorbed the comfort. Jungkook approached then too, crowding in behind him, leaning his head against Jimin’s shoulder since his arms were still occupied with holding the blanket around himself. It felt like another barrier had been broken down between them. It felt sweet and hopeful, like the beginning of trust.
 
“We’ll protect you,” Jungkook murmured, even as he nuzzled soothingly at his shoulder. “I don’t know who those alphas were but Hyungs took care of them last night. If they bother you again, we’ll be there. I’m not leaving your side.”
 
Jimin felt himself melt at that declaration, scent sweetening noticeably in the air. He felt embarrassed, so he cleared his throat and argued in an effort to lighten the mood. “Yah, Jungkook-ah, you can’t

live

with me! You also don’t have any clothes, nor do I have anything that will fit you. Are you going to escort me into town wearing my quilt?”
 
Before Jungkook could reply, a knock came at the door, startling them apart. They glanced at each other warily, tension building. Taehyung squared his shoulders and approached the door, Jungkook moving to shield Jimin, which he felt was a bit over the top. He balanced on his tiptoes to look around Jungkook, feeling mildly anxious. But then Taehyung’s shoulders relaxed before he even opened the door. “It’s Hoseok-hyung.”
 
He flipped the latch, pulling it open to indeed reveal a calm and cheerful looking Hoseok, but even from where he stood, Jimin could sense a certain stiffness to his posture that wasn’t normally there, like even as he was acting carefree he was still taking things very seriously. His eyes moved over Taehyung, then Jungkook, and finally Jimin. He seemed to relax marginally, once he laid eyes on Jimin, taking a deep breath before announcing with a smile. “I come bearing gifts.”
 
He held up a pile of clothing in his hands as he stepped forward, offering a few items first to Taehyung and then to Jungkook, who accepted them gratefully.
 
“Ah, thank you, hyung,” Jungkook offered sheepishly when Hoseok eyed his current outfit. “You think of everything.”
 
“Indeed,” Hoseok quipped. Jimin stepped around Jungkook and closer to Hoseok, gesturing for his friends to use his own dressing area behind the screen to change. He turned back to Hoseok only to find himself being offered an item of clothing as well. A beautifully handmade scarf of the softest looking yarn in a deep purple color with silvery threads woven through. The design looked loose and airy, perfect for the summer months, wide enough to be draped as a shaw or head covering if the wearer chose.
 
“It’s a joint effort from me and Seokjin. I sourced the fabric and dyed the yarn. He knitted the pattern. We’ve been working on it for quite some time and were planning to save it for later in the season, but…it felt right to give it to you today. That is, if you’ll accept it?” Hoseok looked uncertain, but hopeful at Jimin.
 
He blinked in surprise, gaze falling to the item in question. He reached out and touched it, the softness of it made his omega shiver in delight. It was beautiful and smelled heavily of Hoseok and Seokjin and more faintly of pack, and he wanted nothing more than to wrap it around his neck. To coat himself in their scents. Foremost for the pleasure of it, but also because it would mask his own scent so well. He’d be safe from the detection of other alphas, those who’d chased him in the woods last night and might be looking for him in the village today.
 
And it wasn’t a fool proof instinct, because whoever had chased him last night might already know his scent, he

was

the pack healer after all, but the idea that this one courting gift could protect him. His omega was thrilled at the thought and he couldn’t help but wonder if this was why Hoseok and Seokjin were gifting it to him now instead of later. He looked up at Hoseok then, who offered an encouraging smile and a wink.
 
Jungkook gasped, dragging Jimin’s attention to the horrified look on his face as he rounded the screen back into the room.
 
“It’s courting season!” he bellowed mournfully. “And my gift is at home.”
 
“You can give it later, Jungkook,” Taehyung admonished, rounding the corner as he straightened the collar of his shirt. “Mine is at home as well.”
 
“But I wanted to be first,” Jungkook pouted. “Do you know how many years I’ve dreamed of courting Jimin?”
 
“Not as many as I have,” sniffed Teahyung. Jimin felt his cheeks burst into flames. He grabbed the scarf from Hoseok’s hands as a distraction, wrapping it snuggly around his neck, feeling his omega settle at the weight of it.
 
“Thank you, Hoseok-ssi,” he murmured quietly, trying to ignore the way all three of them were watching him. Even Jungkook couldn’t hold his pout at the sight of him wearing Hoseok’s gift. They all smelled so pleased.
 
“Should we get going?” Jimin asked, clearing his throat. “I’m anxious to get to town.”
 
And he was. Anxious to know his fate, if those other alphas would see fit to bother him. Anxious to get on with his life and forget the events of last night.
 
“Yes,” Hoseok agreed, but then his scent soured. “Although, it seems you have a few more gifts on the porch.”
 
“You brought more gifts?” Jungkook asked curiously, frowning when Hoseok shook his head.
 
Jimin crossed to the door, opening it to find five small baskets all in a row, each holding some form of food: eggs, fresh milk, berries, lettuce. All very traditional first courting items, not as serious or intense as Hoseok’s. Each basket was addressed from a different alpha: Alpha Choi, Taemin, Mingyu, and two others. Jimin felt overwhelmed at the sight of them, his omega still sensitive and skittish from the night before. He instinctively clutched Hoseok’s scarf tighter, letting it ground him.
 
“It seems your popularity knows no bounds,” Hoseok quipped, sounding slightly annoyed although his eyes were still fond on Jimin. “Not that I’m surprised. You deserve it.”
 
“Can I help you bring them in, hyung?” Jungkook asked dejectedly, pouting again.
 
“Only if you promise not to damage them,” Jimin said pointedly, eyeing Jungkook closely as he reached for the first basket.
 
“I wouldn't,” Jungkook grumbled. “At least not intentionally…although I might

fantasize

about it.”
 
Jimin snorted, letting Taehyung and Hoseok flank him on either side, guiding him down from the porch as Jungkook took the baskets into the house. They traveled into the village that way, Taehyung and Hoseok on either side, Jungkook trailing closely behind them. They were close but not touching, keeping a respectable distance from him. Jimin resisted the urge to touch them and pull them closer. It scared him, really, how easy it would be to lean into their strength and support even more than he already was. How could one event bring them so much closer?
 
He tried not to think too hard about it as they approached the hospital. His apprentices had already arrived and he didn’t catch sight of Seokjin or Yoongi until he’d stepped through the door. But when he did, it made his blood boil.
 
“You’re hurt,” he said, striding promptly to Yoongi, taking stock of the bruises and small cuts along his face. Even standing still he could tell how he favored his bad shoulder. He turned baleful eyes on Seokjin, then on Yoongi’s other mates, and partially he was mad at himself. With everything that happened, he hadn’t stopped to consider that someone had been hurt on his behalf. Let alone Yoongi–soft and quiet, so respectful, always helpful. He hadn’t known Yoongi well the first time he’d treated him, but he’d gotten to know him some these past weeks. And the thought of someone hurting him made him absolutely livid.
 
Jungkook was the only one who looked surprised, turning to Taehyung. “You said it wasn’t that bad.”
 
“It’s not,” Yoongi said, low and calm, nodding to Jimin. “I’m just a little sore. I promise it’s not that bad.”
 
“I’ll be the judge of that,” Jimin snapped, grabbing Yoongi by his good shoulder and turning him toward a curtained room. “Soobin-ah, grab my healing salve and a sling,” he called, turning back only when the other Kim pack members moved to follow them. “The rest of you wait here.”
 
He wrestled Yoongi easily to the edge of a cot, taking his time inspecting his face and his neck, moving his shirt to inspect his torso with Yoongi grumbling quietly the whole time and Jimin continuously shushing him. He found a nasty bruise on his right hip, heard the way he hissed when he barely touched it. “Not that bad, huh?”
 
“It’s really not, Omega Park.” He tried not to flinch when Jimin prodded at it again.
 
“Don’t patronize me, hyung. I can see you're in pain.”
 
Jimin accepted the requested items from Soobin when he brought them then, turning back to find Yoongi blinking at him with wide eyes. “You called me hyung.”
 
“Yes, well, you saved my life didn’t you? I owe you now.” He busied himself by setting aside the sling and opening the jar of healing salve, avoiding Yoongi’s gaze, until he felt warm fingers circle his wrist.
 
“You owe me nothing,” Yoongi said with a tenderness that made Jimin’s heart thump. “It wasn’t as extreme as all that, but I’d do it again in a heartbeat. Even if you want to call me Alpha Min or Yoongi-ssi forever.”
 
Jimin straightened, pulling his wrist away easily, and turned to face Yoongi with a stern look. He debated if he should clean the cuts before applying the salve, but saw they were already well cleansed. Likely Hoseok’s work.
 
“I’ll call you what I like then. And you can deal with it.” He dabbed the salve along Yoongi’s brow, scowling when he flinched away. “Hold still, hyung,” he ordered sternly, ignoring the way Yoongi’s cheeks bunched up into a small smile. He stayed stock still then, letting Jimin continue his work, applying the salve to every cut and bruise. Jimin was extra gentle with the bruise on his hip and then he was fitting the sling over Yoongi’s shoulder.
 
“I really don’t need this,” Yoongi argued, but Jimin fixed him with a fresh glare. Jimin was starting to worry that he was losing the element of intimidation. Every time he glared, Yoongi only seemed to look fonder, but he still shut up, so at least it was effective.
 
“I want you to wear it for three days, then let me reassess. No working until then.”
 
Yoongi pouted and, oh, Jimin was unprepared for the way it made his heart twinge. “Don’t give me that look, hyung. You have plenty of mates to do your bidding.”
 
He moved to pull the curtain back then, but Yoongi stopped him again with a hand to his wrist.
 
“That reminds me. I have a gift for you.”
 
Jimin froze, anticipation inexplicably rising in his chest. Yoongi reached into his pocket, pulling out an expertly crafted moose bone knife with a folding mechanism that secured the blade safely back into the handle when not in use. It was more intricate than any knife Jimin had ever seen and he took it easily, carefully guiding it back and forth with his fingers to see how it moved. The blade was deadly sharp and gleaming, the handle smooth, fitting perfectly into Jimin’s small hands.
 
“I know it’s not a traditional gift for an omega, but it’s twin to the one I gave Jungkook. The metal forged the same, the bone from the same animal.” Jimin’s breath stuttered with the significance of that. Yoongi had been planning this for a long time. “I thought you could use it for a great many things. For your work or while tending your plants…or for protection. I hope it pleases you.”
 
“Yes, hyung.” Jimin admitted quietly, sliding it into the pocket of his tunic, feeling the weight against his hip with Hoseok’s scarf still around his neck. “Thank you.”
 
They shared a long look and he almost thought Yoongi intended to say more, but a loud growl tore through the silence followed by quick steps and loud voices, all coming from the front.
 
“You’re not welcome here,” he heard Jungkook call menacingly.
 
“We demand to see Omega Park!” Jimin heard next, recognizing the voice instantly as Alpha Han. He thrust the curtain aside, making his way to the front now. Yoongi on his heels.
 
“What’s this about?” Hoseok this time, voice stern, no nonsense. That’s when Jimin realized they weren’t in the front, but actually outside the building. The Kims and his assistants all crowded on the front steps of the hospital.
 
“There was an omega in the woods last night,” Alpha Han said in explanation and a shiver zinged down Jimin’s spine. Alpha Han had been chasing him. Of course it was him!
 
“I’ve already told you, Alpha Han. An omega in the woods is

not

a crime.” Beta Kang then, attempting to sound firm, but clearly flustered. “In the name of Pack Alpha Kim, I demand you stop this witch hunt!”
 
Jeers sounded from a group then and Jimin heard several familiar voices, all Alpha Han’s thugs:
 
“It’s not right!”
 
“It’s improper!”
 
“An omega should know their place!”
 
“They can’t just wander out during the Alpha Moon!”
 
“It’s the

Hunter’s

Moon,” Jungkook corrected. “There’s nothing that says an omega can’t participate.”
 
Alpha Han ignored this, stating again, “We demand to see Omega Park.”
 
“No!” Hoseok’s tone was defiant. Han growled. Jimin reached the door then, could count the heads of seven wolves behind Han, including his son, Seongwoo. Beta Kang and two other beta council members were standing to the side with wide, nervous eyes, seeming frozen.
 
“Move aside,

beta

.” He spat the last word like a curse, eyes narrowing in on Hoseok. Jimin moved to step out and intervene, but Yoongi stepped in front of him instead, puffing his chest wide even as he curled his free arm out, signaling Jimin to get behind him.
 
“Talk to my mate like that again and I’ll break your face,” Yoongi called loudly, using an arrogant tone of voice the likes of which Jimin had never heard from him.
 
“You!” Han growled, charging forward, stopped only by the palm Jungkook pressed firmly into his chest, keeping him from advancing up the steps. Jimin held his breath, fear lancing through him anew. A palm slipped into his and squeezed. He realized Taehyung was beside him, using his height to tower over Yoongi’s shoulder. “You were in the woods last night! You maimed my son’s face!”
 
Jimin’s eyes darted to Seongwoo, noting the deep gash running from forehead to chin, narrowly missing his left eye. His gaze scanned all of Alpha Han’s men next, noting they all looked worse for wear. All collectively more injured than Yoongi.
 
“He attacked me first,” Yoongi replied, a taunting smirk crossing his face. “He deserved what he got.”
 
Han’s eyes narrowed more, face growing red with rage. He leaned in to spit at Yoongi. “How

dare

you! How–” Jungkook pushed him back with enough force to send him sprawling, careening into his group of goons instead of falling flat to the ground. The growing crowd murmured around him and Jimin realized they were attracting more attention, other members of the village moving closer to see what was happening. Han righted himself, brushing at his tunic and scowling at Jungkook who had crossed his arms over his chest and was staring him down.
 
He huffed for a moment, clearly hesitant to tangle with the younger alpha after such a show of force. But then something caught his eye, his gaze whipping to the person standing to the right of Jungkook. Jimin realized with a growing sense of alarm that it was Seokjin, standing on the bottom step, grossly unprotected. Han nodded his chin toward him with a snare, eyes narrowing back on Yoongi. “It was your

bitch

here wasn’t it? The omega in the woods. Is

this

who you were trying to protect?”
 
Jimin balked. Felt Yoongi tense. The whole group collectively froze for a moment, but then Yoongi relaxed, nodding stiffly once. “Yes.”
 
What was Yoongi

doing

? 
 
Han watched him for a second, like he was assessing the truth of his answer, then he nodded to Seongwoo. “Check his scent.” 
 
Panic welled up inside Jimin, like a river gushing through a dam. He wanted to scream. Taehyung squeezed his hand tighter. A warning to stay silent.
 
He watched in horror as Seongwoo approached Seokjin with a scowl. Seokjin offered his wrist up without protest, face a calm mask, even when Seongwoo grabbed him roughly, and it made Jimin’s skin crawl. He felt torn. He wanted to cower away, but also to go to Seokjin. His stomach flipped dangerously as the alpha’s nose skimmed Seokjin’s wrist. He saw the minute curl of Seokjin’s lips too, at having to breathe in the alpha’s scent. If this didn’t end soon, he worried Seokjin would be sick. And Jimin would be too. It wasn’t going to work anyway, Seokjin’s scent was obviously the wrong one, but then Seongwoo pulled away with a nod, moving back to stand by his father. “It’s him.”
 
Seokjin shrugged, faking a coquettish smile. “What can I say? I quite enjoy a midnight run.”
 
“An omega who shifts when he wants?” Alpha Han balked, but seemed disgustingly appeased. He turned back to Yoongi, sneering, “See that you keep him on a leash next time.”
 
Jimin was disgusted and livid on Seokjin’s behalf, but as the tension slowly dissipated around him, it clicked. He let out a tiny gasp of disbelief. He and Seokjin had been exchanging scents daily. To a novel nose, they might be able to pass for each other. So he either smelled enough like Seokjin last night and Seokjin enough like him still today to pass this test, or Seongwoo was just an idiot. Either way he felt a sudden wave of relief pass through him, admiration for Yoongi’s quick thinking, gratitude for Seokjin’s sacrifice.
 
But Alpha Han’s next words brought him up short. “We still need to see Omega Park. My men need tending.”
 
“You’re not setting foot in this building,” Hoseok growled then, looking pissed.
 
“You can’t tell me what to do,

beta

,” Alpha Han blustered. “I built this place with my own two hands!”
 
“Yeah, and you did a

shitty

job,” Yoongi retorted.
 
“Why you–”
 
A strong scent, sharp and heavy, cut through the crowd then, parting the sea of gathered wolves. It was the kind of scent only a pack leader could produce, strong and reeking of authority. Jimin spotted two figures then, a large but hobbled older alpha with a cane and an even bigger, stronger alpha behind him. It was clear the second alpha was the one creating the scent, parting the way despite the broad figure leading him. Jimin realized Pack Alpha Kim was in front, Namjoon behind.
 
The crowd went silent as their pack leader stepped in front of Beta Kang, parting the line between Alpha Han’s group and those on the hospital steps. Jimin hadn’t known him to leave his house at all in months, occasionally requesting house calls from Jimin or his apprentices when needed. Even in his current weakened, less glorious state, his presence commanded respect, the crowd awed by the sight of him. Alpha Han lowered his gaze in deference, seemingly against his will, as Namjoon glared at him, scent baring down over his father’s shoulder.
 
“Pack Alpha Kim,” he murmured with a weak bow which made the Pack Alpha snort.
 
“Still causing trouble I see, Alpha Han? Some things never change.”
 
Han tensed at that but kept his mouth shut. “My men need tending.

Your

son’s mates are blocking the entrance to the hospital.”
 
Namjoon let out a low growl.
 
“

Your

men?” Alpha Kim scoffed, using his cane to stand taller. “Are you not

all

still members of

this

village, sworn to serve

your pack

above yourselves?”
 
Namjoon’s scent seemed to grow even thicker. Pheromones so potent Alpha Han was all but forced into a lower bow. “Yes, Alpha Kim,” he murmured begrudgingly, face red with indignant rage.
 
“He’s been threatening omegas, Pack Alpha. Making them feel unsafe. That’s why we aren’t allowing him into the hospital.” Jungkook spoke up then, eyes round and innocent as he appealed to their leader, a direct contrast to the hard stance he’d held moments ago. Alpha Kim turned to Beta Kang who nodded in confirmation.
 
“If Omega Park does not see fit to allow you into his building, you will abide by it.” Alpha Kim’s voice rang out across the crowd.
 
Jimin let go of Taehyung’s hand then, stepping around Yoongi. No one tried to stop him. “Gather those who need tending by the center tree,” Jimin called, gesturing to the square. “I will send one of my apprentices to examine you.”
 
Alpha Han scowled up at him with his beady little eyes until Namjoon blocked his gaze. His scent grew impossibly thicker, wafting toward Jimin and burning his nose.
 
“You heard him,” Namjoon growled. “Or do I need to teach you another lesson so soon?”
 
Han huffed but listened, turning to the others and herding them in the direction Jimin had indicated. The crowd dispersed then, the other village members losing interest and going back to their day. Jimin found Taehyun’s eyes and nodded, signaling him to tend to the group. The last thing he wanted was Alpha Han ridiculing poor Soobin now that he’d presented as a beta. It disturbed him how gender-biased and vocal this faction of his pack had become.
 
He felt shaky and distracted, unable to focus as his adrenaline began to wane. His eyes sought Seokjin’s, wanting to confirm the other omega was okay. He found Hoseok cooing over him, providing comfort as Jungkook and Namjoon helped Alpha Kim up the hospital steps. Taehyung and Yoongi were still standing around Jimin, but moved back through the hospital doorway to make room. This left Jimin face-to-face with the pack leader.
 
“Forgive me, Omega Park, for intruding on your time without an appointment. I wished to see if you have any tonics available for some things that are ailing me. It is not of urgent need, but Namjoon-ah thought some fresh air might do me good and encouraged me to seek you out instead of calling for you.” It’d been a long time since Jimin had heard the Pack Alpha address Namjoon so informally. He was always so stoic and reserved, firm but fair, if not a bit heavy handed in his rule. Namjoon lost his dam at a young age and Jimin had often wondered what kind of father Alpha Kim had been behind closed doors.
 
He took a breath to reply when the scent of stale blood assailed him. He blinked in surprise, scanning Alpha Kim’s person without finding a source. His eyes darted to Namjoon then, who was closest to him. He noted defensive wounds along the forearm that was supporting his father, the scent of blood becoming stronger as his senses honed in on who it was coming from. It was almost overwhelming now, much more significant than the visible wounds he could see, which meant Namjoon was hiding something much worse under his clothes. Namjoon kept his face a blank mask, not betraying an ounce of pain. Jimin’s eyes trailed to his other hand, noting with a lurch the bundle of fresh white moonflowers and roses clasped in it.
 
Taehyung’s voice drifted back to him through hazy memories of things he’d overheard while in his wolf form last night.

Namjoon took the brunt of it.

He cleared his throat, finally gathering himself. “Of course, Alpha Kim. My apprentice, Beta Choi, is available and would be happy to examine you and assist you in any way. Taehyung. Jungkook. Would you both assist Pack Alpha Kim to a treatment room. I need to speak with the younger Alpha Kim.”
 
The Kim Pack all seemed to freeze at that, Namjoon’s eyes growing widest of all, until Pack Alpha Kim let go of Namjoon, reaching for Taehyung, who scrambled forward to assist him. He guided him gently but firmly through the door with Jungkook. Then Yoongi made himself scarce, climbing down the steps toward Hoseok and Seokjin and Jimin and Namjoon were alone, staring at each other. 
 
Namjoon looked genuinely wary when Jimin grabbed him by the elbow and steered him inside, directly into the treatment room he’d used for Yoongi.
 
Jimin took the flowers from his hand, setting them aside and pushing Namjoon down onto a cot.
 
“Omega Park–”
 
“Where are you hurt?” Jimin interrupted, trying to keep his tone and scent calm, despite the riot of emotions currently coursing through him: fear, anger, worry, concern. And attraction…so much attraction, in the most primal sense. His omega wouldn’t shut up.

Alpha spilled his blood for us. Protected us.

Luna, Jimin wished it would shut up!
 
“You don’t have to,” Namjoon rumbled gently. So gentle, like the pompous, aggressive alpha he’d been privy to in recent weeks was all but eradicated from his person. “Hoseok already cleaned it. I can manage.”
 
And Jimin almost hissed at the sudden wave of possessive jealousy that flared up at the idea of someone else treating him, even if it was only Hoseok. It mixed strangely with the guilt of being the catalyst for all this.
 
“Just

tell

me where you’re hurt,” he snapped. There was a charged beat of silence between them before Namjoon sighed heavily, giving in. “It’s my left side.”
 
“Remove your shirt,” Jimin instructed briskly, distracting himself by readying his supplies. He’d treated a great many wounds in his time, as an apprentice and as pack healer, but he was still surprised by the number of angry, red gashes littering Namjoon’s side and back. It was clear from the makeshift bandages Namjoon was hesitantly pulling away from his torso that some were still bleeding, the cloth wet and sticking to the wound bed as he pulled it away. He winced once, scent flaring with pain before he masked it. It was the only sign he showed of his discomfort. Jimin thought it a travesty, for such beautiful skin to be marred like this. No matter what else he thought of Namjoon, he was still so beautiful.
 
“Who did it?” Jimin asked gravely. “Which one?”
 
Namjoon shrugged. “Seongwoo went for Hyung before I could stop him, so I took the rest.”
 
Seven wolves. Namjoon had taken on seven wolves for him.
 
“Lay down,” Jimin ordered. A memory flashed then, of them in their adolescence, when he used to treat Namjoon’s papercuts and other minor injuries with the utmost care. The triviality of that compared to this had a lump forming in his throat. He cleared it, gesturing for Namjoon to move. He laid slowly onto his side, staying still as a statue as Jimin examined each cut, breath visibly catching whenever Jimin’s hands brushed his skin.
 
“You need stitches.”
 
Namjoon met his gaze, frowning. “Can I still shift with them?”
 
Jimin shook his head. Namjoon sighed. “Then I can’t.”
 
It was Jimin’s turn to frown. “What do you mean you can’t?”
 
“I

have

to shift. It’s not an option not to.” That statement hung in the silence between them for a moment, before Namjoon added, voice impossibly quieter. “It makes me crazy when I can’t. Turns me either completely numb or wildly aggressive.”
 
He was no longer meeting Jimin’s gaze, looking embarrassed by his admission. “I can’t regulate my emotions when I can’t shift. It’s why I acted the way I did when we first got here. We were in lockdown for months before we left the city, and I couldn’t shift.”
 
Jimin shuddered at the thought, the concept unimaginable. Despite the stressful events of the night and day, his body still felt calmer, more at ease, after the shift. He felt more like himself than he had in days, that painful itch all but gone, replaced only with the magnetic attraction he felt for Namjoon, which now felt dull in comparison. He’d barely made it a week. How had Namjoon lasted for months?
 
“I can heal faster in my wolf form too. I’ll be fine.” And Jimin didn’t know if he was trying to assure Jimin or himself. Jimin didn’t know of any wolves with healing superpowers in their wolf form, but he hoped for Namjoon’s sake, he did.
 
He blew out a heavy breath in frustration. “

Fine

. I’ll do what I can without stitches.” He grabbed the jar of healing salve and began applying it liberally to each cut, working in silence, careful in his touch despite how unsettled he felt at not being able to treat Namjoon’s wounds in the way he wanted.
 
Then Namjoon asked, apropos of nothing, “Are you mad at me?”
 
Jimin snorted. Of all the audacious questions to ask.
 
“When am I

not

mad at you?” he shot back, refusing to pause in his work.
 
“I don’t know,” Namjoon admitted sheepishly, starting to ramble. “It’s just. I don’t want you to think I don’t value your advice as a healer. You’re truly the greatest and I’ve always respected you

so

much for that.” That did give Jimin pause. “It’s just…you know I’m not making it up now. It’s not an excuse. When I say my wolf has a certain level of control over me, I mean it. I can’t disregard what it needs. Not if I want to

stay

myself.”
 
He was talking rapidly now, speech frantic, like he was afraid Jimin would shut him down again. And maybe Jimin should, but he was struck by the level of sincerity in his tone. Jimin couldn’t recall the last time he’d seen this version of Namjoon: nervous and open and honest. Maybe before he’d left for the Capital the first time? Before he’d presented. “I know I have many things to atone for. I’ve wronged you in many ways, but I think you might

understand

now? At least to some degree. It’s the reason you were in the woods too.” His eyes focused on Jimin, wide and vulnerable as he looked up at him from his position on the cot below. “I’m sorry. I’m so sorry for not relenting. For not letting you have your space in the woods the way you needed it. If I had given you the space, you wouldn’t have held off on shifting. Wouldn’t have felt the need to go last night when it was more dangerous. You wouldn’t have been caught out in the woods like that, vulnerable and alone. It’s

my

fault. And I am

deeply

–”
 
“It’s

not

your fault.” Jimin put more force behind the words than necessary, startling Namjoon and making him flinch, but he meant it and he needed Namjoon to know that. “The actions of other wolves are not yours to control. Neither am I. Who’s to say I wouldn’t have shifted last night regardless and ended up in the same position? Don’t blame yourself.”
 
Namjoon looked like he didn’t believe him, murmuring another. “I’m sorry, Jimin. For everything.”
 
Jimin didn’t bother to respond. Which, in itself, was a form of forgiveness. He gestured for Namjoon to sit up again with his arms out. He started the tedious process of wrapping a long bandage firmly around his torso while also avoiding getting too close. The scent of blood was fainter now, mixing with the herbs of the healing salve and Namjoon’s own spiciness. It displeased his omega though. He wanted it gone. Completely. For Namjoon to smell like nothing but himself and pack…and maybe Jimin. No

, not

that

.

“Will you accept my courting flowers?” Namjoon asked, hesitantly.
 
“I have no need for flowers,” he sniffed. His omega protested furiously, growling at him. “I’m not a child anymore, Namjoon. You can’t court me with childish things.”
 
Lies. All of it, but also,

why

did it sound like he was

encouraging

Namjoon to think of new ways to court him?
 
“What

do

you want then?” Namjoon’s eyes rounded with hope. He sat taller on the edge of the cot, eyes now level with Jimin. “What can I do to prove myself to you?”
 
Jimin huffed balefully as he helped Namjoon back into his shirt and began to clean up, scooping the old and discarded bandages from the floor and closing up the jar of healing salve.
 
He should not respond to that. No. His goal here was to

not

encourage him more. He would leave this room without another word. He would leave, he would–
 
He paused at the edge of the curtain, turning back.
 
“Give me something meaningful.”

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Namjoon and Pack Alpha Kim left quickly after completing their treatment and Jimin tried to focus on easing into his day, fussing over and scenting Seokjin next.
 
“I’m fine, really. He didn’t hurt me,” Seokjin assured, even as Jimin lifted the wrist that Han Seongwoo had grabbed so aggressively to his nose. He took a deep breath, frowning when he realized any traces of Seongwoo were already gone, thoroughly covered by Yoongi’s scent. He

should

be relieved that Yoongi was proactive in getting rid of it while he was tending to Namjoon, but still, Seokjin needed to smell like him. He nuzzled at his wrist absently with his cheek, then pressed his lips there. An impulse. He didn’t even realize he’d done it until Seokjin let out a tiny gasp, eyes growing wide on Jimin. He’d never used his lips on him before, never scented him that intimately.
 
“I need to make sure you smell like me. To keep up the ruse.” It was a flimsy excuse at best, considering they’d already fooled them with the barest mixing of their scents, but Seokjin readily accepted, holding up his other wrist eagerly for the same treatment.
 
The truth was Jimin was letting his instincts take the lead, feeling even more possessive over Seokjin after the events of the morning and marginally jealous of Yoongi getting to him first. He let his mind run wild as he scented his other wrist. If he had it his way, he’d corral Seokjin within a nice, warm nest and stay curled around him for the rest of the day, repeatedly scenting him to his heart's content, until he smelled of nothing but Jimin. The thought disturbed him, even as he found himself stepping into Seokjin’s space and gliding his own wrist gently against the side of his neck, letting his fingers tangle in the edges of his hair for a brief moment, another first. Seokjin gasped again, head tilting back, eyes fluttering shut, and Jimin’s gaze was drawn to the soft fullness of his lips.
 
“Thank you, hyung. For protecting me today,” he murmured gently, eyes still trained on Seokjin’s pretty mouth. He wondered what it would feel like to kiss a mouth that pretty.
 
“I–

oh!

” Seokjin’s eyes shot open, like he was suddenly jolted from a daze. “

Hyung?

Did you just call me hyung?”

Shit!

Jimin hadn’t meant to say that. He stepped back quickly, but nodded once.
 
“I did,” he admitted, trying to present himself calmly, despite the panic growing inside. He’d just intimately scented Seokjin, and thought about kissing him, and fantasized about protecting him in his nest. “And now, I must go. Good day, hyung.”
 
For the rest of the day, Jimin avoided Seokjin, despite the fact that most of the Kim pack continued to hang around the hospital, seemingly still on guard. Taehyun returned shortly after Jimin’s interaction with Seokjin, reporting he had tended to Alpha Han and his men and confirmed they had dispersed from the square. Jimin went about his work then, forcing himself to relax enough to take time away from the hospital to have lunch with Taemin and Mingyu, both of whom were delighted to see him. They reported they’d stopped by every day the week before, only to find that Jimin had already left early. Jimin thought it conspicuous that no one had

mentioned

them stopping by, not even his apprentices, which surprised him most of all.
 
He tried to enjoy his time with the alphas, he truly did. Taemin’s gentle smiles, Mingyu’s confident preening, but he could feel watchful eyes on him, emanating from the hospital the whole time. It was mostly Yoongi, having no choice but to sit and direct Jungkook, with Hoseok and Taehyung assisting, to continue his renovations where he could not, also leaving him with ample time to watch Jimin.
 
Jimin willed himself not to worry over if Yoongi would notice his increased scent presence on Seokjin, but he was certain if anyone would, it would be Yoongi. The tiny alpha was too observant by half. He also wished he’d take a break to allow himself to heal, but it seemed he was damn stubborn, and Jimin knew instinctively that he wouldn't budge on continuing to be there to oversee the renovations no matter what Jimin suggested.
 
He also spent part of his time with his courting alphas worrying over Namjoon, despite knowing that he shouldn’t, but he was concerned about the severity of his wounds and his whereabouts. Where had he gone after Jimin had treated him? Was he with his father? In his cabin alone? It didn’t seem right, Jimin reasoned he should urge at least one of his mates to check on him, but he held himself back from doing so, even after his lunch date, too afraid of how his concern would be perceived, mindful as he was of Yoongi’s over observance.
 
Jungkook and Taehyung disappeared at some point during the day, reappearing close to supper time with their courting gifts in tow, a pair of rabbit fur lined slippers from Jungkook and a pair of beaded earrings that matched the bracelet Taehyung had left for him all those months ago. They insisted on having dinner with him in the newly reopened pack kitchen, and then Jungkook insisted on walking him home, despite Jimin’s protests, which he was secretly glad of, because trepidation started to build as the sun began to set.
 
“Are you certain you don’t want me to stay with you tonight?” Jungkook asked as they walked the main road toward Jimin’s hut. Jimin smiled, despite the anxious feeling growing in his tummy.
 
“You’re not sleeping in my bed, Jungkook-ah.”
 
“I could take the floor again, or your dam’s side of the hut?”
 
Jimin blinked, eyes widening. “And how would I explain your scent to her when she returns? It’s going to be hard enough airing out my own room as it is.”
 
Jungkook shrugged, pouting. “Maybe I could sleep on the porch then?”
 
“You’re not sleeping on the porch. I’ll be perfectly fine on my own,” he said as much to assure himself as he did Jungkook. “Alpha Han and his idiots aren’t going to come for me. Not when they think Seokjin was the omega they were after. They’re also all so injured they can barely move.”
 
Jungkook’s pout only seemed to deepen but he relented. “Okay, but I’m not leaving until I hear the bolt on the door, and don’t even think about leaving tomorrow until I come to fetch you.”
 
Jimin paused in his walking to glare at Jungkook, ire peeked. “Do you

really

think you can order me around?”
 
Jungkook’s eyes almost bugged out of his head as he rushed to correct, “I meant it as a polite request. I

swear

.”
 
Jimin scoffed, starting to walk again without waiting for Jungkook to follow. “Hyung. Hyuuuung!”
 
Jungkook whined and pouted the rest of the way, and Jimin found himself smiling despite himself by the time they reached his hut, even if he still faked a scowl every time he turned to glare back at Jungkook. The playfulness of it had him feeling less anxious as they approached the hut, until something on the porch caught his eye.
 
It was small and brown and low to the ground. A box. Another courting gift, perhaps?
 
Jungkook took note of the change in his demeanor almost immediately. “Hyung?”
 
Jimin held up a hand, giving Jungkook a stern look as he stopped him at the bottom of the porch steps. “You can hear me bolt the door from here. Goodnight, Jungkook.”
 
“Okay, but you’ll consider my request, right? About waiting for me in the morning? Hyung, are you listening?” But Jimin was barely, eyes focused on the mysterious box as he approached it slowly. For some reason his heart was racing, only more so as he approached, noting a row of carefully organized books. All leather bound and stamped with the same engraved initials along the spine.

KNJ

“What’s that, hyung?”
 
“Nothing, Kook-ah,” he said, not sure why he was lying. He had a feeling it was very much

something

. Could feel the significance wafting from it in waves. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”
 
He picked up the box, noting the heavy weight in his hands. He stepped into the hut then, bolting the door as promised, and slid to the floor. He ran his fingers along the spines, tracing the engravings with his thumb. He felt something build up inside of him. More trepidation? Anticipation? He took a deep breath, let it out, and grabbed a book at random.
 
The cover held the same engraved initials again, but also some numbers too.

KNJ: 9-12

He got up to light a lantern, then returned to his place on the floor. He opened to the first page, and began to read…

‘At my father’s request, I am to begin this journal. In my ninth year on this earth, as the future leader of our pack. I, Kim Namjoon, am writing of the comings and goings of my life. Appa says I should write all things, so that I may reflect and learn from my former self. He says this is the way of great leaders, to record and never forget.

It seems a bit tedious, I am still a child, after all, but Appa says that soon I will be a man and, therefore, I should start acting like one. He also says I should not call him Appa anymore. I must refer to him as the more formal Father or Pack Alpha Kim-ssi (preferred). I fear I am not ready to lose my appa yet though. Maybe it will be okay if I still refer to him as such here…’

He paused in his reading then, wondering why Namjoon would give him such a thing. He looked back to the books in the box, counting seven in total.
 
His own words from earlier came back to him then.

Give me something meaningful.

Was this what Namjoon thought he meant? He hesitated for a moment, then flipped forward a few pages, stopping when he found his own name.
 
‘

Tonight in the garden I gave a flower to Park Jimin, the healer's son. He let me tell him the story of the first wolf like he was hearing it for the first time, even though I’m sure he’s heard it more than a thousand. He was so patient and kind with cheeks as round and chubby as an angel when he smiled. If angels look anything like Park Jimin, then they are truly blessed. I hope to see more of him…’

He slammed the book shut, feeling flushed.
 
“I did

not

have chubby cheeks,” he muttered to himself, even though he surely did. He scoffed, then promptly reopened the book, and turned the page. He kept reading, frequently skipping pages, but also stopping every time he saw his name.

‘I have started my pack alpha training by assisting Appa with running errands. I often find myself running messages back and forth to the healer's hut and have spotted Park Jimin three times this week. Seeing him always puts a smile on my face. He is often with his friend Taehyung, who claims he is his soulmate. What must it be like to have a friend like that? I find it hard to make friends with my peers as my future status seems to intimidate them…’

‘I fell and scraped my knee badly while out observing the hunters with Appa today. He sent me to the healer right away. Omega Park was busy, but Jimin sat with me while I waited. My knee was hurting, but his voice was so soothing and sweet it took all of my pain away. I think I could listen to him talk all day…’

‘Of late, I find I have an affinity for small and cute things. Tiny frogs and flowers, small trees. Park Jimin is also quite small and cute. My affinity for him only seems to grow...’

‘I found a pretty white flower in the woods on the way to school. I picked it and left it on Jimin’s desk. When he saw it, he smiled so big I couldn’t even see his eyes. I will bring him more flowers. I like him very much…’

‘Park Jimin…’

‘Today Jimin…’

‘I often think of Jimin…’

He kept flipping pages, finding his name more and more frequently. It felt surreal, seeing many of his own childhood memories from Namjoon’s perspective, and maybe even some he didn’t remember. Moments Namjoon noticed him that he was unaware of. Had Namjoon really noticed him

this

much? He closed the book in his lap, sighing deeply as he glanced at the box again. He wondered…
 
He sifted through the box with nimble fingers until he found the book he wanted.

KNJ: 18-20

He skimmed the first part, skipping passages of Namjoon’s departure for the city, descriptions of settling into a strange new place, meeting and befriending Seokjin. His heart skipped a beat when he continued to find so many mentions of his name, even months after Namjoon had left, no less frequent despite the passage of time. He vowed he would come back to them, read all of them, but he was looking for something specific. And then he found it.

‘I have presented. It happened unexpectedly. One moment I was adjusting to this new strange place, trying awkwardly to make friends with the sons of other leaders and find my place, the next…I am a monster. I always anticipated myself to be an alpha, strong and bold, a great protector, a great leader, but it is no exaggeration when I say the wolf inside me is an ugly, beastly thing. I can feel it now, dark and wild and fearsome within me. It craves violence and lacks emotion in a way that feels altogether foreign. Instead of gaining a better sense of self in my wolf, I fear I have lost myself all together. I do not think this is how it’s supposed to be. I fear there is something wrong…’

Jimin’s heart sank, his hand coming up to cover the words as if he could erase their existence. He’d wanted to look up Namjoon’s presentation out of morbid curiosity, a desire to better understand his cryptic comments about his wolf. He didn’t know what he’d been expecting, but it hadn’t been this. Namjoon was many things, but he was

not

a monster. Of that Jimin was certain. He had loved him all his life, intrinsically drawn to the goodness within him. Another passage further down the page caught his eyes, written more messily and seemingly in haste. Based on their proximity, the passages couldn’t have been written more than a few days apart.

‘My worst fears have been confirmed. I shifted for the first time tonight. The city has a festival on the first full moon of the season similar to home, although they hunt for sport and not survival. I was nervous before the event and considered not participating, but the pull to shift has been ever present since my rut ended, an all consuming itch under my skin I’ve felt powerless to ignore. So against my better judgment, I did it. As soon as I shifted, I knew it was a mistake. I drew so much attention, my wolf seemingly bigger and stronger than all the rest. I was ruthless on the hunt, killing prey without discernment or respect, stealing kills from others. If they tried to challenge me, I’d tower over them and relish the scent of their fear. A few even bared their throats and cowered in submission, and my wolf loved it. It gave me a heady sense of power and my wolf only wanted more—blood and violence and fear—but, on the inside, I was sick. This is not the way of my pack. The way Appa taught me to be. The coward in me is grateful it happened here and not at home. I fear what my pack would think of me. What would Jimin think of me?

The Alpha King took notice and congratulated me on my prowess after, naming the feast in my honor, but I am not honorable, I am the biggest fraud—“

Jimin stopped reading then, eyes drawn back to the line about himself. As if his opinion mattered that much, more than the rest of the pack. He wondered briefly if Namjoon already had the idea of Jimin as his fated mate then, but he hadn’t mentioned himself as the midnight wolf yet. He bit his lip, glancing up at the moonless night sky out the window before glancing back down at the books. There was so much more to read, and yet, he felt the need to seek out Namjoon. He didn’t really understand the sudden urge, whether it was born from his recent heroics weakening his resolve or the sweet memories of childhood now fresh in his mind, but he found he must do it.
 
Going in his wolf form was out of the question, it didn’t feel safe enough. Neither did his human form without a weapon. He crossed to the chest at the foot of his bed and lifted the lid, pulling out Jungkook’s bow and arrow. He didn’t have the slightest idea how to use it, but it still felt better than nothing. He strapped the bow and the quiver of arrows tightly to his back, grabbed the volume he had been reading and a light, and disappeared into the night.
 
***
 
Namjoon circled the clearing at a slow trot, too keyed up to sit patiently by at his typical guard post. It was a setback, not being able to sit still and bring his wolf to heel. He’d been working so hard on it these past weeks since returning from the city, since those initial outbursts with Jimin, to find a sense of tameness and find a way to make himself worthy. He’d fucked up so badly. So much. So many times. A wave of shame washed over him then, despite it being a purely human emotion, unfamiliar to his wolf who huffed in complaint.
 
He’d worked hard to curb the crazed desires of his wolf when he’d first presented, had trained himself for years before returning home in an effort to find some semblance of balance with the beast that lived inside him. What a fool he’d been to think he’d had it under control. Although, who could have predicted being forced to stay shut away in the city for so long? He’d grown colder by the day, the darkness inside of him seeping in, despite the warmth and goodness of his mates–surrounding him at all times, yet always so distant. It was Namjoon’s fault for keeping them that way, for their own safety but also for Jimin. Because he’d already made too many mistakes when it came to him, what more did he have to offer but himself? Not that it would make a difference or make him somehow worth having. Not for Jimin. Jimin who was simultaneously the cause of and cure to the chaos of his wolf, like a violent storm with the calmest center. That’s how his wolf was around Jimin. He’d been unprepared for the visceral force of it when he’d first seen him again, having only felt echoes of their connection while Jimin was yet unpresented.
 
There was a reason he liked this clearing, located an equal distance between Jimin’s house and his own, allowing him to keep a distant watch on his mates while also keeping a closer watch over Jimin. He also knew it was one of Jimin’s favorite spots, and could sense without explicitly knowing how much time he had spent here in his wolf form, ever since that first night when he had spotted him here. The clearing usually calmed him, giving him more strength and peace with which to channel soothing his wolf, but he was full of restless energy tonight, continuous movement the only thing that was keeping him even moderately sane, despite the sharp stitch of pain in his side he felt with every step. He hadn’t been lying to Jimin when he said he would heal faster in his wolf form, although the process would still take several days, assuming he didn’t get into another fight.
 
His wolf salivated at the prospect, blood lust surging–chaotic and enticing–to the forefront of his mind.

We could kill them all now without anyone knowing. Rip their heads from their bodies and watch their blood paint the earth.

And his wolf wanted it, he truly did. To kill Alpha Han and the small faction of his pack that had wanted to attack Jimin and laid hands on Seokjin. His wolf felt strongly that the only penalty was death, even as his human mind shied away, knowing instinctively nothing would be solved by indulging such violence. Even now as his wolf turned his head in the direction he knew Han’s hut to be, urging him to move, Namjoon found it harder to latch on to rational thought and not let his animal brain take over, and then he smelled something familiar in the woods.
 
Omega.

Jimin.

He froze, using what little mental strength he had to dig in, forcing his wolf back even as he still stood in his animal form, locking all four of his legs into place like tree trunks taking root into the ground. He feared what would happen if Jimin broke into the clearing as his wolf now, when Namjoon felt like he had such little control. But when he turned his head back to the left, he saw Jimin as his human self, a bow and arrow strapped awkwardly to his back, a book clutched in his hands–one of Namjoon’s books, he’d recognize it anywhere. He took a step back, ready to use what strength he had to turn his back on Jimin and disappear to shift, suspecting the omega wished to speak with him, but Jimin’s voice was loud and commanding as it broke across the space.
 
“Don’t shift!”
 
And Namjoon’s wolf listened in that eerie way it had the last time they were alone like this, Namjoon in his human form but with his wolf feeling nearly feral just beneath the surface.
 
Namjoon was still trying to process how Jimin had such control over him when he spoke again. “I don’t want you to hurt yourself. Come closer.”
 
And Namjoon obeyed again, without conscious thought, his wolf trotting forward like a puppet on a string for Jimin. He came to a stop before him, towering over him really, even as he tried to make himself seem smaller. Namjoon worried he would be scared, but Jimin just frowned, worry and concern the only emotions marring his normally sweet scent.
 
“Sit.”
 
Namjoon sat, almost as tall as Jimin even resting on his hind legs, but Jimin seemed undeterred, stepping closer to him. He braced himself, unsure what Jimin was doing or how his wolf would react.
 
He held out the book, eyes searching Namjoon’s, hints of anger spiking his scent now. “You think you’re a monster?”
 
Namjoon’s heart throbbed painfully in his chest. He knew Jimin would read it, or at least he’d hoped he would. That he would give him a chance. Jimin had asked for something meaningful, so Namjoon had given him his most vulnerable self, unsure if he'd accept it or cast it aside. He knew that meant Jimin reading his inner thoughts about his wolf eventually, but he didn’t think he’d

start

there. He huffed, lowering his snout. Shame washed over him anew, more emotion his wolf didn’t know how to process. Jimin reached his hand out suddenly, a frown still pinching his brow. Namjoon froze, holding his breath, tension and dread building. But then Jimin cupped his face, fingers carding gently through the fur along his jaw and it felt like his strings had been cut. His wolf melted like puddy in Jimin’s hands, a subtle chuffing escaped his mouth, almost a pur, as he instinctively nuzzled deeper into the touch.
 
Jimin’s frown eased then, his lips curving up into a smile as he leaned closer. “You’re not a monster, Namjoon. I may not understand your actions most times, and I won’t deny the ways you’ve hurt me, but I don’t see anything evil or irredeemable in you. Did you not just save me last night from wolves far worse than you?”
 
Namjoon made a low whine, closing his eyes even as he nuzzled more into Jimin’s hand as if to hide. The touch was so nice, even as Jimin's assessment was so wrong. Jimin was special, surely he knew that. Despite all the mistakes he’d made, there was nothing he wouldn’t do to protect Jimin.
 
“You’re not a monster. You’ve always been good and kind. You have five wonderful mates and so much potential to be a good alpha. A good leader.” Jimin’s words felt like knives slicing into him, sweet and gentle in ways he knew he didn’t deserve. He whined again, made to pull away, but Jimin’s grip on his fur only tightened.
 
“You’re not a monster,” he repeated. “I’ll prove it to you.”
 
***
 
A few days later, Jimin was feeling restless again. He’d been getting minimal sleep, escaping to the clearing each night to sit with Namjoon in his wolf form. Sometimes they just sat together in the darkness, sometimes Jimin petted him and spoke to him gently, recounting his own version of the memories he’d been reading of Namjoon’s. It felt both like he was talking to Namjoon, but also like he wasn’t. The wolf smelled like Namjoon, his scent now comforting and familiar in its spiciness, but he still looked like a wolf and it was easier for Jimin not to have to see his face and all the negative emotions he associated with it. The healer in him also didn’t want Namjoon to re-injure himself with unnecessary shifting, although it was clear now that Namjoon’s wounds had healed. Still Jimin requested him not to shift and Namjoon always obeyed.
 
He liked being able to talk and feel as if he was being heard without Namjoon muddying the waters of their tentative truce by talking back. Yet he found himself, more often than not, looking for Namjoon in the daytime, actively seeking to find him instead of ignoring him, but he was left disappointed. Namjoon remained conspicuously absent from the village and Jimin was too afraid to ask his mates of his whereabouts. Still too self conscious of how they would take to him showing interest.
 
He was also actively in a fight with Jungkook, who’d arrived at his hut the morning after his first night with Namjoon just as Jimin was arriving back home himself. He was livid that Jimin had spent the night out in the woods unprotected, only growing madder when Jimin refused to disclose what he’d been

doing

in the woods. It was none of Jungkook’s business anyway. He’d only grown more irate when Jimin used him having his old bow and arrow for protection as an argument to his safety, Jungkook knowing full well that Jimin had no idea how to use it.
 
Jimin had asked him to teach him how to use it as a placating gesture then, only for Jungkook to outright refuse, after which Jimin called him more choice names than he would like to admit, only losing his temper more when Jungkook refused to give in and apologize. Jimin had forbidden Jungkook from coming near his hut since that day and Jungkook had refused to leave him alone anywhere else, shadowing him around all areas of town morning, noon, and night, scowling at Jimin the whole time as he paraded the useless bow and arrow across his back like a fashion statement any time he wasn’t actively in the hospital treating patients.
 
So he was feeling restless and irritated. It was a rare rainy day for summer and he was stuck inside, entertaining one of his suitors for lunch. Alpha Choi sat directly across from him where they were using an empty cot as a table, but his eyes were trained on something over Jimin’s shoulder. Or really, someone. His assistants and members of the Kim Pack milled about close by, some working, some spying on them. At first he’d thought it was Jungkook, pouting at them by the hospital entrance, but Yoongi had collected him minutes ago to help with something upstairs, and Alpha Choi was

still

staring.
 
Jimin set down his chopsticks, patting delicately at his mouth with a napkin, and sighed. Alpha Choi was nice (if not a bit too serious and formal for his age, considering he was significantly younger than Jimin), but Jimin had no significant attachment to him and he was currently wasting his time. Time he could be spending between patients annoying Jungkook or reading Namjoon’s journals. He’d restarted from the beginning, pouring over every detail like his life depended on it instead of just skimming for his name. He was in the middle of reading about Namjoon’s fourteenth year, of his mounting struggles with meeting his father’s and the pack’s expectations while simultaneously coming to terms with his growing feelings for Jimin, when he’d been rudely interrupted by Alpha Choi’s request for lunch. A request he accepted only to be promptly ignored.
 
 “Alpha Choi?” He frowned when he got no response, the alpha continuing to look over his shoulder. He cleared his throat. “

Yeonjun-ssi?

”
 
Choi Yeonjun snapped to attention then, eyes moving back to Jimin, looking startled before his expression shifted to a more neutrally handsome mask. “I–, sorry, you were saying Omega Park?”
 
Jimin bit his lip, fighting the sudden urge to laugh despite his annoyance. The younger alpha really was too serious. Jimin propped his chin on his hand, replying cheekily, “I

wasn’t

saying anything, but I am curious what exactly

you

are looking at?” He turned slightly, catching sight of Soobin arranging herbs in the far corner.
 
Jimin turned back to Yeonjun whose eyes were now trained on the cot in embarrassment. “Do you know Soobin-ah, my assistant?”
 
“No,” Yeonjin refuted quickly, almost too quickly. “I think I’ve–uh,

seen

him in passing. At the market.” His eyes darted back up for a moment, tracking Soobin’s movement as he made his way back to the temporary store room. His cheeks flared a rosy pink when he realized Jimin was watching him watching Soobin, and–

oh!

“Soobin just recently presented as a beta and, to my knowledge, is currently being courted by no one…” Jimin let his words hang, watching in delight as Yeonjin’s eyes grew wide.
 
“Oh no–no, I –forgive me, I am certain of my intention in courting you. You are the most popular omega of this courting season and my parents think–”
 
Jimin snorted, more than a little offended. “Courting shouldn’t be a popularity contest, nor should it be about what your parents think. What do

you

think, Yeonjin-ssi?”
 
Jimin and Yeonjin both turned, watching as Soobin returned from the store room then, carrying a stack of bandages and promptly tripped on air, spilling them across the floor. Jimin turned back in time to see the corner of Yeonjin’s mouth tick up before he caught himself, letting it drop. There was a long pause in which he studied the table, blush expanding to encompass his whole face.
 
“I think…he’s quite cute, if not a bit tall and more than a little clumsy, but, like,

endearingly

so? And in the morning light at the market, at times, he’s very beautiful.”
 
And something about the way he said it made Jimin think of a passage he’d been reading earlier from Namjoon.

‘I used to think of Jimin as quite small and cute…but lately, I think beautiful might be a better way to describe him. He is still small and cute, but also very beautiful. I noticed he has very pretty lips…I wonder what it would be like to kiss him. He also has small hands. I think they would fit very well in mine.’

He tried to picture kissing Choi Yeonjin or holding his hand… He couldn’t. He sighed again, standing from the table and straightening his tunic. “I do not wish to court you. Thank you for lunch and your initial courting gifts, but—please, consider this a formal rejection.” He picked up his dishes and chopsticks, pausing before he left to say, “But if you should change your mind about Soobin…he likes the color yellow, his favorite dessert is bingsu, and if you bring him anything made from rabbit fur, he’ll cry. Do with that information what you will.”
 
Jimin was standing on the back steps, rinsing his dishes when Yoongi found him moments later, shoulder still immobilized in the sling Jimin had made for him days ago, like a model patient, all except for the scowl on his face. “That baby alpha started flirting with your assistant the second you turned your back. Do I have your permission to kick him in the teeth for you?”
 
Jimin smiled, Yoongi had grown rather sassy as of late and he liked it.“Yah, that’s no great secret. He was watching him the whole time we were on our date too. I rejected his courting and encouraged him to go for it. If he’s flirting with him now it’s only because I told him to.”
 
His response was met with silence. Jimin turned to find Yoongi gaping at him with wide shocked eyes, snapping his mouth shut and correcting his posture a moment too late. He attempted to act calm then. offering an affirming hum that was fooling no one with how pleased his scent turned. “I’m sorry to hear that.”
 
Jimin snorted. “No, you’re not.”
 
Yoongi’s answering smile was wide and gummy. “No, I’m not. If an alpha can’t focus all his attention on you, he doesn’t deserve you.”
 
“Says the alpha pursuing me who already has

five

mates.”
 
Yoongi pouted. “That’s different. You belong with us.”
 
Jimin scoffed and rolled his eyes, even as Yoongi’s words made his belly swoop. He turned back toward the tiny alpha nonetheless. “Come. Let me look at your shoulder. I’m tired of having you do nothing but spy on me.”
 
Yoongi was still pouting as he followed Jimin into the exam room he’d been working out of for most of the day, the weather having slowed the number of patients stopping by. He’d been crushing herbs to restock his pre-made teas and tinctures while he read Namjoon’s journal before lunch and his supplies were still spread across the side table, Namjoon’s journal still open and propped against a glass jar. Yoongi froze as soon as he saw it.
 
“Is that one of Namjoon’s journals?”
 
Jimin crossed the room quickly, snatching the book up and placing it out of reach, before he replied with a curt, “Yes.”
 
He didn’t know why he suddenly felt so protective of it, but he assumed Namjoon would want it to be kept private. His suspicions were confirmed a moment later when Yoongi said, “He writes in them all the time, any time he closes himself away in his study, and he’s always so secretive about it.”
 
“I’m not letting you read it,” Jimin snapped, sounding needlessly defensive even to his own ears.
 
A knowing smile crossed Yoongi’s face as he sat down on the cot. “I didn’t ask to, but I am curious. Why do you have it?”
 
“Oh,” Jimin stalled, busying his hands with removing the sling from Yoongi’s shoulder. He debated for a moment before deciding to just tell the truth. “He gave them to me as a courting gift.”
 
“He did?” Yoongi blinked in surprise. “All of them?”
 
Jimin shrugged. “I don’t know? He gave me seven and they seem to span from when he started writing up until now? I haven’t finished them.”
 
Yoongi hummed low, allowing Jimin to go about examining his shoulder and the healing cuts along his side, but eventually he broke the silence, asking, “Has he mentioned me?”
 
Jimin paused, looking at Yoongi, assessing the quietly hopeful tone in his voice. “I haven’t gotten that far yet, I’m still in the teenage years, but if I’m not letting you read it I’m also not going to tell you what it says.” He finished more gently than he’d intended, because something about Yoongi’s question felt so vulnerable. “He is your mate, shouldn’t you ask him yourself?”
 
“That’s not our dynamic.” Yoongi shook his head. “There was a time when we were closer, but not as close as a mated pack alpha and his second should be. There’s always been a wall there, because of what happened with Seokjin, because of his feelings for you? Namjoon is complex and full of layers. I long to be trusted enough to know the inner workings of his mind.”
 
Jimin scoffed, feeling the sudden need to reassure. “He cares for you. He must. You’re his mate. And I still do not know what a second means.”
 
“In a mated pack, there is typically a lead alpha and a second in command, an alpha or beta that can lead in his stead or who assists with making decisions, much like the leadership here in the village. Hobi and I often share the role, but when push comes to shove, I have the final say. Jungkook and Taehyung are under us, both relatively equal in their roles as lower ranking pack members.”
 
“And what of Seokjin?” Jimin asked, pressing his fingers lightly against Yoongi’s shoulder, assessing for points of soreness.
 
“His role is a bit complicated. He is the oldest hyung, but also an omega, and really only asserts dominance over Jungkook in certain situations.”
 
Jimin paused. “Are you telling me omegas don’t have a role?”
 
“No,” Yoongi shook his head, clearly offended at the suggestion. “They have a very important role. Most mated packs have a pack omega who supersedes even the second in command.”
 
“And is that not Seokjin?”
 
Yoongi shook his head again, smiling now. “No. Namjoon has not taken Seokjin as his omega. Nor does Seokjin wish to take on that role. A pack omega should be confident and capable, fierce in their own right.” His eyes roamed over Jimin, like he was taking in every detail. “A strong little wolf. That spot has been reserved for you, for a very long time. Surely Namjoon’s journals are showing you that.”
 
Jimin broke his gaze instead of replying, taken off guard by the sudden declaration.
 
“Is my shoulder healed well enough to resume my work?” Yoongi asked hopefully, changing the subject.
 
“Yes. Just be careful and take it easy to start, okay? And if you have any pain at all, let me know.”
 
Yoongi nodded eagerly, straightening to his full height against the cot. “Good. In that case I would like to make a courting gesture.”
 
Jimin frowned, feeling thrown off again. “You have another gift for me?”
 
“Not exactly. I’d like to offer you a service instead.” Yoongi’s eyes fell to the bow and arrow propped in the corner of the room. “Let me teach you how to shoot.”
 
“You—

really?

” Jimin blinked in surprise, hesitating. “But, won’t Jungkook be mad?”
 
Yoongi arched his brow. “Did I not just explain to you how I out rank him? I personally think he’s been out of line in the way he’s acted toward you and he needs to be put in his place. Besides, as your courting alpha, should I not practice what I preach and focus all of my attention on you?” Yoongi asked sincerely. “My mates cannot escape me, we are already bound for life, but

you

are as slippery as an eel.”
 
Jimin snorted but didn’t comment, Yoongi moving to stand before him. “I believe tomorrow will be a clear day after all this rain. Would you consider having Soobin and Taehyun cover the hospital and meet me at the cabin in the morning?”
 
“Okay,” Jimin agreed, attempting to mask his eagerness, but Yoongi seemed to sense it anyway. “Excellent. Don’t forget your bow and arrow, and–” he paused, looking less sure of himself. “—come for breakfast if you like?”
 
Jimin nodded once, causing Yoongi’s smile to grow. Then he promptly left, ascending the stairs and calling out to Jungkook as if nothing was amiss. Jimin felt positively giddy as he returned to his work, prepping herbs, and eagerly returned to Namjoon’s journals.
 
***

‘Appa discussed the importance of a good mate today. He remembered my dam with words of respect and kindness, but I don’t know if he ever loved her. I don’t remember much of my dam, but what I do remember stirs feelings of intense fondness within me. I read about romantic love in a book recently and it sounded very nice. Appa says you do not have to have romantic love with your mate to be a good pairing, but if I had a choice, I would choose love…I think Jimin would be a good mate. I also think I could love him…’

‘Appa says I am paying too much attention to Jimin. Says I am being too obvious and the elders are noticing. He says it is not proper behavior for two unpresented pups, and for me, as future pack alpha. He says I must keep my distance, but it is difficult. My affection for him only seems to grow with each passing day. I do not know how to contain it. It feels wrong to even try to, even as Jimin’s attention seems to be caught by a new wolf. A young Jeon Jungkook who recently joined our pack. Jimin seems to dote on him so easily, what must it be like to have so much of Jimin’s affection…’

‘As I grow closer to coming of age, Appa is imploring me to begin making decisions on how I intend to run the pack. He keeps asking me what I envision my role as pack leader to be. I have yet to provide an answer. How can I know such things? I am only fifteen and the things I currently envision for myself are surely not the things he wants to hear. My heart still feels very set on Jimin while Appa continues to discourage this.. He reminds me often of the dangers of being so set on a mate so young, while simultaneously pressing me to consider the future. It all feels so confusing…’

‘I have a fantasy of running away from all these responsibilities, building a cabin in the woods with Park Jimin as my mate where we can live out our days in happy contentment. Just the two of us. Sometimes just the thought of a life like that makes my chest ache with longing. If only life could be that simple…’

“I know the perfect clearing in the woods, far from the hustle and bustle of town but close to the healer’s hut so Jimin could be close to his dam. Would it be wrong to build a house there with the intention of one day sharing it with Park Jimin? Appa would say it is very much crossing a line, but would a cabin not make a wonderful courting gift? I am not much of a builder, I would need to go about it carefully…’

“I have started work on the cabin. It is to be my secret for now, but I pray Luna will bless this endeavor and that one day, Park Jimin will like it as well…’

Jimin walked home slowly, mind reeling over the things he’d read that day. The revelation that the beautiful cabin in the woods, that now housed the Kim pack, was once meant to be his. His and Namjoon’s. Something inside of him, some long lost version of his younger self, was both elated and devastated at the knowledge. He’d poured over the details of Namjoon’s building plans all afternoon. Had read and reread all the heart wrenching details of how what had started as a simple fantasy soon morphed into a tangible physical thing, built by Namjoon’s own hand, all while he waxed poetic to his journal about how he intended to share a life there with Jimin.
 
A life that was never to be. He didn’t know which was worse, thinking that Namjoon never loved him or now knowing that he did, but it still didn’t work out.

It could still work.

A tiny voice in his head reasoned.

Maybe it looks different than he imagined. Than you both imagined, but—

Jimin shook his head, telling the voice to be silent. He didn’t want to be placated. He wanted to be angry.
 
Angry at the hand fate had dealt. At Namjoon for never speaking up, for leaving in the first place. At his own wolf for not presenting as it should, even if at that point, it would have still been too late. In another life they could have been happily mated with everything completely uncomplicated. The loss of it felt like a crushing weight in his chest, dragging him down with every step.
 
Until he turned the corner to his hut and caught a familiar scent. He looked up to find his dam standing on the front porch and he broke into a run.
 
“Eomma!” he called out, diving into her arms as soon as he was close enough, burring deeply into the comfort only she could provide.
 
“Yah, my Jiminie! I missed you!” She ran soothing hands over his back, then made to pull away, but he continued to hold her close, unwilling to let go. Her hands stilled against him for only a moment, before continuing to provide soothing strokes. “What’s wrong, jagiya?”
 
“Nothing,” Jimin tried to say, feeling tears well unbidden to his eyes. She tutted knowingly, like she didn’t believe him, pulling back just enough to cup his face and wipe at his cheeks.
 
“None of that. Come now, let’s have some tea and we’ll talk.”
 
He let her lead him to the hut, settling him comfortably in a kitchen chair, before she went to work on the tea, steeping a mixture of lavender and chamomile until the soothing aroma permeated the hut. She poured two cups, passing one across the table to him, and waited until he took a fortifying sip.
 
“Now. Talk.”
 
He shook his head. “I told you. It’s nothing, Eomma.”
 
She hummed, taking a sip of her own tea before leveling him with a look. “Does it have something to do with Jungkookie and Taehyungie? They’ve been here recently. I picked up their scents as soon as I arrived. It smells as if they stayed the night.”
 
Jimin felt his cheeks flame, eyes dropping to his cup as he deciphered the unspoken question in her words. “They did, but not like that. We are trying to mend our friendship.”
 
His dam knew

some

things about what had happened between them, but only in the barest of terms. He’d never felt the need to confide in her, she’d always been so busy after all and he thought he’d done a good job of hiding how hurt he’d been by them leaving. He waited now for a lecture, sure one was coming about how inappropriate it was to have platonic sleepovers with mated wolves, but Eomma just frowned. “Are they not courting you?”
 
He blinked at her in surprise. She asked the question like their courting of him was an expected conclusion. “Yes? They are, but—it’s not about them.”
 
“Kim Namjoon, then?”
 
He felt his jaw go slack in further surprise as Eomma sipped her tea. “I know I am old, Jimin-ah, but do you think I am so clueless as to not notice important things concerning my own pup? He did claim you to be his fated mate in front of the whole town, did he not? It’s all the elders have spoken of for two weeks.”
 
Jimin felt his cheeks flame brighter.
 
“Of course, I did think for many years that something was bound to happen between the two of you anyway. The way your eyes followed him, the way his followed you, even as young pups. The pack elders used to gossip about it and it would make Alpha Kim so upset, the implication that his son might do something improper.” She shook her head in amusement. “But, I knew Namjoon was a good pup. I worried more about how Taehyung and Jungkook would take it, if you picked him over them. Is it not fortuitous that they have all ended up together while also still caring very much for you?”
 
Jimin didn’t immediately know how to respond, stunned into silence. How was his eomma this perceptive? And her perspective, so different from him? He traced his thumb along the rim of his teacup until he finally found his words. “Does it not

bother

you? The idea of me mating so many wolves, instead of choosing a single, more traditional mate?”
 
Eomma hummed softly in understanding. “Is that what’s holding you back?”
 
Jimin shook his head, not ready to accept that truth, replying instead. “There are several other wolves courting me as well. All of whom would be good choices and want

only

me.”
 
She hummed again.
 
“And do

you

want only them?” She asked after a moment, eyeing him speculatively from over her cup rim. Jimin honestly hadn’t considered it, too overwhelmed at the sheer volume of courting offers he’d received to spend much time thinking. He’d found it easy to refuse Alpha Choi, but what of Mingyu and Taemin?
 
Eomma sighed, distracting him with her somber expression. “In my experience, choosing only one mate can be a lonely road. Your sire passed when you were very young and I had to raise you all on my own.” She reached forward, grabbing his hand. “Do not think I regret that. You are the most precious thing to me, but it was very isolating at times, even within our larger pack. I can see how having multiple mates to share a life with could be very appealing, to share the burdens and the love. It would bring me great comfort, knowing you had multiple mates to take care of you. So, do not deny them on my account. I will be happy with whatever you choose as long as you are true to yourself.”
 
Jimin nodded once, processing her words, even as his throat felt tight.
 
“Is worrying over my opinion really what’s bothering you?” she pressed, and Jimin found himself unable to keep dodging her digging.
 
“For many years, I very much had my heart set on Kim Namjoon,” And it felt almost liberating to say it outloud. “I imagined him as my mate, but then he returned with three mates, and then he mated with my friends as well, and then they all left me.” Jimin’s words cut off in an effort not to cry as Eomma reached forward to grab his hand, steading him. “And now they’re back and they suddenly want to court me, but I’ve been so angry, and I’m not sure I trust them.” And even as he said it he wasn’t sure it was still true. He did trust them now, to a certain degree, but he was still very much afraid of being hurt.
 
“I recently learned that, in our youth, Namjoon felt the same way about me and seemingly no one else. That he dreamed of me as his mate the same way I dreamed of him, and I can’t help but think, what if things had turned out differently? It feels like I have suddenly lost something I never got the chance to have. A part of my youth that I wanted so badly.”
 
“Ah, that makes sense. The loss of a dream is its own form of grief.” Eomma nodded knowingly, her other hand coming up to cover his, patting gently. “But you cannot waste your life wondering about the what ifs. You’ll drive yourself mad. Nor can you wish things into being that are simply not meant to be. I understand all too well what it feels like to lose a dream, but look at all you have to gain. You could still mate Namjoon…and Jungkookie and Taehyung-ah, who are already like my sons, and whom I think you love very much. Would you really wish to be separated from them in an alternate life if you had the choice. And what of these other mates? I hear they’ve been doting on you endlessly at the hospital. Now that you know them, do you really desire to wish them out of existence?” She patted his hand gently once more before leaning across the table to cup his face and kiss his forehead. “These are all things to consider. And if you find you do not wish to mate them, then don’t. You have many other options, as you said, but do not let the what ifs and the anger hold you back. Sometimes we hurt the ones we love most. We are human. We make mistakes, but that doesn’t mean we are not worth having, or forgiving. How else can we learn? Take your time and grieve what you feel you need to, but then, listen to your heart, Jimin-ah.”
 
He took his mother’s advice to heart, retreating to his room to think. And for the first night all week, he did not visit Namjoon.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

The next morning Jimin felt drained and still very much conflicted. He’d tossed and turned most of the night, stuck in his feelings of loss and the confusion surrounding his future.
 
He thought about scrapping his plans, going to the hospital after all instead of meeting Yoongi, but he pictured Yoongi’s quietly hopeful expression and he couldn’t stomach the thought of disappointing him. He was also morbidly curious to see the cabin now through Namjoon’s eyes. He hadn’t been there in over a year, unable to stomach the sight of it abandoned, happy to let Taehyun and Soobin manage the garden as soon as they’d completed their training.
 
And so he went. The woods were quiet as he walked, the morning sun bright and cheerful after all the rain, breaking through the cover of trees to the muddy path below. The smell of fresh, damp earth was soothing to his senses. It helped to clear his head along with the chattering of birdsong.
 
He hesitated as the woods grew sparser, knowing he was close. He allowed himself one deep fortifying breath before continuing on, spotting the dark wood of the cabin in the distance. It looked bigger than he remembered, even knowing it hadn’t changed in the past two years. Yoongi had finished all the renovations on it before they left, the back extending further now where the porch ended, seemingly having added several rooms. Jimin hadn’t been inside the structure since before his friends were mated and he felt suddenly intimidated as he approached the porch.
 
He wasted a few moments studying the craftsmanship of the railing, wondering how Namjoon had managed to complete it himself. He recalled the diary entries he’d read just the day before concerning all the minor injuries he’d needed to seek medical help for in the process of building. How he’d used them as an opportunity to question Jimin and his dam about the plants they used most often and those they needed to forage for in order to keep their medical supply stocked. Jimin remembered many of those conversations from his own perspective.
 He remembered being pleased at the time that Namjoon had such an affinity for plants, thinking they shared that interest, now he wondered if Namjoon cared only because it mattered to Jimin, and did that make him feel better or worse. He leaned away from the porch to spot the fence surrounding the garden and saw the green leafy vines growing along it. Glowing night phlox, his brain helpfully supplied. The same plant Namjoon had hand delivered to him from the capital on his first return home. Had he really gifted it to Jimin and also planted it here? He couldn’t remember noticing it before, but he frowned now, realizing how overgrown it had become. He hadn’t given Taehyun or Soobin any instructions on how to tend it in his absence and his fingers itched to find a pair of pruning shears and go to task. 
The sound of the heavy front door opening drew his attention then, snapping him from his daze and he turned back to the porch to find Seokjin peeking out at him expectantly.
 
“Jimin-ah! Are you–do you want to come in?” he asked hesitantly, seeming both nervous at addressing Jimin less formally and also excited to see him. His fingertips tapped restlessly against the door even as he kept his eyes anxiously trained on Jimin. “Yoongi-yah is finishing breakfast.”
 
“Of course, hyung.” Jimin nodded once, the familiar term feeling strange in his mouth. He felt both surprised and unsurprised to find Seokjin at home. He did live there after all, and he would have had no reason to travel to the hospital if he knew Jimin was coming. Had Yoongi told him what he was here to do? He wondered briefly if Seokjin approved, but there wasn’t a hint of judgment on his face as he opened the door wider, beckoning Jimin up the steps.
 
Jimin hesitated as he approached the first step, the scent from inside the house finally reaching his nose. He was momentarily stunned by the rich scent of pack, now so familiar to him but also much more potent than he was used to, having been unable to sense it the last time he was here: Seokjin and Yoongi and Hoseok and Taehyung and Jungkook all blended together to form the most soothing and intoxicating balm to his senses. Namjoon’s scent was there too, but much weaker than it should be, and Jimin’s wolf felt unsettled by its absence.
 
Eomma’s question came back to him as he ascended the steps, the mix of scents only growing stronger.

Do you really desire to wish them out of existence?

He caught hints of his own scent too as he drew closer to Seokjin and his wolf longed to ingrain more of himself there with the others, even as Jimin himself shied away.
 
It felt strange following Seokjin into the house, almost like an out of body experience, knowing now what this place was originally meant to be. He couldn’t help but wonder how much of the decoration and design had been Namjoon’s original thoughts versus input from the pack. Looking around, he tried to imagine if he would want things to be arranged differently, if he were given the choice, but he found he couldn't. It felt perfect the way it was, and wasn’t that in itself a problem? Even with his wolf’s desperate need to make its presence known here, was there even room for Jimin?
 
He was brought from his thoughts by a still fidgeting Seokjin, who was shifting his weight from foot to foot in the entryway between the front door and the larger living area, not moving toward the kitchen as Jimin expected. Jimin couldn’t help but notice the way the tips of his ears grew pink the longer they stood there staring at each other.
 
“Um, before we meet Yoongi-yah in the kitchen. Do you think we could go ahead and do my scenting?”
 
“Oh, okay,” Jimin nodded, grateful for something else to focus his attention on. He gestured to the nearby set of couches. “Would you want to do it here?”
 
Seokjin’s ears only seemed to grow redder. “Um, actually, could we do it in the nesting room? Would that be okay?” Seokjin seemed to brace himself as soon as he asked, like he was readying himself for Jimin to say no, like he knew he was asking too much. Before, when Jimin was unpresented and acting solely as Seokjin’s healer, it had been acceptable for him to enter the other omega’s private space to treat him. But now, with the situation being what it was and Seokjin clearly well enough to no longer be confined to his bed, it was highly questionable. Jimin surprised both of them by saying yes.
 
“Lead the way, hyung.”
 
Seokjin did, leading Jimin down the familiar hallway to the room he’d been confined to for most of that first summer and swinging the door open. It was brighter than Jimin remembered, Seokjin readily leaving the blinds open to let the light in. He could smell undertones of the other pack members as well, Yoongi and Jungkook most prominent, Hoseok and Taehyung much fainter. Namjoon not at all. The nest was well organized, instead of an overabundance of fluffy blankets piled haphazardly, they were placed according to shade and texture, folded neatly, the walls high and well structured surrounding the perimeter. It looked more like a true omegan nest and Jimin couldn’t help but be pleased by that, at what it implied of Seokjin’s overall health.
 
“It’s beautiful,” he said without thinking, feeling his own blush match the one that was migrating from Seokjin’s ears to the high points of his cheeks.
 
“Thank you,” he murmured shyly. “I recently redid it, but it doesn’t feel quite right–, or rather, doesn’t

smell

right. It’s making it hard to sleep at night…would it be asking too much for you to scent it?”
 
“It would be considered highly improper within the greater pack if anyone found out,” Jimin admitted quietly, watching as Seokjin’s shoulders sagged in visible disappointment. “But as your healer, I can see the benefit. I’ll do it. Just this once.”
 
Seokjin looked conflicted, like he was considering retracting his request, but Jimin stepped forward before he could, nodding toward the nest. Seokjin slowly gathered a blanket, handing it to him.
 
“Was this always meant to be the nesting room?” Jimin asked, curiosity getting the better of him, as he began rubbing his wrist along the blanket, scenting it thoroughly. He made to return it to Seokjin, but Seokjin just blinked at him in curious surprise.
 
“Namjoon gave me his journals to read. I assumed Yoongi would have mentioned it? He went into great detail describing his plans for the house.” He gestured to the room at large as he explained, wondering why he was sharing this with Seokjin when he had felt it wrong to share with Yoongi, although he reasoned, he wasn’t sharing anything personal about anything Namjoon had said about them (not that he’d read it yet). And surely they knew this house was meant for Jimin? Jimin started to second guess himself when Seokjin finally unfroze, reaching to take the blanket back slowly, offering a new one.
 
“No, he didn’t, but that makes sense. I’m actually proud to hear Namjoon did that, but also, I’m sorry.” Seokjin clutched the freshly scented blanket to his chest, like he was trying to comfort himself, his scent turning slightly distressed.
 
Jimin frowned. “What are you sorry for?”
 
“For trespassing here? For taking Namjoon in the first place? Omega to omega, it feels like many things about this situation have been my fault and I’m sorry for all of them.”
 
Jimin made to reach for Seokjin but he thrust another blanket into his hands instead, busying himself by refolding the ones Jimin had already scented. “Have you read as far as his time in the Capital? I assume he wrote of it extensively.”
 
“I haven’t read it yet, but yes, it’s there.”
 
Seokjin swallowed nervously, nodding, even as he continued to work. Jimin continued as well, hoping if he kept scenting items it would help to calm Seokjin. They passed blankets back and forth as Seokjin spoke.
 
“I told you a long time ago, but I came to the capital as a future pack alpha in training. That was the expectation all my life and my father raised me that way, to be strong, aggressive, and feared. When I think back on it now, there were signs that I might end up omega instead of alpha, but I’d been training for so long to suppress any perceived weakness and I was a good actor. I played my part well, and it was easy to overlook. Even Hoseok and Yoongi never suspected, despite me being the most myself with them. I thank Luna that I had them growing up, they were truly my only saving grace.”
 
“I met Namjoon very soon after we both arrived, and we bonded quickly, despite our differences in age. I was used to spending time with my dongsaengs and he was so eager to have a friend, seemed almost starved for it, and there was something so warm about him. He was gentle and kind, but also so smart. You could already see his potential as a leader and I missed my own friends so much. Namjoon was so easy to like and he gave me hope that maybe I could be kinder than my father and still do a good job. We became fast friends. Best friends. We confided in each other. Had a mutual understanding of the pressures we both faced, growing up with the eyes of our respective packs on us, carrying the weight of our fathers’ expectations. Alpha Kim seemed less cruel than my father, but he was still strict and he had high standards for Namjoon. I think he made Namjoon second guess himself a lot.”
 
Seokjin paused, one hand reaching out to stroke gently down Jimin’s arm. “And he spoke often of you. Maybe not at first, not until he trusted me, but then he did. All the time, about how kind and sweet you were, how beautiful, the way your smile could light up the whole sky. It was clear he loved you very much. And I told him about Hobi and Yoongi and how I intended to bond with them, triad relationships being very common in my birth pack, even if larger mated packs were not. I don’t know if I consciously thought myself

in

love with them then, not in the way Namjoon clearly loved you, but I couldn’t envision my life without them, it felt like a natural progression. Namjoon and I would sometimes fantasize about a future where we separated to return to our packs and took our respective roles, but visited each other with our mates and we would all become friends.”
 
Seokjin’s smile turned decidedly tragic then and he let his hand drop, eyes turning distant. 
 
“But then, Namjoon presented first, which surprised us both, and it was like everything changed overnight. Suddenly, there was a wall up between us where previously there hadn’t been. It was obvious he was hurting, that something was wrong, but he started avoiding me when I’d ask about it, and would get agitated and upset with me if I pushed for answers. It felt like I’d done something, but I didn’t know what. He came back eventually, slowly, over weeks and months, but it still felt strained, never quite the same. It felt like we were constantly tiptoeing around some big thing. And then, I presented, and it was… it was a disaster.”
 
Tears welled in his eyes then and Jimin moved on instinct, taking the last blanket from Seokjin’s hands and setting it to the side, maneuvering him to sit on the edge of the nest. Jimin started scenting him subconsciously, rubbing his wrist along the inside of Seokjin’s forearm.
 
“I was confused… and shocked. Ashamed and so very, very afraid. I told you once, that my father cast me out when he received word that I was an omega and threatened me, but it was truly much worse than that. He intended to kill me, whether I returned to them or not. He sent a letter, saying he would not abide by such an abomination in a first born son. That he would not allow me to live and taint his legacy. He stripped me of my rights and title, demanded I return home to face my fate before he sent someone for me.”
 
Jimin felt his whole body grow cold. Eomma’s words came back to him again.

Do you really desire to wish them out of existence?

A resounding

no

echoed through his brain. He felt his grip tighten on Seokjin’s arm, like if he let go now his father might come and snatch him away.
 
“Namjoon said we could appeal to the Alpha King for protection, but I knew it wouldn’t be enough and after Namjoon read the letter from my father, he agreed. My father didn’t give empty threats. He wouldn’t leave a loose thread unsnipped. I was distraught. I couldn’t sleep, couldn’t eat. I was barely functioning, slowly killing myself anyway. Then Namjoon came to me and offered a pack mating, said it would offer more protection. As a mated wolf my father would have no jurisdiction over me, and as Namjoon had ingratiated himself in service to the Alpha King, they would have more reason to protect his mate.”
 
They both looked down at his wrist, where Namjoon’s silvery bite mark shone clearly in the morning light.
 
“I did it. Without a second thought. I was desperate. I accepted his offer without considering the repercussions. Somehow it worked. Namjoon personally wrote to my father to say he had taken me as a mate and would tolerate no further threats against me. And months later, after I’d convinced myself that I’d never see Hoseok or Yoongi again, they suddenly appeared, both presented then too, and demanded to be mated into our pack. And I didn’t refuse that either. I very selfishly wanted it. The mating between Namjoon and I felt very empty. When we bonded, I could inherently feel his longing for you, and even after the mating,  he kept his distance. I knew he didn’t really want me. Even when he mated Yoongi and Hoseok, it was for my sake. My fault–”
 
“It’s not your fault. You’re not–No,” Jimin rushed to correct, fingers reaching up to stroke soothingly through Seokjin’s hair. It felt like his heart was bleeding. Even when he’d felt the most abandoned, the most alone, he’d still had the stability of his eomma’s love, the admiration and assistance of Taehyun and Soobin, and the growing appreciation of his pack. He’d never been

truly

alone, not the way Seokjin had felt. “Did you want him that way? You said he didn’t want you, but did you want him?”
 
Seokjin sighed. “Before the bond? I don’t know. I felt very fondly toward him. I wanted to be close to him. The idea of needing to separate to return to our respective packs felt wrong somehow, but after …well I think it’s inherent to the bond. Especially between alphas and omegas, we thrive on affection and scenting and physical touch, on the security of it, right? I don’t blame Namjoon for anything. He saved me, but did it make it harder to accept myself? Knowing he didn’t want me in that way…” Seokjin shook his head. “Wait, we’re getting off track. This isn’t about me–.”
 
Seokjin took a breath, focusing back on Jimin. “This is about

you

. I want you to know that I never intended to take your place. As a mate, as an omega. I would never seek to take your nesting room in this house. Namjoon is the only one who enters there. The additions Yoongi and Jungkook worked so hard on two summers ago were meant for us. The intruders.” Seokjin smiled mockingly  when he said it, but Jimin could hear the real hurt behind it. “This room was only meant to be a temporary nesting space until the other rooms were ready. A place I could go, to be weak and frail alone. I’m using it now because of all my scent sensitivities, but if you were to join us, I’d gladly move wherever you’d like me to.”
 
He looked around the space, frowning slightly as he wiped his eyes. “I think this was originally meant to be a nursery? With all the morning light it gets it would be ideal for that purpose, would it not?”
 
Jimin stilled at that, even as Seokjin continued talking, seemingly unaware of how what he’d just said was affecting him.
 
“I’ve always known of you, and anticipated your place with us, even if I didn’t show it the way that I should? I wasn’t sure what to expect when we came here. I was so sick at that point and all I knew of you was what Namjoon had been willing to share. It was still a wholly unfair advantage, the way we were able to anticipate you, when you had no idea of us. Still, we agreed to keep our distance, to allow Namjoon space to court you, but then you didn’t present as expected, and then–”
 
“Jungkook and Taehyung,” Jimin filled in knowingly.
 
Seokjin sighed and nodded. “I am the root cause of that as well, am I not? It seems everything good that was meant for you was intercepted by me.”
 
He grabbed Jimin’s hands, clasping them between his own. “I’m truly sorry for that, Jimin-ah. I didn’t know what to expect when we came here, but Luna, you were such a blessing. Like a breath of fresh air. You did so much for me that first summer, you gave me back my health, you taught me how to be an omega even before you were one yourself. I truly wanted us to be friends. I made a mistake when we left though. I thought giving you space was the right thing because you were so angry with me, but I think now I was wrong. I should have written to you, like Taehyung. I should have reached out to try and repair the damage I caused, to show you how important you are.”
 
“I probably would have burned any letters you sent,” Jimin admitted honestly, causing Seokjin huff out a broken laugh.
 
“It would have been okay if you did. I still should have sent them.”
 
They shared a heavy silence then, Seokjin still holding Jimin’s hands, perched on the edge of the nest. They were so close like this, Jimin the same height standing as Seokjin was sitting. Jimin found himself studying his lips again, wondering what it would be like to soothe his pain away with gentle kisses.
 
“Is friendship all you want from me?” Jimin found himself asking boldly. “I don’t understand how relationships work in a pack such as this. Why are

you

courting me?”
 
Seokjin studied him for a quiet moment, then he let go of his hand to reach the bedside table, opening the drawer to retrieve a velvet pouch. He opened it, letting whatever was inside fall into his grasp, then he held his hand out to Jimin, a shiny golden ring resting in his palm. It looked like a series of tiny tree branches dipped in gold and fashioned to curve around each other to form a perfect interlocking circle. “It’s real gold. My dam gave it to me before I left for the capital. In my birth pack, it’s tradition for high born alphas to give their intended omega a single courting gift of high value. It’s meant to be more symbolic of the alpha’s worth than the omega’s, but still, it’s tradition. One of the few nice things an omega in my birth pack could receive. She thought I might meet someone in the city. All the while, I thought Yoongi would be my intended omega.”
 
Jimin scoffed in surprise, but Seokjin just smiled. “It’s hard to imagine him that way now, but you must admit, he’s very gentle for an alpha. He was always that way, soft and quiet. Hoseok and I vowed, from an early age, to protect him at all costs.”
 
Quiet, yes, and soft for those he cared for, but still fierce and unafraid. Very alpha qualities, Jimin thought. Although didn’t that describe Seokjin too? Willing to put himself in the line of fire to protect the ones he cared about? Jimin realized he could easily put himself in that category. It seemed obvious after the way Seokjin had put himself in danger for him.
 
“I almost gave it to him before I left, but he was unpresented then, and my birth pack looks down on such interactions between unpresented wolves in the same way yours does. Then, I turned out to be the omega instead, and the ring became a symbol of all the things I lacked. I hid it away for a long time, couldn’t bear the sight of it, but was unable to get rid of it either. It is the only thing I have left of my birth pack after all.”
 
“You should give it to him anyway, hyung, or wear it yourself. Repurpose it how you want as a way of taking back what they took from you.”
 
“I like the idea of that, but it’s an

omega’s

ring and it’s meant to be a courting gift, not something I keep for myself or give to a mate I already have. So, I’ve saved it for its original purpose. For my intended omega.” He looked up at Jimin questioningly then. “The omega who has given me everything I hold so dear, even though I didn’t deserve it. Who has taught me so much about myself and shown me such grace in the face of my shortcomings. The only omega I want to scent me and my nest, not because he is my friend or my healer, but because I want him to be my mate, in whatever way he desires to be mine too. My heart is yours for the taking.”
 
He pinched the ring between two fingers, picking it up and grabbing one of Jimin’s hands. He positioned it to slide onto his finger, the metal surprisingly warm where it rested against his fingertip. He paused to look up at Jimin again.
 
“Will you accept it, Jimin?”
 
***
 
“The trick is to keep your grip relaxed.” Yoongi’s voice was deep and rumbly in his ear, his front pressed close to Jimin’s back, his hands moving Jimin’s hips into the proper alignment.
 
His tone and demeanor were all professional, but Jimin couldn’t control the shiver of delight that ran through him at the contact, even more so when he placed his hand over Jimin’s to adjust his grip on the bow, inadvertently pressing the metal of Seokjin’s ring more firmly against his skin.
 
Seokjin was watching them closely from the garden swing and something about it was making Jimin feel flushed and flustered. He’d been that way since they’d entered the kitchen for breakfast and Yoongi made a fuss over how overheated they’d both looked, worried they were both suddenly sick and coming down with fevers.
 
“Yah! We’re not feverish, just hungry!” Seokjin had argued, sitting down across from Jimin and promptly turning the exact shade of a ripe tomato. He’d winked at Jimin as soon as Yoongi’s back was turned and Jimin swore it made his heart flip.
 
Jimin tried to ignore him now, focusing on what Yoongi was saying, but it was difficult. His heart felt impossibly full and light. A stark contrast to the confused heaviness of just a few hours ago. And being this close to Yoongi made him feel impossibly warm in other ways and he was struggling to keep his scent under control.
 
“Once you have your stance and alignment, you need to decide on a good anchor point, somewhere along the face. It can be wherever feels right to you,” Yoongi instructed, adjusting Jimin more until the bow string came to rest against various points as he called them out. “Against your cheekbone, along your jawline, at the corner of your mouth, or even between your lips.”
 
Jimin held back a gasp as he felt the brush of Yoongi’s fingertips against his face. He couldn't decide if he imagined them lingering longer than strictly necessary at his lips. He swore Yoongi’s voice came out impossibly deeper when he continued, “You can try them all out, but once you decide on a spot, use the same anchor every time. It will drastically improve your accuracy.”
 
His hands fell back to Jimin’s sides, coming to rest gently against his ribcage. Jimin fought the urge to tighten his grip on the bow, trying to think calming thoughts. “Now, take a deep breath and when you exhale, fire. Keep your eye on the target the whole time, even after you release. Let the arrow do the rest.”
 
Jimin jerked his head in the barest of nods, feeling his ribcage expand under Yoongi’s touch, the bow string taunt where it rested against his bottom lip. He kept his eyes trained on the red mark on the tree in the distance, pausing for a moment before he relaxed, letting his breath and the arrow go at the same time.
 
It whistled through the air, coming to a stop with a loud thunk, just to the right of its intended mark. Seokjin whooped in excitement and started clapping immediately. He could feel Yoongi’s cheek bunch into a smile against his own, even if his elation was much more contained when he rumbled, quiet but proud. “That was excellent, Jimin-ah.”
 
Jimin felt a pleasant rush, like fizzy bubbles popping just under the surface of his skin.
 
“Now, this time I want you to—“
 
“What the

hell,

hyung?!”
 
They startled apart, turning at the same time to find an enraged Jungkook stalking toward them. A bewildered Hoseok and Taehyung trailed behind, stopping at the fence line closest to Seokjin as Jungkook continued on, not pausing until he came to a full stop before them.
 
Jimin straightened to his full height, ready to defend himself, but Jungkook wasn’t looking at him. He was glaring over his shoulder at a very calm and undeterred Yoongi. 
 
“

What

do you think you're doing?” Jungkook demanded.
 
“Exactly what it looks like. I’m teaching Jimin how to shoot. Now, step back. We’re ready to continue.”
 
“

What?

You can’t just—he can’t defend himself, hyung.   This is dangerous.”
 
Yoongi’s voice was cold and stern when he replied. “He can’t defend himself because

you

didn’t teach him how. I’m fixing that. There’s nothing dangerous about it. Unless you think me an incapable teacher?”
 
“I—of course not,” Jungkook bit his lip, anger morphing into hesitant confusion. He looked like he wanted to keep arguing, but he knew he shouldn’t.
 
“Do you trust me?” Yoongi pressed, causing Jungkook to frown.
 
“Yes, hyung.”
 
“Do you trust Jimin?”
 
Jungkook’s frown deepened, eyes falling to Jimin where they softened immediately. “Of course. Of course, I trust you, hyung.”
 
“Then it sounds like maybe this is an issue of irrational alpha pride. Hmm, pup?”
 
Jungkook deflated in an instant, resembling more of a kicked puppy than the angry alpha he’d been moments before.
 
“Shit. I—I’m sorry, Jimin-hyung,” he winced, gaze falling to the ground. “I didn’t mean to overstep.”
 
Jimin fought the urge to forgive him instantly, always a sucker for Jungkook’s puppy face, but Yoongi hummed knowingly, hands coming up to rest on Jimin’s shoulders, as if lending his support.
 
“Go sit with your hyungs, Jungkook-ah. Maybe Jimin will feel like talking once we’re done.”
 
Jungkook bowed obediently, trudging back to the garden fence. Yoongi turned Jimin back toward the target, facing away from Jungkook and the others. “He’ll be fine,” he murmured, low enough to not be overheard.
 
“I’m surprised you’re able to be that firm with him,” Jimin quipped, notching a fresh arrow and attempting to align himself as Yoongi had previously instructed.
 
Yoongi snorted quietly. “I’m not usually. Why do you think I sent him away so fast?”
 
Jimin fought the smile that threatened to spread across his lips, letting Yoongi adjust his stance as needed. He anchored along his jawline this time, frowning when he didn’t even hit the target at all.
 
“Don’t pout. It takes time to learn,” Yoongi scolded gently. “How long did it take you to become a good healer?”
 
“Since my dam was pack healer before me, I’ve basically been learning since birth, but I picked it up quickly. My dam says I’ve always had a natural talent. Although I’m still learning new things. Healing is an artform, you never stop learning.”
 
“It’s the same with archery. No one is perfect starting out and there’s always opportunities to learn something new.”
 
Jimin felt himself pouting again, because he wanted to be good. He tried anchoring along his bottom lip again. “Jungkook was. He’s always been perfect at everything. Surely you know that.”
 
He hit the target this time, just below his first arrow. He smiled as did Yoongi when he turned to look at him over his shoulder. “He’s not good at everything,” Yoongi argued fondly, already handing Jimin another arrow. He adjusted his position again, but then stepped a bit away, encouraging Jimin to try with less cues. “Name one thing he’s bad at,” Jimin argued, taking a deep breath and letting the arrow fly. He frowned when it fell short of the target again.
 
“Being patient,” Yoongi said, just as a loud huff and a small commotion sounded from the garden area. Seokjin squawked and Taehyung called out Jungkook’s name. Jimin turned to see Jungkook’s back disappearing into the workshop behind the house. He caught Taehyung’s gaze who shrugged in confusion. He looked to Yoongi then, who’s eyes were darting speculatively between his mates before falling to the workshop entrance as well. It was clear no one knew exactly what was happening.
 
They didn’t have to wait long, Jungkook came striding out a moment later with another bow and a fresh quiver of arrows. As he drew closer, Jimin couldn’t help but notice the unfinished quality to the wood of the bow and how it appeared smaller in size, Jungkook carrying it like it weighed nothing. His assessment was proved right when Jungkook thrust the new bow at him and it felt light as a feather in his hands.
 
“It’s not finished,” Jungkook said gruffly, taking his larger, heavier bow, freeing both of Jimin’s hands to test out the new one. “But it will suit you better.”
 
Jimin took his stance, holding the unarmed bow as if he were preparing to shoot. It felt completely different, the weight unstraining, the draw length more natural, the grip molding to his fingers as if made specifically for his hand. He relaxed his stance, blinking at Jungkook in surprise.
 
“You made this for me?”
 
“Not intentionally,” Jungkook admitted sheepishly, avoiding his gaze. “I was upset over us fighting and was tinkering in the workshop to blow off some steam. It just sort of happened.”
 
Jungkook paused to shrug awkwardly, like it was all no big deal, but it felt monumental to Jimin and he was endlessly endeared. “Like I said, it’s not finished, but if you want to practice with it today, it should help. It’s better to learn correctly on the right bow than to unlearn bad habits after you develop them because you were using the wrong one.”
 
Yoongi snorted, giving Jungkook his back just so he could roll his eyes at Jimin, but then he winked, wordlessly excusing himself to walk over toward the fence line and Jimin couldn’t help but wonder if this had been his plan all along.
 
“Will you show me how it’s done?” he asked and Jungkook nodded, using the bow he’d taken from Jimin to easily line up a shot. He hit the target dead center, as expected.
 
“Teach me,” Jimin demanded and Jungkook didn’t hesitate, setting his own bow aside to approach Jimin.
 
“Line up your shot,” he instructed, coming to stand behind Jimin. He made minor tweaks to his shoulders and the angle of his chin. “But this time don’t hold your breath. 
 
Jimin frowned. “But Yoongi told me to exhale when I fire.”
 
“Right, but

don’t hold your breath

. It makes you tense up. You need to keep breathing the whole time. In fact, just focus on your breath. Close your eyes.”
 
“

What??

” Jimin broke his stance to face Jungkook, but he just gave him a stern look and turned him back around.
 
“Just try it, okay?” he encouraged, fixing Jimin’s stance again, hands falling to settle at his waist. “Line up your shot, then close your eyes, and focus on your breath. I won’t let you hit anything you shouldn’t.”
 
He did as instructed, feeling Jungkook step closer, his chest coming to rest against his back, syncing their breaths to a slow steady pace. “Keep your eyes closed, keep breathing, and focus on how it feels at the moment when you let your arrow go.
 
Jimin did exactly that, not letting his eyes snap open until he heard the thunk of an arrow meeting wood. He’d landed dead center, just above Jungkook’s. He wanted to squeal and jump up and down in delight, an echo of the loud applause sounding from the garden, but Jungkook was already pressing another arrow into his hands.
 
“Again.”
 
And so it went. Jungkook drilled him relentlessly for over an hour, critiquing his developing skills until Jimin was hitting the target accurately every time. His confidence grew with every arrow he fired, the others cheering him on from across the garden fence the whole time. They finally stopped when Jimin’s arms started to feel like jello.
 
“We’ll practice again soon? Once I get this finished. You did really well today, hyung.” Jungkook took back the bow, offering Jimin his own instead, but Jimin shook his head.
 
“Keep it. It’s yours anyway.” But Jungkook just shook his head.
 
“I’ll get it back from you once I finish yours. I want you to be able to protect yourself, if needed. I’m—I’m really sorry I let my pride get in the way of that.”
 
“It’s okay, Kook-ah. I …might have let my pride get in the way and overreacted a bit as well,” Jimin admitted, remembering all the ways he’d gone over the top in response to Jungkook this week, but Jungkook just smiled and shook his head.
 
“Never, hyung. You’re perfect.”
 
Jimin blushed, looking down at his feet, until Jungkook’s palm appeared in front of his face.
 
“Will you stay for lunch? Hyungs are already cooking.”
 
“Oh?” Jimin looked up, head swinging toward the garden where only Taehyung and Hoseok were watching them. “Yeah, I guess that would be okay.”
 
He took Jungkook’s hand, letting him lead the way back inside the cabin like it was the most natural thing in the world.
 
And it was more than okay, when minutes later he found himself sandwiched between Taehyung and Hoseok, who praised him endlessly over his archery skills while Seokjin and Yoongi piled his plate high with dumplings. It felt warm and cozy and wonderful, until he realized there were seven seats around the dinner table with one seat conspicuously empty. It felt suddenly incomplete then.
 
“Tae-ah,” he whispered quietly while the others were distracted. “Where’s Namjoon?”
 
“Ah,” Taehyung glanced around the table once before leaning even closer to answer. “We haven’t seen him much in recent weeks. Like, at all really, except for the hunt and when he escorted Alpha Kim to the hospital. He’s come in and out. I’ll find trails of his scent down the hall early in the morning, but he hasn’t eaten a meal with us since we returned and no one has really had a conversation with him.”
 
Jimin didn’t miss the sad way Taehyung’s scent wilted as he spoke. Hoseok’s head snapped up immediately upon smelling it too. He reached his arm across the back of Jimin’s chair to squeeze at Taehyung’s nape. Jimin moved to scoot forward out of the way but Hoseok pressed his other hand to Jimin’s shoulder, pulling them together in a side-long three way hug.
 
“You really did so well today, Jimin-ssi,” he said fondly, offering a bright smile and a hair ruffle that made Jimin’s stomach flip.
 
“Call me Jimin-ah, hyung.”
 
“Oh?” Hoseok had turned back to his plate, but he paused then, turning back to blink at Jimin before reaching for his own wrist, adorned with multiple colorful bracelets as it so often was. “I think you calling me hyung calls for another courting gift, don’t you?”
 
He plucked a bracelet free, slipping it easily onto Jimin’s wrist to rest next to Taehyung’s. He paused as he pulled away, fingers trailing over Seokjin’s ring. His eyes suddenly full of a quiet tenderness far more serious than Jimin had ever seen from him before.
 
“It seems I’m not the only one giving gifts today.” He looked down again, letting his fingers brush back over the ring. “You have no idea how much happiness it brings me seeing you wearing hyung’s ring.”
 
The table had grown quiet around them, but Hoseok seemed oblivious, too focused on Jimin. He looked back up, his gaze falling from Jimin’s eyes to zero in on his lips. He let out a strangled laugh. “Luna, I’d really like to kiss you right now.”
 
The bickering started then.
 
“Yah! It’s

my

ring!” Seokjin cried. “If anyone should kiss him for wearing it, it’s me. Plus, I’m the hyung.”
 
Yoongi waited barely a beat before adding, “If Jimin’s agreeable and we’re going by hyung privileges, I’m next.”
 
“What? We’ve been soulmates since birth. I should be first!” Taehyung argued, grabbing Jimin’s free arm. All eyes swiveled to Jungkook then, who was decidedly studying his plate and not looking at anyone.
 
Yoongi’s eyes narrowed and he elbowed him in the ribs. “Shouldn’t you be arguing louder than everyone?”
 
Jungkook shrugged. “I just got back in hyung’s good graces. It’s probably best if I don’t ask for kisses just yet.”
 
Jimin snorted at that, unable to hide the sudden hysterical mirth bubbling up inside of him as Jungkook’s face turned bright red.
 
Yoongi jumped up, pointing his chopsticks at Jungkook. “You’re hiding something.”
 
Jungkook blinked up at him with wide, innocent eyes. “What, no, I—“
 
“Jimin-ah?” Yoongi prompted, pointing his chopsticks his way then.
 
“Oh he’s definitely hiding something,” Jimin offered between nervous giggles that he tried to contain with a hand over his mouth.
 
Jungkook’s eyes bugged out as he blinked at Jimin in betrayal.
 
“I—“
 
“Out with it, Jungkook-ah!” Seokjin ordered sternly and Jungkook sagged into his chair, defeated.
 
“I may have …kissed hyung already?”
 
Chaos broke out then. All of them yelling over each other.
 
“Yah! What?”
 
“When?!”
 
“It was years ago—“
 
“

Years?!

”
 
“Before he presented—“
 
“You kissed him

before

he presented?!”
 
“Are you talking about that time, in the garden, when Jimin kissed you here?”
 
Yoongi’s chopsticks were suddenly pressing into Jungkook’s cheek at the corner of his mouth, making his pout look crooked.
 
“No… it was a different time.”

“What?!”

“On

the mouth?”
 
“Yes…”
 
“I can’t believe you

kissed

him

before

he presented.”
 
“He was

of

age—“
 
“Jeon Jungkook!”
 
“At least tell me you

asked

him first?”
 
“Um, well—it all happened very fast.”

“Yah!!”

“Just wait till Namjoon finds out.”
 
And then the room went deadly quiet, like all the air had been sucked out in an instant.
 
“I-I’m sorry,” Hoseok murmured quietly, having been the one to blurt it out. They all seemed to be looking at the empty chair, scents turning sour and heavy and suddenly Jimin couldn't be there anymore.
 
His chair scraped loudly against the floor, all eyes suddenly snapping to him. “I think it’s time for me to go.”
 
A round of protests started up but he silenced them with a wave of his hand.
 
“Thank you for lunch and the lesson and the gifts. As I’m still courting other wolves, I don’t think doling out kisses is appropriate.” He’d meant the last part to lighten the mood somehow, but it fell very flat. They all looked like he’d just slapped them across the face.
 
He didn’t bother trying to correct it, just gathered his things and headed for the door without looking back. A heavy hand helping him pull open the door a moment later gave him pause. 
 
He turned to find a very serious looking Yoongi.
 
“Let me walk you home?”
 
“That’s not necessary.”
 
“Please?” Yoongi asked again, gaze imploring. “Please let me?”
 
Jimin nodded, stepping out onto the porch and waiting while Yoongi firmly shut the door behind them. They walked silently side by side until they reached the treeline then Jimin felt fingertips brush his hand as Yoongi clasped it gently in his, his hold growing firmer when Jimin didn’t pull away, until they were pressed palm to palm with fingers entwined. He spoke a moment later.
 
“I’m sorry for what happened back there. For how we started arguing over you like you were some kind of prize to be won and not a person. It’s not reflective of how we feel about you. We all care for you very much. Truly. Deeply.”
 
“Why do you care?” Jimin wasn’t upset about their bickering over him, he’d honestly been enjoying it up until the end. It was Namjoon’s absence and how everyone had seemingly felt it that had inexplicably upset him to the point of running for the door. But now that Yoongi had come to the wrong conclusion, the question was again ripe on his tongue. “Why do you care about me?”
 
Yoongi frowned, his lips curving into a little pout, like he didn’t understand the question. “You’re exceedingly kind and smart, brilliantly so. I love how caring you are, how gentle you can be with your touch, even when you’re feeling mad or sassy. I honestly like it when you’re sassy. Hyung says I have a pain kink, and he may be right. I kinda like it when you’re mean to me.”
 
“Yah!” Jimin felt his face turn six shades of red.
 
Yoongi at least tried to hide his grin, even as his fingers grew tighter around Jimin’s. “Do you want me to keep going? I could keep going?”
 
“No,” Jimin rushed to answer, feeling very flustered. “That’s not what I meant anyway. I meant why did you care in the first place? Seokjin told me of his presentation and how he came to mate Namjoon. Of how you came after. You’ve all spoken of

my place

in your mated pack, but I can’t decide, is that because you truly want me there or if it’s simply because it’s what’s expected?”
 
“Bonds are funny things. Did Seokjin tell you, I didn’t like Namjoon at all when we first met?”
 
“You–

what?

” Jimin blinked in surprise. He hadn’t expected that.
 
Yoongi shook his head, smiling. “Not in the least. He seemed so cold and serious at first and he’d stolen my hyung from me. I was pissed. I knew something was wrong, when Seokjin’s father refused to speak of him, reporting simply that he’d mated a wolf from the city and forfeited his rights to become pack leader. It didn’t make any sense. It was close to six months after that before Hoseok and I had both presented and made a plan to escape to the city and find him. The three of us had always been very close. I think we all thought we would bond together, even if we never spoke of it. Our pack village was even stricter than yours when it came to unpresented wolves showing romantic interest. Our elders always spoke of the dangers of developing close romantic ties before presenting, it was their favorite fear tactic.”
 
“You still went for him? Even knowing he was mated?”
 
Yoongi sighed, squeezing Jimin’s hand again. “Your village is very linear in how it thinks of matings, but it doesn’t have to be that way. It made no difference to me that he was mated. If hyung wanted me and Hoseok, I intended to make it happen for us all, and I did. Bonding with another wolf allows you to see all sides of them. There’s a lot of good in Namjoon, good that I couldn’t see on the surface. I don’t think bonds create love, but they do open the door for potential, for things to grow. Now I cannot see my mates without seeing all of them, including Namjoon.”
 
“And that is why you want me? For Namjoon?”
 
“At first, yes,” Yoongi admitted. “Namjoon’s feelings for you have always been intense, even before you presented, we all felt drawn to you, an intense affection, even as we kept our distance, per Namjoon’s urgings and per your pack’s traditions. Our interest may seem sudden, but we were watching you all that first summer, quietly observing your ways and all the beautiful things about you. Even as we courted Jungkook and Taehyung, both of whom have always wanted you, surely you do not doubt that. I was the one who brought up formally courting them in the first place and I admit, I suggested to Namjoon that it could be for your benefit, mating your friends and keeping them safe until you yourself presented.”
 
Yoongi slowed their pace then, as the hut came into view, turning to face Jimin. “That was selfish, yes, but I truly think we were meant to be seven. Maybe I felt more inclined toward you initially, because of the influence of Namjoon and Jungkook’s feelings, but now I think there’s still a part of

just me

that wants

you

. Maybe not at the same depth, but there’s so much potential to grow.” He hesitantly reached up with his free hand to cup Jimin’s face. “I feel it when I look at you. My heart is very open, little wolf. Getting to spend time around you these past weeks has meant more than you know. The only question is, do you feel the same?”
 
Jimin studied his eyes, feeling every cell in his body gravitating toward Yoongi then. The tiny alpha who was quiet and steady as a rock. His gaze fell to his lips, so cute and pouty, and suddenly he was the Hoseok in this situation, desperate for a kiss.
 
Yoongi seemed to sense it too, dropping his hand and taking a step back to respectfully give him some space. Jimin really didn’t want that though, he wanted to drag him back in, to feel warm and safe under the press of his gentle mouth. Yoongi squeezed his hand. “I’m still a bit unfamiliar with the mating customs of your pack. Are kisses on the hand acceptable, even when courting other wolves?”
 
Jimin had no idea, but he nodded encouragingly all the same, his breath stuttering to a halt at the brush of warm lips across his knuckles. He felt the warmth of it down to his toes.
 
“See you tomorrow? I still have so much work to do for you.”
 
Jimin nodded again, unable to find his voice. He stood on the path to the hut until Yoongi was out of sight, then he disappeared into his room. For the rest of the day and well into the night, he poured over more of Namjoon’s journals until he’d exhausted himself, falling into a dreamless sleep.

***
 
Namjoon waited anxiously in the moonlight, unsure what to expect. Jimin had been making nightly visits to the woods to see him. And, oh, how he cherished them. Being in Jimin’s presence felt like redemption, like forgiveness, like a grace he knew he didn’t deserve. Hearing Jimin say he didn’t think he was a monster did more for Namjoon’s wellbeing than anything else ever had. He was starting to feel hopeful, thought maybe he still had a chance, but then Jimin hadn’t shown up last night.
 
Namjoon had restlessly paced into the early hours of the morning, waiting and waiting, until the sun finally started to rise above the trees. Jimin never showed. He’d been worried at first, certain something had happened. He made the trip all the way to Jimin’s hut only to find his scent strong and perfectly safe within the walls of the house. That’s when he knew. Jimin’s decision not to come had been intentional. He’d rushed home and changed quickly into clothes suitable for town, hoping he could catch him at the hospital to at least have a better idea of what was going on, but then Jimin wasn’t there either, and it dawned on him quickly. Jimin was avoiding him again, but this time, Namjoon really didn’t know why.
 
Although did Jimin really need a reason? He owed Namjoon nothing after all.
 
Namjoon felt frustrated by how hurt he was, knowing Jimin had suffered like this, worse than this, for years. It made him hate himself more. How had Jimin endured so much and was still so strong? Or maybe Namjoon was just weak.
 
His anxiety quickly morphed into crippling sadness and self doubt. Instead of pacing the field, his wolf laid down on his belly, head resting on his front paws, sniffing at the cool night grass. He laid there all night. He tried to hold out hope that Jimin would still somehow come, until the sun started rising again and he was still there. Very much alone.
 
He didn’t bother going to Jimin’s hut this time. He knew he was very likely safe and sound and wanted nothing to do with Namjoon. He made his way to his own cabin instead, feeling listless and confused in the misty light of dawn. He waited until the last moment to shift and entered as quietly as he could, careful not to disturb his sleeping packmates as he always was. They needed their rest after all, but something about the smell of the hallway brought him up short.
 
It smelled very strongly of Jimin, not in the subtle way Seokjin had been carrying his scent lately (for reasons mostly unknown to Namjoon, he assumed it was for his health. Last he’d talked to Yoongi, he’d mentioned hyung was feeling unwell again.) but very strongly, as if Jimin were standing in the hallway with him. He glanced quickly around, obviously finding nothing of the sort, but it didn’t stop him from following the scent, coming to a stop outside of hyung’s nesting room door. Was Jimin there with him? But that didn’t make sense either and then Namjoon caught a more subtle scent trail leading into the kitchen, ending at the dining table, on the seat they always left open for Jimin. Next to his soulmate, as Taehyung insisted, would be Jimin’s rightful place. Had Jimin been there?
 
“Hyung?”
 
The quiet address startled him and he turned to find a sleepy eyed Jungkook blinking at him.
 
“You’re home. I haven’t seen you since the morning after the Hunter’s Moon. Where have you been?”
 
Namjoon ignored the question, only able to focus  on the one thing that mattered to his wolf. “Was Jimin here?”
 
Jungkook frowned. “Yes. He spent most of the day with us yesterday. You’d have seen him too if you’d been here, which again begs the question, where

were

you?”
 
His tone was borderline disrespectful, eyes looking decidedly more alert as he glared at Namjoon with arms crossed over his chest. It brought back bad memories of Jungkook’s early days in the pack, his outright disdain and anger toward Namjoon, something he’d grown numb to in the city, but now cut like jagged shards of glass. Was this the same pup who’d scented him so enthusiastically just days ago?
 
“It’s none of your concern, Jungkook,” he said dismissively, still too distracted by the fact that Jimin had spent the day with his mates while intentionally avoiding him. What was the meaning of that? His wolf wanted to snarl and be jealous, while Namjoon himself was confused and hurt. Even though, again, he had no right to be. He’d had inklings of old jealousies these past weeks, watching Jimin interact with his mates in the hospital while Namjoon was relegated to watching from a distance in the square. He’d told himself it would pass, that things would get better, but now Jimin was avoiding him while simultaneously spending time with his own mates in his own house. Namjoon’s presence was seemingly irrelevant to Jimin …to all of them.
 
He felt the rejection of it like a crushing blow, the emotion suffocating in his human form after spending so much time as his wolf. 
 
“Not my concern?” Jungkook’s voice was rising, his scent unfurling with righteous anger and anxious worry, agitating Namjoon’s wolf. “Are you or are you not my alpha?”
 
Namjoon clenched his fists, silence stretching between them. Jungkook only seemed to grow more upset at Namjoon’s lack of response. He rounded the table, moving closer to Namjoon, using his hands to emphasize his point.
 
“We’re all working so hard, hyung, but it feels like you're doing nothing. Where have you been? Why aren’t you courting Jimin like you should? Time is running out and you’re letting it slip away from you. From

all

of us! We’re doing everything we can, but we need you, and you’re not even here!”
 
Namjoon could barely process what Jungkook was saying, his wolf only sensing alpha aggression and negative emotion on top of the way he was already berating himself:

You’re bad, evil, wrong. A selfish monster. A terrible thing. No one wants you. You’re screwing it all up. All of it. You’ll never get it right.

“I don’t understand what you’re doing. It doesn’t make any sense. What the hell is going on–” And suddenly it was too much, he couldn’t take it. He felt so helpless and the helplessness only seemed to fuel his anger. He wanted to lash out, break something, just make it

stop!

“I know, Jungkook!” He roared, so loud he swore he felt the whole structure shake around them. He bared his teeth, a vicious snarl escaping his lips as he glared menacingly at the other alpha, “You don’t think I know that I’m fucking it all up?!” 
 
Jungkook stumbled back in shock, until his back hit the wall, Namjoon bearing down on him until they were standing nose to nose. That’s when he registered the overwhelming stench of fear and the wide, wary look in Jungkook’s eyes and

what the hell was he doing?

Jungkook started to bare his throat and Namjoon knew it wasn’t by choice. Not a sign of respect. It was in response to him and the overly aggressive pheromones he was pumping out and it made him sick, the twist of satisfaction he felt in his chest even as he felt Jungkook’s own fear right there beside it. He shuddered to think what Jungkook was sensing from him. He retreated as quickly as he could, until he was a safe distance away, the whole table in between himself and Jungkook again. He’d tried his best to hide his dark side from his mates, desiring to shield them from the worst of himself. And now look at what he’d done. To his youngest pack mate no less, the one who arguably trusted him the least.
 
He wanted to run and hide then, shame washing over him anew. Jimin’s voice played like a broken record in his head.

You’re not a monster, Namjoon.

You’ve always been good and kind…

Yeah, right. He looked at Jungkook then, how he squared his shoulders and puffed his chest in righteous indignation, but his trembling hands gave away how shaken up he was.
 
“I’m sorry, Jungkook-ah.”
 
Jungkook glared at him in stony silence for a long moment. “Yell at me all you want. Snarl and rage and snap at me all you

fucking

want, but it won’t change a thing. You’re dropping the ball, hyung. You need to

step up

.” He blinked once, tears welling up in his eyes before he darted away. Namjoon felt like his chest was caving in. He buried his face in his hands.
 
“When was the last time you slept, Namjoon-ah?” A deep voice called from the shadows. He snapped his head to the side to find Yoongi staring at him from the doorway. He could sense his anger, radiating toward him in quiet waves, even as the expression on his face appeared almost bored in comparison and oh, how Namjoon longed to be more like Yoongi. To be able to show such restraint in the face of such strong emotion.
 
Namjoon wasn’t really sure when he'd last slept. He’d been running on adrenaline and instinct since the night of the Hunter’s Moon, hadn’t even thought to rest, hypervigilance taking over in the wake of perceived threats against Jimin and his mates, and now the turmoil and torture of his own shortcomings. 
 
“You look like shit. You should rest. We’ll talk in a few hours.” And then he was gone too, following after Jungkook. Namjoon didn’t try to fight against Yoongi’s instruction, just followed the lonely path to his bedroom, where it was empty and smelled only of him. What a joke of an alpha he was, bound to five mates who would likely all be better off without him, fated to an omega who he’d wronged at every turn, bound to a beast with the blackest heart. He laid down in his cold sheets, but he knew he wouldn’t sleep, even as he closed his eyes.
 
It felt like it was only minutes later when he opened them again, but he knew it must have been hours from the angle of the bright midday sun now shining through his windows. He’d slept after all. He could hear birds chirping cheerful songs, but he felt leaden and stiff, like his body was weighed down by bags of sand as he struggled to sit upright in his bed.
 
Events of the morning came back to him in flashes, none of which were pleasant, but all of which left him with a single thought. He needed to talk to Jimin.

Actually

talk, not through his journals or hidden in his wolf form. He needed to have a real conversation to see if there was any way to repair whatever damage he’d most recently done or if there was any way to beg the omega’s assistance in taming his wolf. More than courting or mating, he needed his help. He couldn’t keep living like this.
 
It took everything he had to drag himself from the bed. He washed himself quickly with a basin of cold water he found on the side table. He assumed Hoseok had left it there, the icy water surprisingly refreshing to his overheated skin. Then he dressed, surprised to find so many sets of clean clothes in his closet. That was likely Hoseok’s doing too. He felt guilty for that. When was the last time he’d done anything so selfless for his mates, recently or ever?
 
He exited his room and started down the hall, planning a direct exit from the house, assuming all his mates were gone for the day, but he came to an abrupt stop when he found Yoongi waiting for him at the entrance to the kitchen.
 
“Hyung? What are you doing here?”
 
Yoongi arched an unimpressed brow. “I live here. Also, I told you we’d talk in a few hours. Did you think I was joking?” He moved aside, gesturing to Namjoon’s place at the table where a full plate of food and steaming cup of tea were waiting. “I assume since you haven’t been sleeping, you likely haven’t been eating, so sit. Eat.”
 
Namjoon’s wolf wanted to balk at being so commanded, but he fought against it, taking his spot at the table. Yoongi took the seat across from him, waiting until he’d taken several bites to ask, “What’s going on with you, Namjoon-ah?”
 
“A lot, hyung,” he admitted reluctantly, taking a sip of his tea. “Didn’t you hear Jungkook last night? I’m fucking up royally.”
 
Yoongi scoffed. “Indeed you are, but the real question is

why?

Is this not the

one

thing you’ve been waiting years for? I get that he didn’t want to see you at first, but even then you persisted. Yet now, after you saved him in the woods, i.e: a golden opportunity,  you just dumped your journals on his doorstep and disappeared for a week? Make it make sense, Namjoon.”
 
And, okay, that was fair, but Luna, he was so out of his depth and he didn’t know how to explain what had been happening with Jimin in the woods (if anything at all, he was starting to think he’d imagined the whole thing), and none of his mates knew much at all about his wolf. So Namjoon said the only thing he knew for sure. “I need to talk to Jimin.”
 
“Yeah. No shit,” Yoongi groused, crossing his arms and glaring grumpily at Namjoon from across the table, but even with the frown on his face, Namjoon could sense how he softened the longer he looked at Namjoon, could feel Yoongi’s subtle warmth through their bond. “It’s been ages since I disliked you. I really don’t want to go there again, but Jimin…” he trailed off, cheeks turning pink. “Well, he’s fucking wonderful and deserves the world and your acting like an idiot.”
 
Namjoon paused, chopsticks halfway to his mouth, at the sudden pulse of intense warmth that throbbed inside his chest, indicative of Yoongi’s own emotions. He registered what it meant a moment later. “You have romantic feelings for Jimin?”
 
Yoongi blinked at him warily for a moment before replying. “Yes. I daresay we’re all developing feelings for him rather rapidly. We are

all

courting him. He may be your fated mate, but he is to be our pack omega, is he not?” And Namjoon didn’t know why, but he hadn’t ever thought of it that way. He’d tried so hard to keep them all separate in his mind, for years, to keep himself away and only for Jimin, hoping Jimin would want the same, because his wolf was selfish. “Are you going to be mature about it or are you going to threaten to end me like you did Jungkook when he joined the pack? Jungkook too, is still very much in love with Jimin. As is Seokjin, he gave him his family ring yesterday.”
 
Namjoon’s eyes grew wide, Yoongi nodding in confirmation a moment later as if reading his mind. “I’m sure Hobi is right there with us, Taehyung leagues ahead of everyone else. You can threaten all of us, but it’s not going to change anything.”
 
Namjoon sighed then, dropping his chopsticks to massage at his temples, that hopeless feeling threatening to take over again. Was he even relevant anymore? No one needed him. He had no purpose. “I don’t know, hyung. My wolf doesn’t… like the idea of it. It’s not mature. Not at all.” And that was more honest than he’d been out loud about his wolf, even if it was putting it mildly.
 
 He felt warm fingertips brush over his hand still resting on the table. Looked up to find Yoongi studying him. “You know we’re still on your side, right? We’re all still

mated

to you. You may be an idiot, but you’re our idiot.”
 
Namjoon huffed, pulling his hand back, unable to handle Yoongi’s gentleness then. “Would you still be mated to me if you had the choice?”
 
He’d said it sarcastically, not really expecting Yoongi to answer. Still, it hurt when he didn’t.
 
“I’ll go with you today.” he said instead. “I was waiting for you to wake up, but I still need to head into town. I promised Jimin I’d be there to work on the renovations at the hospital.”
 
“That’s good, hyung. Thank you–for everything you’re doing for Jimin and everything you’ve done for the pack, holding things together in my absence. I–” Namjoon paused, surprised by the sudden wave of emotion as he felt tears prick unexpectedly in his eyes.
 
Yoongi scoffed in disbelief, staring at Namjoon like he’d suddenly grown two heads. “Are you sure you’re well, Namjoon?”
 
Namjoon nodded sheepishly, wiping clumsily at his face with the sleeve of his tunic. Yoongi clucked like a mother hen, waving a napkin in his face. “Luna! Fine. Yes, I’d still be mated to you if I had the choice. I did choose you, didn’t I?”
 
“Maybe technically, but–” Namjoon tried to waterily argue, but Yoongi firmly shook his head, cutting him off.
 
“I

am

your second, even when you act the fool. Now will you please stop crying and eat your breakfast?”
 
Namjoon finished his breakfast quickly after that, afraid of what other unexpected things might come out of his mouth, and then they set off into town together. He attempted to make small talk with Yoongi, who was thankfully easily distracted by mundane questions regarding his renovations at the hospital and Seokjin’s health. Leaving Namjoon to attempt to rehearse what he needed to say to Jimin, trying to troubleshoot all the ways Jimin might shoot him down and how to navigate around them.
 
He needed to keep his wolf at bay, not let his random flares of anger suddenly get the best of him, but then his wolf had been responding so well to Jimin in the woods. Even as hurt as he was, he thought maybe that would give him some advantage. Worst case scenario, he would fall at his feet and beg for forgiveness until he couldn’t breathe. Maybe Jimin would save him then.
 
They rounded the corner onto the square when Yoongi’s hand shot out unexpectedly, forcing Namjoon to a halt. He followed Yoongi’s gaze, spotting Jimin at a picnic table in the shade, having lunch with Lee Taemin. His heart convulsed painfully in his chest. It’d been so long since his human eyes had seen Jimin in the light of day. He was so ethereal, so beautiful. Namjoon longed to get down on all fours and crawl across the space between them, just to lay his head in his lap and beg him to card his fingers through his hair.
 
“Ugh, I fucking hate that guy,” Yoongi grumbled roughly beside him. Namjoon blinked in surprise, turning to glance at Yoongi who was glaring daggers at Taemin. “I’ve watched them together a lot. I think he’s our biggest competition. Jimin seems genuinely interested.”
 
Namjoon had somehow momentarily ignored that he was even there, his wolf rumbling loudly in his chest now, but he took a deep breath. He couldn’t risk losing control. He focused back on Jimin instead, intently studying the expression on his face. He looked serene, if not a bit bored. He was eating well. These were all good things.
 
But then they were packing up their lunch and Taemin pulled a leather bracelet from his satchel, offering it to Jimin. Yoongi growled in protest, but Namjoon caught his arm, channeling all of his energy into keeping Yoongi in place instead of letting his wolf lash out. He watched in dawning horror as Jimin accepted the gift, letting Taemin tie it around his wrist. He forced himself to endure, even as it made his heart sink like a rock, wolf howling in protest. He forced himself to focus on Jimin’s face. If Jimin was happy, he was happy, or at least that’s what he told himself. And Jimin looked happy, even if his smile appeared more strained than natural.
 
They watched as Jimin and Taemin said their goodbyes, Jimin gesturing toward the town market stalls when Taemin clearly intended to escort him back to the hospital. Jimin made a show of shooing Taemin off, smile growing impossibly brittle, before making a quick retreat in the opposite direction, toward the market, almost running as he disappeared from sight.
 
Namjoon frowned, turning to find Yoongi doing the same. “What the hell was that?”
 
Namjoon shrugged, but Yoongi was already patting him forcefully on the back, urging him toward the bustling market. “Go find out. This is your chance.”
 
Namjoon nodded, squaring his shoulders and following Jimin’s path. Despite his quick retreat, he wasn’t hard to find, the scent of distressed omega like a beacon to Namjoon’s nose as soon as he caught the trail. It led him to an alley that emptied out behind a building and he found Jimin there, huddled in the corner and whimpering desperately.
 
“Omega Park?”
 
“I can’t get it off,” Jimin gasped, jerking at the wrist wrapped in Taemin’s bracelet. There were already deep scratches visible on his skin, the scent of blood permeating the air from his attempts to forcefully remove it.
 
Namjoon’s chest grew tight, his wolf suddenly snarling and rabid at the sight of Jimin in such distress.

Omega’s upset. Omega is hurt.

Do

something!

He took calming breaths, attempting to make his voice as gentle as he could, and he found it wasn’t hard with his wolf so intent on making it right. “Jimin, you’re hurting yourself. Please, slow down. Be careful.”
 
“Just—just get it

off

me. Take it off

now

. I can’t–, I don’t want it,

please…

” he sobbed, and then he was rushing at Namjoon.
 
***
 
Jimin didn’t understand what was happening. He’d had a perfectly fine morning. Albeit, he’d been anxious and mildly upset to hear from his apprentices that Namjoon had come looking for him yesterday. Then, Jungkook was in a mood (which Seokjin had rushed to reassure, during his scenting, had nothing to do with him) and Yoongi was late when he’d made such a point of assuring Jimin he would be there today. Then Taemin had unexpectedly brought him lunch. Although it shouldn’t have been unexpected, Jimin was just distracted, but he owed it to his other suitors to give them their due attention, right?
 
So he’d sat through lunch and it had been fine, if not a bit more boring than usual. Taemin had been his typical sweet self and Jimin was still charmed, really. Then Taemin had pulled out a traditional braided leather bracelet that he’d made for Jimin himself, and Jimin graciously accepted it, Even if his omega protested at the way it made his skin crawl while he stood quietly by, letting Taemin tie in on his wrist. Which was a ridiculous response, it was a perfectly beautiful bracelet. His omega was just being picky, but then he realized it was coated in the alpha’s scent and, as Seokjin had once said, he smelled absolutely hideous. How had he never noticed that before? And the only thing he could think to do was shoo Taemin away so he could escape and rid himself of the wretched thing, but now it wouldn’t come off and he didn’t know what to do.
 
His nails dug painfully into his skin, tearing his flesh without putting a dent in the leather. His hands were shaking too much. His breath too rapid and short to let him get enough air to think. His eyes too blurred by tears to see what he needed to do, and then suddenly he registered that Namjoon was there.

His alpha. His protector. He was strong and safe.

And then Jimin was babbling, attempting to ask for help, his feet frantically carrying him forward until he had bodily wrapped himself around Namjoon, his tear-stained face crashing head first into his chest. His scent assailed him, so perfect and right.
 
“Hey, hey. It’s okay. I’ve got you. You’re okay, you’re safe,” Namjoon’s deep voice crooned from above him, and then large fingers were looping around his now injured wrist, pushing Jimin’s body away to lean against the wall of the alley, even as Jimin whimpered in protest, so he could inspect the damage.
 
“Get it

off

. Get it

off

,” Jimin wailed, attempting to thrash his arm around to accomplish the task, but Namjoon’s hold was steady, gentle but firm.
 
“Be still, Jimin-ah. I can’t see what I’m doing if you keep moving, okay?” He felt Namjoon’s warm fingers skate along his wrist, inadvertently brushing his scent gland there, and it did more to calm his rapidly beating heart than anything else. He felt suddenly calmer, like a warm blanket had been tossed over his panicked form, soothing and warming him from the inside out. He did it a few more times as he worked. The contact with his scent gland was inevitable as he cursed and tugged as gently as he could, Jimin sinking steadily deeper with every swipe, and he didn’t understand it at first, scenting Seokjin felt pleasant and affirming, but nothing like this.
 
Jimin felt like he was floating, his head fully under water by the time Namjoon gave up, calling to Jimin. “I can’t get it untied. The only way is to break it,” Jimin registered that he sounded upset by that, but Jimin felt nothing but peace at the thought of his alpha using his strength to set him free.
 
“Break it! Break it, please.” His words sounded slurry to his own ears, but Namjoon didn’t seem to notice, making quick work of hooking two fingers under the leather and snapping it in two. Jimin sagged in relief, feeling the loss of the binding like a weight lifting off his chest.
 
The only thing not right now were the traces of the wrong scent still on him, but Namjoon was righting that quickly. Such an efficient alpha, as he pulled Jimin’s wrist toward his bent head. The first press of warm lips to his stinging skin made his knees weak, but the feel of Namjoon’s wet tongue licking over his wounds made his knees give out all together.
 
He started to fall, but Namjoon caught him with a curse. He was calling Jimin’s name but Jimin was too far gone. He wasn’t floating now, he was flying, his weight supported by Namjoon. The spicy scent of his alpha all around. It made him feel secure and safe… and

hot

. Slow burning flames that tickled his belly, rising slowly higher out from his core to his limbs, but it was okay, because alpha was there. He didn’t need to worry about standing or walking when Alpha could carry him and he was pretty sure that was what was happening now. His body turned sideways, back and legs fully supported by Namjoon’s strong arms, face free to snuggle deeper into Namjoon’s firm chest.
 
It went on like that for a while, Jimin unconcerned about where they were going, Namjoon intermittently anxiously calling his name, and that’s the only thing that concerned him in any way. Why did alpha sound so anxious?
 
But then there was another voice, familiar but distant and the sound of a door, familiar smells, the feel of his body coming to rest against a bed. He whined as Alpha moved away, attempting to reach out to keep him close but his body wouldn’t cooperate, arms and legs heavy and uncoordinated. There was that familiar voice again, bustling around him as he faded in and out. Then that voice became more insistent, steady hands pulling him up to sit, a glass of cool water pressed insistently to his lips until he was drinking.
 
He sputtered and choked, eyes flying open as the world came into glaring focus again. He was burning up, hot and achy, and Namjoon was nowhere in sight.
 
“Jimin? Jimin-ah!”
 
“Eomma?” he croaked, grabbing for the water again, draining the full glass in one long gulp. “What’s happening?”
 
Her lips pressed into a firm line of concern as she pressed his sweaty hair away from his face.
 
“Jimin-ah, you’re going into heat.”

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Taehyung was in the garden, attempting to paint a captivating portrait of flowers for Jimin as a courting gift. Hoseok was inside, doing laundry while Seokjin rested after their morning at the hospital. The garden at midday was quiet and serene and the cloudy, overcast sky was ideal for painting. But still, Taehyung was displeased. He knew he wanted to paint Jimin flowers. The problem was, he couldn’t decide which flowers. Should he go traditionally romantic and paint moon flowers and white roses? Or would Jimin prefer something more medicinally relevant, like lavender and echinacea? But no, he didn’t want Jimin to think of work when he looked at it. He wanted Jimin to think of him. Despite their significance, he didn’t really like white flowers. He much preferred flowers with bright colors, sunflowers and morning glories being some of his favorites. Maybe he could paint them with notes of white yarrow and jasmine? Yes, that could be pretty and significant. Something beautiful and meaningful for his soulmate. He set about collecting a bouquet as a visual reference, using one of Hoseok’s cobalt glass vases to arrange it in. He grabbed a stool, attempting to determine the best backdrop for positioning the bundle when a loud crash sounded from the front of the cabin. He startled, nearly dropping the vase. It sounded like someone had just torn the door from its hinges. He placed the vase carefully on the ground (Hoseok would be so disappointed if he broke it) and made a hasty beeline through the gate and around the side of the house. He indeed found the front door laid precariously on its side. The level of destruction to it was mind boggling. Yoongi was going to be so pissed. He quickly but cautiously climbed the steps of the porch, heart thumping rapidly as he strained to listen for hints of danger or the sound of his mates. He took a deep sniff but all he could smell were the familiar scents of pack, with Namjoon’s scent arching over all the rest. So much stronger than it had been in recent weeks, deep and spicy, and tinged with hints of …rut? 
Oh Luna, Namjoon was in rut!
 He scrambled through the doorway then, unsure what he would find, but no longer afraid. That is, until he caught sight of Hoseok’s spooked expression, standing in the hallway next to Seokjin who was clutching a hand over his nose. He heard more crashes coming from the direction of Namjoon’s room as he called loudly down the hallway. “I need Taehyung! Now! Where the hell is he? Taehyung-ah!!” Taehyung blinked in surprise, shrugging helplessly when both his hyungs’ heads swiveled in his direction. Namjoon wanted him? But he always spent his ruts alone. He swallowed loudly, knowing he needed to answer his pack alpha, but unsure what to say. It’d been so far outside the realm of possibility without Jimin he hadn’t even considered it. But suddenly Namjoon was charging down the hall, a stack of excessively fluffy blankets piled so high he could barely see where he was going, but he somehow still spotted Taehyung. “Tae-ah, I need you,” he said without preamble. His eyes were wide and dazed with the beginnings of fever. Sweat visible on his brow. The scent of rut rapidly deepening, like a cloud surrounding him, and it wasn’t unenticing, but it was unexpected. And it was all happening so fast. He willed himself to open his mouth and reply. Say something, anything, but it felt like his tongue was too dry, stuck firmly to the roof of his mouth. And then Namjoon was unceremoniously shoving the stack of blankets into Taehyung’s hands, tucking them firmly but gently under his chin, like he was securing the most precious of gifts. “I need you to take these to Jimin. Then… stay, and help him.” It sounded like the words were hard to say, possibly even painful, but it was clear he meant them earnestly. “I don’t want him to be in pain.” Taehyung frowned in concern, momentarily distracted. “Is he hurt, hyung?” Namjoon shook his head. He clenched his jaw, looking even more strained. “No, he’s in heat. And I don’t think he wants–, I can’t– it can’t be me, so, it should be you …stay and help him, please?” Taehyung blinked, dumbstruck as he watched Namjoon, heaving and breathless before him, looking miserable, like it took all his effort to say what he’d just said. Then he swung his body toward Hoseok. “Hobi, go and get J-Jungkook and tell him the same. Tell him to meet Taehyung at Jimin’s.” “Hyung–” Taehyung started to protest. Because sending another alpha to be with Jimin in heat, even if he was their mate. What the hell was he thinking? But Namjoon growled then, almost a snarl as he glared at Taehyung. “Don’t ask questions! Just fucking go!” And then he was barreling back toward his room, slamming the door with a thunderous clap of sound and bolting it shut. Taehyung blinked in surprise for another moment, until Hoseok jumped into action. He gently ushered Seokjin back into his room, then Taehyung out the door. “You heard him, jagi. Just go. I’ll send Jungkookie as soon as I can,” he murmured against his lips. He planted a single, fortifying kiss to Taehyung’s mouth before smacking him firmly on the rump, setting him off in the direction of Jimin’s cabin. Taehyung walked in a daze, steps quick and surprisingly sure footed considering his mental state. Was he dreaming? Had he fallen and hit his head in the garden, (and, in actuality, therefore, blissfully unconscious instead of walking through the woods), imagining things that could never possibly happen? He was still contemplating his state of consciousness, or lack thereof,  when he arrived on the path leading up to the hut with no real knowledge of how he’d gotten there and spotted Jimin’s dam standing on the porch. Her arms were crossed, a large satchel and bedroll strapped to her back. He froze, unsure how to process her presence in the grand scheme of reality and Namjoon’s plans. His first thought was to duck back into the woods and wait until she was gone, because clearly she was going somewhere, but she’d already spotted him, eyes now glued to Taehyung and it felt almost as if she’d been waiting for him. There was no hiding now and things suddenly felt very real. “Eomma?” he called as he approached, scrambling for how to explain his reason for visiting. Then he registered the blankets in his arms. He could say they were a courting gift, which, technically, they were. Maybe it was a bit forward to give a bunch of blankets to an omega currently in heat, but maybe he could feign ignorance of knowing about that? But then, Eomma was speaking before he could. “Are you here to help him, Taehyungie? Namjoon said to expect you.” She stepped off the porch, walking toward him with sure, measured steps. Until she was standing before him and cupping his face, drawing his gaze down to meet her deadly serious eyes. “You’ll take care of him? And treat him well?” Taehyung felt like his eyes might bug out of his head, but he nodded, because, of course. He wouldn’t think of doing anything less. “I’ll go to town for the week and take care of the hospital in his absence. I trust you and your mates to be discreet and to protect my son and his reputation at all costs. Don’t make me regret this, Kim Taehyung.” She patted his cheek once—hard, the sting of her palm a clear warning, and then she was gone. And, goddess above, this was actually happening. If Jimin wanted it, that is. What if Jimin didn’t want it? Taehyung stood rooted to the spot, like a tree in the middle of the path. It seemed like things were getting better with Jimin, but they were still rocky. What if he didn’t want this? He swallowed once, clutching the blankets tighter to his chest, and made his way up the porch steps. He barely had time to balance the blankets in one arm and raise his free hand to knock before the door was wrenched open, a disheveled but angelic Jimin standing before him. His eyes were bright with fever, maybe even more so than Namjoon’s, and he was panting, but the sweat on his skin only gave the illusion of a dewy glow, and where Namjoon’s scent had been appealing, Jimin’s was downright heavenly. “Mini?” he croaked, feeling stupefied, jaw dropping of its own accord to let more of Jimin’s magnified scent grace his senses. “Tae,” Jimin breathed in response, and then he was grabbing Taehyung’s outstretched hand, pulling him bodily into the hut. He stumbled, the stack of blankets wobbling precariously in his grasp. Jimin seemed unconcerned, intent on plastering himself to Taehyung until they were fused hip to chest. He immediately started scenting his neck. Taehyung let out a stifled groan, leaning his head back to give Jimin better access to his throat while at the same time admonishing himself to keep his wits about him. If things were going to happen, they needed to talk about them, but letting Jimin scent him just a little bit first couldn’t hurt, right? So he let himself have this, because it felt so good and he’d wanted it for so long. To be covered in Jimin’s scent this way. But then he felt Jimin’s hard length press into his hip, his own responding rapidly in kind, and shit—fuck, they needed to slow down. “Jimin-ah, I brought blankets for your nest, from Namjoon.” That got his attention right away. Jimin’s head snapped to the side, eyeing the blankets Taehyung was somehow still miraculously balancing in one hand. He blinked, then scrambled for them. All but ripping them out of Taehyung’s grasp, pressing his face into them with deep inhales as he headed straight for his bed, leaving Taehyung all but forgotten by the door. He couldn’t find it in himself to mind though, too caught up in watching Jimin immediately set to work. He knew an omega’s nest was a cherished thing, but he’d never been privy to the building process. Seokjin seemed to prefer to manage his privately and really hadn’t demonstrated true nesting instincts until recently. But Jimin took to it naturally and seemed to have no qualms about Taehyung watching him, all the while rubbing the soft materials against his skin to add his scent before folding them just so and adding them to the nest, fussing, arranging, and rearranging until his omega was satisfied. As soon as he was done, he turned back to Taehyung, beckoning him forward. He grabbed his hand the moment he was in arms reach and tugged, not stopping until Taehyung was laying flat on his back in the nest with Jimin fully on top of him. He snuggled in close, burying his face against Taehyung’s neck, thighs flanking Taehyung’s hips. Belly to belly. Chest to chest. “Ah, you smell so good.” Taehyung curved his arms around him, petting over his back and his hair with soothing hands. “So do you, but we need to talk, Mini. I don’t even know if you want me here.” “I want you,” Jimin whined in protest, words slurred and muffled where his lips were glued to Taehyung’s skin. “It hurts to be alone. You’re already making it better. Will you stay with me?” “Of course. I’ll stay the whole time if you’ll let me, but we still need to talk. There’s more than one way to help you through a heat. I need you to tell me what you want from me.” “Okay, but …nap first. I’m tired.” He sounded more than a little sleepy and smelled perfectly content. Taehyung couldn’t hold back the endeared smile that crossed his face or the way he gave in easily, reveling in how Jimin melted against him as he pulled a blanket over them. How long had it been since he’d gotten to hold Jimin this close? Too long. “Okay. Nap first.” *** He didn’t know how long they slept, but he woke sometime later to a whimpery Jimin smelling heavily of arousal and heat. He was gripping Taehyung’s shirt tightly in his fingers as he straddled his thigh, grinding down roughly against it with his hips. They were both fully clothed, but Taehyung could still feel the heat of Jimin’s cock and the wetness of precum seeping through the fabric of his pants. He lowered the hand that was still resting on Jimin’s back until he found his waist, then delved slightly lower, still over his clothes, until his fingers found evidence of slick. He exhaled a shaky breath and willed himself to keep his focus. “Baby?” he murmured, the pet name falling easily from his lips. Jimin made a needy sound, head lolling to the side just enough for Taehyung to see the way his eyes were unfocused and clouded with fever. He winced internally. There was no help for it. Jimin would need at least one orgasm before he was coherent enough to participate in a meaningful conversation. He sent a quick prayer to Luna that he wasn’t making a grave mistake, then pulled Jimin closer with the hand on his back, guiding his hips as he rolled them gently to the side. He slotted his thigh more firmly against Jimin’s groin, adding pressure to give him the friction he needed. Jimin moaned, curling closer into Taehyung as his hips surged forward, burying his face back into his neck. Taehyung shivered at the sensation of warm lips and wet tongue against his skin, drool pooling against his collar bone. “That’s it, baby. Take what you need. I’ve got you.” Jimin whined again, grinding against Taehyung’s thigh in earnest now, desperate little gasps escaping with every shift of his hips. Taehyung fisted the fabric of Jimin’s shirt in an effort to keep him close while still keeping his hands to himself. It was a near thing. The desire to flip Jimin onto his back and give him the pleasure he so desperately sought was almost overwhelming. He was nearing the end of his patience, sweat collecting on his own brow with his effort to stay still, his neglected cock rock hard and throbbing painfully against the fabric of his pants, when Jimin finally came with a tiny sob. Taehyung sagged in relief, even as aroused as he still was with the warm evidence of Jimin’s release staining his clothes. Jimin’s scent evened out just the tiniest bit, notes of satisfaction overlaying the smell of heat now, and he felt himself relax, taking a deep breath. He did it, he’d done well– “Tae?” His head snapped to the side, relief short lived as he took in the watery tremble to Jimin’s voice. His eyes were clear now, and rapidly filling with tears. His scent turned bitter with regret and uncertainty a moment later. “Tae.” He struggled to sit up, even as Taehyung moved with him, letting him have space to breathe, but grabbing his hand, not allowing him to leave the nest. “It’s okay, Mini. You asked me to stay and I said I would. Do you remember?” Jimin nodded, still looking distressed. “But that doesn’t mean you should. My dam–” “Your dam knows I’m here. She left to go take care of the hospital. She gave her blessing, as long as I promised to protect you, and I will. I promise I will.” Jimin’s panic seemed to lessen some as he spoke, even as he still shook his head regretfully. “But you’re mated and I’m not.” “My mates know I’m here too. They want me to be. And no one else has to know, if that’s what you want. I’d protect your secrets with my life. Please, don’t doubt that.” Jimin bit his lip. “And Namjoon?” Taehyung’s heart leapt at the mention of Namjoon, recalling how Jimin had scrambled for the blankets earlier. It was a good sign. Something positive must have happened between them, and he hoped he wasn’t making a mistake by being too truthful. “Namjoon sent me. He went into rut. I’m assuming because of something that happened between you? He asked me to help you.” “He sent you?” His teary eyes grew hopeful and Taehyung’s heart soared again. He leaned in to cup Jimin’s face. “Yes, baby. He sent me. He wants you to be taken care of, if you–if you’ll let me? Do you still want me to stay?”  Taehyung held his breath as Jimin bit his lip. They were interrupted by a loud knock on the door before he got an answer. Jimin dove under the blankets, cuddling further into the nest as any omega in the midst of heat would, attempting to protect himself from threats, but Taehyung knew instinctively who it was, even before the voice called through the door. “Hyungs?” “Jungkookie?” And suddenly Jimin was throwing the covers back, trying to scramble out of the nest and toward the door, even as Taehyung held him firmly in place. “Wait, let me answer the door. We all need to talk, okay?” Taehyung searched Jimin’s eyes, imploring him to listen even as he checked for signs of returning fever. He knew an omega’s heat could surge quickly with waves coming on at unpredictable intervals, especially in the early stages. He prayed Jungkook’s arrival wouldn’t spark anything before they could talk. Jimin seemed to read the caution in Taehyung’s gaze and heeded it, sitting back and gathering the blankets around himself as Taehyung moved to stand. They both took a fortifying breath, Taehyung waiting for Jimin to nod before he turned toward the door. “Jungkook-ah, did Hobi explain what was happening?” he called through the door, leaning close to make sure he didn’t miss his answer. “Yeah,” Jungkook agreed, voice rough with a mix of emotion too complex for Taehyung to interpret. “I didn’t believe him at first, but–I can smell it now. It’s–he’s really in heat?” “Yes,” Taehyung confirmed, hearing the hopeful hitch in Jungkook’s breath even through the door. “And he wants us here?” He glanced back over his shoulder to Jimin, who was still looking as composed as he could in heat, cuddled in his nest, head tilted to the side as he listened. He nodded agreement when Taehyung caught his eye and Taehyung felt the band around his chest loosen. Jimin wanted them here, he was going to let them stay. He tried to tamp down his own relief as he answered Jungkook, reminding himself with his own words. “We still need to talk about what he wants, but he’s lucid at the moment. I’ll open the door if you’ll promise to keep it together until we’re done talking?” He expected a bratty huff or a smart retort or to at least sense Jungkook’s eye roll through the door for getting lectured, but all he heard was a quiet pause and a deep breath before Jungkook murmured with utmost seriousness, “Okay. I’m ready.” He pulled the door open to find Jungkook standing tensely before him, hands balled into determined fists at his side. It looked like he was actively holding his breath. He let it out slowly, then took in a deep breath and –“Fuck.” He took a step back, body visibly stiffening as Jimin let out a quiet whimper. His panicked eyes found Taehyung’s. “He smells too good. I can’t—“ Taehyung knew it was hard. The pull between alphas and omegas in heat an almost undeniable thing. The instincts and biology of it were counterintuitive to rational thought. It was a wonder Namjoon had been able to tear himself away at all and he knew intimately how much Jungkook wanted Jimin.  How much they both did, but he needed Jungkook to channel all his strength and rational thought now into helping him get this right. He reached forward, grabbing Jungkook’s hands and uncurling his fists so he could thread their fingers together. “You can and you will, right? For Jimin.” Jungkook’s chest was heaving, grip iron clad in Taehyung’s. He looked scared and uncertain, but then he flexed his jaw and nodded, forcing his body to relax under Taehyung’s touch. “For Jimin.” He guided them slowly through the door, letting go of Jungkook only long enough to bolt it shut. He turned a moment later to find him plastered firmly against the far wall, putting himself as far as physically possible from Jimin (behind the desk and chair in the corner), even as Jimin leaned forward to breathe him in, nose following Jungkook as he sniffed the air. A full body shiver wracked him a moment later as he caught the alpha’s scent, tongue darting out to lick his lips, eyes growing impossibly wide and enticing. Both of their scents spiked. Taehyung intervened then, placing himself in the space between them, pushing out soothing pheromones, thankful as ever for his beta status allowing him to take charge and hang on just a little longer. “Mini, we both want to help you in any way that we can, but we need you to tell us what you want. What you’re comfortable with. If this is really even what you want. And it’s okay if it’s not, it really is, okay?” He moved closer as he spoke, feeling the need to comfort and protect, until he was kneeling on the floor beside the nest, hand reaching out toward Jimin, who took it easily, twining their fingers. “You–you really want to help me?” Jimin asked, glancing between them and Taehyung’s stomach dropped, the thought of Jimin even having to question that felt absurd, and sent echoes of guilt throbbing through him. Of course they wanted him. Forever, always. He felt desperate for Jimin to know that, to understand it intrinsically. He opened his mouth to speak, but tensed as he heard movement behind him. Jungkook approached, slow and cautious, his scent muted and Taehyung realized he was holding it back, his body impossibly tense with the effort to reel it in, even as he sank to his knees beside Taehyung on the floor, holding out a gentle hand to Jimin. “More than anything, but only if that’s what you want too. This is about you, hyung. Whatever you want, we’ll gladly do, even if you don’t want anything. We love you and we’re here for you. We’ll always be here for you. No matter what. We’re never leaving you again.” Jungkook’s fingers and his voice were shaking and Taehyung snapped his head to the side to find Jungkook tearing up, so much raw emotion in his gaze it felt overwhelming and he realized he felt Jungkook’s emotions too, through their bond—the same longing and guilt and want and love. Jimin scrambled forward to take his hand, his grip tightening on Taehyung’s at the same time, fusing all three of them together. They waited patiently. Metaphorically and physically on their knees for Jimin as he studied them both, plush bottom lip caught between his teeth. Then he nodded. “I do, I want you here and I want your help, but…I don’t want to do anything that would risk a pregnancy outside of mating.”  “And we don’t have to,” Jungkook rushed to reassure. “There’s plenty of other things we can do. I’m happy to abstain.” Taehyung’s head snapped to him again in surprise. Abstain? He’d been Jungkook’s lover for almost two years. He knew good and well that Jungkook had never in his life— “Even if that means you don’t find release?” Jimin was blushing furiously, but nonetheless asking the hard questions. Questions Taehyung didn't even know how to properly formulate. “It will be hard,” Jungkook said, and Taehyung almost choked at the understatement of that. “But I can do it. For you.” Taehyung prayed to Luna he could, that he wasn’t fucking things up for both of them by promising things he couldn’t follow through with. He realized they were both looking at him then expectantly. “Of course, baby. Whatever you want.” He sensed rather than saw Jungkook’s nose twitch at him calling Jimin that, the first sign of his typical bratty indignation. He ignored it, choosing to focus on Jimin. He had no qualms about Jungkook calling Jimin baby too. “Are we allowed to help you find release? With our hands or the way we did before, by letting you rub against one of us?” He sensed Jungkook’s eyes narrow then, his scent turning slightly smokey with hints of jealousy, as Jimin nodded his ascent. “Yes, that’s–that would be okay.” “What about with our mouths?” Jungkook asked, jaw set in a stubborn line when Taehyung’s head snapped toward him a third time “Can we help you find release that way?” 
This fucking brat.
 Taehyung wanted to throttle him then. Asking for more than what was already very generously being offered, right after he’d just said he could show restraint. “You mean, like, through kissing?” Jimin asked innocently. They both stilled, momentarily stunned at Jimin’s misinterpretation of the question. But then, he wouldn’t know would he? All the ways it was possible for his body to be pleasured. Taehyung hadn’t known himself, not until he’d been with his mates. A stab of guilt bolted through him again, even as a shiver of selfish desire to be the one to teach Jimin coursed through his veins.  Jungkook seemed to gather himself first, replying cautiously. “Kissing is nice, but we could use our mouths in other ways to help you find release. Like, by putting our mouths on your…” He let his words trail off, but Jimin wasn’t getting it, a confused frown marring his angelic face. “What do you mean? I don’t understand. You’d put your mouth where?” Jungkook’s eyes dropped meaningfully to Jimin’s lap. A beat of tense silence and then– “Oh,” Jimin’s lips parted in a tiny gasp, eyes growing wide as understanding dawned. He pulled the blankets tighter around his waist, gaze darting to Taehyung then back to Jungkook. “I didn’t know you could–does it feel good?” He asked meekly, voice barely a whisper as the bright pink blush on his cheeks spread enticingly down his neck.  “Yes,” Jungkook confirmed eagerly, shifting restlessly on his knees, earlier jealousy all but forgotten in the wake of almost getting what he wanted. “I know exactly how to do it, hyung. I can make you feel so good.” “Jungkook,” Taehyung admonished, wary of shocking Jimin too much, of pushing him too far. “If Jimin doesn’t want to–” “I do,” Jimin interrupted, shy but firm. “I—I’d like to try it. And kissing, within the context of my heat. I’d very much like to be kissed… and cuddled, and touched.” “I can do all that,” Jungkook agreed confidently, eagerly surging up so his torso was resting against the nest as he drew closer to Jimin. “You’ve already gotten a kiss,” Taehyung snapped, and it wasn’t necessarily what he’d meant to say. What he wanted was for them to slow down, to make sure they were all fully on the same page so that Jimin would have no regrets about this, but his innate rivalry with Jungkook was getting the best of him, especially when Jungkook openly glared at him in return. “It seems you’ve already gotten much more than that.” He glanced pointedly at the incriminating stain drying on Taehyung’s clothes. And Taehyung knew what he saw it as, a claim. A sign that Jimin wanted him more, even if they both knew that wasn’t true. Taehyung might be his soulmate, but Namjoon had always come first, Jungkook a close second, at least in the arena of physical attraction.  “No fighting!” Jimin commanded. “I won’t tolerate it. If this is truly for me, then I want it to be about me.” He gave them both a stern look. He looked more flushed and overheated than he had a moment ago. Eyes brighter and less focused. “Jungkookie, come here.” Jungkook sprang to his feet as Jimin scooted to the side, making space for him within the nest. He wrestled Jungkook out of his shirt a moment later, eyes trailing over planes of tan, tattooed skin and taut muscle before reaching for his own. He hesitated before pulling it too over his head. Taehyung’s eyes were drawn to the ink along Jimin’s spine, evidence of his blessing from the shaman and the moon goddess. The phases of the moon, so intricately formed and delicately placed across his skin. It made his chest ache with sudden emotion, the realization that  his soulmate was so beautiful and strong. More than a man or a wolf, Jimin was an ethereal being and there was absolutely nothing Taehyung could ever do to deserve him like this. He’d known it abstractly all his life, that Jimin was meant for something else, someone else, even as he’d proclaimed them soulmates, he’d held himself back. Had known from a young age that Jimin's desire for Namjoon would outshine any desire he ever had for Taehyung. A part of him had always felt that Jimin was above him and for that he had kept him a little bit at arm's length. And then he’d hurt him, broken him like glass, despite how much he’d loved him all his life. As many times as he’s shared fantasies of being with Jimin like this, aching and pining for it, he’d convinced himself that they probably wouldn’t happen. Even if Jimin eventually joined them, he didn’t deserve him, now more than ever. Not like this. But now here he was, watching Jimin press Jungkook back against the headboard just to snuggle his own back against his chest, tilting his head to the side in request for scenting, even as he reached out a hand for Taehyung. “Tae?” Jimin asked quietly, fevered eyes searching his, fingertips reaching out. “Are you sure?” Taehyung asked, his own voice trembling now. “I just got you back. I don’t want to ever be without you again. I love you so much.” “I’m sure,” Jimin said, voice quiet and oh so vulnerable, even as his grip was steady and warm where he grasped Taehyung’s hand, pulling him down into the nest. His hands grew frantic on Taehyung then, pulling and tugging until his shirt was gone too and there was nothing between Jimin’s fingers and Taehyung’s skin. He shivered at the touch. “I—I love you too, Tae. I want you here with me. I don’t want you to go.” And, oh, Taehyung’s heart soared, warmth spreading through him, chasing all hints of fear away. Jimin still loved him, and there was nothing he would do to betray that ever again.  “Now, kiss me.” Taehyung dove forward then, hands balancing on Jungkook’s thighs as they caged Jimin between them. He could see Jungkook’s tan fingers splayed across Jimin’s chest, but he didn’t have time to envy, not with the way Jimin was cupping his face, guiding him to bring their mouths together in a searing kiss. He moaned at the pillow softness of Jimin’s lips, the warm wetness of his tongue as it darted out to lick along the seam of his mouth, the taste beautiful and bright. He accepted it easily, opening wide to let Jimin explore his mouth, tiny fingers strong and insistent along his jaw, holding him in place even as he whined and wiggled himself closer, hooking his ankles around the back of Taehyung’s thighs. He felt like heaven, smelled and tasted like it too. And Taehyung reveled in knowing that he was kissing Jimin, his soulmate, his best friend. His softness and his strength. His very own soul.  Taehyung moved to deepen the kiss, but Jimin ripped himself away suddenly, keening loudly as his hips bucked up, head and hands falling limply against Jungkook’s wider frame. His head lolled to the side in submission, Jungkook mouthing hotly at his neck. Taehyung looked down to find Jungkook’s hands, one gripping Jimin’s waist, the other visible underneath the fabric of Jimin’s pants, pumping slowly up and down his cock. “Kook-ah.” He started to scold, but Jimin whined, ankles tightening around Taehyung as he bucked his hips up again, chasing the touch. “More, please. More.” He looked so pretty, laid out and begging for them. It felt like Taehyung’s brain was melting. “Tae, touch me.” Taehyung leaned down, soothing him with gentle kisses as he reached out, tangling his fingers with Jungkook’s in the waist of his pants. “Can I take these off?” Jimin whimpered and nodded, legs going lax and pliant as Teahyung worked the fabric down and tossed it away, leaving Jimin fully bare before them—flushed pink and pretty and small.  “Fuck, hyung. You’re perfect,” Jungkook swore, free hand sliding from Jimin’s waist up to tease a nipple as he took him in. His other hand tightened his grip on Jimin’s flushed cock, pumping down and then up, drawing a bead of pre-cum to the head. He caught it with nimble fingers before it could fall, spreading it generously over the tip, forcing another whimper past Jimin’s lips. “Please.” Taehyung was spurred to action then. He slid his palms over Jimin’s legs, guiding him to spread his thighs wide, giving Taehyung access to his glistening, puckered rim. He watched it contract, tightening and releasing under his steady gaze, like it was begging to be filled. Jimin whined again. “Taehyung-ah, please.” “Relax, baby. I’ve got you,” he soothed, thumbs tracing the juncture where Jimin’s thighs met his ass, spreading him wider, inching closer. “Hurry, hyung,” Jungkook encouraged quietly, still pumping Jimin’s cock in his fist. “Don’t make him wait.” “Please, touch me! Please—“ Jimin’s pleading broke off in a cry as Taehyung finally circled his rim and breached him, pumping one finger in, finding no resistance and immediately adding two. Jimin’s slick gushed over his palm, his passage warm and velvety soft against the pads of his fingers. He slid as deep as he could and crooked his fingers, feeling Jimin convulse around him, cum spilling over his belly as he found his release, Jungkook pumping him steadily through it. Taehyung stilled his ministrations, relishing the way Jimin’s walls clenched, snug and tight around his fingers, until he was done, but Jimin caught his hand when he moved to pull away. “I need more, please, more. I’m not—I’m not satisfied yet.” And Taehyung could see he was right when he looked up to find fever bright eyes and flushed cheeks. He had one hand around Taehyung’s wrist, the other around Jungkook’s where it was still gripping his very hard cock. Jungkook’s eyes were hooded with lust when they met Taehyung’s, he licked his lips once, nodding. “Okay, baby, relax. We’ll take care of you,” Taehyung murmured as Jungkook used his free hand to spread Jimin’s legs wider, hooking them open over his thighs, pulling Jimin back to press more firmly against his chest as he started pumping his cock again. He thumbed at his nipples, whispering Luna knows what in his ear, as he planted tiny kisses along the shell of it. His hand eventually trailed up to rub at Jimin’s swollen scent gland, releasing more of his heat sweet scent into the air as Jimin moaned. His grip on Taehyung’s hand relaxed allowing him to pull back just enough to add a third finger, stretching him wider and filling him more. Taehyung matched Jungkook’s pace, moving in tandem until Jimin was gasping and writhing with every thrust and stroke. Jungkook’s whispered voice turned to more of a low growl as Taehyung rubbed gently along Jimin’s waist. “You’re so pretty, hyung. So good. So perfect. You smell so nice, sound so sweet. Feel so good in my hands.” Jungkook was babbling, lips sucking at the pulse point under Jimin’s jaw hard enough to bruise. He looked drunk with arousal and Taehyung wondered again how he’d make it through this in one piece. His own cock gave a traitorous jerk in his pants as he pressed another finger into Jimin, watching the way he arched so beautifully in Jungkook’s arms. He leaned in to press his own line of kisses down the other side of Jimin’s neck. “More. More, Kookie,” Jimin panted, and then Taehyung felt a hand trail down beside his own, fingers brushing his wrist. He looked down to find Jimin guiding Jungkook’s free hand to his hole, and heard Jungkook’s own gasp at the first touch of warm slick on his skin. “Hyung—baby,” the alpha whined, grip tightening around Jimin’s cock, stroking faster. “Please,” Jimin begged. “Need you both. I need you.” Jungkook hesitated, eyes meeting Taehyung’s, but he only nodded in encouragement, adjusting his wrist to make room for Jungkook too and then warm fingers were tangling with his inside Jimin. One and then two, stretching him wide and full as he pumped his cock in time. Jimin wailed, thighs shaking as he hid his face in Jungkook’s neck. His own hands were curled around each of them now. One wrapped around Jungkook’s bicep, the other digging painfully into Taehyung’s hip. Taehyung welcomed the pain both for the way it tied him to Jimin and for how it anchored him, fighting back the hazy edge of arousal so he could maintain his focus. He angled to reach deeper with his fingers, crooking them against that magic spot and then his hand on Jimin’s waist slid down to cup his balls, tugging gently. He could feel it, in the way Jimin’s body shook, how close he was to the edge. His impending orgasm, so much stronger and more intense this time. He felt Jungkook’s fingers clasp around his own then, pressing them down into a fist, knuckles dragging along Jimin’s sensitive walls, tugging at his rim the way a knot would. Jimin shrieked, his whole body going taut as a bow string before it snapped and he came with a loud sob, releasing a mess of cum and slick before promptly passing out. The room was still, quiet except for Jungkook and Taehyung’s ragged breaths. Their fingers slid slowly from inside Jimin, careful not to disturb him. They were all a filthy mess, despite Jimin being the only one that had come, but Taehyung couldn’t remember the last time he’d felt this good.  Jungkook whined pitifully, his cheek falling to rest against Jimin’s shoulder. He was still supporting the omega’s weight, cradling him tightly to his chest. “Hyung, I think my dick is going to spontaneously combust,” he whimpered, screwing his eyes shut tight. Taehyung let out a breathy laugh, wincing at the way it caused his own painfully hard cock to rub against the fabric of his pants. “Do you need me to take him, so you can excuse yourself and handle it before he wakes up?” “No,” Jungkook stubbornly refused, cuddling Jimin even closer, pressing a gentle kiss to his cheek. “I can bear it, but I might need to cry a little. I’m not leaving this nest though. Go get a rag and clean him up.” Taehyung wanted to argue at Jungkook’s disrespectful tone, but he couldn’t deny the way his beta instincts longed to take care of Jimin in that way and Jungkook knew it, if his cheeky smirk was anything to go by. Taehyung stood on wobbly legs and found the basin of fresh water behind Jimin’s dressing screen. He took his time cleaning them all up as best he could, offering Jungkook a few sips of water before leaving a full glass at the bedside for when Jimin next woke. Then he settled back into the nest, helping Jungkook maneuver Jimin comfortably between them, so similar to how they’d bracketed him in his wolf form just days ago. Taehyung’s eyes grew heavy as soon as his head hit the pillow and he felt Jungkook’s now clean fingers tangle with his along Jimin’s hip. And it felt perfect and right, like all the (Jimin sized) pieces that had been missing in their lives and in their mated relationship were finally slotting into place.  “Love you, hyung.” He heard Jungkook whisper a moment later and he didn’t know if he was talking to him or Jimin, but when he blinked his eyes open, Jungkook’s teary gaze was on him. “Are you really crying over your dick?” Taehyung murmured sleepily, even as his own hard on throbbed against Jimin’s thigh. “No,” Jungkook huffed. “I’m crying, because I’m happy. I’m happy I’m here with Jimin …and with you …I’m so happy it’s the three of us.” Taehyung smiled, even with his eyes closed, warmth radiating out from his chest. “Me too, Kook-ah.” *** It wasn’t long before Jimin woke again, warm and needy. Taehyung’s thighs were soaked with slick from where he’d been curled against Jimin’s back. “Baby?” He cooed, eyes sliding open slowly. He registered a crushing grip to his forearm then, and realized it was Jungkook’s hand holding him too tightly. He almost snapped and shrugged away the hard touch, but then he registered how Jimin was mouthing at Jungkook’s collarbones like a man possessed, grinding his hips in tiny, aborted thrusts against Jungkook. So similar to how Taehyung had awoken hours ago, and he knew immediately that Jungkook was desperately needing the support. His suspicions were confirmed a moment later when his gaze met Jungkook's, already teary and desperate with need. “He feels so good, hyung. I can’t–” he moaned brokenly, echoing Jimin’s own noises, who was seemingly oblivious to the havoc he was wreaking. He was lost in ravaging Jungkook’s chest with his mouth as he chased haphazard friction for his cock against Jungkook’s hip. Which was likely way too close to the alpha’s own cock. “I’m going to die. This is going to kill me. Help, hyung. Help.” Jungkook’s grip grew impossibly tighter on Taehyung, nails biting into skin, and once again the pain helped him keep his head. He sat up, using the leverage of his body against Jimin’s to guide his legs higher, relieved when Jimin let himself be adjusted easily. He felt the way Jimin’s muscular thighs tensed under his hands, clamping down firmly around Jungkook’s narrow waist, his cock immediately coming to rut against his washboard abs. Jungkook let out a strangled, tortured sound. “Not better, hyung.” “Hush, I’m working on it,” Taehyung grumbled, guiding Jimin’s shoulders and upper body then, detaching his mouth from a swollen nipple and letting it reattach along Jungkook’s jaw. He ran a soothing hand down Jungkook’s thigh when he let out another desperate whimper. “Try to relax, Kook-ah. Try to think of something else. See if it helps.” Jungkook let out another strangled sound, but then Taehyung also felt his grip relax, his fingers gentle where they trailed over the marks he’d left on Taehyung. “You’re right. Sorry, hyung.” He inhaled a breath, pursed his lips and blew it out. Jimin melted against him as Jungkook’s body grew less tense, even as the needy sounds he was making picked up in volume.  “More. More, more, more,” he slurred like a mantra, burying his face in Jungkook’s neck then, as the speed of his hips picked up. Taehyung scooted in close, giving Jimin as much skin to skin contact as he could while keeping his own hips away. He let his fingers slide down, circling Jimin’s rim again and wasting little time, sliding two fingers into him before Jimin could even finish a gasp. “Yes, Tae-ah. So good. Thank you,” Jimin murmured deliriously and Taehyung bit back a groan, finally letting himself register the pleasure of the moment. Jimin, hot around his fingers, whispering his name and offering praise as he let Taehyung give him his pleasure. It brought on a heady feeling, making Taehyung’s brain swim with lust. He quickly added a third and then a fourth finger, letting his touch grow a bit rough, knowing it was likely what Jimin needed. He keened, hips stuttering and losing their rhythm as he arched his hips toward Taehyung. He dotted Jimin’s back with kisses as he guided his hips back with his other hand to keep rutting against Jungkook, following the movement with his fingers, brushing over Jimin’s prostate with every thrust. It didn’t take long before he came across Jungkook’s chest with a low, broken moan, clenching around Taehyung’s fingers so hard he thought they might break. Not that he cared, he’d gladly let Jimin break all his fingers this way. Jungkook really did cry then, a mix of sexual frustration and euphoria. Jimin offered soothing kisses to his cheeks, a bit more lucid after he’d come, fingers rubbing his release possessively into Jungkook’s skin even as Taehyung tried to clean them both up. Jimin managed to stay coherent long enough to sit curled in Jungkook’s lap in the afterglow, letting Taehyung hand feed him sips of water and fruit, trading sweetly, lazy kisses. And it felt like second nature, doting on Jimin this way, like he was the center of their universe. They laid him back down in the nest when they were done, snuggled close around him again, and caressed him with soft touches until he drifted back to sleep. *** It was hours, or days, later. Taehyung had lost track of time, consumed by the haze of Jimin’s heat and in a constant state of being edged within an inch of his life. He was near delirious from it, feeling like he was teetering on a knife’s edge between Heaven and Hell at any given moment. His back was the one pressed to the headboard this time, Jimin’s warm body a welcome but agonizing weight against his front. His fingertips trailed over the omega’s sides, memorizing every dip and curve of his waist as Jimin kissed Jungkook senseless. It had grown to be one of his favorite activities, when he wasn’t begging for release, kissing either or both of them until their lips were numb and chapped, not seeming to be able to ever get enough. It was fascinating to watch it happen, even as it was painful, and Taehyung found he hadn’t grown tired of it yet. An odd mix of warmth and desire and longing thrumming through his chest every time at the pretty way their mouths tangled together, gasping in tandem, a dart of tongue followed by nipping teeth, and breathy moans. Jungkook’s mouth was strong and demanding, but still so very gentle in the way he pressed it over Jimin’s, turning his sweet little gasps into desperately loud moans over time. Until Jimin hooked his fingers around Jungkook’s nape to drag him closer in a demand for more. He barely put up a fight, bending easily to Jimin’s will, letting him have his way just how he wanted. Taehyung couldn’t help but think it was so different from how Jungkook was with him, but then, hadn’t Taehyung always been the one to refuse his sweetness? He reveled in it now, watching Jimin take advantage, smelling how much Jungkook liked it. Jimin broke the kiss a moment later, hooking a hand over Taehyung’s nape to bring him forward, tilting his head to nip and bite at Taehyung’s own lips until they felt bruised and swollen in the best way. It left Taehyung gasping though, after mere seconds, desire pooling low in his belly at having Jimin so close and demanding against him, his groin aching with the need to sink into him. Jimin rocked his ass back roughly then, knowingly. It seemed that even as Jimin was deep in the throes of heat, he was quickly discovering new ways to tease and torture them. Conscious of it, or not, he was becoming quite the vixen. “Tae-ah, I need your fingers again,” he murmured hotly against his mouth, sending a bolt of electricity down Taehyung’s spine. The pool of heat in his belly turned to molten lava. He wanted Jimin so much, so badly, at that moment. It was the sweetest torture. And he felt a sudden sympathy for Jungkook, feeling his own desire to cry rise even as he heard Jungkook let out a broken, needy groan. They pulled apart to find his glassy eyes watching them greedily. He bit his kiss swollen lips in clear frustration, running a single hand down the blotchy, red skin of his chest, where Jimin had marked him up, until he was gripping the waistband of his pants so hard his knuckles turned white. “Kookie?” Jimin questioned, but it came out more like a moan. He reached out, his own fingers following the same path down Jungkook’s chest, but deviating just enough to slide his finger over a puckered nipple, making Jungkook whine and wiggle as he sat back on his heels. “What is it, baby?” Jimin pressed, and that only had Jungkook whining more. Taehyung couldn’t help but think Jimin knew exactly what he was doing. He buried his face in Jimin’s neck to hide his smile, but grew quickly distracted by the concentrated pulse of Jimin’s scent. He couldn't keep his tongue from darting out to lick along the edge of his scent gland. He felt Jimin shiver and arch back into the touch, ass brushing Taehyung’s exceedingly stiff cock again in a way that had him stifling his own miserable whine. “Hyungs are so pretty together. It’s driving me crazy,” Jungkook finally said, doing his little wiggle again. He sighed harshly, the cords of his neck growing taut as he clenched his jaw, and Taehyung could tell he was fighting his own instincts, to fuck and claim and knot. He uncurled his fingers from his waistband a moment later, letting them slide down slowly to rest, trembling against his knee. Taehyung knew how much restraint he was showing, but his actions only served to highlight the highly obvious tent in his pants, the impressive size of his alpha cock straining and clearly outlined against the fabric. Taehyung felt Jimin’s body grow tense against him, scent thickening. His breath stuttered as his gaze dropped to the thick bulge between Jungkook’s legs. And as far gone as Taehyung was, he didn’t want to let things get to the point where Jimin’s heat brain was begging for things they knew he didn’t want, so he offered a distraction. “Instead of my fingers, do you want to try Jungkookie’s mouth?” “Yes.” Jimin agreed instantly, already panting. His legs dropped open in invitation, skin prickling with sweat against Taehyung, making him feel overheated too. “I want it. Please.” Jungkook’s eyes grew eager too, distracted from his own arousal, as he shimmied down the nest, planting reverent kisses against Jimin’s chest and belly as he moved, until he was firmly nestled between Jimin’s legs, pressing wet, open mouthed kisses along the inside of his thighs. And Jimin was already shaking with need, Taehyung wrapping his arms around him to secure him more firmly to his chest, offering comforting strokes to his belly. “He’s really good at this, baby. You’re in for a treat,” Taehyung rumbled softly in Jimin’s ear, his own breath hitching with Jimin’s gasp. Jimin’s legs found their way hooked over his knees of their own accord and then Jungkook was diving in, licking greedily at his rim in the most obscene way.  It felt like an out of body experience, watching Jungkook take Jimin apart from above with long and then short laps of his tongue. His face was all but buried between the curve of his ass cheeks, but Taehyung saw it in slow motion and in stunning clarity when Jungkook stiffened the tip of his tongue and breeched his rim, fucking it in and out with lewd abandon.  Taehyung came slamming back into his body then, wondering if he was spiking his own fever at the way his skin flashed hot and then cold, a million tiny shivers wracking his frame as Jimin writhed against him, explicit moans and curses falling from his lips. His fingers scrambled for purchase in Jungkook’s hair, rocking back against Taehyung in an effort to pull Jungkook closer. Taehyung hissed at the friction it brought against his oversensitive cock, darting a hand down to grip himself and squeeze at the base in an effort not to come. “Jungkook! Fuck, oh fuck, fuck, fuck!” And Jimin came, untouched, arching back against Taehyung and causing him to groan in literal pain, the need to come so intense it almost made him physically sick to hold it back. He breathed through it, willing his mind to go to another place, if only for a moment, and allow him to calm down. He tried to ignore the way Jimin’s cum felt like liquid pools of fire as it splashed across the hand he still had wrapped around his middle. He fought the urge to bring it to his lips and lick it clean, knowing the taste would likely bring him right back to the edge. Jimin went lax and boneless against him, coming down from his high. Omegan satisfaction ripe in the air. “Kiss. Kiss,” he demanded, and Jungkook climbed up in a daze, leaned forward to give it to him, but then Jimin surprised them both, wrapping his hand around Jungkook’s nape and guiding him up to Taehyung’s mouth instead. “Kiss.” He had barely a moment to register that Jungkook’s lips were still shiny and slick with Jimin’s release before their mouths were slotting firmly together. Taehyung let out the deepest, loudest moan, unable to find restraint at the taste of Jimin’s slick from Jungkook’s mouth. At the feral feeling it elicited from his very bones. His fingers clutched at Jungkook’s scalp, mouth biting and licking and sucking, as he pulled him bodily forward, inadvertently crushing Jimin in between. Jimin only let out a contented hum though, snuggling deeper between them, fingers stroking along the outside of Taehyung’s thigh. “You’re pretty together too,” Jimin whispered sleepily, seconds or minutes later, when Taehyung and Jungkook finally broke apart with ragged, gasping breaths. Taehyung’s dick was so swollen with need, it felt numb.  Goddess above. Jungkook was right. This might actually fucking kill them.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Hoseok’s steps were slow and measured as he approached Jimin’s hut. It had only been four and a half days since he’d sent Taehyung and Jungkook off, per Namjoon’s request (or really—

demand

), to help Jimin with his heat. He knew an omega’s cycle typically lasted five to seven days, but something told him now was the time, and his instincts were rarely wrong. He came from a long line of super sensing betas and he prided himself on

knowing

these things, especially in regard to his mates.
 
And Jimin wasn’t his mate yet, but maybe. Hopefully? Soon. If Namjoon would get his head out of his ass, that is. He was more than a little miffed with their pack alpha as of late. For his behavior before his rut, and also, for his insistence on spending his ruts, in their entirety, alone.
 
To this day, Hoseok had never once been allowed to assist Namjoon before, during, or after a rut, even in platonic ways, and it only served to make his wolf feel deeply unsettled. Who even was Jung Hoseok if he wasn’t able to care for those he loved? He prayed to Luna that Jimin would be different, that he’d let Hoseok take care of him the way his instincts screamed for him to.
 
And that was the main reason why his steps were slow, to stave off the inevitability that either Jimin’s heat was not, in fact, over. Or that he might turn Hoseok away regardless. He’d grown exceptionally fond of the younger wolf, the influence of his mating bond to Namjoon and the others aside. Jimin lived to care for others in the same way that Hoseok did, and he felt a special connection to the omega. Taehyung may be Jimin’s soulmate, but Jimin and Hoseok had many things in common and that night he’d spent with the omega at the hospital had him feeling as though they too were kindred spirits. He yearned for the opportunity to dote on the omega, to get to know him better in a more intimate setting.
 
The hut came into view then, Hoseok’s slim arms beginning to ache under the weight of the basket of supplies he carried. He’d had a stiltingly awkward but overwhelmingly informative conversation with Jimin’s dam just yesterday, while he helped her at the hospital. About how to best care for an omega—or, more specifically, her son, after his heat.
 
Jimin’s dam was amazingly brilliant, someone Hoseok could easily come to admire, as an elder and as an eomma-in-law. Some pre-made things she’d suggested had been available in the supply room at the hospital, but that felt like cheating. He’d gone directly home and harvested the recommended herbs from the garden himself, creating the tinctures and teas from scratch, baking fresh bread and stewing bone broth by hand. He’d spent hours, but honestly, it was worth it for Jimin, and had done wonders to settle his unsettled instincts about Namjoon.
 
He set the crate down when he reached the porch and climbed the steps. He paused then, hovering on the threshold, allowing his sense of smell to take over. The air around the door was heavy with the scent of satisfied omega. The sweetness of heat was still present, but faded underneath, signaling things were coming to an end. Hoseok smiled to himself, pleased that his instincts had been correct. He frowned a moment later though when he caught another scent. A familiar mix of Jungkook and Taehyung, but heavy and desperate with arousal. Conflicted. Frustrated. That’s what had him stepping forward and tapping lightly at the door. He heard the muffled sound of movement and then the door was swinging open to reveal a weary, disheveled looking Taehyung.
 
“Hyung,” he whined, all but collapsing into Hoseok’s arms, scent equal parts distressed and relieved. He whimpered a moment later, pulling his hips back from where he had inadvertently brushed up against Hoseok’s thigh. Hoseok frowned harder at that, holding Taehyung at arms length as he took him in. His face was crumpled in pain as he took in short, gasping breaths, trying to breathe through it.
 
“Tae-ah? What on

Earth?

” Hoseok scanned his mate for injury, noting the bite marks and bruises littering his chest and shoulders, all very typical of helping a mate through their cycle. What was not typical, was the visibly

twitching

hard-on currently tenting his pants. The look of it was obscene, even through his clothes. Hoseok wasn’t sure he’d ever seen him so hard, and that was saying something, considering he was

very

familiar with Taehyung’s anatomy.
 
“Jimin wanted us to stay and help with his heat, but he didn’t want us to…” he gestured meaningfully to his hard dick. “And so we didn’t, of course we didn’t, but–hyung. This has been the most

insane

–”
 
His words were cut off by Jungkook stumbling out onto the porch beside them, looking even more wrecked and less steady on his feet. He caught himself on the door frame before he could fall, giving Hoseok a fright as he still had his arms full of Taehyung and would have been unable to catch him.
 
“Jimin’s sleeping,” he slurred, visibly dazed and looking barely conscious. “But I think, I think his heat is finished.”
 
Hoseok nodded in agreement, even more sure of it with the door open and the scents no longer muted. Jimin would likely sleep for a while, giving Hoseok plenty of time to set up the things he needed to.

But, oh, his babies!

He longed to care for them too, to soothe their aches and help them find relief. His instincts were even more ruffled now. He felt on high alert, but his focus needed to be on Jimin, and he had plenty of other mates who could seemingly tend to Taehyung and Jungkook if they were unable to properly tend to themselves.
 
“You’ve done so well, darlings, taking care of your omega. Hyung will take it from here. Go home and rest, hmm?” He phrased it as a question, but it was really a command. Nevertheless, he half expected them to argue that they didn’t want to leave.
 
Instead Jungkook gave a gruff, “Thanks, hyung,” and stumbled forward into Taehyung. He hooked an arm around his bare waist and they tumbled together down the stairs, completely unconcerned by their disheveled state and lack of proper clothing. Hoseok reasoned they were unlikely to run into anyone en route home. Then he laughed to himself, wondering if they’d even make it home or if they’d end up fucking in the woods on the way there.
 
He watched until they disappeared through the tree line, then grabbed his crate, carrying it inside the hut and closing the door behind him. He placed it on a small corner table he recalled from the last time he’d been there and then turned toward the bed to assess his potential omega.
 
The nest was a bit disheveled, and reeked of slick and cum, but Jimin looked sweet and sated. Serene. The complete opposite in appearance of his mates who had just left. He was curled in a tight ball and tucked beneath a thick blanket that smelled freshly scented by Jungkook. Hoseok’s heart fluttered and his chest grew warm with pride. His mates had indeed done well, and he intended to do the same.
 
He left the hut only long enough to grab fresh firewood and several buckets of water, intent on making a hot bath for Jimin. He was delighted to find a full size tub behind his dressing screen, as he’d brought his expensive bath salts from the city just for such a purpose. He added a plentiful amount to the water along with sprigs of eucalyptus and lavender. He was just adding the last bucket of steaming water when he heard a rustling of blankets. He peeked around the screen to find Jimin sitting up in the nest, blinking sleepy eyes around the room, mouth swollen and pouty. His silver hair was wild and sticking up in all directions, but it only served to make him look more angelic, like a princeling who fell asleep still wearing his crown.
 
“Hello, angel. Did you rest well? How are you feeling?” Hoseok held his breath, steeling himself for how Jimin would react to seeing him here. He might be upset, get angry, accuse Hoseok of taking advantage, and say he’d ruined the whole thing–but his instincts.

Goddess his instincts,

they wouldn’t allow him to

not

be here, to not

try.

He relaxed the tiniest bit when Jimin did nothing more than stare at him with wide eyes and pouty lips. He glanced slowly around the room after a moment, before his eyes slid sleepily back to Hoseok.
 
“Where are Taehyung and Jungkook?” There was only curiosity in his tone, no hurt or ire, no change in his blissfully contented scent.
 
“I sent them home to rest. Your heat is finished. Now it’s time for my job to begin.” A tiny crease formed between his brows at Hoseok’s words, like he didn’t quite understand, but he also wasn’t opposed. “How does a nice, warm bath sound?”
 
Jimin’s eyes grew round with longing. “Like heaven.”
 
Hoseok smiled and pushed the dressing screen aside before approaching the nest. He held Jimin steady, providing support and keeping the blanket tucked around him to preserve his modesty, as he climbed out. Maybe one day Hoseok would be privileged enough to tend to him while also getting to look his fill, but today was not that day.
 
Jimin moaned in pleasure as he sank into the water, making the warmth in Hoseok’s chest spread all the way down to his toes. “This feels amazing.”
 
Hoseok hummed in delight. “I’ll let you soak for a while. Is it okay if hyung cleans up your nest in the meantime?”
 
Jimin’s eyes, which had been closed in bliss, sprang open, his cheeks now flushed with more than just the heat of the bath. “Y-you don’t have to—“
 
“Oh, I want to!” Hoseok employed his best pout, the one he typically only used on Yoongi or Seokjin.

“Please?”

“O-okay,” Jimin agreed a moment later, bottom lip caught between his teeth. “Only if you want to.”
 
Hoseok beamed, already heading toward the little table and the crate he’d brought. “I do! And I’m excellent at it. I swear. I’ll only remove the blankets that need cleaning and I brought a fresh stack to replace them with.”
 
He lifted a stack of five feathery soft blankets he’d brought, one from each of his mates, to show Jimin, quickly setting them aside on the chair by the table before retrieving the most important one. A black and silver comforter Namjoon typically kept on his bed. The one Hoseok had noticed on his last cleaning day smelled faintly of Jimin. He’d left off on cleaning it then, his instincts telling him to keep it safe for some future use. And,

oh

, how satisfying it was to bring it out now, smelling heavily of Namjoon and still faintly of Jimin, and see firsthand the way Jimin’s eyes grew longing at the sight of it. Oh, Hoseok was the

best

beta. He really was.
 
“Do you approve of my selections?”
 
He thought he knew the answer, but it was still affirming when Jimin nodded. He went about stripping the nest then, adding the fresh blankets and arranging them as close to Jimin’s previous design as possible, careful as ever to get even the most minor of details right. Jimin’s eyes were closed when he turned back to the tub, his body posture relaxed.
 
“May I wash your hair?” he asked quietly in an effort not to startle him. Jimin peeked one eye open, pausing only a moment before he nodded. Hoseok took his time about it, retrieving his expensive imported soap and shampoo from the crate and adding another warm bucket of water to the tub. He was thorough as he massaged Jimin’s scalp, washing and rinsing twice before he was satisfied that it was clean enough.
 
Then he moved onto his hands and feet, trimming his nails and rubbing oil into his cuticles, Massaging the tiny tendons and bones, at first making Jimin giggle and then groan in pleasure. And every smile or tiny moan he elicited did wonders to fill Hoseok’s restless heart, until he could float away with how light and happy he felt. It made him want to give Jimin even more, fantasies of doting on him every day once they were mated dancing through his head. He wanted it badly.
 
“You didn’t have to do all this,” Jimin murmured, quiet and shy as Hoseok held up a fluffy towel and turned his head to the side so Jimin could climb from the tub a while later. After Hoseok had finished all his treatments and deemed Jimin’s fingers and toes pruney enough. “I’m not used to other people caring for me like this.”
 
And Hoseok knew that. They’d talked about it. It pained him greatly, the more he got to know Jimin and how gentle and kind he was, knowing how long they’d neglected him. It was wrong on so many levels and he wanted to do everything he could to fix it, even as he suddenly felt sheepish admitting, “This is more for me than for you.”
 
Jimin gave him a curious look as he turned, letting Hoseok wrap the towel around him. Hoseok avoided his gaze as Jimin took the towel from his grasp, turning to grab the soft set of sleep clothes he’d stolen from Seokjin’s closet. He’d been unsure what Jimin had available for himself and he knew how sensitive an omega’s skin could become immediately after heat. He readied the pants, kneeling to help Jimin thread his legs through them before pulling them up to his waist as he kept his head turned away again, careful not to touch his bare skin. Then he grabbed the shirt, almost gasping in surprise, when he turned back to find Jimin had dropped the towel all together and was standing before him now, the toned golden skin of his torso on full display.
 
“How is this more for

you

, hyung?” He asked, curious eyes trained on Hoseok’s face, unconcerned with his state of undress. “Am I not the one receiving the princeling treatment?”
 
Hoseok blushed, trying and failing to ignore the graceful line of Jimin’s collarbone and the subtle softness of his belly as he raised his arms over his head, signaling for Hoseok to continue dressing him. He stepped forward slowly, threading Jimin’s arms and then his head through the top, coming face to face with Jimin at close range as the shirt fell to his waist. He was struck with the sudden strong desire to kiss him again.
 
“I am a beta in the truest sense of the word. I enjoy caring for my mates, during and after their cycles. After care is my specialty. I find it the most fulfilling.”
 
He wasn’t sure how Jimin would react to that, hoped he wouldn’t take it as Hoseok being disingenuous, but his eyes only seemed to grow warmer. He seemed so much more open now after his heat. “Are you treating me as one of your mates then? Is this a courting gesture?”
 
Hoseok hummed as he guided Jimin into the nest, tucking the black and silver comforter tightly around him. “Courting gesture or selfish indulgence. Call it what you like. I daresay I’m treating you better than

any

of my mates, they rarely indulge me this much.”
 
He felt uncomfortable admitting it, like it was somehow a shortcoming of himself, the fact that his other mates didn’t always enjoy his coddling. He knew they loved him, but sometimes he wished they found the same enjoyment in it that he did.
 
Jimin frowned up at him, looking displeased but not at Hoseok himself. His scent was still overwhelmingly content as he snuggled deeper into the stack of freshly fluffed pillows behind him. “How so?”
 
Hoseok sighed, busying himself with arranging the snacks he’d brought on a plate: slices of bread and cheese and some of Seokjin’s strawberries. He’d previously set the broth to warm on the fire. “Yoongi-hyung indulges me the most, but he draws the line at allowing me to dress him, as does Seokjin-hyung, but he also doesn’t allow hand feeding. Taehyung really only enjoys the cuddling and Jungkook is so fidgety after being confined for a week, I end up doing more scolding than

actual

pampering.”
 
“And Namjoon?”
 
Hoseok winced, feeling suddenly vulnerable and raw, admitting these truths out loud in a way he hadn’t before. “I can cow the others into it, but not Namjoon. He’s staunchly opposed to any form of my affection. Always has been.”
 
He waited for Jimin’s response, anticipating some form of rejection or a quiet reprimand, but all the omega said was, “That sounds like their loss, hyung. I myself am enjoying your treatment very much and I’m also

very

hungry.”
 
Hoseok snapped to attention then, looking up at Jimin whose eyes were rapt on his overflowing plate. He brought it quickly to the nest, setting it in easy reach for Jimin as he hurried to the fire to pour a steaming cup of broth. He paused upon returning to the nest though, finding Jimin pouting down at the untouched plate. “Will you feed it to me now, hyung?”
 
Hoseok’s heart skipped a beat, eyes wide and hopeful where he studied Jimin. “You–want me to?”
 
“Yes,” Jimin admitted, holding his gaze even as his cheeks grew flushed. “I’ve only been handfed once.” And Hoseok felt his own cheeks flush at that, remembering. “But I enjoyed it and I’d like you to do it again.”
 
Hoseok found himself perched on the edge of the nest with the plate in his lap faster than he could blink. He belatedly realized he was missing the chopsticks, but Jimin was already leaning forward–parting his lips, eyes beckoning–and Hoseok grabbed a strawberry between his fingers, offering it. His own lips parted, breath growing shallow and quiet as Jimin leaned in to take it. His tongue grazed the pad of Hoseok’s thumb in the process, sending tiny shivers down his spine. He hummed happily as he chewed, keeping his eyes on Hoseok the whole time, licking his lips once before he opened his mouth again, accepting a piece of cheese this time with the same show of gusto.
 
Hoseok had much experience with hand feeding his mates, including that one time with Jimin. It was always a begrudgingly (at worst) or mildly pleasant (at best) affair. But this? This felt deliciously sinful and captivating and wonderfully intimate in a way Hoseok had only ever dreamed of. He felt in a trance, only growing more enamored with every delicate bite Jimin took from his fingertips. He was embarrassed to find he was hard by the end, dick twitching eagerly at the occasional nibble of Jimin’s teeth against his skin. He ignored it, attempting to think of other things as Jimin dutifully sipped his broth.
 
His eyes wandered to the bedside table, finding an unfamiliar braided leather bracelet there. “Is that new?” he asked, only belatedly realizing it was damaged, the leather frayed and broken on one side with the tied knot still intact.
 
Jimin’s own gaze had turned glassy as he ate, but he blinked it away now, following Hoseok’s line of sight. “Ah, Taemin-ssi gave it to me.” His tone was regretful, but Hoseok didn’t hear it, too caught up in the sudden sensation of his blood running cold. If he wanted a distraction, he had it. The reminder of Jimin’s other suitors, after sharing such intimate moments, made him feel sick.
 
“I hate to give it back to him broken, but I guess it can't be helped.”
 
Hoseok blinked, processing Jimin’s words before his eyes snapped back to him. “Give it back?” He tried to mask the desperate note of hope in his voice, but it was no use. He sounded impossibly desperate, because he was.
 
“Mmh-hmm.” Jimin snuggled deeper into the blankets, seemingly oblivious, as his eyes grew heavy. “It’s the reason for all this. He scented it before he gave it to me and my omega rejected it almost immediately. Namjoon found me trying desperately to get it off and broke it. I think it may be what started my heat.”
 
Hoseok stared in stupefaction, trying desperately to decipher all the possible implications of that, but Jimin was looking at him now with hooded eyes as he pulled the comforter back, patting the space beside him. “Will you cuddle me now, hyung?”
 
And the simple request made it hard for Hoseok to think anything at all. He was firmly wrapped around Jimin’s finger, whether the omega knew it yet or not, as he slid beneath the blanket and Jimin snuggled into his chest, rubbing his cheek there and leaving traces of his scent behind.
 
“Thank you for taking care of me. You did it so well.”
 
Hoseok huffed out a quiet breath, feeling almost giddy at the praise. Jimin raised up enough to look at him again, propping his chin on his chest. Hoseok couldn’t help the way his gaze dropped to his lips, the urge to kiss him rising again like the tide. He still didn’t believe his ears though, when Jimin asked a moment later, “Will you kiss me now, hyung?”
 
And Hoseok did.
 
***
 
Yoongi was absorbed in his task inside the workshop behind the cabin, trying to cut a thin piece of wood to the

exact

specifications needed to finish Jimin’s tilting exam table. He’d messed up three times already, which was an abnormally high rate of inaccuracy for him, and was starting on the forth when it sounded like someone threw an entire tree against the side of the work shed. He startled, snapping the slender piece of wood in half.
 
“Goddess-

fucking

-damnit!” he swore, tossing the useless sticks to the side and turning for the door. If this was Namjoon being an insufferable shit

again

he was going to grind him to a pulp. And there’d better not be any damage to the outside of his building either, he’d literally

just

fixed the front door to the cabin

yesterday.

He slid the shed door open, rounding the corner at full speed only to come skidding to a halt at the sight that greeted him—Taehyung and Jungkook making out hot and heavy against the side of his shed. It must have been Taehyung’s body that had made the loud sound, his bare back flush against the siding, legs off the ground and wrapped tightly around Jungkook’s waist.
 
He’d been

with

Jungkook. And he’d been, less often,

with

Taehyung. But in all the time they’d been mated, he’d never actually seen the two of them

together.

He saw that now for what it was, a travesty, a grave oversight on his part. His mouth went dry, his own cock stiffening in his pants as he watched intently the way they rocked their hips together, even as they tore into each other with their hands and mouths.
 
“I

need

to knot you,” Jungkook growled, nipping at Taehyung’s bottom lip with his teeth. “I’m going to fucking

die

if I don’t.”
 
Taehyung dragged his hands over Jungkook’s scalp, twisting his hair painfully between his fingers. “And I’ll

die

if you do. I already told you I can’t take it right now. Just give me your mouth and then I swear I’ll let you have mine.”
 
“That won’t be enough, I can’t—

fuck!

” Jungkook cursed, mouth sliding to nip at Hoseok’s bite over Taehyung’s scent gland, grinding his hips against Taehyung’s in a way that had them both moaning. Whether it was in pleasure or pain, Yoongi was unsure. How could they have spent a whole week pleasuring Jimin and still be

this

horny? He intended to find out. He cleared his throat loudly and they instantly broke apart, that’s when he realized Jungkook was crying.

“Jungkookie?”

Fuck, he hated it when he cried. It was hands down his

least

favorite thing. He’d take Namjoon ripping a door off its hinges a thousand times over that.
 
“Hyung,” he whined, dropping Taehyung and stumbling forward to wrap his arms around Yoongi’s shoulders. He stooped to bury his face against Yoongi’s neck, causing the other alpha to stiffen when the intense smell of Jimin’s heat soaked scent hit him like a brick. It was wafting off of Jungkook in waves, like he’d bathed himself in it. Not that it was unpleasant. It was quite the opposite, in fact, making the base of his already half hard cock throb with the urge to knot. “

Hyung,

I

need

to knot.”
 
Yoongi’s hands came up to stroke his nape in a settling gesture, even as his eyes trailed over Taehyung. His back was still pressed to the side of the shed like he needed the extra support, chest heaving and eyes bright. His beautiful tanned skin was littered with bruises and bite marks, cock painfully hard in his pants. Yoongi licked his lips.
 
“Jinnie-hyung is inside resting. If you ask nicely, he might—“
 
But Jungkook was already pulling away, scrambling around the side of the cabin and up the front steps. Yoongi turned back to Taehyung then and held out his hand. “C’mon, lovely. Let hyung take care of you.”
 
He led him into the workshop, crowding him into a corner where he kept a stack of furs, for times when he needed to rest between projects but didn’t want to travel back into the house.
 
“Hyung,” Taehyung whined with a huff as Yoongi pushed him down into the soft furs. “We’re in the shed.”
 
“Hmm. Beggars can’t be choosers, can they? Now lay back, Taehyung-ah, and tell me why you’re still so hard when you just spent a whole heat with our sweet Jiminie.”
 
Taehyung whimpered when Yoongi’s mouth made contact with his skin, lapping over the taut muscles of his stomach. He tasted deliciously of slick, and sweat, and Jimin. Yoongi sank his teeth in a little and tugged, leaving his own marks in his wake, as Taehyung gasped above him.
 
“W–we took care… of Jimin, but he asked that we not take care of ourselves. He… he didn’t wish to risk a pregnancy, and so we abstained, b–but it was… the

sweetest

torture,” Taehyung stuttered, words stilted by tiny moans and gasps as Yoongi continued to trace the lines of his belly with his tongue.
 
He reached high enough to lap at a nipple before dropping lower, over his belly button and down, to the fine line of hair that disappeared into his pants. He made quick work of the tie, guiding Taehyung’s hips up just enough to shimmy them down and out of the way. Then he buried his face there, at the juncture between his pelvis and hip, smelling nothing but Taehyung’s own musky beta scent, baring truth to his words. But Yoongi could imagine how good it would taste, if Taehyung’s cock was coated in Jimin’s slick. This was surely the second travesty of the day. That he wouldn’t get to taste it.
 
“Keep talking, lovely,” Yoongi encouraged, running his lips up the side of his swollen length to lap hungrily at the head. “Tell hyung how good you were for our little wolf while he sucks you off.”
 
And Taehyung did, in explicit detail, until he was reduced to nothing but moans as Yoongi sucked his soul out through his cock. Yoongi loosened the tie to his own breeches some time in the process, to fist his own cock, rock hard and throbbing, imagining the things Taehyung described. They came together, Taehyung down Yoongi’s throat, Yoongi against the dirt of the workshop floor. He climbed up onto the furs after, resting his head against Taehyung’s chest as they came down from their high together.
 
“Thank you, hyung,” Taehyung murmured moments later, nestling his face against the crown of Yoongi’s head. Yoongi smiled, feeling himself relax at the sound of sleepy, sated relief in his mate’s voice.
 
“No need to thank me, Tae-ah. It sounds like you earned it.”
 
***
 
Jungkook stumbled up the porch steps, intent on two things:

Find his hyung.

Wet his knot.

He whimpered at the thought, in desperate anticipation, as he pushed the door open. A sharp bolt of lust sliced through him, sending his knees buckling as he entered the house. He caught himself on his hands and knees, crawling miserably down the hallway. He should get up, but after spending a week eating and sleeping minimal amounts and having just used all his residual strength to throw Taehyung up against the side of the shed, he felt physically weak as well.
 
Plus, all the blood in his body was currently pooling between his legs, making his cock feel like it weighed a thousand pounds as he moved. His limbs were sluggish and his head dizzy. He felt suddenly sorry for himself. Almost longing for the haze of rut, when a stiff breeze was more than enough to get him off. He wouldn’t be afflicted with such a clear mind to observe his current state of demise if that was the case.
 
Not that he regretted spending the week with Jimin, because

goddess

, he’d give his right arm to do it all over again. His hyung had been so perfect and sweet, and more than a little sinful with his needy demands, and Jungkook was in love with him all the more for it, even as his cock throbbed painfully and he groaned in defeat, collapsing further down onto the floor. Maybe he should give up the idea of having one of his mates, warm and snug around his knot. Maybe he should just hump the floor and be done with it. It’d be infinitely more painful, but surely after that he would feel better, right?
 
The sound of a door opening down the hall stirred him from his morose thoughts. Was Seokjin-hyung coming to rescue him? He tilted his head up, but was unable to see. The scent hit him a moment later, spicy ginger made even spicier by the hints of rut still clinging to it. His eyes grew wide with recognition, but he had no time to react before Namjoon was hauling him up, lifting his limp body from the floor with strong hands, pressing him back against the wall.
 
“Jungkook-ah?”
 
The alpha seemed to tower over him, looking larger than life and infinitely more imposing in his current state. Flushed and sweaty, and smelling acutely dissatisfied about spending his rut alone. He took Jungkook in with narrowed eyes, nostrils flaring as he scented the air around him and all thoughts of his knot flew out the window. Jungkook knew how he smelled, like horny alpha coated in Jimin’s slick.
 
The pack alpha let out a low growl as soon as he registered it and Jungkook knew. Having Namjoon’s explicit consent to spend Jimin’s heat with him didn’t matter in this moment as his life flashed before his eyes. He was going to die.
 
Namjoon bared his teeth, eyes flashing red. Jungkook felt the grip around his arms tighten. It was the last thing he registered before he slammed his eyes shut, tilting his head to the side in submission.
 
It was the second time in as many weeks that he’d submitted himself to Namjoon. This time he did so willingly, before Namjoon’s pheromones grew aggressive and demanded it. It was an attempt to save himself, yes, but also he didn’t really want to challenge Namjoon. He empathized with his pack alpha, despite his frustration with him and especially after his week spent with Jimin, knowing how hard it must have been to suggest another alpha go and stay with his fated mate. Even if Jungkook was his mate as well.
 
And Jungkook had partially brought this on himself, hadn’t he? Taehyung had informed him of Namjoon’s rut. He should have been more careful, thought more of how to be circumspect in his approach instead of loudly whining on the floor, like a needy baby, in an effort to find Seokjin. Wasn’t he more mature than that?
 
Namjoon leaned in and Jungkook stilled, wondering if this was the moment he got his throat ripped out. He prayed Namjoon’s vengeance would be mercifully quick, but then Namjoon did something completely unexpected. Instead of teeth. Jungkook felt the distinct sensation of tongue, licking a wide fat strip up his throat, from collarbone to scent gland to jawline. He knew Jimin had marked him there in the final throes of his heat this morning and knew Taehyung, too far gone with suppressing his own needs, had neglected to clean it up. The rumbled growl Namjoon let out at the taste of it had an entirely different meaning now. Jungkook let out a shocked gasp at the sensation, pulling in deep breaths of his pack alpha’s aroused scent as his own flagging cock sprang back to life at lightning speed.
 
“Were you good to him, Jungkookie?” Namjoon rumbled low in his ear before swiping his tongue up his neck again. “Did you leave Jimin-ah happy?”
 
Jungkook felt hot all over in a way he never had before. He’d been with Yoongi, his other alpha mate, more times than he could count. With and without Seokjin, they shared a special bond, and engaged in lovemaking in a heavy, visceral, carnal way that only two alphas together could. But never once had he thought of Namjoon in that way. Namjoon had been his hyung, then his rival, then his grudgingly accepted pack alpha, but he’d never considered Namjoon as his lover. Now though, he felt an urgent need to submit further. To let his pack alpha claim him, all thoughts of wetting his own knot flying out the window. Yoongi’s knot was big and sometimes Jungkook had trouble taking it. Namjoon’s had to be at least twice that size and he was suddenly salivating at the thought. 
 
A needy moan escaped when Namjoon licked his neck a third time, bringing him pause. He leaned away, eyes back to their natural black and filled with an uncharacteristic level of concern when Jungkook turned to look at him. His eyes flew wide when Namjoon’s hand trailed down between his legs to cup his hard length, Namjoon’s eyes widening in turn as he took in Jungkook’s fully erect state.
 
“Didn’t you

knot

him, Jungkook-ah?” It took Jungkook a moment to register that the tone of the question was curious and not accusing.
 
“No. No,  he didn’t want us to.”
 
He noted the surprise that passed over Namjoon’s face, like he hadn’t been expecting such an answer, a moment before the grip around his cock tightened and he moaned, baring his throat again. If Namjoon kept this up he just might come in his pants.

“Alpha, please,”

he whined. And that finally seemed to knock Namjoon out of whatever daze he’d been in. Namjoon pulled himself abruptly away and Jungkook wanted to cry again at the loss. It took all his strength to hold himself up and not faceplant onto the floor.
 
“Ah, I’m sorry, Jungkook-ah,” Namjoon buried his face in his hands, looking miserable. “Thank you for taking care of Jimin. I’m sorry I–” he made vague gestures in the space between them, to Jungkook’s neck and his still aching cock. “I didn’t mean to, and for what happened last week, in the kitchen. I’m so sorry,

fuck

, I–” He trailed off then, shaking his head and storming back down the hall to his room. He slammed the door shut, a bewildered Jungkook staring after him.
 
***
 
“Hyung. Hyungie,

please.

”
 
Seokjin turned his face away from where Jungkook was trying to kiss him. They’d been wrestling playfully in the nest for some minutes now. Well, Seokjin was feeling playful–and restless and giddy beyond reason–even if Jungkook wasn’t. “Tell me again how Namjoon accosted you in the hallway and you almost came in your pants.”

“Hyung!

It’s not funny.

”

The needy brat blushed and whined, looking petulantly down at Seokjin. He had him pinned to the mattress, the weight of him solid but somehow still comforting above him. Seokjin knew he wasn’t bearing his full weight, could see the way Jungkook’s biceps strained where he pressed his elbows into the mattress beside his head. His Jungkookie, always so gentle, even when he was pretending not to be.
 
He felt his belly swoop and flutter, an odd sensation he’d been experiencing all week as he awaited news from Jimin’s hut. He’d noticed it coming and going unexpectedly, whether he was thinking explicitly of the trio or not, but he assumed they had to be related. A by-product of his subconscious anticipation. He felt it even more strongly now and was momentarily distracted, until Jungkook whined and wiggled, giving those big doe eyes, erection digging painfully into Seokjin’s hip.
 
“Yah, I’m not Yoongi! Those eyes won’t work on me.” He bit his lip to hide his smile, forcing his voice to remain indifferent, even as Jungkook’s pout deepened. He huffed, dipping down to nip at the mating bite on Seokjin’s neck.
 
Seokjin squawked indignantly, turned his head back to return the favor but Jungkook was ready, diving in for the kiss he’d been seeking, lips landing warm and insistent against Seokjin’s. He gasped in surprise, inadvertently allowing Jungkook access to the inside of his mouth. He moaned as soon as their tongues met, the taste of Jimin distinct–rich and tangy and sweet–where it clung to his taste buds. His breath stuttered, body going pliant, allowing Jungkook easy access to settle more firmly between his thighs. He found his fingers had wandered into Jungkook’s hair of their own accord, pulling him closer to deepen the kiss as Jungkook rocked his hips gently against him.

“Fuck,

how does he taste so good?” he asked when Jungkook finally pulled back only to dive in again, kissing along his jawline with quick pecks, trailing back to his neck where he licked over his mating bite possessively. He felt his own cock begin to grow firm where it pressed against Jungkook’s belly.
 
“You taste just as good, hyung,” Jungkook rasps, coming back up for another kiss, but Seokjin dodged it, turning his head back to the side.
 
“Don’t patronize me.”
 
“Hyung, I’m not,” Jungkook whined against his neck, hips rocking more insistently now. “You smell

good,

better than normal. Are you going into heat soon?”
 
Seokjin choked at the thought, bringing his knees up to dig painfully into Jungkook’s ribs, sending him gasping and writhing. He took advantage and rolled them, maneuvering himself to sit astride Jungkook’s hips, hands pinning his shoulders down. “Hyung, I meant it as a compliment,” Jungkook whined, vainly attempting to defend himself. “You smell so nice and you’re looking so soft and plump these days.”
 
Seokjin’s jaw dropped in indignation. “Are you calling me

fat?!?”

Jungkook’s eyes went round with surprise, even as he clutched at Seokjin’s thighs. “No! No, I meant you look healthy, hyung. You’re practically glowing.”
 
“Well, I’m

not

flattered,” Seokjin scoffed, shuddering. “If you ever speak such nonsense into existence again, I won’t let you knot me. Ever.” Jungkook, the horny shit, was undeterred, finding a way to lift his arms high enough to fist the flesh of Seokjin’s ass in his hands, massaging the supple cheeks, even as he whined in distress.
 
“But, hyung. You’re so pretty.” Seokjin was mortified to find his traitorous hole slicking up, not at all offended by Jungkook. Desire pooled hot and heavy, dropping like an anvil in his gut, as Jungkook began thrusting up against him again from this new angle, cock brushing his rim even through their clothes. He blamed it on the taste of Jimin, still ripe on his tongue. He wanted more of it, leaning down to lick wantonly along Jungkook’s throat, returning the favor of grazing his teeth over his mating bite, feeling more than a little unhinged with how much he liked the taste of Jimin on Jungkook’s skin. “Hyung, you

have

to let me knot you. Yoongi-hyung’s probably gotten Taehyung off at least

twice

by now.”
 
“Oh?” Seokjin attempted to sound disinterested, but his voice was shaky and breathless even to his own ears. “Is that what Yoongi-yah’s doing out in the shed?”
 
“Hyung.

Hyung,

please,” Jungkook groaned, resorting to begging again, but Seokjin was only half listening, conscious thought quickly giving way to delusion, indulging in fantasies of snuggling with Jimin, trading lazy, slick sweet kisses within the shelter of his nest. He was quickly growing more than a little obsessed with the idea, chest turning achy with want.
 
Jungkook was tugging resolutely at the tie to Seokjin’s pants with one hand now, guiding his shirt higher with the other, but Seokjin was still nuzzling at his neck, greedily taking as much of Jimin’s scent as he could find before switching to the other side, hips grinding down to meet Jungkook’s thrusts. All movement stuttered to a halt though when he licked a patch up the other side of Jungkook’s neck, seeking more of Jimin’s scent but instead finding Namjoon’s–spicy and heady with the last dregs of rut. And,

oh

, there was just something about scenting his pack alpha there with Jimin and Jungkook. Seokjin’s body went slack with the unexpected pleasure of it, allowing Jungkook to flip them and divest him of his shirt before he could regain his senses. Jungkook worked on his pants next, guiding them down his hips, the scent of his own slick quickly filling the room.
 
“Are you still with me, hyung? Where did you just go?” Jungkook asked, bending to lave at a sensitive nipple, causing Seokjin to let out a loud moan.
 
“You–you taste like Namjoon too.” And all of them together, felt like he’d just swallowed the headiest aphrodisiac. He struggled to find words to describe the feeling, to label the intense ache that suddenly yearned to be filled inside him. To have his pack alpha and omega here, watching Jungkook take him apart. He felt the sensation of more slick gushing from his hole.
 
Jungkook paused to look up at him. Their gazes were hot and intense, charged by the unspoken bond between them, like he understood implicitly, and then he was diving in again, capturing Seokjin’s mouth, tender but thorough, kissing him breathless all over again. All the while he worked his own pants down his hips. His cock sprang free, slapping against Seokjin’s belly and making Jungkook pull back with a groan. His gaze was teary when he found Seokjin’s this time. “Please, hyung, please.”
 
“Okay, baby, okay. Hyung wants you too.“
 
Jungkook wasted no time, scrambling up to his knees and lining himself up with Seokjin’s slick rim. Gliding against it once, twice, before the bulbous head caught and he slid home.
 
He bit down gently along Seokjin’s jaw before finding his mouth, giving him gentle open mouthed kisses with lots of tongue, letting him distract himself with any residual hints of Jimin as he breathed through the stretch. His body rapidly worked to accommodate Jungkook’s length, but it was still a lot to take at once. Jungkook knew it, was mindful of it, as he stilled above him, giving him time to adjust, despite the way his own body shook with the need to move. Yoongi always said Jungkook was impatient, and in many things he was, but he was never that way with Seokjin. Always gentle and delicate, even when he didn’t

want

him to be.
 
He clenched down, bucking his hips as much as he could, felt the way Jungkook gasped and pressed closer in an effort to keep him still. He could already feel where his cock was more swollen around the base, the beginnings of the knot stretching his rim wider, sending shivers of delicious pleasure skating down his spine. And he had a sudden urge, one he’d never indulged before, but suddenly he needed–
 
“Stop.

Off.

Get off!” Seokjin pressed urgently at Jungkook’s shoulders, barely needing to put any force behind it before Jungkook was moving away.
 
“Did I hurt you?” he asked with wide worriedeyes, a confused frown marring his handsome face. His chest was flushed red and heaving with the effort to control his instincts as he pulled out, cock angry and glistening with Seokjin’s slick. He gasped at the sight of it, too far gone with the need to get it back inside of him to heed Jungkook’s growing concern. He scrambled up on shaky limbs, flipping onto hands and knees, then pressed his chest into the mattress, arching his back until his ass was tilted invitingly in the air. For the first time ever, he presented himself in offering, like a true omega.
 
The silence behind him was deafening and he almost changed his mind, but his omega craved it, the taste of Jimin still heady on his tongue, and then Jungkook’s hands were there, warm and trembling where they caressed his hips. “Hyung, fuck.

Fuck.

Really? You want it like this?”
 
Seokjin nodded, nuzzling his face deeper into the nest, feeling like he might shake apart if Jungkook didn’t fuck him soon.
 
“Fuck me,

please.

I need your knot,” he gasped, embarrassed by his own begging, something else he never did. Jungkook didn’t make him wait, he was there instantly, draped over his back, making him feel small and safe. He pressed his length in again, not stopping until he was buried to the hilt, deep enough to steal his breath. The swollen base rounding as it took shape, pressing more insistently against his rim.
 
“More, more,” Seokjin gasped, needing him to thrust like he needed his next breath, and for once Jungkook didn’t hesitate, letting his hips slide back before thrusting in again, deep and slow at first before picking up the pace.
 
And there was something about the angle, even as he tried to be gentle, it still felt obscene and impossibly deep, every ridge of Jungkook’s cock distinct and discernible like this, sending ripples of pleasure through his core with every stroke. It was perfect and Seokjin kicked himself for never letting himself have it like this before. The only thing that could make it better now would be Jimin here beside him, petting his hair and telling him how good of an omega he was. He whimpered, feeling the first spurt of cum drip to the blanket below him as he came undone. Jungkook fucked him through it, muttering curses in his ear.
 
He gasped when Jungkook’s knot slotted into place, spilling against the mattress again in one long, guttural moan. He felt fuller than usual, gasping at the lack of space as his belly grew taut, tummy taking on a distinctly rounded shape. Jungkook rolled them to the side, spooning him into a little ball until his knees brushed his belly. It was more than a bit uncomfortable and made it hard to breathe, but also soothing, making him feel small and safe again.
 
He felt Jungkook’s hand brushing over his swollen abdomen a moment later, the alpha humming in contentment as he scented the back of his neck. Seokjin slapped his hand away.
 
“Yah! That’s not you. I’m getting fat, remember?”
 
“You’re not fat, you’re perfect. And I just gave you a week's worth of cum. It’s definitely me.”
 
Seokjin rolled his eyes, even as he felt impossibly fond, letting Jungkook return to petting his belly. That strange butterfly flipping sensation made itself known again, magnified by his current fullness. Which was strange, shouldn’t it be gone now that his mates were back and he knew exactly how Jimin’s heat had been. What was he anticipating now?
 
Regardless, he was oddly soothed by its presence, feeling drowsy and sated. His eyes were just beginning to drift shut, when the sudden butterfly sensation intensified, and then, out of nowhere, he felt the distinct sensation of being kicked. He jolted, eyes flying wide as he stared down at his abdomen in horror. Had that come from the

inside?

“Hyung?” Jungkook stirred sleepily behind him, hand petting lazily over his bulging belly again.
 
“Nothing, It’s nothing, Jungkook-ah. Go back to sleep,” he rushed to assure, pressing his hand over the alpha’s, curling more protectively into himself.
 
He took deep breaths to slow his rapidly beating heart, attempting to close his eyes, and settle again.

It was nothing. Everything was fine. Surely, Seokjin was just hallucinating.

But minutes later he was wide awake when he felt whatever was inside him kick again. 
 
And he knew. It most certainly was

not

nothing.
 
***
 
Dusk had barely begun to darken the sky when Namjoon arrived at the meadow. He was in his wolf form for the first time since finishing his rut, desperate to soothe the itch under his skin that came with not shifting for days and also desperate to avoid the overflowing well of emotion he didn’t know how to handle after his run in with Jungkook.
 
What had he been thinking?
 
In all honesty, he hadn’t.
 
He’d still been in the midst of his final bout of rut, instincts on high alert, prowling his room, feeling unsettled and on guard when he’d heard the noise in the hall. He shouldn’t have left his room. If he’d been in his right mind he wouldn’t have. But then all he’d smelled was Jimin, and he couldn’t resist the urge to lean in and taste. That scent belonged to him after all (or, well, JImin, but Jimin still didn’t belong to him even though he wanted him to) and Jungkook was his as well (or was he, they were mates, but only ever platonically, he’d never let himself consider anything else) He’d been so careful all this time, to keep himself away and not get too close to any of them, and yet… and yet–
 
He shook his head, wolf brain scrambled over all the nuanced complex human emotions he was trying to make it sift through. His wolf told him it was simple. Uncomplicated.

Omega is ours. Alpha is ours. Alpha also belongs to omega.

It only seemed to blow his mind more, that his wolf seemed to so

easily

accept that last part. Like Jimin scent marking Jungkook with his slick was all it took to make his wolf see reason. A week ago he’d had to fight his wolf down just to suggest that another member of his pack spend Jimin’s heat with him. It didn’t make

any

sense.
 
And here he was now, in the meadow before full dark, waiting for what exactly he didn’t know. Did some part of him

really

think Jimin would come to him here? They still hadn’t talked, their last interaction in the square being when he’d unexpectedly thrown Jimin into heat, which in turn, threw him into rut. Was his life never meant to be anything more than one disaster after the next?
 
His body was still achy with post-rut. Cock raw and chafing from all the ways he’d abused it. And still, his mind would not stop. He felt the crushing weight of expectation on his shoulders like a palpable thing. It had been there all his life, something he’d been constantly running from over the years even as he played the part, the responsibilities only seeming to pile on more as time dragged on. He was expected to be the leader-in-training his father and the greater pack raised him to be. Expected to be one with the beast that raged inside him and live harmoniously. Expected to be the head of the family he’d unintentionally created for himself by taking five mates, none of whom were the wolf he was

actually

fated to. And what was he expected to be for Jimin? What was he

allowed

to be?
 
The sky darkened as he pondered this, circling the clearing at a slow trot. He huffed at a patch of new flowers, gathering their scent. His nose twitched when he caught hints of fresh pear and honey on the evening breeze. The fine hair along his back stood on end, body growing tense with sudden anticipation. And then a silver blur was streaking across the field, so fast he almost missed it.
 
It doubled back once it reached the edge, running a full circle around him before he registered that Jimin was here, in his wolf form, and his wolf was doing nothing about it. He was too stupefied to move, which was a blessing really. Hadn’t Namjoon been so fearful of this exact scenario just weeks ago? And now… just after his rut, with Jimin still smelling faintly of heat.
 
Jimin pranced before him now, tail wagging in excitement. He crouched into a playful bow. Then he darted away, tail lagging slightly when Namjoon continued to stand stock still, a statue of a wolf. He whined, bowed again, darting in this time, nipping at his front paw with sharp teeth. His wolf stirred.

Omega wants to play.

Play.

Really?

But Jimin was bowing again, tail high in the air, darting in to nip at his other paw then darting around behind him, nipping at his tail, and he could no longer restrain his wolf who took off with a slight growl, finally giving chase.
 
Jimin took him in spinning zigzagging patterns across the meadow. Dancing in and out. Always close but never caught. His smaller frame allowed him to move fast and change direction quickly in a way Namjoon’s larger frame didn’t. He almost felt like a lumbering, clumsy oaf in comparison, despite knowing his own wolf’s far superior power and strength. But as it was, when Jimin had been in his human form on nights like this, his wolf allowed him to take the lead.
 
He’d marvel later, in the fact that his wolf did not seek to take advantage as he chased him, like it somehow knew the difference between a play run and a mating run. And at the omega’s own confidence in his ability to tell the difference in this. But he’d only think of it later, because while they ran, for the first time in days, Namjoon’s mind was blissfully quiet.
 
After a time, they switched positions with Jimin becoming the one who gave chase. Namjoon’s strength and size was somehow even more of a disadvantage at this and before he knew it, Jimin was nipping at his heels, surprising him enough to trip him up and he went down, falling to his side across a tuft of flowers.
 
He could have easily gotten back up, except Jimin was suddenly at his neck, letting out a warning growl that told him to stay still. He felt unsettled, wolf uncomfortable with having someone so close to his vulnerable throat. His eyes stayed trained on the tiny silver wolf with his sharply bared teeth. He moved in even closer then, growling all the more fearsome at close range. And Namjoon willed himself to relax, reminded himself that this was Jimin and he’d accept whatever fate he gave him. He bared his throat more and held his breath as Jimin leaned in, and at the last second he closed his eyes.
 
He felt a sting. Tiny teeth nipped at his scent gland. Not enough to break the skin but enough to make his entire body jolt, like an electric current zapping through him. Time stood still, warmth settling over his body like a blanket. He didn’t know how long he lay there, breathing through the aftershocks, but when he opened his eyes again, Jimin was in his human form, laid out on the grass beside him. He was looking up at the stars, face serene, unconcerned that he was completely bare, lying there beside Namjoon, skin glowing in the moonlight.
 
He turned his head lazily to the side, finding Namjoon’s gaze.
 
“Shift. We have things to discuss.”

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

“I feel so much better after shifting. You were right, I think we need it more than others.”
 
Namjoon exhaled a breath. He was in his human form now, laid out on the grass beside Jimin. Unfamiliar with being this close to him as a person after spending so many nights with him as a wolf. He felt awkward and stiff. Afraid to talk and afraid to move, even as he mirrored Jimin’s own pose with his gaze turned up to the sky.
 
“In all honesty, I haven’t gone more than a few days without shifting since I presented. At least, not until you came back. That night of the full moon was the longest I’ve ever gone.”
 
He felt a stab of guilt then, so familiar, yet sharper somehow. Something about the moon and his recently ended rut making him feel emotionally raw and achy in the same way as his body.
 
“I missed a few nights of coming to meet you. I’m sorry for that.”
 
Namjoon blinked in surprise, frowning. “Don’t apologize. You were in heat, as I was in rut, I didn’t expect–”
 
“No.” Jimin shook his head in his peripheral vision, rolling onto his side to face him. “Before that. I missed coming to see you two nights

before

my heat, or—Were you not waiting for me? I felt bad, thinking you were here, waiting when I never came. Was I wrong?”
 
Namjoon turned to look at him, heart stuttering to a halt in his chest when he found Jimin’s eyes glowing silver in the moonlight. He truly was the most beautiful thing. An intense bolt of longing shot through him then, and had him curling onto his side to face the omega, like he was being pulled by an invisible string. His body felt like a hollow pit, Jimin the only thing that could possibly fill it.
 
“Were our nightly meetings more meaningful to me than they were to you?” Jimin’s brow was arched, but his gaze was knowing. A teasing smirk danced at the edges of his mouth. He looked more confident and at ease in his skin than Namjoon had ever seen and it was clear something had shifted. Like Jimin was blossoming right before his eyes. The prettiest flower. Soft and strong. Resilient. Untouchable.
 
“No. I waited for you all night. Both nights.” Namjoon argued, because their meetings were even more meaningful to him, he was sure of it. “But I—I assumed when you didn’t come, that it was intentional. That it’d meant you’d changed your mind. Still… I wanted to talk to you. That’s why I came to find you in town that day.”

How I ended up triggering your heat.

He wasn’t brave enough to say it, but he studied his face, trying to decipher his reactions. Surely Jimin knew it had been Namjoon’s fault. He could still feel the softness of Jimin’s wrist as he tried to remove the other alpha’s bracelet, the scent of panic and frustration melting into pure sweetness as Namjoon accidentally scented him to the point of heat-inducing scent drunkenness. Or maybe it wasn’t accidental, maybe subconsciously his alpha had known. He wouldn’t put it past him, although the joke was on him, seeing as it triggered his own rut. Still, Jimin seemed unbothered, humming noncommittally as he looked back up at the sky. He found himself unable to look away, holding his breath, waiting for Jimin to speak. 
 
“It

was

intentional, but it didn’t mean I changed my mind. I missed the first night, because I was upset and needed time to think,” he admitted, oblivious to Namjoon’s anxiety, lost in his own thoughts. “The second because I really needed

more

time to think… and to read.”
 
He gave Namjoon another knowing look, this one serious. He felt a sense of foreboding then, trickling like melted of ice down his spine.
 
“What made you upset?” He whispered the question, afraid to ask, but also

needing

to know. 
 
“I got to the point in your journals. The fifteenth year. Where you started building the cabin.”
 
And Namjoon remembered writing it like it was yesterday. It had felt like the turning point, when his childish desires had become something more than fantasy. Something real. As real as the wood he’d painstakingly cut, and carved, and sanded with his own hands. He’d set the intention then, to

mate

Park Jimin. The same Park Jimin that was looking at him now with impossibly sad eyes, so much the same and yet so different.
 
“You listed out all your hopes and dreams and plans for us. It was eye opening to read, because… I was very much in love with you then. I had the same dreams for us. Before you left for the city.” 
 
Namjoon’s heart slammed painfully against the wall of his chest. He felt a sudden thrill at hearing Jimin say he felt the same, mixing dangerously with the absolute terror at it being said in the past tense. “When you came back already mated, I thought, well… I thought everything I’d felt before had been one sided. I convinced myself it was all in my head. That I’d wanted you for all those years, but you’d never wanted me.”
 
“

Never.”

The word fell like a whispered plea from his lips. He felt like he’d always been so obvious. How many times had his father chastised him for it? “It’s always been you. I’ve always wanted

you.”

Jimin flashed a sad smile. “It hurts. Knowing that. So much time and energy wasted. All the years I tortured myself. And now, to think this could all have gone so differently.” His words felt like a door slamming. An ending. Panic and guilt rose up Namjoon’s throat, threatening to choke him. He reached out for Jimin, fingers stretching across the grass, even as he held himself back from touching, unsure if he was allowed. Knowing he probably wasn’t.
 
“I’m sorry, Jimin. I never meant to hurt you. I kept myself away because I thought it was for the best. I just wanted to do the right thing. For you, and my father, and the greater pack. There was always so much pressure to do what was expected, what was

proper.

My father warned me so many times. And then, my wolf—”
 
“Oh, Namjoon,” Jimin interrupted, exasperated but not unkind. “You’re so full of excuses. So concerned about doing everything right, in the way it’s required, that you lose sight of the things that

really

matter. It’s what I kept thinking when I was reading your journals. What I think when I look at you now.”
 
Namjoon’s chest only grew tighter. It felt like he was grasping at straws, even as he knew he was telling the truth. These excuses were all that he had. “You must know. The reason behind every decision I made was to protect you.”
 
Jimin scoffed. “And did it occur to you that maybe I didn’t want or need protecting? I know the customs of our pack are strict and the expectations put upon you great, but—damn it, Namjoon—you could’ve said something. Anything! At any time. Just an explanation. A few words to go with the countless parade of flowers. To let me know I wasn’t alone. It would have helped. I think I would have understood. Did you not trust me?”
 
“Of course I trusted you. It was never that. Even

I

didn’t understand, and you were so young—“
 
“Two years is not a lifetime.”
 
“Even so. I was the oldest. The responsibility fell to me and I thought the connection between us was special, but I didn’t fully understand

what it meant

until I’d already presented. Until I researched it in the city, and returned here. Even then, I wasn’t

certain

until you presented yourself. When you sent Taehyung that lock of hair,

I knew

. That’s when I knew. But regardless of knowing, it’s always been you. Only you. I have always loved you with all my heart.”
 
“I know,” Jimin interrupted. “That’s not the point I’m trying to make here. I know how you feel about me now, but what about your other mates? What about Seokjin-hyung?”
 
“My other mates. Seokjin.” Namjoon parroted the words back to him, feeling lost and overwhelmed. “The reason I mated Seokjin–”
 
He wanted Jimin to understand that too, that it was never his intention to replace him with his other mates. Jimin was irreplaceable. He was everything. He’d just wanted to save Seokjin and keep him safe the only way he knew how. He felt a warm touch to his outstretched hand, looked down to find Jimin threading their fingers together, eyes suddenly soft.
 
“I know

why

you mated him. That’s not what I’m asking. I said I was upset the first day, but I think I needed to be. I needed time to process things. I spent the day after that, the one before my heat, with your mates. Seokjin shared his story with me and then I went home and read about it through your eyes. And I would have done the same thing. Despite my feelings for you, if it had been Taehyung, or Jungkook.” He studied Namjoon’s face, thumb tracing the back of his hand. “You did the right thing, hyung. You followed your heart.”
 
Namjoon felt his breath hitch, the tiniest sob escaping. It’d been so long since Jimin had called him hyung. It felt bittersweet, hearing it now, only more so when Jimin added, “You did the right thing then, hyung, but you’re not doing it now. You’re neglecting your mates, the same way you neglected me.”
 
Namjoon frowned, the change in topic bringing him up short.
 
“Taehyung and Jungkook say you’ve rarely spent time with them since. Seokjin acts as if you don’t want him around. Yoongi says you're not as close as an alpha and his second should be. And Hoseok is very clearly in need of reassurance of his value. They all allude to the fact that you keep yourself apart, even as you’ve bound them all to you. You sent

two

of your mates to assist me through my heat. And yet, you insisted on spending your rut alone.”
 
“I didn’t want you to be in pain,” Namjoon murmured dumbly. “And I always spend my ruts alone, because I’m waiting. I’ve always been waiting for you.”
 
It felt eerily similar to the conversation they had that first day back behind the meeting hall, when his wolf was wild and untamed. When he’d announced his intentions to the greater pack at large without speaking to Jimin first, like the most arrogant knothead. It felt completely different now. His wolf was quiet, docile as a lamb, and Namjoon was his most unguarded self, offering the only things he felt he had to give: his blackened heart and his pure as snow body. Which is why it hurt so much when Jimin shook his head, voice impossibly gentle as he said, “I don’t want that from you. That’s what I came here to talk to you about. Taking the time to think and spending so much time with your mates has only solidified it. Fated or not. You and I, alone, were never meant to be.”
 
Namjoon shook his head, feeling impossibly small, the rejection making him curl in on himself. His hand slipped from Jimin’s. “I don’t understand.”
 
Jimin sighed in frustration, propping himself up to loom over him. “I spent my heat with Jungkook and Taehyung, not because you sent them to me, but because I wanted them. They pleasured me in unimaginable ways, and I don’t regret it. In fact, I want more of it. Then Hoseok came to me and he cared for me so well. I repaid him by kissing him breathless. The same way I’d like to kiss Yoongi and Seokjin. Do you understand what I’m saying?”
 
Namjoon nodded, even though he didn’t.
 
“Do you think less of me for it? Does that make you not want me?”
 
“Of course not.” Because there was never a world where Kim Namjoon didn’t want Park Jimin. “You can have them. I only want you.”
 
He waited for his inner alpha to balk at the statement, sure it would take the idea of sharing Jimin with his mates poorly. He’d always been so selfishly opposed to it in the past, but his wolf remained silent. And then a flood of images poured in.
 
Jungkook, needy and begging in the hallway that morning, his strong frame and bright eyes. A younger, but no less beautiful Seokjin, pink cheeked and freshly presented, embarrassed by the sweetness of his own scent, his sharp wit and perceptiveness. Yoongi’s firm touch, a solid grip on his shoulder, his shrewd gaze when he was upset, his gummy smile when he was happy. Hoseok’s heart shaped mouth, trading giggly kisses with his mates in the kitchen. Taehyung’s deep voice and artfully mussed curls when he was fresh from sleep, his gaze when he was focused on his drawings.
 
Snippets of memories, moments of weakness, all threatening to make a liar of him, He scrambled to collect them all, pushing them down. He couldn’t think of them. Not now.
 
He focused back on Jimin, who was giving him a dubious look, almost like he could read Namjoon’s filthy mind. “What about what I want? If I want you to have them too. If now, I dream of a mated pack life the way it’s been described to me. Where we all love each other. Wholly and fully. Together. Not fractured in pieces.”
 
Silence reigned between them, Namjoon feeling stupefied.
 
Jimin only seemed to grow more frustrated by his lack of response. “I’ve been alone a long time, Namjoon. Now I find myself wanting to be greedy and your mates are very easy to love. I fall for them more by the day. It’s hard to believe that you don’t feel the same.”
 
“I care about them. Of course I care, but–” He was at a loss. This was something he’d never allowed himself and he couldn’t wrap his mind around what Jimin was wanting now. He wanted him to love his mates the same way he loved Jimin? He said he was in love with his mates, but did he still love Namjoon?
 
Jimin shook his head, standing now with a determined look in his eye. “You need time to think. I want you to take it. If you still wish to court me, I expect you to court your mates as well. If there is a path for you and I moving forward, it needs to be through them. I’m still considering my options. I do not wish to tie myself to an alpha who is not devoted to

all

of his mates.”
 
And with that, he shifted, tearing off into the night and leaving Namjoon with more questions than answers.
 
***
 
The next morning Jimin stumbled through a blushing breakfast with his dam, where she asked after his heat and he tried not to be embarrassed. But he couldn’t hide his glow or the way his scent sweetened beyond reason while he answered the most benign medical questions. The situation only grew worse, when his dam related her observations from the hospital, dropping tiny morsels of information about the Kim pack that had his scent spiking even more.

“Alpha Min seems very astute and capable. He reminds me of your appa. He helped me personally with all the heavy lifting around the clinic last week. He insisted on it really. It felt as though he were trying to impress me.’’

“Seokjin-ssi is very pretty, is he not? And funny. He declined to let me continue his therapeutic scentings while you were away, but then it seemed he had an abundance of freshly scented items from you. I wonder how that came to be? Your scents blend very nicely together.”

“Beta Jung has such a sunny disposition and so much energy as well. He’s just as capable as his alpha mate, although quite a bit bolder. He barely batted an eye when he asked me how to best care for my own son after his heat. Can you believe it?”

“Yah! Eomma!... H–he did?” he’d stuttered as he’d asked the question, blushing furiously, unable to hide his pleasure at the thought.

“Indeed. Now you best wash up

again

before you go to work, dear. Your scent is very telling.”

He cleaned up and set off for town at a brisk pace, decidedly hopeful and feeling as if he was floating on a cloud. How different a heat was, spending it with those you loved. And how exponentially it could make a heart feel. Like striking a match and setting it aflame. Desire burning out of control. He took a few moments to indulge his more sensual memories, of Jungkook and Taehyung, and after, of Hoseok.
 
Even thinking of his time in the woods with Namjoon sent a delicious zing of pleasure racing down his spine. Recalling the strong planes of his body in the moonlight, the spicy hints of rut still clinging to his scent. How it had felt to look him in the eye and tell him exactly what he wanted from him. To be able to read the deep well of emotion in his gaze in a way he never had before. He’d felt the connection strengthen between them as they’d played in their wolf forms and when Namjoon had submitted so easily to his playful nip. The strings of fate took full hold of him then, making him wonder how he had ever doubted that they were meant to be.
 
His

mate…

and his five

other

mates, because he was sure of that too. Mistakes and miscommunications and unintentional hurts aside, fate was a mischievous thing, and all these broken roads had woven them together. To become seven. But Namjoon still needed a final push, so Jimin had given it to him.
 
He tried not to worry about Namjoon now, knowing he’d left him confused and grappling with his ultimatum. His alpha would draw the right conclusions and rise to the occasion, his omega was sure of it. And for once, Jimin was in complete agreement with his omega. He was certain.
 
The only thorn in his side, or really his pocket, was Taemin-ssi’s mangled bracelet. He was not looking forward to letting the kind alpha down, but he hoped he could find the words to be both gentle and firm about it. There was still plenty of time left in the season for Taemin to continue courting someone else.
 
He was rehearsing exactly what he might say as the village square came into view, the hospital just beyond it when his path was obstructed abruptly by a tall body. He jumped, relaxing a moment later when he recognized the alpha.
 
“Mingyu-ssi, you startled me!”
 
And drat! He’d been so focused on letting Taemin down he’d forgotten about his other suitor. He’d told Namjoon he was still considering his options, but in actuality, he wasn’t. Mingyu was nice and handsome, but looking at him now, Jimin felt nothing except a new mild aversion to his scent.

Wrong alpha,

his omega screamed. His nostrils flared in distaste, but Mingyu didn’t seem to notice, too busy offering a low bow and a basket.
 
“Forgive me, Jimin-ssi. I was just so excited to see you. I come bearing gifts.”
 
Jimin hesitantly accepted the basket, leery that whatever was inside might have been scented. He was relieved a moment later when he peeked in to find a variety of herbs. A closer look had him frowning though. “Um–”
 
“Lavender and echinacea! I forged it for you,” Mingyu said confidently. “Your dam mentioned you were feeling unwell last week. I thought you could use it to make a fortifying tea. Something healing for the healer.”
 
Jimin grimaced, even as he felt mildly endeared. “It’s actually salvia and rudneckia. One causes hallucinations, the other is toxic. I sincerely hope you have not given anyone else any or ingested them yourself?”
 
Mingyu blanched. “Oh goddess. No, I–I’m so sorry, Jimin-ssi. Please forgive me.”
 
He scrambled to take back the basket, but Jimin held it away. “I’ll dispose of these safely for you. I appreciate the thought you put into your gift, Mingyu-ssi. You are very kind.”
 
Mingyu’s cheeks were the color of bright red cherries, expression sheepish. “I fear I have much to learn when it comes to plants and herbs. I’m a much better hunter.”
 
“We all have our strengths,” Jimin offered graciously, but Mingyu only pouted. He looked up at Jimin then with his puppy eyes, so like Jungkook, his eagerness quickly returning. “Would you be willing to teach me, Jimin-ssi? Just the basics. I pick things up quickly, as I said before, I am quite competitive.”
 
And Jimin found it hard to say no, so he agreed, reasoning he needed to make it look like he was still considering his options, as he’d told Namjoon. He’d also be technically

helping

Mingyu, even if he was also using him. They agreed on a time, Mingyu urging Jimin to let him bring him lunch, with Jimin politely refusing, stating he would meet Mingyu later in the afternoon. He needed to settle things with Taemin on his lunch break, something about letting that relationship linger felt unsettling. Then Jimin was on his way, Soobin greeting him promptly when he entered the hospital.
 
“Good Morning, hyungnim! It’s wonderful to see you.”
 
“Soobin-ah, be a dear and dispose of these herbs as safely as you can.” He thrust the basket toward him, Soobin taking it with a frown.
 
“Of course. Oh, uh, Omega Kim is waiting for you upstairs. I don’t think Alpha Min is quite finished with the renovations there, but Omega Kim insisted this morning–”
 
“Seokjin is here?” Jimin asked, glancing up the stairs. It’d been five days since he’d been able to scent him. It made sense that Seokjin would be anxious to see Jimin, even though it was hours before his typical arrival time. Jimin didn’t mind. He was anxious to see Seokjin too.
 
But then Soobin leaned in, whispering nervously. “He seemed upset. And his scent–”
 
Soobin trailed off as Jimin stepped past him without a word and began taking the stairs two at a time. He followed his nose, quickly honing in on the now familiar scent of Seokjin. Soobin was right. He smelled sweeter, but anxious, and not anxiously excited, anxiously scared. And that had Jimin on high alert.
 
A moment later, he burst through the door of his now unfamiliar former office space and found Seokjin seated primly on a cot, nervously twisting his fingers together in his lap. He wasn’t expecting to see Taehyung and Jungkook, but they were there too, hovering on either side of Seokjin, exchanging anxious glances. They all three snapped to look at Jimin when he entered the room.
 
Jimin blushed to the roots of his hair, disconcerted at seeing his friends for the first time after all the things they’d done in his nest, but he chose to focus all of his energy on Seokjin, who only seemed to grow more pale. “Hyung? Are you unwell?”
 
“Jimin-ah,” he said, brokenly, a mix of frustration and relief in his tone. He then promptly burst into a hysteric fit of tears. All three of them descended on him. Jungkook rubbing his back, Taehyung flapping his hands nervously all around, unsure what to do, even as he babbled soothing words. And Seokjin latched onto Jimin as soon as he drew close enough, hands like shackles around his wrists. The touch wasn’t bruising but it was secure, like now that he had Jimin close, he didn’t want to let him get too far away.
 
“Hyung, talk to me. What’s wrong? What’s happened?” Jimin kept his tone as gentle as possible, fighting the urge to break Seokjin’s hold just to wrap him tight to his chest. 
 
He continued to sob for long moments, taking several heaving breaths before he calmed enough to speak. He loosened his hold on Jimin’s wrists only to grab Jimin’s hands, lacing their fingers together.
 
“I think–I’m dying.”
 
Jimin blinked at him in stunned silence, wholly unprepared for that response.
 
“What?” Jungkook croaked, whole body going rigid in Jimin’s periphery.
 
Taehyung, in turn, gasped in horror. “Hyung–no!”
 
“Start from the beginning,” Jimin demanded, unfreezing enough to squeeze Seokjin’s fingers reassuringly.
 
He took a breath, nodding once. “Yesterday, Jungkook and I–”
 
He stumbled to a halt, like he couldn’t get out the words, ears turning a burnt shade of red. “Jungkookie and I–we were in my nest, doing—um–”
 
Jimin was growing impatient. As was, apparently, Jungkook.
 
“I knotted him,” he blurted helpfully, cheeks blazing even as he kept his tone calm, meeting Jimin’s gaze without shying away. “When I returned from helping with your heat. I knotted hyung.” He turned to Seokjin then, asking gently. “Was I too rough, hyung? Did I hurt you?”
 
Jimin found it hard to focus then, his brain supplying vivid mental imagery of the two of them together. It made his belly swoop, despite the gravity of the situation. Seokjin spoke up, pulling him out of the moment, his neck just as red as his ears now.
 
“It was afterward. I was still very… full and I

felt

something inside me. It

kicked.

Like a, like a parasite.”
 
“Oh hyung,” Jimin sighed, immediately relaxing. “I don’t think you’re dying. Nor do you have a parasite.” He hesitated. “I think you might be pregnant.”
 
“I–

what?!

” Seokjin stared at him in stunned silence, jaw slack. The last of his color slowly drained from his face. Taehyung and Jungkook looked equally shocked, no better than statues standing on either side of him. “But I–, no, I’m–I’m

barely

an omega. How can that–how can that be?”
 
Jimin huffed at that, not agreeing at all with Seokjin’s assessment as he untangled their fingers. Moving to squeeze his wrists in an effort to ground him and check his pulse. “I assure you you’re

fully

omegan and it is

very

possible. I’ve honestly suspected it for weeks. Did you forget to brew the raspberry tea I sent for your heats?”
 
“I–” Seokjin looked lost.
 
That’s when Jungkook stepped in again. “I brewed it for him and I know I did it correctly. He drank every drop.”
 
Jimin frowned at that, feeling puzzled. “So less likely then. The tea isn’t foolproof, but it is highly effective.” He could have prepared some for his own heat if he’d been more cognizant of what was happening. Still, hadn’t he avoided being knotted altogether to keep it from happening to himself? His omega objected, citing another reason why he hadn’t wanted to be knotted yet. He shook the thought away, urging Seokjin to lay back against the cot. “Let me examine you.”
 
He took his time about it, thoroughly examining Seokjin’s scent glands and reflexes, leaning in close to examine his scent, speaking aloud as he went. “Your glands are not swollen, but you smell sweeter. Although not milky. Your other senses have been heightened lately: the nausea, scent aversions–especially to alphas–sudden excessive fatigue after you’d seemingly been feeling better… those would typically be the first signs.”
 
“But your scentings fixed that,” Seokjins argued.
 
“Which would be typical of expectant omegas,” Jimin shot back. “Our subgender derive much comfort from each other, although I would think you’d also prefer your mate’s scents too, but they don’t seem to have comforted you as much as mine.”
 
He ran his hands over Seokjin’s chest, pinching gently at his nipples, arching a brow when Seokjin hissed. “Sensitive?”
 
Seokjin shook his head, ears turning red again as he murmured, “No more than usual.”
 
Jimin sighed. “Some of your symptoms align with pregnancy. Some don’t, but that’s also very typical of omegas. We’re complex creatures with complex symptoms that frequently overlap.”
 
He slid his hand under Seokjin’s shirt, caressing the warm roundness of his belly. It was an obvious bump, firm to the touch when he gently pressed in. He held the pressure for a moment, studying Seokjin’s reaction. It would be too soon to feel a pup kick from the outside.
 
“Do you feel anything now?”
 
Seokjin shook his head and Jimin sighed, asking for the exact dates of his heat, mentally calculating in his head.
 
“It’s a bit too early to say with certainty, but I feel sure it is one of two things. It’s either a true pregnancy or a phantom one.”
 
“A–a what?” Seokjin looked even more distressed now, color flooding his face instead of leaving it. He scrambled to sit up, even as his mates forced him to go slow, Jungkook supporting his waist and Taehyung his shoulders. “Phantom? You think, you think I’m making this up?”
 
“Of course not,” Jimin rushed to reassure, cupping his face and smoothing gentle fingers over the frustrated tears suddenly sliding down his cheeks. “I assure you, it’s very real. You’re either carrying a pup or your omega is in desperate need of attention.”
 
Seokjin snorted, petulantly pulling his face away to wipe at his own cheeks. “I get more than enough attention, I assure you.”
 
“Maybe consciously you do, but subconsciously? The mind is a powerful thing, hyung. Your

omega

is powerful. He’s been neglected for a long time.”
 
Seokjin sobbed, curling in on himself. “But, I’ve been working so hard–”
 
Jimin’s chest ached. He wanted so badly to fix this for Seokjin, to comfort and protect him. To stop the hurt. “It’s not a lack of effort on your part. You have been working very hard. This isn’t neglect from you, but from your alpha.”
 
Jimin felt Jungkook stiffen beside him and shot him a furtive glance. Jungkook wasn’t the alpha he was referring to.
 
Taehyung leaned close, quietly asking. “Should I go get Yoongi-hyung?”

“Yoongi?”

Seokjin asked incredulously. Taehyung hesitated, but then nodded, looking uncertain as his eyes bounced between Jimin and Seokjin.
 
“He’d be the most likely sire, right? You spent your heat with him and with Hobi-hyung, but beta’s don’t typically–”
 
Seokjin cut him off with a humorless laugh, sounding hysterical again. “You want to tell

Min Yoongi

that I may or

may not

be having his pup? And if it’s

not

true, it’s because he’s been neglecting me? I can’t–, he

loves

pups. I

can’t–”

He folded forward into Jimin, burrowing his face against his neck as he sobbed. Jimin caught him easily, wrapping his arms around Seokjin and pulling him in close.
 
“Tae-ah,” he ordered. “Get Namjoon.”
 
Taehyung didn’t hesitate, bounding immediately out of the room. Jungkook made to follow but then stopped, taking up a guard post by the door instead. Jimin could hear him prowling back and forth, scent heavy with protective instinct. It soothed Jimin and he hoped it would also soothe Seokjin, even as he pumped out his own over abundance of comforting pheromones, feeling the way Seokjin gulped them down greedily, clutching at Jimin. He was uncaring of the way his tears were ruining Jimin’s clothes. Not that Jimin cared either.
 
“It’s going to be okay, hyung. I promise you–”
 
Seokjin pulled back, wiping at his eyes and opening his mouth like he was about to speak, but then a thundering of footsteps came booming up the stairs. Jungkook’s scent spiking and then settling as Namjoon stumbled into the room. Jimin was surprised he made it that fast. He must have been close by. He couldn’t see him from his place in front of Seokjin, but he could sense his presence and his scent, thick and spiced with worry. He watched Seokjin stiffen, squaring his shoulders even as he looked impossibly fragile.

“Hyung?”

The alpha crooned cautiously, and the level of tenderness and concern in his voice only served to tell Jimin what he already knew. Namjoon cared very deeply for Seokjin, even if he didn’t know how to show it. Something in his tone also seemed to be Seokjin’s undoing.
 
“Ah, Namjoon-ah,” His face pinched, shoulders sagging as he curled in on himself. “I’m–so, so

sorry.

”
 
He was sobbing again and he would have collapsed back against Jimin, intent on soaking his tunic to the bone, but Namjoon caught him instead. He wrapped his arms firmly around Seokjin and hauled him sideways against his chest. Seokjin struggled at first, eyes going wide in alarm as he glanced at Jimin. But Namjoon settled him with a hush, cupping his face and urging him to rest his head on his shoulder, close to his scent gland, where he was pumping out pheromones so potent it almost laid Jimin out as well. 
 
“It’s okay, hyung. Whatever it is. We’ll get through it,” Namjoon soothed, rubbing his wrist gently over Seokjin’s arm, scenting him from shoulder to elbow in slow, comforting strokes. Namjoon glanced at Jimin then, almost like he was looking for reassurance or approval.

Is this right? Am I doing well?

And Jimin couldn’t help but give it. Nodding agreement, reveling in the fact that he felt no jealousy or bitterness when he looked at them. His chest hurt, sure, but only because it felt so full. Hope and warmth and pride making it swell dangerously, threatening to crack it open. His omega all but swooned.

Because Alpha was being so good.

Taking care of their omega so well.

He smelled his own scent spike just a bit as Seokjin’s finally began to mellow out and Namjoon’s was weaving in so nicely. And they were all huddled in close, Namjoon holding Seokjin, Seokjin still holding onto Jimin. He could feel the warmth of Seokjin’s knee pressing into his thigh, Namjoon’s body heat radiating toward him like a magnetic force–
 “Just–will one of you tell me what’s happening?” Namjoon asked anxiously. “So we can figure it out?” 
Jimin blinked then, realizing he’d been spacing, caught up in the strong but gentle way Namjoon was holding Seokjin with his eyes still trained on Jimin. He felt Seokjin’s fingers squeeze firmly around his and he used the touch to gather himself, looking to Seokjin who shook his head, the tiniest of sobs escaping again.
 
And so Jimin did the telling, explaining things as clearly and as carefully as he could, reviewing all of Seokjin’s symptoms and how he’d come to his conclusions. Namjoon listened without interruption, accepting Jimin’s assessment even as his scent deepened with guilt.
 
There was a long pause when he was done, before Nmajoon summarized, “So, it’s either the most cherished of blessings from the Moon Goddess or I’ve made such a grave misjudgement in caring for you that I’ve actually made you unwell, hyung.”
 
The room went eerily quiet again at that. Jimin sensed Taehyung’s and Jungkook’s presence still in the room. Even without looking, he could feel their eyes on Namjoon and their surprise at his words.
 
“Yah, Namjoon-ah,” Seokjin argued, finally pulling away from his chest and dropping Jimin’s hands, clearly trying to put on a brave face. “This isn’t your fault. Hyung’s been damaged for a very long time.”
 
Namjoon growled quietly in disapproval, hooking a finger under Seokjin’s chin to force his eyes up to meet him, whispering fiercely but quietly to him. “You’re not

damaged.

You’re my most precious hyung and I’ve done a poor job of taking care of you. I’m sorry for that. I’ll do better now, I promise.”
 
“You

don’t

have to.” Seokjin said, pulling his chin away from Namjoon, but Namjoon pulled it back, forcing him to meet his gaze.
 
“I

want

to.”
 
Seokjin sighed, looking defeated. But then he paused, swallowing hard before he asked quietly, “Do you–do you really think it’s a

blessing?

If I’m–, if–”
 
He couldn’t say the words, but his hand pressed firmly into his belly, drawing the collective gaze of the room. And Jimin could perfectly picture it, a tiny bundle of a pup with Seokjin’s pretty features and Yoongi’s quiet disposition. He tried to pretend like his arms didn’t suddenly ache to hold it, even as Taehyung and Jungkook moved closer, filling in the gaps to form a tight, protective circle around Seokjin.
 
“It would be the

highest

blessing, hyung, but even if it's not. We'll fix this together. It will all be okay.” Namjoon assured, voice reverent. So full of emotion it made Seokjin choke and then huff, hand reaching out for Jimin again.
 
“But we’re supposed to be courting Jimin. He should have all our attention.”
 
He felt the collective gaze in the room shift to him then and he wondered if it was a ploy, to divert the attention away from himself even as his omega was clearly settling so well beneath it.
 
“I don’t need that much attention,” he murmured, feeling his face heat with embarrassment. But it was better than saying what he was

actually

thinking, which was:

I’m already courted. It’s done. I’m yours.

Because it was far too soon to give in. One act of compassion towards one of his mates a day after they’d talked did

not

make an alpha worthy of him folding like a house of cards.
 
Yet he couldn’t look away from Namjoon, who was rubbing Seokjin’s back in soothing circles, giving the same reverent emotion to Jimin with his eyes that he’d previously given to Seokjin with his voice, like Park Jimin

and

a baby would both be the highest blessings for his mated pack. And Seokjin was still holding his hand. And Jungkook’s hand had found its way to rest against Seokjin’s thigh, fingertips reaching up to brush the back of Jimin’s hand. And Taehyung was pressed firmly into his side, their breaths so in sync he could feel a loud purr threatening to break loose from his overflowing chest, and–
 
A loud clatter by the door had Jimin stumbling back, breaking contact with the others and whirling to face the noise. His heart was still jack hammering in his chest when he registered Yoongi,  blinking owlishly at all of them, his toolbox strewn haphazardly around his feet, Hoseok peeking curiously over his shoulder.
 
“Did we miss something important?”
 
“A-ah, y-yes,” Jimin stammered, suddenly grateful for the distraction. He needed to make an exit before his omega ruined the whole thing. “You all have things to discuss, as mates, and I have patients to attend. So, take all the time you need.”
 
He darted for the door, relieved when Yoongi and Hoseok parted easily to let him pass, ignoring the way his omega whined that he should stay.

Later,

he told it.

We’ll have plenty of time later.

Because he wanted to stay forever, not just for today, and in order to get everything he wanted, he needed Namjoon to give all of them more.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

“What the hell is he doing?” Namjoon looked up from his place on the cot, eyeing his mates currently milling about the room. It was Yoongi who had spoken, or rather growled, but he couldn’t see what he was looking at out the window. And he couldn’t move any closer. Not with his back pressed against the wall and the weight of a sleeping Seokjin on his chest. He could honestly use a nap himself, Seokjin’s sleep sweet scent having lulled him into a trance-like state. The last hour had also been one of the strangest and most nerve racking of his life. He was still wrapping his mind around the idea that Seokjin might be with pup. Paired with the nagging concern that if he wasn’t, it was surely his fault that the omega, his omega, was reacting this way. Then, he’d had to be the one to explain it all to Hoseok and Yoongi. He hadn’t been sure what to expect, caught off guard by Jimin’s rapid departure from the room and their timely arrival when he had barely had time to grasp the situation himself. He’d anticipated Seokjin to wiggle from his hold in favor of reaching for one of them, his two oldest friends, the mates he’d chosen for himself from a young age. Instead, he’d latched the hands that had been clutching so tightly to Jimin onto Namjoon instead and all but buried his face against his shoulder. Refusing to look at anyone. So Namjoon had taken a deep breath and explained what Jimin had told them the best that he could, mind spinning the whole time. Scared that at any moment it might be the last straw. The moment when his mates would reject him outright for the way he’d been acting for years. Because Jimin was right, he’d been negligent. It hadn’t taken long after Jimin had left the meadow for him to accept that fact as truth. Hadn’t he been slowly coming to that same conclusion himself before his rut? What Jimin wanted made sense, along with the reasons why he wanted it. But still, he wondered if it was too late to right his wrongs. Yoongi had said they were on his side, but would they still be after this? Did they even want him as more than the disengaged figurehead of their pack? Seokjin hadn’t had much of a choice in mating him and all of his other mates had tied themselves to him because they wanted to be with each other. Not for him. So he held his breath and waited for the moment of rejection to come, but it didn’t. There’d been a long pause and then Yoongi had stepped forward, moving to brush gentle fingers through Seokjin’s hair.  “Oh, my sweet Jinnie.” The alpha had leaned in to bury his face against the omega’s neck, pumping out the same comforting pheromones as Namjoon. His arm curled around Seokjin’s waist, the other coming up to brace against Namjoon’s shoulder, and it almost felt like he was holding him too. Namjoon’s own heart skipped a beat when Yoongi growled a low, “I love you so much. Nothing will ever change that.” Namjoon felt the same. He loved Seokjin, his oldest hyung, his first true friend. Maybe it was different from how he loved Jimin, but maybe, with time and opportunity, it could grow to be more the same. Seokjin was beautiful from the inside out and he never wanted to be separated from him. Never wanted Seokjin to feel like he didn’t belong. The depth and damage of his actions haunted him now, made him sad and angry with himself. But Yoongi’s grip was firm and steadying against his shoulder. And then Hoseok and Taehyung and Jungkook had surrounded them, converging to wrap Seokjin, and by proximity Namjoon, in a tight hug. It had felt overwhelming, being surrounded by all their scents at such close range, feeling Hoseok’s arm around his back and then, more tentatively, Jungkook’s. Watching as Jungkook buried his face in the space between Seokjin and Yoongi as Taehyung sought comfort in Yoongi’s neck on the other side. Hoseok  squeezed Taehyung’s nape and cooed at them soothingly. Namjoon had the sudden urge to bury his face in the warm juncture of Hoseok’s neck in search of his own comfort, but he held back. He had no right, he needed to earn it. They’d pulled away after a time and Yoongi had let his hands fall to cover protectively over Seokjin’s belly, making him whine. “I can’t say the prospect of a pup doesn’t make me tremendously hopeful,” he’d whispered in that quiet way of his. “But if it’s not, it will be okay. We could always try for one in the future…if that’s something you wanted.” Seokjin swallowed, hands moving to cover Yoongi’s. “I don’t know. It’s not something I ever really considered before. I didn’t–I didn’t think it was possible,” he admitted quietly, a stray tear tracking down his face.. “Of course it’s possible,” Yoongi cooed. “Why wouldn’t it be? You’re perfect.” He moved to scoop him from Namjoon’s arms then, but Namjoon resisted, pulling Seokjin closer into his chest. “I’ve got him, hyung,” he’d told Yoongi, holding his breath as the other alpha straightened and narrowed his gaze. His eyes were challenging and Namjoon expected his wolf to snap under Yoongi’s heavy gaze, but his alpha stayed silent. Yoongi yielded a moment later, not out of cowardice Namjoon knew, but out of respect. For him or Seokjin, he wasn’t sure, but he clung to it like a lifeline all the same. He didn’t know why Hyung was seeking comfort in him over the others, after all the wrongs he’d done, but he wasn’t going to question it. This was his wrong, he was the one who needed to fix it.  “Fine, but at least make him more comfortable. He’ll need to rest now before we take him home.” And that’s how he ended up on the cot, with a sleeping Seokjin against his chest, snuggling his forearm and drooling all over his bicep, as Yoongi scowled out the window. “Who’s doing what?” Hoseok asked next, moving to stand beside Yoongi and peering out the window for himself. His lips pursed in a grim line that made his dimples pop in annoyance. “Oh.” “Who?” Taehyung asked next. He was the farthest from the window save Namjoon and Seokjin. Jungkook was closer and beat him to it. “Lee Taemin-ssi,” he growled, taking up a post at one of the other windows Yoongi had recently installed in the room. “I thought you said he was giving the bracelet back,” Yoongi snapped accusingly. “That’s what he said,” Hoseok defended, talking more to himself than to Yoongi. “He said it was a shame to give it back broken, but there was no help for it. Then he asked for a cuddle and kisses and he was perfectly content when I left him last night.” Namjoon didn’t miss the way Yoongi’s eyes darted to Hoseok’s mouth, lips still slightly chapped and swollen. He remembered too, what Jimin had said about kissing Hoseok breathless. He allowed himself the freedom to imagine it for a moment, his wolf’s typical jealous reaction once again absent. Thinking about Jimin and Hoseok kissing made him feel hot in a different way now and he had to stop before his scent became too telling. “Maybe you misunderstood,” Yoongi shot back. “I didn’t!” Hoseok huffed, looking more flustered than Namjoon had ever seen him. His cheeks flushed prettily with indignation. “Well, you don’t typically sit down to lunch with someone after they reject your courting.” Yoongi groused, scowl morphing into more of a pout. “I agree,” Hoseok sighed, looking defeated. “Maybe something changed?” Their eyes darted to Taehyung and Jungkook then, both crowded together against the adjacent window, before settling on Namjoon, like they instinctively knew, this too was his fault. Jimin was keeping his options open, as he’d said, because of Namjoon. He cleared his throat, feeling suddenly ill at ease, but also knowing that now was the time. He needed to court his mates. And then he needed to court Jimin. “I, um, I hunted two deer last night.” Everyone froze, turning to look at him in surprise. He rarely hunted outside of the full moons, typically leaving the duty to the other alphas. “The meat has been cleaned and prepped and is waiting in our kitchen, if you’d all allow me the honor of cooking—“ A chorus of “What?!” and “No!” echoed through the room. “You’re not allowed in the kitchen, Namjoon-ah. You know that,” Seokjin scolded and Namjoon startled, looking down to find him awake and staring back up at him. He looked tired, but determined, a glint in his eye as he added, “We all want Jimin’s Cabin to live to see another day, but it was very thoughtful of you to hunt for us. Yoongi-yah will cook and I will help.” Namjoon’s heart leapt, at Seokjin's subtle praise and him calling their home Jimin’s, even as he tried to argue, “You should rest, hyung—“ “I’m tired of resting. I want to help, especially if you’ll be there for once—” Namjoon grimaced at the implication of that. The guilt of his typical absence was sharp. “—and Jimin.” “Jimin?” he frowned. “Yes, Jimin!” Seokjin sighed in exasperation. “Wake up, Namjoon! You need to actually court him before these other suitors sweep him away from all of us. Can’t you see what’s happening?” Namjoon’s frown only deepened, because Seokjin didn’t know what Jimin had discussed with him. What Jimin wanted. “But, I should be with you—“ “Yah! Taehyung-ah and Hoseokie can take care of me today.” Hoseok and Taehyung both nodded, moving forward obediently with the barest crook of Seokjin’s finger. “You’re not to return home until Jimin promises to come. Hyung’s orders!” Seokjin gave him a haughty stare, the effect of it slightly lessened by his puffy, red rimmed eyes. The only evidence of his earlier hysterics. He was already rising with the help of Hoseok’s hand when Namjoon stopped him. “Wait.” Seokjin gave him a questioning look but didn’t pull away as he leaned in. He hesitated only a moment before tilting Seokjin’s chin to the side to gain access to his scent gland. He felt him stiffen beneath him, but he held still, not pulling away as Namjoon gave a thorough scenting, pausing halfway to turn his head and scent the other side. It left Seokjin’s cheeks flushed and covered in spicy ginger. But even doused in Namjoon’s scent as he was, it was impossible to miss the slight sweetening of Seokjin’s own scent in response, light and distinctly omegan. Such a response made Namjoon feel bolder, and he grabbed Hoseok’s hand next, giving the beta’s wrist a thorough nuzzle, before placing his hand back in Seokjin’s. Then he turned shyly to Taehyung, taking advantage of the other beta’s shocked stillness to snatch his wrist and give it the same treatment. He felt embarrassed and more than a little awkward by the end, but also more settled than he had in a long time and proud at the way his mates' scents seemed to bloom around him in response. His wolf growled possessively in a new way. 
Mine. They’re all mine.
 “Take care of him,” he instructed the betas, with an authority that was honestly audacious considering his absence lately as their pack leader, but they nodded eagerly, helping Seokjin up and out of the room. He turned to find the alphas watching him then. Yoongi’s expression was cautious, but Jungkook… Jungkook’s eyes looked wide and hopeful in a way that reminded Namjoon of the scrawny youth who used to hero worship him. He stepped forward, readily offering Namjoon his wrist. Namjoon didn’t hesitate, taking it and pressing his nose firmly to the scar his own teeth had left in his skin, the warm scent of amber like honey on his tongue, catching him off guard. He licked his lips as he pulled away, stiffening when he realized Yoongi was watching them closely, eyes darting quickly between them before he offered his own wrist. Namjoon did hesitate then, but only for a moment. He felt more than heard the quiet rumble resonating from Yoongi’s chest as he nuzzled against his skin, letting himself notice for the first time how well all three of their alpha scents blended together. “Go get our omega, Namjoon,” Yoongi coaxed, voice somehow both gentle and firm. “And this time don’t accidentally send him into heat.” *** “So you see, Taemin-ssi…” Jimin trailed off, grimacing as Taemin watched him curiously. He felt so bad about what he had to do, because he genuinely liked Taemin. The alpha’s quiet but charming nature, his sweetness. In another life, maybe? But then, still no. Jimin couldn't even picture another life now, one that didn’t involve six other wolves, even as he could still admire all the things that made Taemin an excellent candidate for mating. It’d been so easy, refusing Choi Yeonjun’s courting, directing him instead to Soobin. Why did this feel so much harder? Was it because Taemin seemed to  have no other prospects? He pulled the damaged bracelet from his pocket, thrusting it toward Taemin, trying again. “I’m sorry. I can’t accept this. My heart belongs somewhere else.” To someone else, or rather multiple someones, in a room directly above them, where Jimin’s heart still was at this moment. He felt the ache of its absence in his chest, worry for Seokjin still fresh in his mind. “Ah,” Taemin said as understanding dawned. Jimin watched the way his shoulders sagged, but he almost looked relieved, as he nodded knowingly. “Alpha Kim and his mates. You’ve decided then?” Jimin blinked in surprise. Had it been so obvious? Taemin offered a small smile, seemingly reading Jimin’s mind. “I’ve suspected it for a while now.  Really, from the beginning? His mates are around you all the time. But also, when I heard Alpha Kim claimed to be your fated mate, I assumed my chances were slim.” Taemin’s cheeks bloomed slightly pink as he admitted, “And if forced courtings were the theme of the season, then you seemed the safest choice.” Jimin frowned, his omega frowning with him, hackles raised. “Safe?” Taemin sighed, looking resigned and more than a little sheepish as he ducked his head. “That maybe wasn’t the best way to phrase it. Please don’t be offended, Jimin-ssi.” “Did you not wish to court me at all?” Jimin pressed. “Even though you did?” “In all honesty, I did not wish to court anyone, but as it was a requirement of your council and my parents’ demand for me to come here and find a mate, whether it was something I wanted for myself or not…” Taemin grimaced at Jimin's audible huff. “I’m truly sorry if you feel that I have led you on, but seeing as you have now rejected my courting as well… well, I dearly hope we can be… friends?” “You truly are an exquisite omega, I’ve grown quite fond of you these past weeks. I think you will be an excellent mate for Alpha Kim,” Taemin added sincerely. Jimin exhaled an exasperated laugh, finding it hard to stay offended when Taemin was at least partly right. He paused for a moment, then nodded. “Very well. If we are to be friends, you may refer to me informally.” “And you may call me hyung,” Taemin beamed, holding up a picnic basket between them. “Shall we celebrate with lunch? I’d be happy to hear all about your budding romance with Alpha Kim and his mates, now that we’re no longer courting and speaking on informal terms.” And for the first time, Jimin found himself able to fully enjoy his time with the alpha without a thread of guilt. But instead of speaking of Namjoon and his mates, he found himself listening as Taemin spoke animatedly about his desire to remain free of a mate for a bit longer. Of the plans he’d had when he’d first presented, to explore and travel to far and away places before settling down. Until his dreams were cut short by the surge of illness within their communities, forcing him to stay in one place and accept responsibilities he wasn’t ready to bear the weight of. “I know I’m not getting any younger, but the desire is still there, and I’m just not ready to settle down yet, but I also wish to be a good son. It’s so hard, being stuck between pleasing the ones I love and pleasing myself. Choosing between what I should do and what I want to do.” Jimin hummed knowingly, nibbling on a roll of kimbap. It was funny how many of their kind allowed their actions and desires to be dictated by others instead of being true to themselves. Jimin thought, not for the first time, how lucky he was to have the eomma he had, so he gave her advice. The same advice she’d given him so recently. “You should follow your heart, hyung. Regardless of what your parents think. You are the one who has to live with the decisions you make.” Taemin smiled fondly, eyes teasing. “Is that what you’re doing? Following your heart in regards to Alpha Kim and his–” His words broke off abruptly as he glanced over Jimin’s shoulder. His back straightened a moment later. “Speak of the devil.” Jimin’s senses were assailed then, with the spice of Namjoon’s mixed heavily with that of all his mates. Even as the alpha was the only one present when he turned around. He smelled like pack, even more so than the cabin had a week ago, now that his own scent was so overwhelmingly present. Like safety and love and home. Namjoon's gaze was heavy and trained on Taemin, but quickly slid to Jimin, looking shy and uncertain when he addressed him, bending  into a formal bow when he was still several feet away. “Omega Park.” And Jimin wanted to pout, hating the distance and the formality between them now when it had been absent only an hour ago. He reminded himself it was important to maintain this facade in public, to keep Namjoon on his toes, even as he longed to throw himself at the alpha and nuzzle his own scent into his skin along with all the others. He settled for a jerky nod, discreetly trapping his hands between his thighs and under the table, attempting to keep himself from doing something stupid, like reaching for the giant oaf. “My mates and I would like to ask you to dinner at our cabin tonight.” Jimin straightened, caught off guard by the request, even though he probably shouldn’t be. He’d asked Namjoon to court his mates, but that didn’t mean his mates wouldn’t still be courting him. And the way Namjoon made it sound, a request from all of them. Together. Oh, he liked that very much. “Are you free to join us?” “Yes!” His response was enthusiastic, excitement rushing to the surface of his skin like tiny bubbles, escaping through his pores and into his scent faster than he could catch it. Taemin masked a snicker by shoving a piece of kimbap into his mouth. Jimin kicked him under the table, their newly founded friendship thus cemented. Taemin grunted, Jimin raising his voice to mask the pained noise he emitted. “Yes, I’d love to come to dinner.” “Oh,” Namjoon exclaimed, like he was genuinely surprised. “T-that’s wonderful! I-I could stop by after work and escort you? O-or maybe Yoongi-hyung could walk–” “Ah, I have plans to go forging this afternoon with Alpha Kim Mingyu,” Jimin resisted the urge to wrinkle his nose, feeling disappointed and regretful of his earlier promise to help the younger alpha, even more so at the crestfallen look on Namjoon’s face. “But I know the way to your cabin,” he assured. “I’ll be there by sunset.” Namjoon recovered quickly, offering a brief bow. “Very well. We look forward to seeing you then,” he offered before retreating. Jimin watched him go, but turned back to the table just in time to catch Taemin’s frown. “Forgive me, Jimin-ah. I know we are just newly friends, but why are you still spending time with the other Alpha Kim when the one you want is clearly courting you? I could escort you now to break things off with Mingyu-ssi, if you like.” He leaned in conspiratorially. “Between us, It’d be nice to see the look on his face when you put him in his place. He’s a bit too confident and competitive for my liking. The pup needs to mature.” Jimin grimaced, picking up his chopsticks again despite his sudden lack of appetite. Something told him Taemin was right, but then he thought of the potential harm the alpha could cause on his next forging trip if Jimin didn’t teach him the difference between safe and unsafe plants. And he still had his plan which he intended to follow through with. He sighed. “It’s complicated, hyung. My heart has decided, and I will follow it, just—not yet.” Taemin arched his brow, like he wanted to argue, but he sighed instead, offering only, “Well, I hope you know what you’re doing.” *** Yoongi was on edge. Taehyung could feel it. It didn’t take an overly smart wolf to notice the sour tinge to his scent or the way he kept slamming pots around the kitchen. He was normally steady and calm, like a lazy river on a summer day. Currently, he was acting more like a tornado—dark and stormy, unpredictable. “Wah, Taehyung-ah! I asked you to dice the carrots, not mince them!” he snapped, glaring down at Taehyung’s cutting board before turning away, cursing at the boiling pot of broth over the fire. Taehyung frowned down at the mess of tiny carrot pieces before him. He was doing the best he could, seeing as his hyungs rarely even let him in the kitchen. He’d only been allowed because Hoseok and Seokjin were still resting. And what even was mincing? Jungkook came in through the back door then. He’d been in and out the last few hours, smoking the deer meat over the open outdoor fire. His eyes darted to his mate before he arched a questioning brow at Taehyung, who shrugged, averting his gaze as Jungkook turned back to Yoongi. “Hyung, the meat’s almost done. Are you ready for me to–” “No! I haven’t even finished the broth yet!” Yoongi barked. Jungkook’s eyebrows almost reached his hairline. He didn't think Yoongi had ever spoken to him so harshly. “Yoongi-yah, leave the babies alone! They’re trying their best,” Seokjin admonished as he padded into the kitchen with Hoseok close behind. He looked sleep mused but significantly better than the morning, having taken a long nap when they returned home, despite his argument to Namjoon about being tired of resting. He’d even asked Taehyung and Hoseok to share his nest and nap with him. A  rare and exciting moment. And if Taehyung had covetously petted his rounded belly while he slept, well, no one needed to know but him.   Yoongi straightened from his spot in front of the fire, whirling to face Seokjin, looking properly chastised. Seokjin paid him no mind, coming over to Taehyung instead, placing his hand over Taehyung’s to grab the kitchen knife. “Hyung can finish up, lovely. Why don’t you go relax.” “Hyung, are you sure you’re feeling well enough?” Taehyung asked gently, but Seokjin just huffed and rolled his eyes, hip checking Taehyung to the side. “Hyung’s fine, Tae-ah and all of you,” Seokjin snipped. “Just another day in the life of an omega.” He shot a look around the room, daring his mates to argue. “Let’s focus on this dinner for Jimin.” Jungkook nodded eagerly, expression brightening as he turned to head back outside, offering a quick kiss to Seokjin’s cheek as he passed. The direct opposite of Yoongi who scowled as he turned back to the boiling pot. “Yah! What’s making our Yoongi-hyung so grouchy?” Hoseok cried theatrically, draping himself around Yoongi and earning an annoyed, “Yah, Hob-ah!” Hoseok was undeterred, still clinging to Yoongi like an octopus. “Are you worried about possibly being an appa, or is it something else?” Yoongi’s cheeks flamed, Seokjin’s flaring to match as they astutely avoided each other’s gaze. “It’s not that, I’m just worried,” Yoongi sputtered. Hoseok frowned. “About becoming an appa?” he asked again. “No, I just said—“ “About Seokjin-hyung?” Hoseok pressed. “Yes,” Yoongi sighed, eyes darting to Seokjin and then quickly away. “But also—no.” Hoseok’s frown deepened. “Then what—” “About Jimin!” Yoongi cried in exasperation, adding a moment later. “And Namjoon. They keep circling each other and Namjoon still isn’t making a move—” “He invited him here tonight and he said he would come.” Seokjin cut in, giving Yoongi a pointed look. “And that’s progress,” Hoseok offered encouragingly. “Yes, but is it enough? Jimin is still out there pursuing these other alphas.” “He’s not pursuing them.” Taehyung argued, even as a nagging sense of doubt crept in, making his tender heart wince. He’d felt raw and sensitive after seeing Jimin with Taemin, and later with Mingyu. He didn’t appreciate the reminder of it now. “They’re pursuing him.” “Yes, but he’s still letting it happen!” Yoongi exclaimed, turning to Taehyung. “Even after you spent his heat with him. And I just–I can’t—“ “Spending his heat with him wasn’t transactional, hyung.” He said it for Yoongi as much as to remind himself. Jimin owed him nothing. “I did it because I care, not because I expected something in return—” “Right, but at least you got confirmation that he wants you too! And Jungkook. And clearly he wants Hobi, because he kissed him! And he scents Seokjin everyday—” “Hyung, are you jealous?” Hoseok asked incredulously, bringing Taehyung’s wallowing up short. The room fell quiet. Yoongi gaped at them, opening and closing his mouth like a fish. “I—“ “You are!” Taehyung cried, realization dawning. “The rest of us have gotten attention from Jimin, but you haven’t! You’re jealous!” And Taehyung couldn’t blame him. After his tryst with Yoongi in the shed, he’d held off showering as long as possible. Until Hoseok returned home and ushered him dutifully into the tub. He’d wanted to cry as the scent of Jimin had been washed away from his skin and he’d snuggled close to Hoseok that night, breathing in the traces of Jimin that still clung to his hyung, both of them ignoring the fact that Hoseok didn’t bathe. A clear indication he didn’t want to lose the  scent of Jimin either. He felt greedy with the need for more Jimin, and apparently Yoongi did too.. “I’m not—” Yoongi started to argue, even as his face turned a telling shade of red, but then the back door swung open again, bringing their conversation up short. Instead of Jungkook this time, it was Namjoon, stumbling through the door, carrying a large wooden crate that looked heavy. He tipped precariously to the side and Taehyung darted forward, grabbing his arms in an effort to help him regain his balance. “Hyung, be careful!” he admonished, diverting his gaze a moment later when Namjoon smiled warmly in response. Something had shifted with the alpha, that much was obvious. Taehyung wasn’t sure when exactly, or why, but the change was clear. And Taehyung could suddenly do nothing, but be flustered in Namjoon’s presence. “Thank you, Taehyung-ah. I will.” Even the way he addressed Taehyung felt different. The softness of his voice, his eager attention. It was becoming abundantly clear why Jimin had been infatuated with him for so long. The dragon eyes. The dimples. Taehyung averted his gaze but he didn’t let go, adjusting his grip from Namjoon to the crate, taking one end and allowing Namjoon to take the other, leading the way back to his bedroom. His den. A place Taehyung had only seen glimpses of in the few months they’d lived here. It smelled heavily of only the alpha. The traces of his rut still present. So similar to Yoongi and Jungkook but somehow new and different to Taehyung’s nose. They set the crate down on a small desk stationed in the corner and Taehyung expected to be dismissed, but Namjoon flashed an indulgent smile at him instead as he reached inside. “I have something for you,” he offered sheepishly. “For me?” Taehyung parroted in surprise as Namjoon held out a leather bound book. The History of Art was stamped in gold letters across the front and Taehyung accepted it with reverent hands. “I know it’s not much. You may not even like reading? But I know you like art, and I figured it was a place to start. I bought it at the market today, from a traveling merchant.” Namjoon looked at him hopefully and Taehyung blinked. “For me?” he asked again, confused. “Are you sure, hyung?” “Yes, Tae-ah,” he said his name in that way again, even as his expression fell. “Unless you don’t want it.” Namjoon reached as if to take it back, but Taehyung brought it close to his chest, guarding it with both hands. “I want it, alpha,” he said quietly. They both paused. Taehyung had never addressed him in that way before and he felt infinitely flustered that he’d let it slip now. Goddess, why did he say that? And why did this feel like a courting gift? Namjoon’s nostrils flared as Taehyung quickly corrected, “I meant hyung. I want it, hyung. Thank you, but, also—shouldn’t you be giving gifts to Jimin?” “Oh! I have something for Jimin too,” Namjoon agreed, leaving the crate to turn to his closet, where Taehyung knew he’d theoretically been collecting various gifts for Jimin over the years. “As well as something for everyone else.” Namjoon’s expression was cautious when he turned back to Taehyung again, like he was expecting to be chastised, but Taehyung was confused. In all their time as a pack, Namjoon had provided for them, but not once had he gifted them things. “I—I don’t understand…” Taehyung trailed off, watching as Namjoon’s eyes darted shyly away. “It was recently brought to my attention that I’ve been remiss in caring for my mates as I should. I’ve never courted you… someone suggested that I fix that.” Taehyung’s heart flipped, even as Namjoon’s words made him frown. “Someone being who exactly?” “Jimin.” “Jimin?” Taehyung asked, his confusion rapidly replaced with a surge of warmth for his soulmate spreading through his chest. “Jimin wants you to court us?” Namjoon nodded earnestly. “He said if there is to be a path forward for him and I, it would need to be through all of you.” “Oh,” Taehyung could barely contain the bolt of excitement he felt at that, knowing Jimin and Namjoon had been sharing hidden moments, secret conversations where they were discussing important things. He wanted to squeal at the possibility, instead he clutched his book tighter to his chest, offering the most restrained smile he possibly could, afraid of startling Namjoon with his eagerness. “In that case, may I help you with wrapping your other gifts, hyung?” *** Jimin was exhausted. Despite Mingyu’s assertion of being a quick learner, he was not, in fact, quick in discerning the differences between plants. Jimin knew he was a good teacher. He’d trained Taehyung and Jungkook and Soobin and Taehyun and assisted his dam in training numerous other healers in other packs on their annual visits. Still, no learning method he knew appeared to be helpful in training Mingyu. And despite his handsome facade, his pouting over not being instantly good at something was firmly getting on Jimin’s nerves. That, and the fact that he kept subtly bashing Namjoon and his mates the whole time, was giving Jimin quite the headache. “Isn’t it odd that Alpha Kim built a house so far away from the center of town?” Mingyu huffed as they trekked through the woods toward the cabin. Jimin didn’t find it odd, he found it wonderful. And he’d intentionally led the alpha back to the main road and attempted to part ways with him there, so he wouldn’t come to the cabin with him. Mingyu was the one who insisted on escorting Jimin all the way. “I’m sure he has his reasons,” he offered politely, feeling defensive. His omega didn’t like a nonpack alpha being so close to the cabin. And he was offended by Mingyu’s poor assessment of it when he didn’t even know anything about it. How special it was, how perfect.  “You’d think as a pack leader he’d want to be in the thick of things. How else can he hope to maintain control of an entire pack?” Jimin fought the urge to roll his eyes. “The pack is run through joint agreement of the alpha and the council. I also think a good leader leads by example and mutual respect, not by exerting control.” “Still it seems odd—” “As I said before, Mingyu-ssi,” Jimin huffed, adjusting the bow and arrow on his back as he quickened his pace. “There’s really no need to escort me to the door. I know the way quite well.” Mingyu puffed his chest, taking Jimin’s words as encouragement to try harder instead of the discouragement it was. “It’s no inconvenience. I wouldn’t dream of letting you travel through these woods alone.” Jimin’s head pounded, annoyance throbbing through his veins. He opened his mouth to finally  let the alpha have it. This alpha who didn't even know these woods even half as well as Jimin. But they were clearing the trees then, and the cabin came into view, and the front door was already opening, and— “Yoongi-hyung!” Jimin cried, a wave of relief so palpable he wanted to sob washed over him and his feet moved fast enough to qualify as a run. He tried to ignore the alpha jogging behind him now, barely resisting the urge to turn and bare his teeth. Yoongi’s gaze snapped to them as soon as Jimin called out. The look he gave Mingyu so menacing Jimin felt a zing of fear zip down his own spine. The alpha was so much smaller, but somehow twice as intimidating when he straightened his posture and narrowed his eyes. His arms were loose but ready at his sides like he was preparing for a fight, but his gaze softened considerably when it slid to Jimin. He swooped down to offer him a hand up the steps, all but pulling him to safety and placing his body as a physical barrier between Jimin and Mingyu. He let out a low growl in warning when he deemed the other alpha close enough, drawing the line several feet away from the porch, forcing Mingyu to crane his neck to even get a glimpse of Jimin. It was all very rude, and Jimin should probably chastise him for it, but the security of Yoongi’s scent and his protectiveness just made him feel too giddy to think reasonably. He felt so much better just being in his presence, he could kiss him. He should kiss him. Instead he took one small step to the side, offering Mingyu a cursory bow. “Thank you, Mingyu-ssi, for the afternoon. As you can see, I am safe in good hands now. I bid you goodnight.” “Of course. It is I who should be thanking—“ Mingyu offered his own deeper bow in response, still speaking, but Jimin wasn’t listening, he was too busy tugging Yoongi by the hand back into the cabin, like it was his own. He shut the door on the other alpha and sagged against the tinier one who had just saved him. 
His alpha. His pack.
 “Are you well, little wolf?” Yoongi’s voice cut through the fog of his brain, several octaves higher than its normally quiet rumble. That’s when Jimin realized the alpha was frozen where he was pressed against him. Jimin was the one hanging on, hands tangled in the strings of Yoongi’s leather apron, keeping him captive. His nose skimmed back and forth along the pale expanse of Yoongi’s collar bone in a self soothing manner. His omega was purring loudly in his chest and he was loath to pull away, even as Yoongi’s discomfort at his closeness was obvious, and borderline offensive. What was Yoongi playing at? His fingers curled tighter into the leather strings as he willed himself to let go. He would not be desperate for the alpha’s affection. But then, he felt Yoongi move, softening around him, like he’d been holding himself back but was finally caving in. Gentle hands moved to stroke tentatively down Jimin’s back, his scent blooming like the forest at midnight, warm and sweet. Jimin melted into the touch, pressing himself even closer. “Talk to me, little wolf,” he all but crooned in Jimin’s ear. His touch growing stronger, more confident when he realized Jimin had no intention of pushing him away. “What’s wrong?” “Headache,” Jimin complained, letting his forehead come to rest against Yoongi’s shoulder, his eyes drifting shut. He’d give anything to lay down in the comfort of his nest right now. “It’s been a long day. I’m tired.” How long had it been since he’d let another wolf take care of him this way? It felt different from his heat, letting himself be vulnerable when he was fully cognizant of it. But it felt so right, Yoongi making him feel safe to fall as he pulled him in close, fingers tangling in his hair as he guided his cheek to rest more comfortably against his shoulder. It brought Jimin’s face dangerously close to his scent gland. It was far too intimate a position to stay in if he wanted to maintain his facade of being undecided on choosing his mates, but fuck it if Jimin cared right now. He wanted Yoongi this close. Needed it. “Hob-ah,” Yoongi called loud enough to be heard, but not so loud as to startle Jimin. “Could you make some willow bark tea for Jiminie’s head? I’m taking him to lay down.” And Jimin should probably protest, but then the beta was there, fussing over them both. His scent, a fresh balm to Jimin’s senses as he ushered them down the hallway to a dark bedroom that smelled so heavily of Taehyung and Hoseok he dove into the soft mattress without protest. Yoongi expertly maneuvered a pillow under his head, Hoseok wrapping a blanket around him. “What about dinner?” Jimin whined, feeling suddenly fussy at being alone on the bed. Soothing fingers stroked into his hair again, Yoongi looming over him as Hoseok bustled out of the room. “It’s not ready yet. You have time to rest,” Yoongi assured, continuing to stroke Jimin’s hair. Jimin hummed in understanding, feeling content and drowsy as he leaned into the touch. His headache was barely noticeable now, even as he still felt needy for Yoongi’s fingers in his hair and the scent of the pack around him. It seemed like only moments later when Hoseok bustled back in, steaming cup of tea in hand. Yoongi supported his head with a strong hand, warm palm pressed to his nape, as Hoseok fed him tiny sips of tea. Then he was settled back onto the bed, Yoongi tucking the blankets back around him before he made to pull away. “Rest well. We’ll come get you when it’s time.” Jimin’s hand shot out lightning fast, gripping the hem of Yoongi’s apron. “Stay.” It was a command, not a request. Jimin’s omega was certain of what it needed right now. He felt Yoongi hesitate, even as his scent swelled with hints of longing. Hoseok laughed quietly and then Jimin heard the distinct sound of leather being unlaced. The apron grew heavy in his hand and he frowned, peeking one eye open to see Hoseok removing it from Yoongi’s body as he pressed the alpha closer to the bed. “You heard him, hyung. You’re needed here. I can take over in the kitchen.” Jimin let the apron fall in favor of grabbing Yoongi’s hand, pulling him down to settle beside him on the bed with a soft huff. He wasted no time, curling himself under one of the alpha’s sturdy arms to snuggle into his chest. For all his scrappy appearance and sharp angles, he was surprisingly comfortable to lay upon. Jimin nuzzled contentedly against him, letting himself purr loud enough for Yoongi to hear. Until he relaxed and his fingers slipped back into Jimin’s hair. He could hear Hoseok’s tiny giggles through the closed door as he retreated down the hallway, then Taehyung’s deep baritone and the squeaky laugh of Seokjin in the distance. He took a deep breath, letting the scent of pack and smoking meat fill his lungs. He wiggled his toes before pressing them firmly against Yoongi’s warm calf underneath the blanket, letting his hand sneak across Yoongi’s waist to lace with the fingers not stroking through his hair. Oh, how he could get used to this. “Are you feeling better yet, pup?” Yoongi whispered, heartbeat strong and steady under Jimin’s right ear. He hummed agreement, nuzzling himself even closer, hearing the hitch in Yoongi’s breath as he did so. “Good. I’m glad.” They were quiet for a while, Yoongi growing softer and impossibly more affectionate with time. His fingers traced the shell of Jimin’s ear, the nape of his neck, the curve of his shoulder, the bend of his elbow and wrist before starting all over again. Jimin dozed in a deeply contented state, rousing only slightly when Yoongi wiggled closer and nuzzled his face into his crown, not so subtly breathing in the scent of Jimin’s hair and letting out a deep purr of his own. “I think you might like cuddling more than Hoseok-hyung,” Jimin teased lazily, unsure if he’d get a response. Yoongi was quiet for a moment, before he answered without an ounce of teasing in his own voice. “I just missed you, pup,” he admitted with a sigh. “It was a long week without you and an even longer day today.” Jimin’s heart flipped and he smiled, letting his eyes flutter shut again as he burrowed deeper into Yoongi’s chest. “I missed you too, hyung.”