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Jungkook is burning.His body feels heavy, covered in fire, and sweat. It feels like he’s in heat but it’s much worse—so intense it threatens to melt him from the inside. His instincts claw at his skin, desperate and agitated, only adding to his suffering. Everything feels wrong, so painfully wrong, and he wants nothing more than the chance to fix it. Now.“Breathe,” someone whispers beside him in a warm voice. Jungkook doesn’t recognize their scent but he knows they’re not a threat. “You’re safe here, I promise, just try to breathe. I have you, it’s okay.”He feels gentle hands push his hair out of his face and thumb at his temples. They’re trying to comfort him but it’s not working, the burning is too intense.Jungkook’s body shivers and he wants to ask them where he is, what’s happening, and why he feels like he’s dying but the words feel impossible to form right now. His tongue feels too big for his mouth.But all too soon, the abyss pulls him back under, leaving him spiraling into the darkness despite the gentle hands that try and keep him conscious. He desperately tries to hold on to the voice and soft hands but it’s hopeless, the abyss is too strong.He hits the pit of darkness and feels it consume him.Suddenly, he’s dreaming, and the burning is gone, replaced with something far more sinister.His dream feels real, too real. It’s more akin to a nightmare than a regular dream the longer he experiences it though.It starts fine.He was with Jimin, his best friend since childhood, they were on vacation in the mountains at one of the most popular resorts for snowboarding in the world. They’d been planning the vacation for months on end and saving every expendable won to help fund it. The place didn’t come cheap but they were determined to make their dreams come true since they’d been planning it since they were children but soon realized it was within their reach, given that they were adults with careers and money.They wanted to snowboard high in the mountains, in the most rural parts of the country at the best resort. Everything was expensive, from the flight to the accommodations, to the snowboarding gear but it was worth it. Their careers were getting busier with each passing year and time together was getting harder and harder to find.The future seemed uncertain, and the planned vacation seemed like a good way to say goodbye until life brought them back together.Everything was great for a moment. They were having fun, taking photos, and enjoying the snow.But then, Jungkook’s dream shifts, and the burning returns.Suddenly, Jungkook was running, all while fear and desperation pooled in the pit of his stomach.His instincts were wild, unnaturally so. Instincts were mostly dormant in the present day since the majority of humans had evolved past the need for them so feeling them was like getting doused with cold water in the middle of a snowstorm. It left Jungkook shivering and made his blood run cold from it all.It was rare for a person to find themselves running from a predator that threatened their life, to feel that desperate need to survive and seek shelter in the modern day yet here Jungkook was, running for his life with nothing but the adrenaline to survive aiding him.Much like shifting, instincts had become something of the past for most people unless they chose to live in the rural parts of the world where shifter communities existed. Because of that, the world was divided into two categories: the modern world and the shifter world.In the shifter world, people retained all their instincts and their ability to shift, while in the modern world, the most people tended to retain was their ability to smell, just vaguely, scents and scent those around them. Those of the modern world’s sense of smell were compared to someone with a stuffed nose when equated to a shifter’s abilities.But as Jungkook ran in his nightmare, every instinct inside him came roaring to life at a frightening speed, especially his sense of smell. It was so overwhelming he felt bile rise in his throat and his eyes glaze over with tears, feeling like someone had punched him in the face. He could sense everything, smell everything, and it did nothing but make paranoia fill him.Desperately, he tried to look around and see where he was, but his instincts wouldn’t let him, just demanded he keep running and not lose his concentration in his haste to get away.He nearly stumbled when he heard the beast gaining on him. The sounds of the large, aggressive animal get closer. It was coming after him at full force.The animal was getting closer and it showed no signs of stopping. The snow didn’t seem to deter it, if anything, it aided the best in its hunt.Jungkook remembered then, the staff at the resort, warning them about the dangerous wildlife outside of the resort that lived around the mountains and down in the shifter lands.They were warned time and time again not to leave the resort because the staff had no power to come and save them if something were to happen. The mountains for snowboarding and skiing were their domain, but the majority of the shifter areas was protected.No one would help them if they left the snowboarding resort.Jungkook hadn’t planned to leave the resort nor the slopes within the boundaries.It had been an accident, a very unfortunate one at that where he’d lost control of his snowboard. It had all happened so quickly, one moment he was tumbling, and the next, there was a large avalanche cascading toward him, knocking him further down the mountain, past the resort barriers, and into the wilderness.The wind had been knocked out of him, leaving him lying in the snow for what felt like hours. He wanted to scream, to call for help, but nothing came out. It was the scariest moment of his life.He thought about Jimin and hoped the omega was safe at the resort.It’d felt like hours had passed when he’d awoken and tried to find his way back to the resort, but everything was covered in snow. It looked identical no matter which direction he looked and before he knew it, he was running for his life from a large beast.He’d wondered in his nightmare, if anyone was searching for him. He knew Jimin was persistent and would do his best to get help. He could only hope the resort listened to Jimin before it was too late or Jimin did something foolish, like come and search for Jungkook on his own. That was the last thing Jungkook wanted because then Jimin would be in trouble.Jungkook’s nightmare feels eternal, it shows no signs of ending.He climbed up once trees big enough to support his weight came into view. He ignored the burning inside him, his ripped snowsuit, his hope of being found and climbed with all his strength.If it weren’t for his intense boxing classes and constant need to be in the gym, given that he was an instructor there, he wasn’t sure if he would’ve made it up the tree.He looked down toward the beast, a large bear, and felt tears glaze his eyes in frustration when he saw it watching him.It was contemplating. It wasn’t going to let up, probably starving from not finding much food due to the weather. It should’ve been hibernating instead of hunting him yet here it was, on the prowl.Jungkook wrapped his arms around one of the thicker branches when the bear started aggressively shaking the tree.Everything felt hopeless then.The end felt near.There was nowhere to go.Eventually, the bear would manage to knock him off the tree and attack him. He would be done for. He was out of strength and had nothing to use as a weapon.The pain from the fall inside him continued to throb but it was quickly becoming dull because the burning sensation was taking over him. It made him feel as if he were being lit on fire.Jungkook screamed until his throat was raw, but he didn’t dare let go of the trunk. His arms were aching from how hard he was holding on.His nightmare feels too real. It won’t end.In the distance, Jungkook saw a small blur, one that was quickly approaching. It was a dot of black in the vast white. He thought he was imagining things for a moment, given the tears that filled his eyes, but no he was certain whatever was heading toward him was real.Loud growling filled the air around him, making Jungkook whine in distress. The sound felt strange bubbling in his throat. He hadn’t whined since he was a child, back before his instincts faded. It was a primal sound, one that made the blur pick up speed.Jungkook regretted everything at that moment, especially the vacation. He was going to die out in the wilderness and leave his family and Jimin forever wondering what happened to him. He wanted nothing more than to go back in time and stop them from planning this trip but at least this was happening to him instead of Jimin.They could’ve been at Jungkook or Jimin’s apartment instead, safe and warm. Instead, Jungkook was fighting for his life and sanity, trying to keep the burning inside at bay as his arms shook.The dot in the distance got closer and began to take form in the shape of a wolf—a large, black wolf.Jungkook’s instincts perked up at it in recognition.It was a shifter.He instantly felt himself relax at the sight. His instincts seemed to call out to the shifter, preening, as if wanting to scream you found me, I’m here!It was an odd feeling, but Jungkook was running on pure adrenaline, so he let his instincts take over and guide him.The shifter got closer until the bear noticed it and charged toward it and away from the tree.Jungkook watched them fight with awe.He’d never seen a shifter before in his dreams or in real life, only in biology class during his time in school. People rarely shifted anymore, it was something of the past, unless a person lived in one of the shifter territories of a country.But there, on the ground below him, was a shifter, a wolf, large, with bright, ember eyes, and black fur.He expected to feel the fear return but he only felt the intense burning from earlier.The shifter charged at the bear with full force, knocking it back and sinking its jaws into it with no ounce of hesitation.Jungkook closed his eyes, trying to tune out of the sounds as he held onto the tree with every ounce of strength he had left. The fever was beginning to make him feel lightheaded. He was not going to make it for much longer.Finally, the sound of the fight ended, making Jungkook open his eyes and look down toward the ground where the snow was covered in blood.
Safe.
His instincts willed him to relax and before he could stop himself, he started slipping down the tree and landed on his feet in the snow.The wolf shook its snout clean before it closed the distance between them, taking a moment to nudge Jungkook’s side with its snout in what seemed like reassurance.Jungkook dropped to his knees in the snow, feeling that burning intensity in reaction to the shifter getting closer to him. He knew rationally he shouldn’t have been so calm, dream, or not so close to the shifter but. This was a shifter; a huge wolf and he was letting it sniff him and be close to him as if it was normal.His mind and instincts knew it was a shifter, knew he was one as well, deep down in his DNA. Humans were all shifters once upon a time, back when life was harder, and the Earth’s environment was harsher. It made life easier but slowly as civilization advanced, the ability wasn’t needed as much as much anymore except if one lived in one of the shifter communities of a country.The shifter was an unbelievable sight, even for a dream. The wolf felt and looked so human in its eyes despite being fully shifted. Its instincts called out to Jungkook, its scent especially, trying to reassure him as it nudged against him, as if checking over him for injuries.The shifter whined, urging Jungkook to stand with its snout, probably sensing Jungkook’s losing battle with his consciousness.Jungkook stood, carefully pulling one of his ripped gloves off and reaching forward. Rationally, he shouldn’t have, he did not know what a shifter was capable of, but his instincts, all omega, urged him to trust the shifter, reminding him that it saved him. It was safe. Things would be fine.The shifter’s fur was soft and cold to the touch. It felt oddly comforting, so Jungkook dug his fingers deeper, gripping the fur in an effort to ground himself as the burning sensation inside him turned nuclear.He did not want to cry. He was not a child anymore. He was twenty-seven but fuck, he’s had one of the worst days of his entire life and he was so tired, dream or not, the exhaustion felt real, and the fever was getting worse by the second.So, he cried, he cried so hard he gasped for air, keeping a tight hold on the animal as he pulled off his broken snowboarding goggles and tossed them onto the ground. Everything felt so fucking overwhelming.Eventually, everything turned blurry, because of the tears and the burning.One moment, Jungkook was gripping onto fur, and the next moment, there was a man standing beside him in place of the wolf—an alpha, tall, with eyes like a dragon, staring at him with a sharp expression.Jungkook shuddered at the sight, trying his best to blink away the tears as he looked in amazement at the alpha before him. The alpha was painfully human like him.“Hey,” the alpha whispered, pressing a hand against Jungkook’s sweaty forehead and pushing his hair back. He looked at Jungkook in disbelief, like he couldn’t believe the sight of the omega. “You’re burning up,” he sharply inhaled with a concerned expression. “We have to—”Jungkook’s body gave out and he would’ve fallen back into the snow if the shifter hadn’t caught him by the arm.“You’ll be alright, but we have to go right now,” the alpha promised, scooping Jungkook over his shoulder. It felt nice, the shifter was warm despite the cold weather, and it made Jungkook feel warm and melt against the alpha. “Rest for now.”Jungkook felt himself slipping into darkness, felt the burning take over him, and his eyes closed as the shifter took off. He felt safe. It would be fine, he would be alright.His dream comes to an end and the nightmare is finally over.It feels like he can breathe again and he’s desperately gasping for breath as he tries to sit up. He’s desperately shoving blankets off himself and wiping at his face, trying to ground himself.Gentle hands stop him.“You have to calm down,” the voice from earlier warns him. The person’s scent smells good—safe, letting Jungkook know he isn’t in any danger. It’s another omega. “You just recovered, don’t move so quickly or you might hurt yourself. You had some bad bruising and your fever hasn’t settled yet.”Jungkook blinks his eyes open and tries to get them to focus. He keeps trying to sit up, making the omega beside him sigh in displeasure and put warm hands on his shoulder and back to aid him.“Where am I?” Jungkook asks but immediately regrets it when he starts coughing. His chest hurts and his eyes burn.His throat is painfully raw but at least his vision finally focuses in the dimly lit room. He’s in a small room and the only source of light is coming from a lamp and a fireplace. There are layers of blankets on him, thick and warm but despite them, he’s freezing.There’s absolutely nothing modern here, it’s as if he stepped into the past somehow.“You’re in the spare room in my home,” the omega explains. “It’s safe here, don’t worry. I’ve been watching over you since you got discharged from our medical center a few days ago.”Jungkook turns and looks at the omega sitting beside him. It’s a man, older than him, with a nervous heart-shaped smile on his face as if worried about how Jungkook will react now that he’s awake.“My name is Hoseok,” the omega introduces himself, gently pulling his hands away once he notices Jungkook isn’t falling over anymore. “One of the members in my pack found you and brought you here, to our lands. You’re in Kim Pack territory right now.”Jungkook tries to speak but ends up coughing again, concerning enough that Hoseok holds a cup to his mouth so he can drink. The water feels blissful as it goes down his throat.“There, try again,” Hoseok offers, setting the empty cup to the side.“You’re a pack of shifters?” Jungkook finally manages to ask, trying to make sense of everything.Was his dream real then? Did that actually happen?Hoseok nods. “You’re an outsider from one of the human civilizations,” he points out. “I’ve never met one before. You were wearing weird clothes, that did nothing to protect you from the cold, and your body was shutting down because you didn’t have the ability to shift on command,” he explains. “It makes sense, our pack alpha says outsiders don’t shift anymore and the ability goes dormant inside them. I guess that’s why you were wearing clothes that don’t help you in this weather.”Jungkook frowns, feeling overwhelmed by everything that Hoseok is saying. “So, my dream was real?” He asks. “The shifter and the bear? That actually happened?”Hoseok nods again. “Yeah, that was Namjoon-ie, he saved you and brought you here.”Namjoon.“Normally, we don’t bring in outsiders, mostly because a lot of them frown upon our tradition of shifting and because you can never be too careful. Of course, our pack leader and some of the council members will meet with them, the modern world, annually to discuss logistics and stuff but it’s rare they bring them here. Sure, it happens when one of them wants to join one of the shifter packs, but it doesn’t happen often.”Jungkook frowns as he tries to process what Hoseok just said. “But I’m here…”Hoseok looks uneasy now. “You’re a special case…but our pack is wary of you.”“I don’t understand,” Jungkook mumbles, rubbing at his eyes when the drowsiness washes over him. “What makes me special enough of your pack to let me stay here?”It doesn’t make sense. They don’t like outsiders, yet they took Jungkook in?“Well, it’s because of Namjoon-ie, the alpha that found you,” Hoseok explains, scent turning sour with hesitation. “He vouched for you, and he promised to take responsibility for you.”“Why?” Jungkook frowns in confusion. “Why would he do that for me?”“You should ask him,” Hoseok suggests. “He’s a complicated person so it’s hard to tell why he did that and it’s not my place to share it with you even if I have my suspicions.”Jungkook nods as he tries to make sense of everything that’s happening.He wonders what Namjoon vouching for him entailed but he figures that it’s best to ask the alpha himself. He hopes Namjoon comes by soon, he wants to see the alpha. It’s like there’s an itch underneath his skin he can’t scratch at the thought of being away from the man. He feels ridiculous.Jungkook startles when there’s impatient knocking at the door. It’s like every little noise calls his attention now that his instincts are working in full swing. This will take some time to get used to.If he focuses hard enough, he can hear people outside of the house going about their day.“Hyung,” someone whines from the other side of the door. “Is he awake? What’s going on in there?”Hoseok rolls his eyes, but his expression is fond. “Everything is fine,” he calls out to the other person. “Don’t come in here, we wouldn’t want you to scare off our special guest. Go get the pack doctor so he can check on him! We’re okay in here!” He looks back to look at Jungkook. “Sorry, that’s my mate, Taehyung, he gets a little impatient when I leave him waiting for too long. He’s also been anxiously waiting for you to wake up and well, truthfully, he was afraid you might be violent.”“Are you sure everything is fine?” Taehyung asks, sounding hesitant to leave.“Yes,” Hoseok answers, shaking his head.“…Fine,” Taehyung gives in, but he doesn’t sound too happy about it. “I’ll be quick! I’ll miss you so much!”Jungkook feels his heartbeat accelerate at the notion of an unknown alpha being close by. His instincts tell him everything is fine, they would know when danger is near. It creates a weird internal battle inside him, instincts versus everything else he’s been taught. It makes him feel dizzy and his fever bothers him even more than it already is.“My name is Jungkook,” Jungkook decides to introduce himself. “Thank you for taking care of me, even if I am an outsider,” he expresses his gratitude.Hoseok waves him off and makes him drink more water. “Don’t worry about it, it was clear Namjoon-ie cared about you enough to save you so, of course, I had to help him out, as well as a few other people here. I’ve known Namjoon-ie nearly my whole life and I trust his judgment.”Jungkook frowns as he thinks about what Hoseok mentioned earlier. “You said the pack isn’t happy with me being here though?” He asks. “I hope that’s not causing problems for Namjoon.”“I won’t lie to you, it’s complicated but don’t worry too much about it, okay?” Hoseok tries to reassure him. “The pack alpha, Seokjin, respects and trusts Namjoon so he let Namjoon fight for your right to stay here,” he explains, making Jungkook choke on his water.“Fight?!” Jungkook repeats as he begins to cough up the water.“Alrighty,” Hoseok says as he takes the cup of water and pats Jungkook on the back. “I forget the modern world is very different from here,” he explains. “Whenever someone does something that’s not been mentioned or approved by the pack alpha or council in a pack like ours, it’s considered a crime so you have to be ready to defend your decision to those that might not agree with it.”Jungkook manages to calm his breathing. “I understand that but why fight?”Hoseok taps his chin with his pointer finger for a moment, lost in thought before his eyes light up, probably having thought of a way to best explain things to Jungkook. “Well, bringing in someone from the modern world without approval is considered a high offense because we don’t know anything about you or your motives, so some people feel betrayed by that, especially since you could be someone sent by an enemy pack. When Namjoon-ie arrived with you, he ran straight to the medical center and caused a commotion. People were upset he brought someone here from the modern world without approval, so people challenged his decision with a physical fight and our pack alpha approved it since he supported Namjoon-ie’s cause. I probably shouldn’t be saying this to you, since you’re an outsider but this involves you so…” He puckers his lips. “Namjoon-ie is essentially the second in command, our best fighter, and his circumstances are unique, so it was foolish for anyone to challenge his decision, especially since our pack alpha is his brother.”“So, he won?” Jungkook asks.Hoseok gives him a funny look. “Of course, he swept the floor with them,” he reassures the omega. “You must’ve made a big impression on him to make him do such a thing.”“I don’t know,” Jungkook mumbles because he honestly doesn’t know but the fact that he has to see Namjoon again, that much is certain, and thank the alpha for saving him and apparently fighting in his honor.“Well, don’t overthink anything for the time being, just focus on getting better,” Hoseok comforts him. “Namjoon-ie will come and see you soon and you can ask him anything you want but for now, we have to deal with the fever you’re suffering from.”Jungkook nods, feeling like he can trust Hoseok. “When can I leave?” He asks. “My friend is probably looking for me back near the snowboarding resort and I don’t want to risk him coming this far out trying to find me especially if it’s dangerous.”Hoseok looks uneasy now. “Let’s wait for the doctor to come and look you over. You’re still running a bad fever and you’ve been out of it for a few days so I’m not sure when you’ll be ready to make the trek back to where you came from.”Jungkook supposes that makes sense. He still feels like shit, like someone just kicked his ass ten times over, so he’s not exactly ready to hike back to the resort. It would take him ages in this state.Still, he worries about Jimin.“When can I see Namjoon?” Jungkook changes the topic. “You said he saved me, right?” He asks. “I want to thank him, if that’s possible.”It would be the right thing to do since Jungkook wouldn’t have made it if Namjoon hadn’t stepped in. He owes the man his life. Besides, his instincts feel a weird urge to see the alpha, making him squirm where he sits the longer, he has to wait to see the man.“I’ll have Taehyung-ie bring him over once the doctor leaves,” Hoseok promises. “As long as you promise to cooperate and eat well before that happens, of course.”Jungkook gives the omega a confused expression, making Hoseok laugh.“You’ve been kind of a brat of a patient while you were delirious with fever,” Hoseok fills Jungkook in, making Jungkook blush from head to toe. “It was cute, but you have a lot of skipped meals to make up for!” He scolds the omega. “I have a reputation to uphold in this pack as a nurse and you won’t be the first patient to break it, I’ll tell you that much.”While they wait for the doctor to arrive, Hoseok tells Jungkook more about himself and more about where they are to pass the time, after Jungkook eats.It’s protected shifter territory, the Kim Pack to be more specific, with Kim Seokjin as the current pack alpha. It’s located far from the resort, at least three days’ worth of running while shifted. There are a few big neighboring packs in this area, according to Hoseok, some of them not all that welcoming to anyone, so Jungkook was extremely lucky that Namjoon was the one who found him.Hoseok is mated. His mate, Taehyung, is a few years younger than him, and an enthusiastic alpha from what Jungkook gathers.It’s interesting to see the faded mating scar on Hoseok’s neck. It peeks out from under his clothes, looking like someone sunk teeth into it not that long ago.When Jungkook points that out, Hoseok blushes and tries to laugh it off.“He is insatiable,” Hoseok explains, scent turning sweet the more he talks about Taehyung. “We’ve been mated for a year now, plus he courted me for ages, and still, that doesn’t seem to be enough to get him to calm down.”The mating bite is captivating to see. They’re mostly viewed as outdated in the modern world, much like instincts. Jungkook doesn’t think he’s ever seen one on a person before, only in dramas set in the past. It’s more romantic than he thought it would be. He can definitely see the appeal and the mental image of an alpha sinking teeth into his neck makes his mouth water despite the fever.“Are you mated?” Hoseok asks him once he’s calmed down.Jungkook shakes his head. “No, I’m not,” he says. “My life was a little too busy to date, so I wasn’t looking for anyone serious.”His last partner, an alpha named Sohee, was a boxer he met at the first boxing gym he started going to when he got into the sport. They dated for almost a year and things were good, until he got dumped for being too clingy. That had been an ordeal because Sohee was an instructor at the boxing gym, so things got awkward quickly and Jungkook was left with no choice but to move gyms. It worked out for the best since Jungkook got a job there as an instructor and was able to make a career out of it but still.Sometimes, Jungkook thinks that his body doesn’t understand what’s socially acceptable in the modern world and what isn’t. He won’t lie, he’s often wondered what life would be like if things were still like they were back then, when instincts reigned, and people listened to them.Hoseok nods in understanding. “I thought your worried friend might’ve been your mate or something similar,” he admits, tapping his chin with his pointer finger. “It makes sense because if you were mated, I would’ve expected them to come looking for you, blizzard or not, especially if you had an alpha, nothing seems to deter them.”“No, Jimin is just a really good friend of mine,” Jungkook explains.“I’m back!” Taehyung yells from somewhere outside the room. His yelling is soon followed by the sound of running. There’s a new scent in the house. “I brought the doctor with me, hyung!”“Taehyung-ah, you’re going to make me go deaf if you keep screaming in my ear like that,” a new voice scolds Taehyung. It belongs to the new scent in the house.Hoseok shakes his head at Taehyung’s yelling and attempts to suppress another smile. It’s kind of sweet, how lovestruck he is for his mate. Jungkook finds it extremely endearing. He wishes he could meet someone like that.“Are you ready to see the doctor?” Hoseok asks Jungkook, probably smelling Jungkook’s erratic, nervous scent as the steps get closer. Since Jungkook woke up, it’s like his scent has gone from the minimum setting to the ultimate maximum, making it hard to suppress. “Don’t feel nervous, he won’t hurt you or anything of that sort. Besides, I’ll be here just in case.”Before Hoseok allows the doctor to come in, he helps Jungkook bathe and change into fresh clothes. They’re some of Hoseok’s clothes so they’re a little tight on Jungkook, given that Hoseok is not a beefy omega like Jungkook is, but they make it work.Hoseok is right, once again. The doctor, Yoongi, is a little reserved, but kind. He’s a beta, smelling of citrus. It reminds Jungkook of summer.Honestly, Jungkook is surprised at how much knowledge shifters have despite not living in modern cities and towns in the world. They have a lot of technology he didn’t expect, sure not quite to the extent that he’s used to, but it’s still surprising.Yoongi is a very good doctor, and he gives Jungkook a thorough check-up before taking a seat beside the bed next to Hoseok on a chair.Once again, Taehyung lingers outside the door like a puppy since he’s not allowed inside. If the situation weren’t so nerve-wracking, Jungkook would laugh at the alpha, but he has bigger things on his mind, like wondering what the status of his health is and about… Namjoon.“You look much better than when you first arrived, Jungkook,” Yoongi explains after Hoseok properly introduces them. “But your fever isn’t going down and I can tell that it’s causing you immense discomfort. It’s as I’d concluded when Namjoon-ie first brought you to me. It’s your inability to shift what’s causing your fever. Your body is trying to give in to your instincts but since you’ve never shifted before, a part of your brain won’t allow it. In simpler terms, your body is fighting the shift like if it were an illness.”Jungkook nods as he listens. He’s heard about this before, it’s called survivor’s fever. There have been accounts of people being put in life-or-death situations and their bodies will try to shift, only to overheat in their inability to do so. It’s considered a medical mystery since all modern doctors can do is try and lower the fever. Sometimes, it can be fatal because people will choose not to shift, since the modern world paints it as something that is not socially acceptable. There’s no hiding once someone has shifted since their eyes change color to ember, much like Namjoon, Hoseok, and Yoongi sport.“You seem to know about this,” Yoongi points out, probably seeing the expression on Jungkook’s face.“It’s called survivor’s fever where I’m from,” Jungkook tells the doctor before giving the beta a strange look. “You don’t seem nearly as concerned as I thought you would be about it though.”Yoongi nods. “You’re right about that,” he admits. “Here, in shifter territory, it's common, especially in children who have yet to take their first shift. We compare it to when babies cut teeth since this fever happens between their first and second birthdays. Your body is going through a difficult change and sometimes will react like this because you’re much older than when one of us here shifts for the first time. Once you shift, everything will be fine, and your fever will be gone. The shift will erase the fever.”“Shift?” Jungkook repeats, this time, nearly falling off the bed at how casually Yoongi is talking about this. He needs to make sure he heard the doctor correctly.Hoseok practically pounces on Jungkook to save him from a fall, moving to sit beside the omega on the bed for peace of mind. “Don’t scare me like that,” the omega whines but it only serves to make Taehyung growl on the other side of the door in response. “I am fine,” he reassures his mate.Jungkook is grateful for the aid since Hoseok has been nothing but a pillar of support and comfort since he woke up. He leans against the older omega when the fever makes him dizzy. Once he’s better, he’ll offer to help around Hoseok’s home, cooking or whatever needs to be done, since Hoseok and Taehyung were kind enough to take him in while he recovered.“I don’t know about that,” Jungkook decides to be honest with the doctor. “That’s like asking me to cut an arm off, I don’t know,” he laments, feeling uneasy. “That’s asking a lot out of me…”“I know it’s a scary thought, but I promise you, it’s very natural,” Yoongi reassures him. “Besides, we have someone here in the pack that went through something similar. He should be able to help provide some support for you during this time and answer any questions you may have.”Jungkook bites anxiously at his bottom lip as he listens. He can’t even fathom the thought of shifting. It makes his skin crawl with the uncertainty of it all and alarm bells go off in his head, especially in the presence of someone he doesn’t know.“The alpha that rescued you and brought you here, Namjoon,” Yoongi reveals. “He might have a few comforting words for you to help ease the fear of shifting,” he goes on.Jungkook perks up at that as his instincts latch onto the mention of the alpha. He remembers Namjoon. He wants to see Namjoon and express his gratitude. He wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for Namjoon.Namjoon.Namjoon.
Namjoon.
“Well, actually…the more I think about it, it might be difficult to get Namjoon to talk to you about that,” Yoongi confesses, making Hoseok shake his head.“I don’t think that’s something we need to worry about,” Hoseok promises Yoongi. “He’ll come and talk to Jungkook about it and things will be fine,” he says to the doctor. “Considering that Taehyung has been telling me the pack alpha has been trying his best to keep Namjoon away from my house these past few days.”Yoongi looks at Hoseok in disbelief before shaking his head fondly. “I’ll leave it to you then, Hoseok-ah,” he says, looking back toward the door. “You might want to step out and see Taehyung-ie for a moment though, I fear he might burst from the separation anxiety.”Hoseok rolls his eyes but looks toward the door. “I told him to go to work today.”Yoongi smiles as he starts to pack up his things. “He knew you were worried about your patient, and he wouldn’t leave you alone to deal with everything. He’s a good alpha,” he praises Taehyung. “Besides, now that Jungkook is awake, I can finally get my nurse back at the medical center.”“I know,” Hoseok whispers, voice soft. He shoves Yoongi playfully. “Glad to know that’s what you’ve been worried about while I’ve been away.”Yoongi and Hoseok start bickering, mostly about what Hoseok has missed at the medical center so Jungkook’s mind wanders.Jungkook wonders what Yoongi and Hoseok mean when it comes to Namjoon. If Namjoon didn’t shift when he was young like them, does it mean Namjoon isn’t from here originally or something of that nature?Interesting.“Jungkook-ah,” Hoseok says once he returns from seeing Yoongi out and probably from appeasing his mate given that his lips look shiny and bitten. “The pack alpha wants to see you and afterward, you can see Namjoon.”“I’ve never met a pack alpha before,” Jungkook confesses, feeling oddly nervous at the notion. “Is there anything I should know about before I meet with him?” He asks. “What’s the proper protocol? Is like meeting a president or something?”Hoseok shakes his head. “No, you’ll be fine, just be honest with him,” he promises. “Namjoon-ie has already vouched for you and that’s more than enough to get the pack alpha on your side. Besides, whatever idea you have of a pack alpha, I promise you ours isn’t like that, well unless you make him angry but it’s extremely rare that he gets upset.”“But why would Namjoon vouch for me?” Jungkook frowns in confusion. Hoseok has already mentioned this once, but he didn’t elaborate, and well, Jungkook wants answers.“It’s best Namjoon tell you himself,” Hoseok tells him.With that, Hoseok steps back outside to see Taehyung again before sending the alpha to get the pack alpha. It helps give Jungkook a few peaceful moments of silence and time to take a small nap. Having visitors is so exhausting. Not even after an intense heat has Jungkook felt so drained.He thinks back to Namjoon again and wonders what Hoseok meant about the alpha vouching for him.Jungkook wonders why Namjoon considered him an exception. Hoseok was right about Seokjin. The alpha is not what Jungkook was expecting in a pack alpha, far from it actually.Seokjin is charismatic, silly even, handsome, and very friendly. He asks Jungkook a million questions, and they find a lot of similarities between them. Seokjin reminds Jungkook of his older brother, a lot, it’s comforting. Plus, Namjoon’s scent lingers on Seokjin, making Jungkook squirm.Namjoon, however, doesn’t come in with Seokjin, making Jungkook feel oddly impatient.“You’re probably anxious to get back home, right?” Seokjin asks Jungkook, snapping the omega out of his thoughts.Jungkook nods. “My friend is probably looking for me, he must be worried sick since we were together when the accident happened.”“I suspected as much,” Seokjin confesses. “Well, you have to get better before you can leave since the journey is long. There is a lot of snow on the ground right now so we can’t contact any of the human civilizations to come get you at the designated neutral zones. Once you’re better and the weather has calmed down, we’ll get you home. How does that sound, Jungkook-ah?”Jungkook does not know what to say. In theory, yes, it sounds good, but in order to get better, he has to shift and that’s a daunting task.But since Jungkook has no other option for the moment, he nods. He needs to be strong and do whatever it takes to get back home to Jimin and his family. He’ll deal with the consequences of shifting once he gets back to the modern world.Seokjin’s expression shifts suddenly, turning serious. Even his scent turns heavy. Now, he looks very much like a pack alpha, making Jungkook sit up straight. Even Hoseok who lingers in the corner of the room perks up at the sight.“Namjoon has vouched for you and has defended his decision to bring you here against those that opposed it,” Seokjin states, leaning back in the chair he’s sitting in. “I’m sure you’re aware of that. Normally, outsiders aren’t allowed into any shifter packs, not until they’ve been extremely vetted, it’s just the normal procedure in any pack. But you’re a special case since my second in command has specifically spoken for you. But despite that, the majority of the pack here is wary of you being here so I ask that you be on your best behavior,” he explains, eyes narrowing as he stares at Jungkook, making the omega’s hackles rise. “I don’t have a problem with you unless you make it a problem.”Jungkook’s eyes go wide, and he quickly nods. His scent turns acidic from the nerves. “There won’t be a problem.”Seokjin's serious façade breaks into a smile. “Good!” He says, making Jungkook’s scent return to normal so fast it gives him whiplash. “Stay close to Hoseok-ie or Namjoon-ie while you’re here, okay?” He advises.Jungkook feels like he’s getting hit with whiplash again at how quickly Seokjin can turn serious. It’s overwhelming him. “I will,” he promises. “Thank you, pack alpha.”Seokjin waves him off as he stands and stretches his arms over his head. “Just call me hyung,” he offers. “Well, I’m very in demand today, so I’m off. I’ll be seeing you around, Jungkook-ah,” he says, looking toward Hoseok. “I’m counting on you, Hoseok-ah,” he states. “I’ll send in the last visitor on my way out before he makes me assign him even more work, so he gets off my back,” he laughs. “I’ve never seen him so restless; it’s kind of funny…”Hoseok nods and bows his head in response to Seokjin’s command of him, following the pack alpha out the door. “I think it’s kind of cute,” he says to Seokjin, making the pack alpha laugh again.The omega lets Jungkook know that Namjoon will come to see him soon and afterward, they’ll have dinner, making Jungkook wonder just how long he was out today before he finally woke up from his feverish sleep.Jungkook nods and watches them go.He gets a glimpse of Taehyung as the younger alpha trails after Hoseok, making him chuckle softly as the stress of the day starts taking its toll on him. That’s definitely a lovestruck alpha but honestly, Jungkook can understand why Taehyung is like that. Hoseok has been great to Jungkook, he’s a sweet guy.Jungkook owes him so much.He tries to go over everything that Hoseok, Yoongi, and Seokjin have told him, trying to piece it together. He was worried when he’d learned he was in shifter territory when he’d first learned where he was but now, it doesn’t seem as daunting.Shifting on the other hand…
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Jungkook doesn’t realize he’s fallen asleep until he’s startled awake by sounds of laughter coming from somewhere in the house.It sounds a lot like Hoseok and Taehyung, full of happiness and love. It makes Jungkook miss home, his family, and his friends.He rubs at his eyes, blinking away the sleep, and stops when he notices someone sitting quietly beside the bed.For a moment, he thinks it’s Hoseok but then, the person’s scent hits him once he’s fully awake, letting him know that it’s the scent of an alpha. The scent is musky, reminding Jungkook of an old book. He wonders if this scent was the reason he had such a peaceful nap just now.His eyes focus and there, sitting before Jungkook is Namjoon.Namjoon.“I’m so sorry, I didn’t mean to fall asleep,” Jungkook rushes to apologize as he attempts to shake the sleep away. He can’t believe the man who saved his life probably watched him drool in his sleep, probably the hottest alpha he’s ever met. Life is so cruel. “They told me you were coming but—”“It’s alright, there’s no need to apologize, Jungkook,” Namjoon reassures him, setting down a small book by his feet. “Hoseok-ie told me your name when I got here and filled me in on what’s been happening,” he explains, staring at Jungkook with an expression the omega cannot decipher. It’s intense but not concerning. It makes Jungkook blush. “I came by to check on you while you were unconscious, but I hadn’t been allowed to come in,” he adds, frowning. “You need all the rest you can get so you can get better soon so don’t feel bad about sleeping. I didn’t mind waiting for you to wake up just now, it was just nice knowing you’d finally woken up and that you were better. Besides, you looked peaceful sleeping.”His voice is the same as it was in Jungkook’s dream, in his memories, from when the alpha saved him. It soothes that deep ache in him and calms his instincts.Jungkook, despite Namjoon’s words, shoves at the layers of blankets covering him and tries to get out of bed. He wants to express his gratitude toward the alpha properly since the man did save him from death. He’s a little unsteady but now that he’s moving, he feels every bruise and cut he suffered during his snowboarding accident. Holy shit, he’s so sore and tender all over.Namjoon jumps at him, scent turning sour with worry and frustration. “Hey, you’re not supposed to get out of bed yet,” he reminds the omega, his tone a little harsher as he flusters. He gently puts his hands on Jungkook’s shoulders and pushes him back down onto the bed, acting like Jungkook might shatter from too much force. It’s a little endearing. “Lay back down, it’s alright, you don’t have to do all of that, I promise. The last thing you need is to overdo it,” he stresses as his scent becomes even more saturated with worry.Jungkook shakes his head and tries to push Namjoon away, but the alpha is all muscle. His touch is nice and warm though, despite their current game of push and pull. “No, I have—I have to thank you properly,” he argues, face scrunching with frustration when Namjoon doesn’t let him get up. He was in the gym almost every day boxing, and yet he still can’t move the alpha back an inch. Shifters are truly something else. “You saved me, I have to get up,” he keeps fighting.Namjoon doesn’t let up either, much to Jungkook’s annoyance. “You don’t have to thank me,” the alpha swears as he keeps Jungkook on the bed. “I don’t require your gratitude for something I chose to do, what I do require is for you to listen to the doctor, okay?” He argues, looking genuinely worried at the thought of Jungkook getting out of bed. “You still have a fever, you need rest.”Jungkook looks up at Namjoon with pleading eyes. “But—”Namjoon looks away and keeps pushing Jungkook back onto the bed until Jungkook stops trying to stand up. “Just lay down and take it easy,” he tries again. “That’s more than enough for me, I promise,” he swears. “If you want to show your appreciation, listen to me.”“Fine,” Jungkook gives in and he’s definitely not pouting in annoyance at being denied. “I’m still going to thank you properly once I’m better, just for the record,” he huffs. “You literally killed a bear for me.”He remembers then what he has to do to get better and suddenly the anxiety from earlier is returning with a vengeance. He’s not feeling so confident about anything anymore as his scent turns sour with anxiety.Namjoon releases some calming pheromones in response, and they help calm Jungkook’s nerves a little. It’s nice.“Jungkook.” Namjoon gives him a look. “Try to relax.”“I’m relaxing,” Jungkook argues, making a show of being in bed and pulling the furs and blankets back over him. It only makes Namjoon’s eyebrows rise as he crosses his arms across his chest. “How did you find me that day in the forest?” He asks the alpha in an attempt to change the topic of conversation since they don’t seem to be getting anywhere. It’s something he’s wanted to ask since he woke up earlier. “How did you know I needed help?”Namjoon sits back in his chair, but his posture is tense, probably expecting Jungkook to try and get up again. It’s almost comical and truthfully, the alpha isn’t wrong to worry because the omega is already contemplating trying to get up again.Now that Jungkook can really see Namjoon, he gets a view of just how muscular and handsome the alpha is. He’s beefy with a cute face and a nice scent. His eyes especially are beautiful, ember just like Hoseok’s, Yoongi’s, and Seokjin’s eyes had been.“I heard you cry out for help,” Namjoon confesses, focusing his sharp eyes on Jungkook. It makes the omega squirm where he sits at how intense those ember eyes burn into him. “I was… hunting somewhere nearby, and I heard you, so I ran over as fast as I could. I’ve never moved that quickly in my life,” he explains, expression turning conflicted as he speaks.Jungkook tries to remember doing that. It’s a little blurry remembering all the fine details but he recalls whining. He hadn’t made the noise intentionally, had assumed it was his instincts that were kicking into survival mode. He hasn’t whined since he was young. It’s seen as such an outdated thing to do in the modern world, childish and primitive. He can’t believe Namjoon heard that from such a distance.“No one has ever called out to me like that before,” Namjoon admits. “It was like you wrapped an invisible rope around me and pulled as hard as you could. I could hardly breathe or focus on anything else as I ran toward you,” he goes on. “I was expecting it to be someone from the pack here, or a setup from an enemy pack when I got there but imagine my surprise when it was you.”“Thank you for saving me,” Jungkook expresses, tipping his head forward since that seems to be all he can do for the moment. “I thought I was going to die out there,” he confesses, feeling uneasy at the memory. “But you saved me,” he whispers, meeting Namjoon’s eyes. “I can never thank you enough for that.”Namjoon swallows and looks toward the ground. “What were you even doing out there?” He asks, sounding upset. “You were close to enemy shifter territory and if they’d found you, who knows what would’ve happened to you? A lot of packs out here are extremely wary of outsiders, regardless of where you come from,” he points out, scent getting acidic with worry and a little bit of anger. “You can’t even shift and yet, you were just wandering around shifter territory?”Jungkook frowns in concern and mostly confusion. He doesn’t understand why Namjoon is getting worked up over this. It’s not like he knows Jungkook enough to care about him. “But they didn’t find me, you found me and that’s all that matters,” he reassures the alpha, unsure of what he should do. His instincts tell him to calm the alpha down, so he tries that. “My parents always tell me it’s silly to worry about what could’ve happened and it’s better to focus on what actually happened.”“Still,” Namjoon argues, shaking his head. His scent gets thicker with frustration. “What were you doing out there?” He asks. “You were hurt and alone.”“I wasn’t wandering around the area on purpose,” Jungkook tries to explain himself, frowning now. “I was staying at the resort near the top of the tallest mountains and lost control of my snowboard. Trust me, the last place I wanted to be was running for my life,” he snaps at the alpha.Namjoon scoffs and rubs at his face. “I’m sorry,” he expresses, making Jungkook even more confused. “I didn’t mean to come across like that,” he promises. “It’s just that, you’re just—forget it, I don’t know what I’m saying.”“It’s fine,” Jungkook reassures him, pushing his hair behind his ears as he tries to calm down himself. “It was a bad experience for the both of us.”He doesn’t understand Namjoon but then again, it’s not like the omega has much experience when it comes to shifters. Maybe this is how things are out here and Jungkook is the obtuse one. He decides to let it go, concluding that it must be differences in culture.“Can I ask you something?” Jungkook tries to change the subject, hoping it’ll diffuse the situation.He should feel scared right now, given that Namjoon is a stranger and an alpha, nonetheless. But he remains oddly calm, mostly because his instincts remember the alpha and trust him. He’s never felt this before, not even with past partners. It’s weird.Namjoon looks up and nods. “Of course, go ahead, you can ask me anything.”“The pack doctor mentioned something to me about you,” Jungkook says, hoping he isn’t overstepping here. “He mentioned it to me when he came to talk to me about what’s still wrong with me.”Namjoon looks uneasy now, but he doesn’t stop Jungkook, just gestures for him to continue.“They said you shifted late, so you understand what I’m going through right now,” Jungkook tells the alpha. “They said you could help me with that.”He feels greedy, asking for more of Namjoon’s help despite how much of the alpha he’s already taken for himself, yet he can’t help but want more. It’s his instincts, it must be because he would never rationally act like this toward someone he just met.It’s probably because Namjoon is an attractive alpha. There’s no mating bite on his neck, letting Jungkook know he’s free for the taking. It makes irrational thoughts fill Jungkook’s mind and speak over commonsense which is insane because he’s never had a problem controlling himself before. He blames it on the fever.“I did,” Namjoon confesses, expression tense. “I think I was three or four years old, way older than when children in packs usually shift.” He exhales before continuing, like talking about this makes him uncomfortable. It makes Jungkook feel bad for bringing it up. “You’re afraid of shifting,” he manages to see right through Jungkook, catching the omega off-guard. “It’s normal you would be,” he reassures him. “I think people here forget that the world isn’t the same everywhere and shifting isn’t something everyone does anymore. From my understanding, people from the modern world are taught to fear shifting and everything that comes with it, so it makes sense you’re afraid.”Jungkook nods as he listens. “It’s scary,” he mumbles, pulling his knees to his chest right as his stomach growls with hunger. He must’ve been asleep for longer than he thought after Seokjin left. “Thank you, Namjoon-ssi, for validating my fear, it means so much to me,” he expresses. “Can I ask you why you were a late bloomer when it came to shifting?”Namjoon’s scent turns sour with frustration, but Jungkook can’t tell what caused that to happen.“You don’t have to tell me,” Jungkook rushes to say. “Not unless you want to share that with me,” he tries to reassure the alpha.“Later,” Namjoon says as he stands up and walks toward the bed. “For now, we need to focus on getting you some dinner and eventually, getting you to shift so we can break your fever. I hate that you’re in pain right now because of it,” he admits as worry overrides his scent.Jungkook grimaces. “But—”“Yes, you have to eat dinner, Jungkook-ah!” Hoseok calls from the other side of the door, startling Jungkook.Hoseok manages to break the tension that’s fallen in the room, making Jungkook and Namjoon softly laugh.“Let me help you to the kitchen,” Namjoon offers, staring at Jungkook like he’s expecting every bone in the omega’s body to break if he doesn’t help. “You probably want to get out of here and stretch your legs a little, right?” He asks, offering his hands to the omega. “Come on.”Jungkook feels shy for some reason. It’s not like he’s naked or something but Namjoon seems to have this effect on him he has no control over. This certainly isn’t the first attractive alpha he’s seen before, there have been plenty, his exes included but for some reason, Namjoon has him feeling beyond flustered.This is ridiculous. Well, at least Hoseok helped him change into fresh clothes after bringing water and soap for Jungkook to bathe earlier. If not, Jungkook would’ve felt even more flustered at Namjoon seeing him so greasy and unappealing.“Come on, I’ll help you,” Namjoon offers again, helping Jungkook off the bed and onto his feet. Carefully, Namjoon wraps his arm around Jungkook’s waist and helps the omega sling his arm around the alpha’s neck for support since he’s still wobbly from being in bed for so long.Jungkook swallows and tries not to think about Namjoon pressed against him like this. He’s being so ridiculous; he needs to calm down before he does something horrific like slick. That’s the last thing he needs to do in this situation, not when the fever still rages inside him.Slowly, they make their way toward the kitchen and Jungkook finally gets to look around Hoseok and Taehyung’s home.It’s cozy, a three-bedroom, with little trinkets everywhere, but decorated very nicely. There are photos on the wall of Hoseok and Taehyung, as well as other people Jungkook doesn’t know. He assumes it’s their families and a lot of modern things the omega wouldn’t have expected them to have here. It’s a nice mix of shifter things and modern things.“Jungkook!”Jungkook’s foot nearly slips as Taehyung jumps out from around the corner and startles him.He really must learn to get a handle on his instincts picking up every little thing now and projecting it into his brain at max volume. It’s going to make him grow grey hairs at the rate he’s going and develop migraines.Luckily, Namjoon does not falter. The alpha just tightens his hold on Jungkook and scoops him up bridal style, frowning at Taehyung in clear disapproval. “Seriously, Tae?”“Sorry,” Taehyung apologizes but he’s grinning, not looking very sorry at all. The alpha is handsome, scent smelling of flowers and something sweet, reminding Jungkook of wine. Seriously, Taehyung could be an actor, he’s so easy on the eyes. “I’m just excited to officially meet the omega that has been living in my den’s guest room,” he explains. “You were becoming something like a myth around here,” the alpha tells Jungkook. “Considering how much my mate and hyung here talked about you…”“It’s nice to meet you,” Jungkook says, not being able to do much else. He’s too wrapped around Namjoon to do anything more than offer a small wave and hope the flush from his fever covers up how flustered he is at being held like this by Namjoon. “Thank you for letting me stay here.”“Of course!” Taehyung expresses, offering the omega a boxy smile. “Maybe now that you’re awake, this one can stop pacing by the front of my den like a lunatic,” he mumbles, making Namjoon scoff and readjust his hold on Jungkook. “I’m just speaking facts here.”“I was just worried about him,” Namjoon defends his honor. “He was in bad shape when I found him…”“I told you he was going to be fine, hyung,” Taehyung says as he leads them toward the kitchen. “He has the best nurse in the pack looking after him, after all!”“You can put me down now,” Jungkook says but despite that, he keeps a tight hold around Namjoon’s neck. He hopes he isn’t too heavy. This is the first time he’s ever been held like this by someone, aside from his parents when he was little. It’s certainly an experience, given how beefy and warm Namjoon is. “I can walk on my own, I feel better now.”Namjoon just keeps walking and only sets Jungkook down once they’re in the kitchen, right in front of the kitchen table near the chair Jungkook assumes is for him.“It’s better to be safe than sorry,” Namjoon lectures, helping Jungkook sit down with care. “I don’t want to take any chances.”Jungkook feels flustered at the attention but decides not to say anything since it’s clear the alpha is just worried about him. He supposes that it makes sense since Namjoon did find him on the brink of death. He doesn’t miss the mischievous glance Taehyung and Hoseok share.Namjoon was right in the end, it does do Jungkook some good to get out and about, even if his outing is to the kitchen table. He hadn’t realized how restless he’d become since arriving here. Despite the fever, he finds himself glancing toward the window in the kitchen, wanting to go outside. He’s never felt so desperate to feel the cold air before.Hoseok had mentioned that Jungkook was brought here a week ago. It makes sense he’s so restless. He wishes he had his phone, but he’d left it behind at the resort when they’d gotten on the snowboards since he’d been worried about cracking it. At least Jimin had had enough sense to grab his own phone, always one step ahead of things.He doubts there’s any signal out here, so it doesn’t matter if he has his phone or not. For now, he listens to Hoseok and Taehyung share stories about living in the pack and answers whatever questions they have about the modern world.Namjoon, for the most part, stays quiet, but Jungkook can see the alpha watching him eat out of the corner of his eye. It makes Jungkook feel a little shy at all the attention Namjoon is giving him.Jungkook eats slowly, trying not to overdo it and push thoughts of his friend out of his mind. Jimin is more than likely fine, probably just worried sick about Jungkook, but it won’t do Jungkook any good to worry right now, not when his body is actively fighting shifting with a high fever. He’s sure everything will work out and when he gets back home, he’ll have one hell of a story to share with Jimin.Hoseok is all smiles as they eat, more than happy to pile on more food whenever Jungkook’s plate begins to look empty, and Namjoon too. It’s a miracle the plate doesn’t shatter. He’s pretty sure every single one of the side dishes is surrounding him now. The last time he had this much food was after an intense week of working out or maybe it was after a heat. He can’t remember but he supposes the fever simmering inside him is affecting his body like a post-workout or post-heat.“He’s going to explode if you two keep that up,” Taehyung mumbles from where he’s eating. He’s acting like Hoseok hasn’t been adding more food to his plate as well. “Let the guy breathe a little,” he advises, making Hoseok glare at him and Namjoon huff.“He needs to get better,” Namjoon defends his actions, serving Jungkook more food even though there is barely any room on the plate.“He hasn’t been eating well since he got here, but we’re changing that now that he’s awake,” Hoseok declares, adding more meat to Jungkook’s plate. “Besides, he’ll need all the energy for his first shift. Babies are ravenous after their first shift, I can’t imagine someone Jungkook-ie’s age!” He expresses. “Don’t worry, Jungkook-ah, I’m going to stay up tonight and make batches of food for you!”“No one is staying up tonight,” Taehyung denies his mate. “Everyone in this house needs their sleep, especially you.”“I’ll bring food over for that,” Namjoon says, making Hoseok look at the alpha in disbelief while Taehyung looks far too giddy.Jungkook’s stomach turns at the reminder of needing to shift, no longer feeling hungry.Namjoon seems to notice. He looks over and meets Jungkook’s gaze. “Don’t worry too much about it right now,” he tries to reassure him, refilling Jungkook’s cup. “Just focus on eating so you can regain your strength.”Jungkook presses his lips together. He wishes it were that easy, but he supposes that to these shifters, it’s akin to breathing at this point in their lives.It bothers him, how reluctant he is to shift, given all the crazy adventures he’s gone on in the past. He still remembers the time he went bungee jumping, strapped upside down. It’d been one hell of an adrenaline rush.Hoseok seems to pick up on Jungkook’s discomfort. He stands up and frowns, looking distracted. “I can’t help but feel like I forgot to do something, one second I’ll be right back,” he says before taking off down the hall.Taehyung’s face crumbles and he gets up and follows Hoseok, not realizing the omega is clearly lying and trying to give Jungkook a moment to calm down without an audience. If Jungkook weren’t so tense, he’d laugh a little.“Hyung?” Taehyung calls out as he follows his mate, scent turning heavy with worry. “Where are you going?”“Hey,” Namjoon says once Hoseok and Taehyung are gone. “Everything will be fine,” he promises. “I know shifting sounds daunting but it’s nothing more than learning how to braid hair. Once you get the hang of it, it becomes second nature.”Jungkook frowns down at his plate as he considers Namjoon’s words of comfort. Logically, he knows shifting is the easiest way to beat his fever. It’ll help him recover and get home in good shape. Of course, there are consequences to shifting, like his eyes changing color and having to explain that to the modern world where shifting is seen as something outdated. Sure, shifters sometimes move to the modern world but a lot of them wear contacts or sunglasses because it’s easier for them to blend in, which is a choice for Jungkook as well.He’d rather wear contacts or glasses for the rest of his life than never get the chance to see his family and friends again because he succumbed to a fever he could’ve easily cured.“When?” Jungkook asks as he pushes food around his plate with chopsticks.“Tomorrow,” Namjoon answers him. “It shouldn’t take longer than a day and the sooner we do it, the sooner you’ll get better.” He leans closer and places his hand on the back of Jungkook’s chair, keeping a respectful distance. “I know it’s scary, trust me, I know it better than anyone, but because of that, trust me when I say it’s not as frightening as it sounds. You’ll be okay.”Jungkook leans his elbows on the table and drops his head in them, pushing his food away as he looks at Namjoon. “That’s easy for you to say, you’ve done it already,” he mumbles. “Silly alpha.”Namjoon smiles, making Jungkook’s eyes widen at the sight of dimples appearing on his face. It only adds to the alpha’s charm, making that familiar yearning reappear inside Jungkook. He’s so handsome.“That’s true,” Namjoon doesn’t deny it and starts pushing Jungkook’s food back toward him. “It’s easier said than done but trust me, okay?” He asks. “It’s for the best, so you can get better.”Jungkook keeps his gaze locked on Namjoon’s face, thinking it over. His instincts all but purr at the sight of the alpha, making him feel lightheaded. It’s official, he’s going crazy. It’s possible that the snowboarding accident he had did more damage than he’d originally thought.“I trust you,” Jungkook admits as he sighs. “It’s just nerve-wracking.”Jungkook shouldn’t trust this man, he hardly knows him but something deep inside him tells him it’s fine. This man saved his life. This man went out of his way to bring Jungkook back to his home despite the strict rules and fought for the omega to stay. This man was worried about him while he was unconscious and he’s here now, making sure the omega is getting better.He cares an ungodly amount.Why does he care so much? Jungkook isn’t sure.“Tomorrow, in the morning I’ll come and get you. We’ll go somewhere and start the process,” Namjoon promises. “…Right after you finish dinner so I can help you back to bed. You need all the rest you can get,” he points out. “I can see the fatigue beginning to take its toll on you.”Jungkook scrunches his nose and doesn’t move. “Do I really have to finish dinner?”Normally, Jungkook loves food, tasty food, and Hoseok is a good cook, but right now, with the daunting task of shifting hanging over his head, his appetite is nonexistent. Plus, the fever makes him feel dizzy. It’s like he’s in heat with none of the benefits, only the crappy parts.Namjoon laughs but doesn’t give in. “Unless you want to face Hoseok’s wrath, I would advise you to eat just a little more,” he says. “Besides, your body is still fighting the shift and recovering, so you need all the strength you can get,” he reminds the omega. “You promised me you would get better, didn’t you?”Jungkook nods, well to the best of his abilities, given his position. “I’m already feeling better,” he lies, offering the alpha a smile.Namjoon does not seem to believe him. He reaches his hand out and silently asks Jungkook for permission to touch him.Jungkook nods again, feeling the yearning inside him intensify as Namjoon’s fingers skim his forehead. Namjoon is gentle, moving Jungkook’s bangs out of the way so he can feel the skin.“Jungkook,” Namjoon whispers as he presses the back of his hand against Jungkook’s forehead. He leans closer, making Jungkook’s heart rate skyrocket. “…You’re a liar.”Jungkook cannot help but laugh as he buries his face fully in his arms, mostly to hide the flush on his face but also because he can’t handle Namjoon being so close to him.“Come on, eat,” Namjoon encourages him with a firmer tone as he lays a gentle hand on Jungkook’s shoulder. “You promised me, didn’t you?” He reminds him. “Besides, I can call your nurse back who will surely have a few words for you if he finds out you’re not finishing your dinner.”Jungkook reluctantly sits up, groaning in protest. He might’ve just officially met Hoseok this morning, but he knows the older omega means business.“Fine,” Jungkook whines, knowing he’s being a little bratty right now. He knows Namjoon is right, he should eat, it’ll be a difficult day tomorrow, but the fever makes him sluggish, plus he’s still recovering from everything that’s happened recently. “…I had no idea the second in command played dirty.”Namjoon laughs again and it makes Jungkook laugh in return. His discomfort is gone, now replaced with happy pheromones from both of them filling the space around them.“I do what I must to get what I want,” Namjoon confesses, giving Jungkook a sharp glaze, one that makes the omega squirm.After a few minutes, Hoseok and Taehyung come back into the kitchen. Hoseok smells like he just got drenched in a pool of Taehyung’s scent while Taehyung looks beyond pleased with himself.Hoseok looks over at Jungkook’s plate with sharp eyes before he smiles. “Good, you’re eating.”Taehyung snorts and sits back down. “I told you he’d be fine,” he says to his mate, placing a hand on the omega’s nape. “Now, it’s your turn to sit and eat. You’re officially off nurse duty until tomorrow.”Immediately, Hoseok starts to protest. “But—”“Eat,” Taehyung cuts him off, pushing the omega’s plate toward him. “You’re no help to Jungkook-ie or anyone else if you wear yourself out, baby, come on.”Jungkook can’t help but laugh softly at their interaction. He watches Taehyung and Namjoon exchange a look, then look toward Hoseok with similar expressions. It’s silly to see Taehyung wear such a serious expression. It definitely makes him look very alpha.If this were one of Jungkook’s video games, Hoseok would be a goner because the alphas look serious, ready to take the win.“Taehyung-ie is right,” Namjoon states, making Hoseok frown unhappily at the alpha. “Besides, I’m here now and I want to help you. I’ll take Jungkook-ie back to bed and help him get settled for the night,” he says, turning to look at Jungkook. “Is that okay with you?”Jungkook nods despite feeling a little flustered at the notion of Namjoon doing that for him. It’ll be fine though; he trusts Namjoon and Hoseok does look tired. It makes Jungkook wonder how little sleep Hoseok has had since Jungkook arrived here.Once he’s better, he’s going to do his best and help out around here before he leaves. It’s the least he can do for Hoseok and hopefully give Taehyung some peace of mind.“They’re right, you should rest,” Jungkook says to Hoseok, laughing when Hoseok’s scent turns acidic in clear annoyance at not being able to keep aiding his patient.“I can’t believe my own patient is turning against me,” Hoseok whines. “I’ve been outnumbered in my own home.”“You’re the only person I know that insists on helping people day and night and yet, hates when people try and take care of you,” Taehyung laments, putting more food on Hoseok’s plate. “You’re going to be the death of me,” he mumbles but he’s looking at Hoseok like the omega personally hangs the stars in the sky for him. “Come on, you have to eat every bite and then some.”It’s sweet and possessive and manages to capture Jungkook’s attention, making him miss the equally enamored expression Namjoon sends his way.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Jungkook doesn’t sleep well that night.It’s partially due to everything that’s happened in the last week but another part of it because he desperately misses his nest. His lovely nest that has taken him years to perfect, one that currently resides thousands of kilometers from where he currently is. It makes him feel so exposed to sleep here, especially after everything that’s happened to him.The longing creates a deep ache in his soul as he clutches at the blankets and furs on his temporary bed, yearning for something he knows he can’t currently have. His instincts refuse to see reason, refuse to understand why he isn’t seeking what is familiar.Despite the modern world having left instincts in the past, the need for a nest and den remains strong. There’s nothing quite like the comfort for an omega and beta like coming home to a nest, constructed of your favorite materials and scents. Same for an alpha when it comes to a den. It helps ease one’s mind and helps create security.Jungkook has none of that here. Sure, Hoseok and Taehyung are nice, but their scents don’t bring him comfort, not like his family and Jimin’s scents do. It’s the equivalent of being buried under a heavy, thick blanket in the middle of summer with no AC. He feels like he’s suffocating, uncomfortable, and unable to find relief no matter how he twists and turns. Hoseok did leave him enough nesting material to recreate one while he’s here, but without comforting scents, it’s useless for the time being.With time, Jungkook knows Hoseok’s and Taehyung’s scents will help but right now, he feels nothing but anxious, fidgeting instead of sleep.If Jungkook were feeling better, he’d get up and walk around or maybe sit outside but the fever keeps him in bed.Namjoon’s scent lingers from earlier when he helped Jungkook back to the room he’s staying in and it helps, but only a little bit. His instincts seem to find comfort in the alpha’s scent, making Jungkook think they are still thinking about when the man saved him a week before. It’s almost like his instincts imprinted on the alpha and refuse to let him go.Jungkook hardly sleeps that night, fighting the discomfort of missing his nest and because of the fever that still lingers, deep in his bones. It leaves him feeling like utter shit, reminding him of the times he stayed up all night doing karaoke instead of studying and sleeping before university.It doesn’t help that his senses are heightened, and he can hear shifters howling in the distance as they patrol and come and go late in the night. For a moment, he feels insane when one of the howls sounds familiar but soon, restlessness takes over and he drifts off to sleep.He’s grateful when morning comes, and he finds that he’s feeling better. Of course, he’s not completely healed but the fever seems to have settled enough for him to get out of bed and move on his own, just slowly.Hoseok arrives to help him get ready for the day so he’s ready for when Namjoon comes to get him. All in all, despite the lack of sleep and his fever, he does feel somewhat better than the day before.Before Namjoon left last night, he told Jungkook to be ready first thing in the morning. Jungkook isn’t sure where they’re going but he’s anxious to get out and about, knowing that it involves shifting. He’s curious to see the pack since the last time he got a glimpse, he was out cold and being carried to see the doctor.Hoseok, once again, loans Jungkook some clothing, this time consisting of a heavy cloak and a linen long-sleeve and pants that the younger omega is able to put on himself since some of his strength has returned. It feels good to slowly regain his independence.“Are you sure about this, hyung?” Jungkook asks as he glances down at his clothes. There’s no way this is going to keep him warm outside, not when the snow is up to his knees, and he can hear the wind knocking against the windows. “I can wear my snowboarding gear,” he insists, thinking that if the older omega has a thread and a needle somewhere, he can attempt to sew his ripped gear.He’d been ordered to stop addressing everyone so formally after it was revealed that he was the youngest during dinner before Namjoon left. Taehyung seemed delighted at no longer being the youngest. He’d reminded Jungkook of Jimin, a lot. He thinks Jimin would like Taehyung.Hoseok stands before Jungkook, hands on his hips, sporting a fierce expression. Despite wearing shifter clothing, which consists of mostly simple pieces made for endurance, he always looks very fashionable. Jungkook can understand why Taehyung is so obsessed with him.“You’ll be sweating by the time you step out the door,” Hoseok swears. “This is my best cloak, made of the warmest fur. It’s one of the first courting gifts Taehyung-ie gave me so rest assured, you’ll be warm!”Jungkook’s eyes go wide. “What?” He frowns, starting to take off the cloak. “I can’t wear this.”Courting might not be as intense in the modern world as it is in the shifter world, but it’s still considered to be a very sacred thing. Hoseok just handed Jungkook the equivalent of his engagement ring and told him to wear it. It feels wrong for him to wear it. The last thing he wants to do is get on Taehyung’s bad side. His instincts don’t like the idea of wearing another alpha’s courting gift to someone else. It feels weird, feels wrong.Hoseok stops him. “It’s fine, trust me, he won’t mind,” he reassures the omega with a pretty, heart-shaped smile. “He’s always bringing me things anyway, despite us already being mated. I have more than enough cloaks, plus I know you’ll take care of it. I trust you and you’ll need it once you get outside. The wind is pretty strong today.”Jungkook keeps arguing until Hoseok calls Taehyung into the room and has the alpha give his blessing.It’s a whole ordeal but Jungkook gives in when it’s clear they just want him to stay warm outside.Today appears to be the day Hoseok goes back to work with Yoongi and Taehyung goes back to work as well. Truthfully, Jungkook feels bad once he learns how much work Hoseok has been missing to take care of him, Taehyung too but the alpha voluntarily was staying home in case his mate needed him for anything.“I just needed to know you were trustworthy,” Taehyung explains as they eat breakfast. “I trusted Namjoon-hyung’s word because he fought for your right to stay but instincts are a bitch,” he laughs, and it goes without saying that he feared Jungkook would hurt Hoseok.Well, Jungkook can’t fault Taehyung for wanting to protect his mate.“I would’ve been fine,” Hoseok dismisses Taehyung’s worries. “You worry too much.”“You don’t worry enough,” Taehyung mumbles but there’s no heat to his words, just worry for his mate.“I appreciate you two letting me stay here despite the chaos I brought,” Jungkook expresses his gratitude.He can’t imagine what he would’ve done in that situation, if Jimin had randomly brought home an unconscious alpha or beta and asked for Jungkook’s help without knowing much about them. He’s grateful Namjoon’s friends offered their help because he’s not sure what would’ve happened to him if that hadn’t been the case.“It’s fine!” Hoseok reassures Jungkook once he sees the look on the younger omega’s face. “I didn’t mind missing a few days of work. Besides, there are a few people doing apprenticeships for nursing there that really need the practice anyway,” he explains. “Yoongi-hyung is just spoiled after working with me for so long. It’ll do him some good to interact with other nurses.”Taehyung nods in agreement. “It will be good for him to get to know other people outside of our group of friends,” he says as he finishes eating. “Hyung throws himself into work and forgets about enjoying life far too often. He’s a good beta, and good mate material, and hopefully, people notice once he stops being such a workaholic. A workaholic like a certain alpha I know actually.”Hoseok rolls his eyes at Taehyung but doesn’t comment on the last part of his words. “We can only hope he’ll meet someone with enough bite to make him take time off or make him not take work home with him. He’s so stubborn,” he agrees as he finishes eating.Jungkook thinks of Jimin as he listens. “My friend, the one that was staying at the resort with me, he’s the opposite of that. He’s really good about separating his work and personal life.”He still remembers how upset Jimin had gotten when Jungkook took a job offer from his boxing gym, mixing his hobby with work. The memory makes him chuckle but reminds him of how much he misses his friend.“Yoongi-hyung should learn a thing or two from your friend,” Hoseok admits as he starts to clean up. He swats Taehyung’s hands away when the alpha tries to help “Well, Taehyung-ie and I have to get going but Namjoon-ie should be here soon to pick you up,” he says. “Please make sure you close the door and put out the main fireplace when you leave and get plenty of rest once you get back!” He instructs. “Remember, stick close to Namjoon-ie while you’re out, okay?” He stresses, looking worried like Jungkook might forget what the omega has already told him at least a million times. He’s an outsider, he needs to be careful here. “And if your fever gets worse before it’s been dealt with, come find me at the medical center, okay?”“I think he got it, hyung, come on,” Taehyung says as he walks over toward Hoseok and starts ushering him toward the front door. “He’ll be fine, Namjoon-hyung will take good care of him. Just leave it, I’ll come back and clean it up when I get my shift break later.”Hoseok is reluctant to go, it’s clear as day in his gaze and scent.“You heard the boss, Jungkook-ah, take care of yourself and come find us if you need anything, okay?” Taehyung walks over to clasp Jungkook on the shoulder. “If you need anything, have Namjoon-hyung call for me, I’ll come and find you.”“I’ll be fine,” Jungkook promises the both of them as he stands up, offering Hoseok a mock salute to help reassure the older omega. He’s still a little unsteady because of the fever but nothing like the day before. Now, he moves around like he’s extremely sore after a hard workout or heat. “I can finish cleaning up around here,” he insists. “It’ll do me good to get my body moving before I leave since I’ve been lying in bed for a week.”Hoseok seems reluctant but thankfully, Taehyung manages to push the omega out the door and shoots Jungkook a smile of gratitude.Jungkook takes a moment to himself as he cleans, trying to calm his nerves before Namjoon arrives. He knows logically that the shifters know what they’re doing but it’s still daunting to imagine shifting. He vaguely recalls seeing images of the process in books back when he was in school and the dramatizations in movies and dramas.“Relax,” he whispers as he cleans, taking a moment to admire Taehyung and Hoseok’s home again. It’s cozy and the last thing he wants to do is fill it with his acidic, worried scent.He feels silly for being so worried, given how much of an adrenaline seeker he normally is but maybe almost dying a week ago has calmed the madman inside him for the time being.Eventually, he finishes cleaning up and Namjoon arrives soon after, knocking at the door before Jungkook yells at him to come inside. It’s perfect timing.“Good morning,” Namjoon says as he walks in, wearing a cloak with only linen pants underneath like he’s about to be on the cover of some risqué magazine that caters to omegas. It’s not the sight Jungkook was expecting since the last time he saw the alpha; the man had been wearing actual clothes.Jungkook has to do a double take to make sure his eyes aren’t deceiving him. He’s almost sure the fever is making him hallucinate things again. “How are you not freezing in that?!”Namjoon looks confused for a moment before he smiles and shakes the snow out of his hair. “Shifters run hotter than humans,” he explains. “Especially once you’re fully shifted, all the fur keeps you warm. You end up sweating even in this weather,” he confesses. “You’ll see soon enough.”Jungkook can’t help but feel winded as he takes Namjoon in, half in concern that the alpha might develop frostbite and the other because Namjoon’s toned and beefy upper half is visible through the flaps of the cloak. It’s going to be a long day.The omega thinks about the wet food he accidentally touched when he was doing the dishes to keep his scent in check before he manages to embarrass himself.“I’ll take your word for it, hyung,” Jungkook says. “You’re the expert here when it comes to shifting.“I see you’re feeling better this morning,” Namjoon points out as he comes closer, scent pulsating with happiness at the news. “You could barely move yesterday and look at you today, you’re walking around without help.”Jungkook smiles back and leans against the counter since moving around too much is still a little difficult. It makes Namjoon’s happy scent instantly turn a little sour with worry, but Jungkook waves him off. “I’m fine, I promise,” he reassures the alpha, but Namjoon comes closer as if waiting for the omega to tip over. “It’s nice to be able to move around on my own. I was going stir-crazy,” he admits. “I normally would’ve done a million things by now if I wasn’t weighed down by this dumb fever.”“The sooner we take care of it, the better,” Namjoon says before frowning. “We can stop by and see Yoongi-hyung if you want something for the ache.”Jungkook dismisses the idea despite still feeling like shit. “It’s nothing I can’t handle,” he admits because it’s true. If it weren’t for the fever plaguing his body, he would be fine. “I’m more than ready to get shifting over with so I can stop feeling like shit,” he laments. “My body doesn’t even get this hot and achy when I’m in heat.”Namjoon’s eyes go wide at Jungkook’s words, making Jungkook realize how that must’ve sounded to an alpha. He can’t believe he just said something so intimate out loud, in front of Namjoon, nonetheless. This fever must be giving him brain damage.“We should go,” Jungkook tries to push through the embarrassment. “The sooner we deal with the fever, the better, right?”Namjoon clears his throat and Jungkook swears he sees a blush on the alpha’s face. “I can carry you to where we’re going, I don’t want you to strain yourself,” he offers.“I’m fine,” Jungkook swears. “I can walk on my own.”Namjoon’s gaze turns sharp as he looks at Jungkook, probably trying to see if he’s lying.“I can walk,” Jungkook snorts, pushing off the counter. He feels a little dizzy still but nothing he can’t manage. “Did you think I was lying to you, hyung?”He’s lying, just a little bit. It’s funny how Namjoon seems to be able to read him like a book. Maybe it’s a shifter thing.“Yes,” Namjoon states. “It’s easy to tell when you’re lying,” he confesses with a shrug. “Your scent gives you away since you don’t know how to fully control it yet.”That makes Jungkook blush again. “We should go,” he mumbles, going over to put on the cloak Hoseok let him borrow. He had taken it off while he ate breakfast, far too nervous to spill anything on it given its importance. “I’m more than ready to get outside and enjoy some fresh air.”Namjoon stills at the sight of Jungkook in the cloak, staring at the omega with a look of frustration before he composes his face. Weird.He walks over to open the door for them after they put out the main fireplace in the living room. He keeps his gaze on Jungkook though, expressing his worry that the omega might fall again despite being reassured at least a billion times that everything will be fine.“Do you usually spend a lot of time outside where you’re from?” Namjoon asks him.Jungkook covers his face with his arm once he steps outside and the freezing air and snow hits his face instantly. Luckily, he’s wearing his snowboarding shoes. Hoseok said he would be stopping by the market to get him shoes later so for now, Jungkook will wear these. He can’t really imagine other shoes would be better for this weather, given how much snow there still is but he knows the shifters know best. This is their home after all.Despite the cold and wind, it feels incredible to be outside again. Jungkook was beginning to feel anxious the longer he had to stay inside. Stepping outside makes him feel like he can breathe easy again. It’s a good feeling despite the fever and aches.“Sometimes but I just like to be doing something,” Jungkook tells the alpha. “I get anxious sitting around doing nothing,” he confesses.Namjoon offers his arm, giving Jungkook a look, one that says the alpha might start lecturing him if he doesn’t take it. Jungkook decides to take it, mostly because this seems to be a big deal to Namjoon. “Come on, so you don’t trip,” he explains as if Jungkook can’t read the man’s scent of worry. “The snow is kind of heavy today. I almost tripped myself when I got here.”Jungkook decides that the fight isn’t worth it. He takes Namjoon’s arm and keeps his gaze down to avoid the snow. He scoffs in disbelief when he notices that Namjoon isn’t wearing shoes. “You’re not wearing shoes?” He asks. “Of course, you almost fell, hyung!”“No need for shoes,” Namjoon dismisses the omega’s worries as they interlock arms and go on their way. “Not when I’ll be shifting soon. It just gets in the way and it’s not like my feet are cold or anything. Your body becomes sturdier once you shift to help you adapt.”“Shifters really are something else,” Jungkook mumbles, thinking back to Hoseok and Taehyung. Now that he thinks about it, he only saw Hoseok put on shoes before leaving this morning.It makes him wonder what kind of job Taehyung has within the pack. The alpha is quite fit but then again, so is Namjoon.“You were telling me about how you spend your time back home,” Namjoon reminds the omega as he begins to guide them through the snow.He’s moving slowly like Jungkook is his grandma or something. Jungkook wants to tease him about it, but the alpha looks concerned, so he decides not to. It’s sweet that Namjoon cares about him despite having met just recently and quite honestly; the walk is taking its toll on the omega. The snowboarding accident and the fever have taken its toll on him.Luckily, it seems that either Hoseok or Taehyung cleared the path that leads to their den this morning, so it makes trekking through the snow a lot easier.“I like to stay active,” Jungkook explains, looking up and around as he wills his vision to focus on his surroundings. “Whenever I’m not working at the boxing gym or working out, I like to go for runs outside or just find stuff to do. I think it's peaceful and I’ve always enjoyed being outside.”Once they leave the path that leads to Taehyung and Hoseok’s den, they come onto a street that feeds into the town. The pack, much to Jungkook’s surprise, is very much like a busy town, with houses and smaller buildings everywhere. It’s not what he’d envisioned at all, it’s much better. There are people of all ages coming and going about their day, reminding the omega very much of the busy streets back home in the city.They’re all dressed similarly to Jungkook and Namjoon, wearing clothing that one would think wouldn’t keep out the cold, even children are dressed the same.Most of them stop to look over at Jungkook and whisper, making the omega frown in confusion until he recalls what Seokjin and Hoseok had said to him. He’s an outsider here, that’s right. They’re wary of him. Well, he supposes he can’t blame them for that.“Just ignore them,” Namjoon says once he notices the people staring. “They’re ignorant and nosey.”“It’s alright,” Jungkook says as they walk. “Hoseok-hyung and the pack alpha told me outsiders from the modern world aren’t common here, so I guess I can understand why they’re staring at me like that.”He doesn’t particularly like it, but he understands why people are cautious of him. He’s also walking alongside the pack alpha’s second-in-command so surely that does little to help deter people from staring.“You haven’t done anything to warrant it though,” Namjoon stresses, sounding extremely bothered by the staring. “Is there a problem here?!” He directs the question toward a group of men who are currently looking over at Jungkook with uneasy expressions. His tone is harsher, taking Jungkook by surprise and making his heckles rise. “If not, I’m sure there must be a better use of your time!”The group shakes their heads and keeps walking, scents turning sour with annoyance and a little bit of fear.Namjoon’s entire demeanor changes after that interaction. He’s more alert and exudes a strong, protective scent, keeping his arm interlocked with Jungkook, as if daring anyone that tries to sneak a glance to come over and bother the omega.Now, Jungkook can see why Namjoon is the second in command. The alpha can be intimidating when needed. It’s kind of…hot.“Are you okay?” Jungkook asks after a few minutes of awkward, tense silence. After Namjoon confronted those people, no one is staring anymore, at least not in a negative way. A few people offer Jungkook curious looks but mostly in interest at seeing someone new in town. “Are you upset because of the staring?” He asks even though it seems obvious. “It really doesn’t bother me, trust me,” he tries to reassure the alpha again. “It’s nothing new to me. I’m an omega with tattoos; people always stare at me, no matter where I go,” he attempts to lighten the mood with a smile.“They shouldn’t judge you before they even know you,” Namjoon argues, sounding close to growling. “If the pack alpha cleared you, there should be no problem with you being here.”“Hyung…why does it bother you so much?” Jungkook asks. “You don’t have to tell me unless you want to, of course,” he tries to save face, but the curiosity is gnawing at him now.Namjoon’s discomfort feels so heavy in the air, making Jungkook’s instincts strive to soothe it. It’s like there’s a deep, desperate need inside the omega to fix whatever is bothering the alpha. It’s making Jungkook dizzy the longer it goes on.He tries to think of how to approach the subject again when Namjoon stays quiet. He wishes Jimin was here, the omega has always been good with words, much better than Jungkook at least. He would surely know what to say right now.Jungkook looks around as they keep walking, taking in more of the town. If he squints hard enough, he can see shifters, fully shifted, running in the distance at an alarming speed. It’s impressive and makes the fever inside him burn in his veins, as if desperate to join in.He shakes his head at the absurdity of his thoughts. He must be going crazy to think something like that.But…Jungkook can’t deny that a small, miniscule part of him wants to shift, wants to know what it feels like to become a beast. It’s only natural to be curious, after all. It’s part of his DNA.They keep walking in silence until they’ve left the town and arrive out in the wilderness, deep in the trees on the outskirts. It’s oddly peaceful and quiet out here but still smells heavily of the pack, letting Jungkook know they’re nowhere near the pack’s borders and that it's safe.Jungkook hopes he didn’t overstep earlier when he asked Namjoon if the staring bothered him. The alpha’s scent is still sour, but it doesn’t seem to have changed for the worse. Jungkook’s instincts aren’t alerting him of an upset alpha so things should be fine.Namjoon walks over to a fallen, large tree and cleans the snow off it. He gestures for Jungkook to sit. “The cloak will be fine, don’t worry,” he promises once he sees the look of hesitation on Jungkook’s face. “Clothing here is made to last.”Jungkook sits, glad their little walk is over. He’s still sore from everything that’s happened, and the fever weighs him down, so he’d been growing tired. Plus, Hoseok hadn’t been lying when the omega had said what Jungkook was wearing would be more than enough to keep out the cold.“How did you know I was worried about the cloak?” Jungkook tries to make conversation as he shakes the snow out of his hair. He regrets not cutting it before the trip cause it's almost past his ears now and blowing in every direction because of the snow.“I remember when Taehyung-ie hunted the fur for it,” Namjoon explains, smiling at the memory but giving the cloak an uneasy glance as if it personally offended him. His scent turns back to normal, making Jungkook sigh a breath of relief. “It was a whole ordeal, and he dragged me out of bed early in the morning to go help him with it. He was adamant about getting Hoseok-ie a cloak made from the best fur. As if he hadn’t already gotten the omega a million courting presents.”“That’s so sweet of him,” Jungkook admits. “He’s a good alpha.”Namjoon nods in agreement. “Yeah, he’s good for Hoseok-ie. I’m happy they ended up together,” he reveals. “For a while, we thought Hoseok-ie was never going to give him a chance but Taehyung-ie was persistent. He’s been in love with the omega for as long as I can remember.”“Did you guys all grow up together?” Jungkook asks. The pack is pretty large from what Jungkook can see so he wonders if they were all close as children. “You all seem really close.”“Sort of,” Namjoon tells him, reaching over to fix Jungkook’s cloak’s hood when the wind blows it back. “It’s complicated but we’ve all known each other for years now.”Jungkook hums in acknowledgment, not wanting to push or ask Namjoon anything else that might bother the man.“I wasn’t upset with you earlier when you asked me why the staring bothered me. I was upset with them for staring at you like you're beneath or something,” Namjoon explains after a moment. “You did nothing wrong,” he stresses. “I was upset at them, and I was also trying to think of the best way to explain things to you,” he admits, looking up toward the sky where a few snowflakes still fall. “I could smell it in your scent that you thought you were the reason I was upset but it wasn’t you.”“You’ve been so good to me, hyung,” Jungkook mumbles, looking down at the ground and kicking some of the snow up. “I was afraid I had overstepped.”He really needs to ask Hoseok later the best methods to control his emotions bleeding into his scent. Before, it was easy but now that his body is trying to shift, everything seems to be set to the highest level. He doesn’t know how to control his scent anymore, but he’ll learn because being an open book to everyone around him, Namjoon especially, is simply not an option. It’s causing so many misunderstandings between them.Namjoon dismisses Jungkook’s worries. “You didn’t overstep,” he reassures the omega. “I’ve just been dealing with a lot lately,” he explains. “Let me just start at the beginning,” he offers, inhaling deeply. “It’s the least I could do for you before expecting you to throw everything you’ve been taught out the window and shift. I know it’s not easy to ask someone to do such a thing.”Jungkook nods, letting Namjoon know he’s listening. He’s eager to hear what the alpha has to say.“One of the reasons I saved you was because you reminded me of well—me,” Namjoon confesses, looking awfully vulnerable at admitting that. “You see, my past is an unusual one, at least when compared to the other members of the Kim Pack. I know the pack alpha and the doctor mentioned to you that I shifted much later than what’s considered normal here. Well, there’s a reason for that.”Jungkook nods again, feeling nervous that perhaps he wasn’t supposed to know that.Namjoon looks over at Jungkook. “I’m not upset they told you,” he reassures the omega, offering him a small smile. “I would’ve told you eventually,” he admits. “The truth is, Jungkook-ah, that I’m not originally from here, I’m from the modern world.”Jungkook’s eyes go wide at the confession.This he was not expecting to be true. He’d only thought it was a possibility, but it had seemed so silly the more thought he put into it, given how rare it is that people from the modern world join the shifting one, especially those with young children.“I was found in the pack’s territory when I was little, maybe three,” Namjoon goes on, looking up at the snow again. His gaze seems distant now as he speaks. “I’m not sure what happened or how I came here, but the current pack alpha’s mother found me when she was doing patrols, back when she was in charge. She took me home and from there, started a long process of trying to find my family. They got me medical attention since I’d been in the cold for who knows how long and contacted the modern world and waited. They waited and waited but things got complicated because I developed survivor’s fever and as you might’ve guessed, I shifted soon after that. It wasn’t intentional but my body did what it had to do.”Jungkook feels his stomach churn at the thought of a younger, small Namjoon, having gone through so much at that age. Namjoon had probably been terrified and missing his parents.“It’s not easy, sending a child back to the modern world that’s since shifted, especially one that young,” Namjoon explains. “The modern world gave a lot of reasons as to why it would be best for me to stay here, with shifters, since I’d shifted, and they couldn’t find my family despite their efforts. Eventually, Seokjin-hyung’s family adopted me since I’d been living with them while I waited for my family to come forward and I’d grown closer to them, Seokjin-hyung especially.”Jungkook frowns as he processes Namjoon’s story. “You don’t remember anything from before the shifters found you?”Namjoon shakes his head. “No, I don’t remember anything, not even my name. They say your brain tends to block out traumatic things so I guess it makes sense why I wouldn’t remember,” he mumbles. “Then I got the fever and it was even harder to remember anything from before. I was so young, and everything seemed so daunting then. I had nightmares for a while and had to share a bed with my brother, Seokjin. He’s been good to me, his entire family, well, my family now too, I guess I should say.”Jungkook can’t help but imagine what would’ve happened if no one had found Namjoon or worse, someone from the neighboring packs that aren’t kind toward outsiders. He’s glad the retired pack alpha here took Namjoon in and raised him as one of their own but still, imagines the challenges Namjoon must’ve faced growing up here and the other life he was taken from. It must’ve been hard on Namjoon, being thrusted into the world of shifters where outsiders are rare. Things must’ve been difficult for the little alpha.“Do you ever wonder what life could’ve been like if you’d grown up in the modern world?” Jungkook asks, shaking fresh snow off the hood of his cloak. “It must be weird for you to think there’s a whole different world out there aside from this one,” he points out since he’s currently in a world he never imagined he’d be in.Namjoon tips his head back and exhales. “Between you and me…sometimes,” he confesses, sounding like a weight has been lifted off his chest. “I know the modern world offers things that living with shifters doesn’t but living here offers me things the modern world could never. It’s a double-edged sword.”Jungkook furrows his eyebrows. “Wait, hyung… if you grew up here, how do you even know sayings like that?” He asks. “I’d heard your education systems are different than the modern world.”“I’ve read a lot of books from the modern world,” Namjoon confesses. “I love reading and my parents have always been supportive of my hobbies even if they’re considered unconventional ones to others. As long as I do my duties to my pack, my free time is my own. My parents always made sure to bring me back things to help me whenever they went and had those annual conferences with the modern world and other packs. Now I go with our current pack alpha and get them myself.”“Would you ever go and see it for yourself?” Jungkook asks him, trying to imagine someone like Namjoon out in the modern world. He likes to think the alpha would do well for himself. He’s a good alpha, smart, and charismatic.“I don’t know,” Namjoon says after a moment of silence. “Maybe but for the moment, I have no interest despite people’s apprehension to me here, I made an oath to my pack alpha, and I can’t just leave. But more than that, I’ve never met someone from the modern world that’s ever made me want to go see more of it,” the alpha reveals before looking over at Jungkook. “You though, I feel different about you.”Jungkook blinks in response, unsure of what to say to that. “Me?”“You,” Namjoon repeats. “You’re different.”“Good different I hope?” Jungkook teases despite the rush of emotion that races through him. His instincts are practically vibrating under his skin as they rejoice at Namjoon’s praise. He feels ridiculous.Namjoon nods. “Yeah,” he whispers as a smile spreads across his face, displaying his dimples. “It’s good different. A kind of different I didn’t know I needed until recently.”Jungkook’s heart skips a beat at the expression Namjoon sends his way. He hopes the alpha can’t smell the shift in his scent. He’d surely die of mortification if that was the case.“I’m glad the pack alpha’s mother found you,” Jungkook expresses. “You survived despite everything that was stacked against you.”“I owe her a lot,” Namjoon admits with a nod. “She’s always advocated for me, since the first day I arrived here. Things haven’t always been easy here for me here in the pack,” he explains, expression falling. “Outsiders are rare in shifter territory and well, you can imagine the kind of controversy I caused even as a toddler when I was taken in by the pack alpha’s family, out of all people,” he goes on. “They’re more accepting now since I’ve proven my loyalty to the pack for years at this point but once Seokjin took over and named me his second in command, it’s brought back a lot of those negative feelings from before in certain people. Some people think it’s nepotism that the current pack alpha has made me second in command, and some consider me unworthy because I am nothing but an outsider to them,” he reveals and once again, his scent turns sour with anger. “But between you and me, I was approached by a number of people, Seokjin included, about being the pack alpha once my mother stepped down, but I knew the pack would never accept that. It was already difficult for them to accept me as a member of the pack, let alone lead it.”“For what it’s worth, I think you would’ve been a good pack alpha, you just have that aura about you,” Jungkook confesses, trying to put his thoughts into his words since he doesn’t really know the first thing about a pack alpha. “You have the feel of a natural-born leader.”Namjoon chuckles. “A lot of people say that,” he says. “But I’m happy with my place as second in command. I’m glad I can stay near my brother and help aid him against those who stand against our pack, even if members of my pack don’t want me here.”“Is that why someone challenged you when you brought me here?” Jungkook asks as he thinks back to what he was told about his arrival.“I didn’t want you to know about that,” Namjoon admits with a hard frown. “I had a feeling you were going to be freaked out enough being in shifter territory, the last thing I wanted was for you to worry over small-minded people not wanting you here.”“You really fought them so I could stay?” Jungkook frowns. “You risked yourself for me when you’d only just met me?”Namjoon nods. “Yeah, I did,” he expresses. “And I would do it a million times over now that I’ve gotten to know you.”Jungkook’s scent turns sour at the thought of Namjoon fighting. Rationally, he knows Namjoon won the fight but still, he doesn’t like the idea of Namjoon getting hurt. This isn’t just a simple boxing match Namjoon had; it was a full-force shifted fight. Those can be fatal.“Hey,” Namjoon whispers, reaching out for Jungkook’s hand. Jungkook takes the alpha’s hand and squeezes. “I fought because I wanted to, it was my choice so don’t feel bad about it, understand?” He gives Jungkook’s hand a squeeze in return. It’s comforting and warm. “Besides, give me a little credit,” he tries to ease the tension. “I won, didn’t I?”Jungkook smiles and shakes his head. “You did; you’re a good alpha.”Namjoon’s scent sweetens at the words and to Jungkook in that moment, it means everything.“Let’s see if you’ll be saying that after you shift.”Jungkook grimaces and Namjoon is quick to give the omega’s hand another squeeze of reassurance. “Is it really the only way to get rid of this fever?”“Sadly, but I’ll be here with you, every step of the way, I promise,” Namjoon swears. “As long as I’m here you won’t be alone in this.”“I trust you,” Jungkook whispers and he means it.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
The snow keeps falling, painting the area around them with a breathtaking view. Jungkook still can’t believe shifters are just used to these views, he can’t believe this is their backyard. It’s so beautiful here but even the beauty of it all can’t make the omega shake his nerves from shifting.Slowly, Jungkook turns his gaze from the snowy hills toward Namjoon who stands before him with an outstretched hand, oozing calming pheromones into the air around them. He’s not wearing the hood of his cloak, so the snow lands and decorates his hair, making him stand out even more in Jungkook’s eyes. As if the alpha wasn’t already captivating enough on his own to the omega.“Come on, it’s time,” Namjoon whispers, expression turning calm when Jungkook finally takes his hand. “I know this is frightening but I promise you, you’ll feel a million times better after you shift,” he swears. “It’s like standing up and stretching after being crouched down for hours. You’ll be alright.”Jungkook nods and lets the alpha pull him up. His scent calms when Namjoon squeezes his hand. The touch helps ground him as if it’s a quiet haven through the chaos.“Just trust me,” Namjoon whispers. “Everything will be okay; you just have to trust me.”“I do trust you,” Jungkook expresses, shaking snow off his cloak. “Shifting just seems so daunting in my head.”“I mean, yeah, why wouldn’t it?” Namjoon comforts him, reaching forward with his free hand and adjusting the hood on Jungkook’s head. “You’ve been taught to go against your instincts your entire life,” he says. “Your fear is rational, trust me.”“Were you scared?” Jungkook asks. “The first time you shifted?”Namjoon looks up toward the sky, appearing to be deep in thought. “It’s a blurry memory but I remember feeling overwhelmed, but my mother shifted seconds after me and helped comfort me. It was nice,” he admits. “But my shift just happened, no one thought it was going to happen so that probably helped keep me calm since I wasn’t expecting it.”Jungkook nods as he tries to envision a younger, smaller Namjoon, fully shifted into a small wolf. It paints a cute picture and helps him relax a little. If children can do this, surely, Jungkook who has done far more dangerous things can do it as well. He’s been cage-diving with sharks in Hawaii, he can do anything.Namjoon must notice the calm in Jungkook’s scent because he drops the omega’s hand and takes a step back. “Are you ready?”“Right now?” Jungkook asks him, feeling his nerves spike again because of the distance Namjoon has created between them. “Right here?”Namjoon nods, looking serious now, very much like the pack’s second in command. “Right here, right now,” he says. “You can do it, Jungkook-ah, you’re stronger than you believe yourself to be. Give yourself a little credit here.”Jungkook swallows and takes a moment to gather himself again. “I can do it,” he tries to make himself believe his words. “I can do it, I’ve done scarier things,” he says because he has and there will probably be even worse things he’ll try in the future that will surely make his parents grow grey hair sooner than is expected.Jimin often calls him an adrenaline junkie and well, the older omega is right to do such a thing. Jungkook does live for the thrill of it all. He’d go to space if it were possible.“You can do it, you can do anything you set your heart out to do,” Namjoon reiterates with a smile.“Yeah,” Jungkook whispers, feeling valiant now. “I can do anything.”He feels at ease, he feels ready, and most of all, he feels reassured at having Namjoon here with him during the process.“We’ll start slow,” Namjoon instructs. “First, you have to feel completely at ease to shift. We need to get you into an almost tranquil state. When I shifted, I remember my mother told me she was rocking and scenting me when it happened because I’d been crying. Shifters have discovered that it’s why we shift so young because we’re so calm as pups, so trusting of the world that it provokes the shift. Of course, in the modern world, you guys have developed ways to stop it without disturbing a child’s development but here, we let nature take its course,” he goes on. “For you to shift now, we have to get you into that peaceful mindset.”“How do we do that?” Jungkook asks as he tries to remember what makes him feel most at ease.It’s usually his nest but he doesn’t have that here, so he’s out of luck in that department.“I have an idea I want to try,” Namjoon confesses but he looks oddly flustered at the mere mention of it.“What is it?” Jungkook asks, interest spiked at what could have the second in command of this pack blushing.“…I want to scent you,” Namjoon mumbles, making Jungkook mirror his blush and rapidly blink in surprise.Oh.
Oh.
Jungkook isn’t new to scenting. He’s been scented his entire life even if the modern world considers instincts outdated. Scenting is something that’s stood the test of time and considered extremely vital. Of course, scenting is grouped into two categories: platonic and non-platonic. He’s experienced platonic scenting from his family since he was born, then from his friends as he got older. That one isn’t new to him. It’s something he knows well and loves.Non-platonic scenting is where things get complicated, here and in the modern world. Scenting with someone outside of family and friends means a lot of things to a person, shifter or not, things Jungkook is pretty sure he and Namjoon are not. So, it’s only rational he gets flustered at the mere mention of scenting with this unmated, good-looking, beefy alpha that’s currently half-naked.This could lead to his instincts getting the wrong idea since scenting with Namjoon will make his inner omega believe things are getting serious. Yet, despite all of that…Jungkook is not opposed. He should be but he’s finding out that deep down, he’s a little greedy when it comes to Namjoon.Jungkook nods as he tries and fails to control his scent, hoping Namjoon isn’t scared off by it. It’s the last thing he needs right now. If anything, he’ll blame it on the fever that still burns under his skin.“I won’t overstep,” Namjoon promises, probably mistaking Jungkook’s scent for hesitation, when in reality Jungkook is afraid he’s going to slick up in the middle of the forest or bare his neck. He stops only a few centimeters from Jungkook and frowns, looking down at the omega’s cloak. “Unless you want to shred Hoseok’s cloak into a million pieces, you’ll need to take it off,” he advises. “…Plus, the rest of your clothes, I promise I won’t look and we’re too far out for anyone else to see you. It’s just that once the shift takes over you, you won’t be able to control it, not yet at least and you’ll destroy everything you’re wearing.”Jungkook can’t help but blush even harder at the thought of that. His scent is beyond control now. “Hyung—”“I won’t look, I swear,” Namjoon tries to comfort the omega. “Unless you want to keep your clothes on, that’s fine, but I’m just warning you, they’re going to rip to shreds.”“It’s fine,” Jungkook promises. The last thing he wants to do is destroy Hoseok’s things, not when the older omega has been nothing but kind to him. He can’t imagine Taehyung would be fine with Jungkook destroying a courting gift either. “I’ll take them off, just don’t look when I do.”“I promised you I wouldn’t look,” Namjoon reminds him with fierce determination in his sharp eyes before turning to face the opposite direction. He took his cloak off already, leaving him only in his pants. “You can trust me, always.”“You seem so calm about shifting,” Jungkook rambles in an effort to downplay the situation as he shreds the cloak and exposes himself to the elements. He’s left in his linen pants and shirt. “I just can’t wrap my head around it.”Namjoon shrugs and the movement gives Jungkook a nice view of his back muscles. “It’s akin to breathing around here. You’ll find that everyone feels the same about it, even young children.”Jungkook frowns, thinking back to the modern world. “It makes me wonder why the modern world is so against shifting then. It feels like we’re missing out on so much. I’ve only been here for a few days but already, my senses and instincts feel so much…alert.”“From my understanding of the modern world, people feel like shifting is something best left in the past,” Namjoon says. “I guess it makes sense why some people would choose to fight survivor’s fever versus shifting even if it’s the easiest solution to the fever, because they’re afraid of what people’s reactions might be. It’s rare people anywhere go against what’s considered the norm.” He stops for a moment before his scent flares. “Jungkook, are you absolutely sure you want to shift?” He asks. “Considering what I’ve just told you, because there’s no going back after you’ve done it.”Jungkook thinks about it for a moment. He knows people in the modern world see shifting as taboo, but he can’t risk letting the fever continue because he doesn’t know how long it’ll be until he can go back home. There’s no telling if the fever will turn worse. He's already been in a semi-coma for a week. Besides, he knows his parents would want him to shift instead of dying and never seeing him again. He knows them.It’s also not like he has to tell anyone he’s shifted if he hides his eye color and newfound strength once he gets back home. It can be his secret. Perhaps at the most, he’ll tell his family and Jimin but that’s it. He isn’t sure how anyone else would react to the news but Jimin, he trusts the omega, considering they’ve both told themselves shit they’d never tell their parents. His family will keep his secret, he knows they will.“It’s better than letting my fever get worse,” Jungkook confesses. “It would be silly to risk my health all because of what society expects of me. I’ve seen what the fever can do to people, and I’d rather not risk it.”He knows there are other factors associated with shifting. Many organizations and businesses don’t let people compete in physical jobs, professional sports, and events since shifting tends to give you a physical advantage. Only the job category would affect Jungkook, but he can always find something else, even if he has fallen in love with boxing and self-defense. He’s always enjoyed art and wanted to focus more of his time on it.Anything is better than risking his health and his life.Jungkook finishes taking off his clothes and shoes, finding the cold a little insufferable not nearly as bad as he’d imagined them to be. It must be the fever.He takes a deep breath and reaches forward to tap Namjoon on the shoulder. The alpha still smells apprehensive, but he seems to calm down a little at Jungkook’s touch. “You can turn around now.”Namjoon turns around and keeps his eyes focused on Jungkook’s face. “As long as you’re completely sure you want to do this,” he whispers.Clearly, he still doesn’t believe Jungkook. It makes sense, considering this is a big decision, one that will no doubt bring consequences for the omega for the rest of his life.“I’m sure,” Jungkook promises, thinking it’s probably his scent that’s throwing the alpha off. He takes in a deep breath and wills his scent to relax. It takes a lot of mental strength but slowly, he thinks about his nest back home and the calmness it brings him whenever he’s buried in it. After a moment, it seems to work. “I trust you, hyung.”Namjoon seems to believe him after a few, long moments. He nods and his scent relaxes as well. It’s clear he responds based on Jungkook’s scent, almost like they’re synchronized or something.“Let’s get started then,” Namjoon says as he rolls his head to warm up, giving Jungkook a nice view of his toned physique this close-up. He’s all muscle, looking like he spends hours upon hours at the gym. “Like I promised you earlier, shifting only sounds scary,” he tries to reassure Jungkook, but Jungkook is too busy thinking of other things to worry about shifting at the moment. “I’ll take the rest of my clothes off so we’re even.”Jungkook swallows and tries to focus his gaze on Namjoon’s face. He does his best not to look at anything but the alpha’s face while the man gets fully naked. He’s trying to be respectful but it’s hard when one of the most attractive alphas he’s ever seen is getting naked in front of him. Not even the best alpha boxers at the gym Jungkook worked at looked like this. Shifters really are a different kind of beast.“I won’t look down, don’t worry,” Namjoon says once he’s done and standing in all his glory just a few steps away from Jungkook.“We’re going to be soaked by the snow soon,” Jungkook points out but he finds himself smiling. “Is it really necessary to take everything off?”“Trust me,” Namjoon promises, still not looking as he begins to stretch his arms over his head. He has scars everywhere, making Jungkook wonder where he got them and what stories they come with. “It’s necessary especially when you value the clothes you’re wearing. They’ll shred to pieces once you shift especially the first time. You’ll be clumsy, like a baby learning how to walk.”Jungkook bites his lower lip and nods.He hates how much he already trusts Namjoon despite having just met him recently. His instincts tell him everything will be fine and he’s quickly learning that they’re hardly ever wrong, so he decides to listen to Namjoon and brace even more of the cold.Namjoon, much like Jungkook, keeps his eyes pinned over Jungkook’s head, respectfully not looking. It’s honestly impressive how the alpha doesn’t even flinch as the snow piles on his hair and shoulders. His thick, broad shoulders.This is all so crazy.“Can I get closer to you?” Namjoon asks.Jungkook nods, wrapping his arms across his chest to try and preserve his dignity.“Trust me,” Namjoon reminds Jungkook as he leans down to nuzzle the crook of the omega’s neck. “Are you ready?”Jungkook nods again and preens when Namjoon’s chest presses against his own, caging Jungkook’s folded arms between them. It feels good, feels warm, and safe. It makes Jungkook want the alpha to wrap his arms around him and pull him close enough to crush his ribs and never let go.That seems like the ideal way to die, crushed to death by a beefy alpha.Namjoon’s touch feels so intimate. It makes Jungkook shiver for a different reason as he closes his eyes and tries to focus on his breathing and keeping his scent neutral. He thinks back to wet food he touched in the sink in the kitchen before he starts to slick in the middle of the forest.Slowly, Namjoon starts scenting Jungkook, moving his nose side to side, then up and down to spread his comforting scent all over the omega’s neck, near his scent gland. It makes Jungkook dizzy and his eyes glaze over from how good it feels.Instead of the arousal Jungkook was expecting, he’s surprised to find himself feeling settled the longer Namjoon scents him. It makes his bones start to feel like jelly, as if he’s weightless, and his eyes roll in the back of his head. His instincts preen at the scenting, clearly desperate for it, and want more. It makes Jungkook wonder how good it would feel to have Namjoon scent him during his heat.Jungkook bares more of his throat without even realizing what he’s doing, eager for more of Namjoon’s touch. His breathing grows heavier, and his arms slip from where they’d been caged between his body and Namjoon’s like someone snapped the strings controlling them.“Relax,” Namjoon whispers as he brings a hand up to cup the back of Jungkook’s nape. He gives Jungkook’s nape a hearty squeeze before he continues his scenting, letting his warm breath fan over the omega’s skin. “Give in, you’ll be okay, just trust me.”Jungkook blinks his eyes open, now glassy, as a thick, molasses-like feeling takes over his body. The warmth spreads through him and protects him from everything. He doesn’t think he’s ever felt this at ease before, it’s like Namjoon is personally soothing the fever that burns through him with gentle touches, coaxing something out, something intense. He swears he could fall asleep, right here, right now.He almost drops to the ground when his legs give out as he gives into the feeling, but Namjoon catches him as if having expected the reaction. He wraps an arm around Jungkook’s bare waist and pulls him close as he keeps scenting him and starts to exude comforting pheromones. It’s enough to make Jungkook scent drunk the longer it goes on.“You’re alright,” Namjoon reassures him as he gives the omega’s nape another squeeze, letting his thumb caress the skin and hair there. It does wonders for Jungkook. “Just let go and give in to the shift. You’re so close, I can smell it, just give in. You’re doing so good, Jungkook,” he praises the omega.Weird.Jungkook thought he’d already let go. He’s not sure how else he should go about that, given that his legs can’t even hold him up anymore but then, Namjoon’s pheromones get stronger, and suddenly, Jungkook’s fever returns with a vengeance, pulling a startled gasp out of him as his breathing becomes rapid and unsteady.His chest burns and his vision turns blurry.“What?” Jungkook mumbles in panic, bringing his arms up to grip Namjoon’s biceps for support. His breathing increases, making him feel like he’s having a panic attack.Suddenly, the world is spinning, like he’s on a monster of a rollercoaster and they’re about to plummet down a steep incline. It’s all happening so fast and there’s no time to process any of it, not when Jungkook’s head is spinning, and his body is overheating like he’s in the middle of an intense heat.He digs his fingers into Namjoon’s biceps with newfound strength, panting as the fire spreads through him, making the tips of his fingers ache and his lungs burn as he struggles to breathe.It takes everything in him not to drop to the ground and sink into the snow for relief.The only comfort he can hold onto is Namjoon and the alpha’s scent, but it does little to ease whatever it is he is experiencing.“Just hold on to me,” Namjoon stays calm as Jungkook begins to tremble from the fever, keeping a tight hold on the omega. The alpha’s words are calm but his hold on Jungkook is tense, letting the omega know he’s clearly worried and putting up a front. “You’re okay, I got you, don’t worry.”Namjoon’s words help ground Jungkook, just a little though. The alpha’s scent is comforting but the burning still aches inside the omega.It’s nothing compared to when Jungkook had first woken up after his weeklong coma. It’s a million times worse and it burns like it threatens to consume every part of him, making him feel like a phoenix rising from the ashes. His entire body aches and screams for relief.Jungkook’s heart pounds in his ears and he’s overcome with the urge to get away from Namjoon and get some space for—something. He needs space. He needs space, now.Somewhat reluctantly, Jungkook lets go of the alpha and steps back. Namjoon, as if once again having expected this, gives him a moment and backs away to give him more room.Much to Jungkook’s surprise, he doesn’t fall onto his knees, instead, stays standing and lets the fever continue to wash over him. Suddenly, the cold isn’t a problem anymore, nor is his lack of clothing. Nothing matters anymore.Jungkook wants to throw up and scratch his skin off, but the burning consumes him, body and soul, not letting him focus long enough to do anything but struggle to breathe. His mind turns to mush, and he drops down onto the ground, landing roughly on his hands and knees.One moment, the burning treks through him, the next, there’s nothing.Nothing bothers him anymore. There is only silence.There is no reluctance left inside him, only the need to give in.It happens then, in the blink of an eye.One moment, Jungkook is kneeling in the snow, the next, he’s on all fours, shifted and filled with newfound energy as nature takes over him.
What the fuck.
Jungkook opens his eyes slowly, finding himself looking out from a new height and from a new perspective.There stands Namjoon, shifted as well, head tilted to the side as he looks back at Jungkook. His scent is calm but nervous as he watches the omega with those sharp, ember eyes Jungkook remembers seeing the first time they met.Every one of Jungkook’s senses is sharp and alert, ready for anything.He can hear everything.He can smell scents kilometers away.He can see everything better as well.Everything is so clear to Jungkook now.Jungkook inhales and then, using every possible ounce of energy in him, he howls, loud and deep, facing the sky where the snow still falls. It makes Namjoon happily yip in response and his posture eases, knowing Jungkook is alright.I feel good, holy shit, I feel amazing, Jungkook thinks to himself, yipping at Namjoon in response as he shakes the snow off his fur. This is insane.His scent pulsates with ease, even more when Namjoon approaches him slowly and stops a few steps in front of ease, silently asking the omega permission to get closer.Jungkook whines, letting Namjoon know he can get closer.Almost instantly, Namjoon closes the distance and nuzzles Jungkook, nearly knocking the omega down.Jungkook steadies himself and preens on the inside. He nuzzles the alpha back, once again feeling his instincts beg him to get closer to Namjoon. He thought his instincts were desperate for the alpha before, but now that he’s shifted, it’s like they’re connected to Namjoon on another level.He didn’t know it was possible to feel so connected to another person. Shifters really are something else. Jungkook can’t believe how much has been left in the past by the modern world. It makes him feel…sad.Namjoon yips again to get Jungkook’s attention and proceeds to lick Jungkook’s face, taking the omega by surprise.His reaction makes Namjoon snort in amusement. The alpha steps back and walks toward the open wilderness, turning to look back and gesturing for Jungkook to follow him before he takes off in a sprint, kicking snow up as he runs.Jungkook watches Namjoon go in bewilderment. The alpha is fast. He covers distance like it’s nothing. It’s no wonder Namjoon got to Jungkook so quickly the day they met. He’s incredible.The omega is instantly filled with competitiveness and takes off after the alpha, a little shaky on his newfound four legs, but he’s learning quickly how to maneuver himself as he treks through the snow.It’s like he’s a baby learning to walk away. He’s unsteady on his feet at first but the longer he runs after Namjoon, the better he gets. He can’t believe how exhilarating it feels, running like this. His body is all muscle like this, lean, and toned.He feels invincible right now.His emotions must be evident in his scent because Namjoon keeps looking back to yip happily at Jungkook, encouraging him to catch up as he runs faster.Jungkook pushes himself to go faster through the snow, no longer feeling the cold that he felt before. He tries his best to catch up to Namjoon and almost falls on his face twice but it’s all worth it.His instincts chant the same mantra over and over in his head, urging Jungkook forward and catch Namjoon.
Catch alpha.
Catch alpha.
Catch him.
This is clearly a game of catch and Jungkook refuses to lose.He’s not sure how long they run or how far because all seems to go by so quickly. Jungkook doesn’t catch Namjoon even once. It becomes clear to the omega just why the alpha is second in command in this massive pack. He’s amazing, fast, and truly a skilled shifter in every sense of the word.Namjoon stops running and instead, takes a fighting stance. His scent is playful though, letting Jungkook know there is no real threat as he pounces, knocking them both down into the snow.Jungkook tries to get the upper hand, but he doesn’t know how to fight in this form, so he’s subjected to Namjoon’s teasing. If he were human, he’d be laughing, but since he’s shifted, he huffs and tries to playfully bite at the alpha while he gets scruffed and rolled around in the snow.Eventually, Namjoon gets off and takes off running toward their original starting point with Jungkook hot on his heels.With ease, Namjoon shifts back as he walks, wolf one second and human the next. He shakes the snow out of his hair as he rolls his shoulders, giving Jungkook a view of his complete backside, holy shit. He’s breathing hard and covered in sweat, looking and smelling like a dream.Jungkook has to look down at the snow before his fatigue turns into arousal. He focuses on how tired he is and how much fun he just had instead of the incredibly attractive, naked alpha in front of him. He doesn’t trust himself not to react in this state since he could barely control himself when he wasn’t shifted. It seems that every change in his scent is more obvious when he’s shifted.“See, I told you everything would be fine,” Namjoon says as he catches his breath, still naked as ever. He stretches his arms over his head, giving Jungkook another magnificent view of his muscles.Jungkook yips in response and walks over toward his clothing that’s now covered in snow, so he’s not caught staring at Namjoon like some sort of creep.“I take it that you’re ready to shift back,” Namjoon says, finally putting his clothes back on and ending Jungkook’s suffering.Jungkook huffs, making Namjoon laugh.“Understandable,” Namjoon says. “It’s been a long morning. You did great though, you’re a natural, just like I suspected you would be,” he praises Jungkook, making the omega preen. “Now, to shift back, you just have to concentrate on your heartbeat. It sounds silly but it works, focus and count to ten, it’ll trigger the shift, and you’ll turn back to normal.”Jungkook takes a deep breath and focuses, hard.He expects it to take longer than ten seconds or require something more complex but sure enough, he shifts back and finds himself sitting in the snow. He finds that the cold still doesn’t bother him despite being naked. It no longer feels like the middle of winter anymore.“Fuck!” Jungkook screams as his body returns back to normal. “That was…I—I can’t even,” he struggles to find the correct words as everything comes back to him. “What the fuck.”That was an insane experience. He can’t believe people can just do that and that most have chosen not to shift anymore. It’s mind-boggling.“I take it that you liked it?” Namjoon asks as he looks away to give Jungkook privacy.The omega can hear a smile in his voice though. It’s sweet. It makes Jungkook preen on the inside.“…I loved it,” Jungkook confesses, standing slowly so he can put his clothes back on, no longer feeling fatigued or anything of the sort. He feels amazing right now like he just finished the best work out of his life after weeks of training and could go for more. “I can’t believe people choose not to do that anymore,” he whispers, shaking his head at the thought of the modern world. “I feel like every cell in my body is awake now. The cold doesn’t even bother me anymore nor the soreness of the snowboarding accident.”“Shifting increases your body temperature,” Namjoon explains once Jungkook tells him he can turn back around. “It helps survive tough climates. When it gets hot outside, it drops to help acclimate you. Shifting also causes your body to heal faster,” he goes on. “I knew you would be alright; I knew it. You were incredible out there, beautiful fur, by the way, not many people get that lucky in appearance when they’re shifted.”“Did my shifted form look good?” Jungkook laughs, preening once again from Namjoon’s praise.He didn’t get the opportunity to see himself since they didn’t pass by any bodies of water. Next time though. He has to see what he looks like if it has Namjoon complimenting him.“It looked amazing,” Namjoon swears. “You’re majestic.”“Thank you,” Jungkook whispers as his smile grows. He feels incredible right now, beyond words.“Your eye color changed,” Namjoon points out as he walks closer and caresses Jungkook’s face.Jungkook assumed his eyes had changed. It’s the most obvious sign of someone that’s shifted. He might have to wear contacts once he goes back to the modern world but…he’ll think about that later, right now his attention is on the alpha in front of him.“I’m really glad I trusted you, hyung,” Jungkook admits once sitting on the tree log. He chooses to leave his shoes off since the ground and snow don’t bother him anymore. Even Hoseok’s cloak sits beside him now, neatly folded since his body is still burning from the shift. He can understand why Namjoon doesn’t wear shoes or a top when he’s going out to shift since little seems to bother the shifters. “I don’t understand why the modern world left this behind, it’s incredible,” he laments.Namjoon takes a seat beside Jungkook. “I don’t know either,” he admits. “It’s something I think about often as well. It’s caused nothing but a divide in people.”Jungkook stays quiet for a moment before a thought strikes him. “Wait, I remember the doctor said people in the shifter world shift really young, right?”Namjoon nods. “Yeah, usually before they turn two.”“Well, babies can’t really concentrate on their heartbeats,” Jungkook points out, thinking. “So, how do you get them to shift back?”Namjoon laughs this time, looking endeared. “By sheer luck,” he explains. “They’ll shift back eventually, sometimes they wear themselves out and shift back in their sleep. It’s a waiting game but usually by three or four, they learn to control it.”“That must be a cute sight,” Jungkook says, smiling at the thought of little shifters.“If you go to work with Hoseok one of these days, you might get the chance to see a shifted toddler brought in for a checkup or something,” Namjoon mentions. “I’m sure Hoseok would be more than willing to take you. He’s very passionate about his job and people trust him so your presence wouldn’t upset people more than usual.”“As much as I would like that, now that I’ve shifted, I should be able to get back to the resort, right?” Jungkook asks, knowing he must think rationally despite all the fun he’s had today.Truthfully, he wouldn’t mind staying for a bit longer, but he doesn’t want to cause people unnecessary worry. That and he’s worried that if he stays longer, it’ll cause more issues for Namjoon and that’s the last thing the omega wants, not after everything the alpha has done for him.Namjoon’s scent turns sour with uncertainty, making Jungkook frown from the intensity. “Yes and no,” he admits. “Yes, in theory, but your stamina isn’t strong enough to let you run that far yet. The resort is far from here and the snow gets heavier the closer we get to the mountain. Plus…there’s the issue of the neighboring packs you have to watch out for. You’re newly shifted so you’re vulnerable to being attacked.”Jungkook thinks back to when Hoseok had mentioned that the omega had been lucky Namjoon was the one who found him.“Are things really that bad with those packs?” Jungkook asks.He feels slightly disappointed that he can’t leave right now but he understands it must not be easy in this weather and given whatever is happening between the packs. There’s also the fact that he did just recover from the fever and just running around shifted once has him feeling like he could take a three-day nap. He supposes that he’ll just have to wait a little bit longer to reunite with Jimin. He hopes the omega isn’t worrying too much about him.A small part of him feels excited about staying here a little longer because truthfully, he isn’t sure he’s ready to leave Namjoon just yet. The thought of being so far from the alpha makes Jungkook’s hackles rise. It’s ridiculous but he feels stupidly attached to this alpha he just recently met but he finds that he can’t help the feeling.“Just one pack in particular,” Namjoon explains, and his tone makes it evident that this pack causes the alpha nothing but problems. “They’re led by a combative pack alpha; they’re the Wi Pack. Our pack here, the Kim Pack, has had territory disputes with them for years so it’s not a surprise that it continues to this day. It would be nice if things could be resolved but their pack alpha, Hajoon, he hasn’t been much for negotiations since he took power. We have to be careful during these times of year, when the weather is bad, and resources are a little scarce since the Wi Pack is always watching what we do in neutral territory. They’re always trying to create rifts between us and the other packs in the area to gain allies against us.”“Hoseok-hyung mentioned to me that I was lucky you were the one who found me that day,” Jungkook admits, trying to make sense of the shifter politics. “I can see why now that is the case.”Namjoon’s scent turns acid to the point that Jungkook’s scent spikes. “I don’t even want to imagine what would’ve happened if Hajoon had gotten to you first,” he nearly growls. “Outsiders aren’t very welcome there, much less than here. I don’t know what would’ve happened to you and that… scares me.”Jungkook’s eyes widen at Namjoon’s reaction and before he can stop himself, he reaches over and takes one of the alpha’s hands. He releases some calming pheromones, and they seem to help. “But nothing happened, you saved me that day, you did, alpha,” Jungkook whispers, meeting Namjoon’s gaze. “I’m glad you it was you. I thought I was going to die out there after the snowboarding incident,” he admits. “It all happened so fast, suddenly I was running for my life then you were there.”“You called for me,” Namjoon whispers back, expression tender as he speaks. His scent is calm now and Jungkook breathes a sigh of relief for that. “Of course, I went to find you.”“You’ve done so much for me,” Jungkook says. “I don’t know how I’ll ever be able to repay you,” he admits, shaking his head. “You hardly know me and yet you’re here, helping me again. I don’t know what I ever did in a past life to have deserved this but thank you.”“Honestly…it’s because I feel connected to you,” Namjoon confesses, expression shy again. “It sounds ridiculous when I say it out loud but it’s true. You’re so painfully similar to me, you come from a place I don’t remember but I once knew. Maybe that’s why I was so drawn to you when you called for help, because my instincts remembered when that was once me,” he goes on, eyes burning with intensity as they focus on Jungkook, making the omega squirm. “But then I met you and the connection I felt only grew stronger. I couldn’t sleep or think of anything else while I waited for you to wake up after I brought you back to my pack. I’ve never felt stress like that before. You were all I could think about.”Jungkook doesn’t know what to say to that. It’s not that he minds any of it, truthfully, he’s been feeling similar things toward the alpha. He thought he was going crazy but apparently not.His instincts all but beg him to give in and see what could happen between them. This is the first person who’s made such an impression on the omega shortly after having met him. It’s certainly rare, that’s for sure. He’s not much of a believer in fate but this…this feels different, it feels intense.“I feel it too,” Jungkook whispers. “When I was fighting the fever, I thought of you, I dreamt of you, and even after I woke up, I felt this need to see you in person.” He bites at his bottom lip, trying to decipher everything that’s going through his head as he looks at Namjoon. Namjoon is different, and special, that much he’s sure of. “I thought I was going crazy,” he reveals, shaking his head. “I didn’t know what was wrong with me.”Namjoon frowns and furrows his eyebrows as if trying to solve the hardest problem known to man. “No, you’re not crazy because I feel it the same as you, I feel it even more now that you’ve shifted, and your senses have fully awakened,” he whispers, getting closer. “My instincts won’t settle unless I’m close to you and just thinking about something bad happening to you makes me feel like I’m going feral.”Jungkook swallows and finds himself meeting the alpha halfway. He presses their foreheads together and stares right into Namjoon’s eyes. It reminds him that his eyes burn the same color now. “I don’t know what’s happening but…I don’t think I mind it,” he whispers, feeling at ease now that they’re touching. “…Is that bad?”“No,” Namjoon confesses, letting his warm breath fan over Jungkook as he gently reaches up to cup Jungkook’s face between his hands. Jungkook melts into the touch and his skin aches for more of it. “Because I don’t mind it either, not one bit.”“You’re different, I like it though, maybe too much,” Jungkook reveals, closing his eyes and leaning into Namjoon’s touch. “Even now, I feel like I’ll suffocate if I’m not close to you.”Namjoon’s scent turns sweet, clearly, he likes the sound of that. It makes Jungkook’s scent pulsate with happiness. They’re so synced, it’s frightening.Is this fate?Have they imprinted on each other? Is that even a thing anymore? Surely, it’s been left in the past.What’s happening here?Why does every cell inside Jungkook’s body feel drawn toward Namjoon, to an unhealthy degree?It’s quiet for a moment as they stay pressed against each other and their scents, now mixed, fill the air around them. It’s so comfortable Jungkook swears he could fall asleep, right here in the middle of nowhere, covered in snow, just like when the alpha scented him earlier. His heart feels so full, that it might explode.Jungkook isn’t sure who initiates the kiss, nor does he care at this point. All he knows is that suddenly, they’re kissing, soft and sweet, as the snow keeps falling and the afternoon settles around them. Everything around them fades as Jungkook focuses every bit of his attention on Namjoon. Nothing else matters right now, not when they’re finally kissing and giving in to whatever has them feeling so synchronized and desperate for one another.Namjoon is a good kisser, he has Jungkook chasing after his lips when the alpha tries to pull back. It makes them both smile against the kiss, makes their scents turn sinfully sweet, and Jungkook swears his fever has returned with a vengeance with how lightheaded he feels.The kiss is intoxicating. It makes Jungkook eager for more, leaning further and further into Namjoon’s space until Namjoon is forced to lean back on the tree log, braced on his elbows. It’s a good thing the tree log is thick and sturdy, holding up the alpha’s body with ease.They don’t leave until the afternoon sets in. Jungkook finds himself spending a lot of time with Namjoon in the following weeks while they wait for spring to arrive. If he isn’t at Hoseok and Taehyung’s house or helping Hoseok at work, then he’s with Namjoon whenever the alpha isn’t busy with his duties.Sometimes, they shift and go running through the snow. Jungkook is getting better at controlling his shift with each passing day. He’s almost on Namjoon’s level, almost, and Namjoon is more than happy to indulge the omega. It’s become something of a bonding experience for them.He hunted for the first time last week with Namjoon and Taehyung and he’s still riding that high. Of course, it had been an experience, learning to properly make sure of his hunt since nothing is wasted in packs. Still, it’s an experience Jungkook will never forget. He can’t wait to see what Jimin says when he tells the older omega about it. Taehyung had insisted that Jungkook was a natural.It’s also no secret that whatever has bloomed with Jungkook and Namjoon is only increasing with every day that passes. If they’re not running shifted together, they’re somewhere hidden in the forest, making out like there won’t ever be a second chance or walking around the pack to help despite the pack’s disapproval of Jungkook. Their time spent together is exciting but equally as painful because Jungkook doesn’t know what’s going to happen once he leaves. It’s becoming more and more obvious that he’s getting attached to the alpha.They don’t talk about it. Jungkook doesn’t want to bring it up and ruin the time they have together but it’s difficult to think he’ll leave one day, and possibly never see Namjoon again. He doesn’t like that idea, not one bit. But it’s not like he could just take the pack’s second in command with him and never bring him back. He doesn’t think Namjoon would follow him. He wouldn’t ask the alpha to do that and leave his obligations behind.Still, it’s irrational to think Jungkook could just stay here and make a life with Namjoon. The community, aside from the friends he’s made, does not accept him. He likes to believe time would fix that, if he chose to stay, but they’re still skeptical of Namjoon and the alpha has been here for years and is a crucial part of their society. It keeps him up at night.Jungkook finds himself growing frustrated with how the pack treats Namjoon, more than he probably should. Namjoon does so much for the pack, but people don’t seem to value him. He knows he’s right to be frustrated when he sees how similarly Hoseok, Taehyung, Yoongi, and Seokjin feel about it as well. He wishes things were different for Namjoon. The alpha is so naturally gifted, he deserves the world.“But Seokjin is pack alpha,” Jungkook pointed out to Namjoon one night when they went stargazing after having dinner together at Namjoon and Seokjin’s home. The omega was becoming a regular visitor there, much to Seokjin’s delight. “He could make them respect you.”Namjoon shook his head and pointed out another constellation to Jungkook. “I don’t want that,” he’d admitted. “I want them to respect me because they consider me worthy, just like they respect the pack alpha.”Jungkook doesn’t understand Namjoon’s way of thinking but then again, he’s still fairly new to pack politics. It just bothers him to see people undervalue Namjoon, especially when the alpha does so much for everyone. He knows it could be his infatuation that clouds his logic but still, he bothers him so much. Every slight made toward Namjoon feels oddly personal to Jungkook.“Honestly,” Hoseok mentions one night as they have dinner together after a long day at the medical center. “I think a day will come when the pack sees why Namjoon is so important.”It’s just Hoseok and Jungkook tonight since Taehyung is busy. Jungkook made dinner tonight. He’s been trying to show his gratitude for letting them stay so whatever he can do to make Hoseok’s and Taehyung’s lives easier, he does it. It’s an added bonus he loves cooking, so he’s been the chef for the past few days since recovering, much to everyone’s delight, especially Namjoon when the alpha comes over. Yoongi has even given Jungkook tips whenever the omega is helping out at the medical center.“That’s a good thing, right?” Jungkook asks as he eats.“I don’t know,” Hoseok confesses, oddly serious. “Tension with the Wi Pack has been growing lately and we never know what the future will bring. Namjoon is loyal to this pack almost to a fault,” he goes on. “I don’t know if that’s a good thing or not but all I know is that we don’t deserve him.”A week later, Hoseok’s worries become a reality in the most horrific way.It’s midday and the snow has finally stopped falling. Jungkook isn’t helping Hoseok today at the medical center, so he invites Namjoon over for lunch after he finishes chopping wood for the fireplace. Taehyung and Hoseok insist he doesn’t need to do all that, but the omega insists, besides, it’s always nice to showcase his new shifter strength.Namjoon has a break between his duties, one Seokjin enforces since Namjoon can be something of a workaholic. It’s the perfect opportunity for lunch and Namjoon has, as of recently, chosen to come and spend it with Jungkook. A lot of people have come to learn that if you’re looking for Namjoon these days, you’ll find him with Jungkook. They hate it, but Jungkook tries not to care about what others think of them.They’re lounging in the living room after the meal. Jungkook is telling Namjoon about his time in university and Namjoon listens intensely. Jungkook bets that Namjoon would do well in academics. He’s insanely smart.It’s peaceful and intimate. Jungkook feels complete at that moment, happy to have Namjoon sitting close to him. He tries to enjoy every second of their time together because he knows spring is fast approaching and with that, his departure. A departure that many people in the pack cannot wait for, claiming they feel unsettled having an outsider living with them. Seokjin always reminds them that Jungkook is under his protection though, but it does little to stop them.Pounding at the front door startles Jungkook out of his tranquil state.“Were you expecting someone?” Namjoon asks, instantly on edge.Jungkook gets up to go answer it, thinking it’s probably someone looking for Taehyung or Hoseok. It’s rare they come during the day since they know the alpha and omega are working right now. Weird.The pounding intensifies, causing Jungkook to worry as he opens the door. He wonders if it’s someone looking for Hoseok because of a medical emergency or someone coming to complain about Jungkook’s presence at the medical center yet again. That’s also a common occurrence. Jungkook can never seem to win in this pack, no matter what he does.It’s Soobin, one of Seokjin’s delegates. He works under Seokjin and Namjoon in regard to running the pack. Jungkook has met him a few times. Jungkook likes Soobin a lot since the beta always treats him well.Soobin, for the most part, is calm but today, the young beta looks frantic and roughed up.“Where’s the second in command?” Soobin asks, eyes wild as he looks at Jungkook.“Here,” Jungkook answers, moving out of the way as Namjoon comes to join him. “Soobin, what’s wrong?” He asks. “Are you alright?” He frowns as he looks over Soobin with worry. “Come in and sit down.”Soobin shakes his head. He looks one breath away from a full mental breakdown, so unlike himself that it worries Jungkook. His scent is all over the place and his injuries look fresh. He’s shaking where he stands.“The Wi Pack has captured Pack Alpha Seokjin,” Soobin reports once Namjoon comes into view. “The council is waiting for you,” he explains before stepping closer to Namjoon since his unruly presence has gathered attention from nosey neighbors. “…. Hyung, they’re blaming you for what happened.”The world comes to a sudden halt at that moment.